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    Exploratorium After Dark

    4.4 (209 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Exploratorium After Dark Photos

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    Very cool thing
    Ryan T.

    My friend told me about this and said we Had to do it, so here we are! This was very much not what I was expecting for an Adult only event! It was a Huge area of, strange contraptions, gizmo's and gadgets, and wacky creations! All just out for people to enjoy! To be honest it was Very overwhelming with just how much there was! There was things you could interact with, things to just watch work, things that you press a button, it was all so crazy! I cannot even begin to describe all of the crazy things that were here, especially as it's not a place I myself would have come to, but I'm very glad I came! It's a very "Oooo what's that" kind of experience and there's not actually a whole lot to...do for lack of a better way to say it. But it was a hell of an experience! High recommendation from me!

    Bubble station
    Emily G.

    The After Dark offer is great for adults who want to escape from rowdy kids and experience a friendly atmosphere. And don't get me wrong, I love kids but if there's any kid-free nights offers, I take it. This museum itself is HUGE and holds so many interactive art pieces that are both fun and educational. I love that they offer Museums for All, making the experience easy to access and explore. I've been to many museums, and I gotta say, this one is in the top. You not only get to explore various pieces that are both unique and beautiful, but also get to do it all with a drink in your hand. If you're looking for an authentic museum that is both observant and interactive, this place is for you!

    Nicholas A.

    Such a fun experiment! I really enjoyed it after Dark. It is a very couples-type place or a group of friends hangout! The staff are sooo friendly and helpful. My only warning is that you would want to wash your hands a lot! A lot of touching in this exploratorium. Again, luckily it's all adults soo no kiddie hands touching things... i would bring your own personal hand wipes and/or sanitizer. They do provide a couple throughout the exhibit though. I just felt it could have had a little more.

    Seth E.

    The exploratorium is a great way to spend your Thursday night whether with family, friends, or significant others! I personally went with my family and it was a great time! There's a parking lot out across the street that you have to pay for, but we parked at the parking structure near Pier 39. I got free tickets for the four of us since I had my EBT card, so make sure to use it if you have it! The whole place is filled with tons of interesting and immersive exhibits, so much so that I still don't know if it's possible to get through every exhibit in just the four short hours that you have there. Based on our family, I think it's great for all ages (18+) as there were different exhibits that piqued our interest and allowed us to have a lot of fun in the process! No matter who you're with, there's a lot of exhibits that feature mirrors or photo opportunities that I recommend seeking out to make digital memories for that night. Definitely going back to get through the rest of it if possible!

    Outside
    Annabelle R.

    Last time I attended Exploratorium After Dark was at the old location at the Palace of Fine Arts many years ago. It's just as fun today, even post-COVID era. If you love science, it's easily 5 stars, how can you beat inteactive exhibits, learning and seeing science in action, and spending time with loved ones (especially for date night)... all while enjoying adult beverages! Well I'm not very good at science, but engaging with different exhibits is still entertaining and mind boggling, but maybe it depends on who you come with... I think EAD makes for perfect quality time with a significant other, free of distraction from kids in the venue. And the place is spaced out well, so it didn't feel too crowded during our visit. My favorite piece is the tornado exhibit which is one of the beautiful and mesmerizing artworks demonstrating a vortex of water that actually occurs in everyday tasks, like stirring liquid beverages. Unfortunately, some exhibits were closed due to the pandemic, and there were not a whole lot of drink choices through Seaglass Restaurant (your only option here). Also, affordable parking is almost non-existent. Otherwise, I'd definitely give this place 5 stars... I'm always looking for something "different" to do, and this certainly fits the bill.

    Dani S.

    Super fun event at the exploritorium! Came here one weekday night for this event and it was a great time. The whole place was crowded, seems like all the young and hip in SF are here. The whole place is open for you to play with and there were multiple scientific talks given by the staff members. The schedule is posted at the entrance and throughout the whole place so you can figure out what's going on and where. We went to a few different presentations and they were all very interesting and the staff were enthusiastic and informative. Definitely a fun event!

    Linda Z.

    This was a great interactive experience for adults! Great date night idea or something to do with your friends! (Don't wear heels to this date night like me, lots of walking!) Being an adult doesnt mean you can't be a kid at heart. Loved how After Dark does not have any nasty kids picking their boogers and touching everything. My favorite pieces were the magnetic black sand and dry ice that imitated comets in space. Spent about 2 1/2 hours and didnt finish the exhibit, so much to see & will come back again. Relatively affordable for only $20 per person

    All of the lights
    Arnold M.

    I absolutely love this place! I've been here at regular times but this was my first time experiencing the "After Dark" times and it was awesome! If you're looking for a place to hang and do science stuff (lol) with friends, a date, or solo like I did, this is the place to be. It was only $20 bucks to get in and you get full access to all of the different exhibits. The Seaglass restaurant was open and served drinks and food! The staff there are extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Shout out to the team that did the cow eye dissection! They were very cool about me live streaming my experience there and my viewers enjoyed the whole trip. Would definitely recommend After Dark since you get to experience so much for such a low price. Amazing place. I would post more pictures but there's only so much I could post!!!

    Colby D.

    What's better than the Exploratorium during the day? The Exploratorium After Dark! Adults only + alcohol is truly the only thing that can make the Exploratorium better than it usually is. The Exploratorium After Dark (EAD) series features most, if not all Exploratorium offerings, and there is nearly always a theme that brings in a few more attractions (usually booths or shows). I've been to EAD twice, once for a "Future Foods" event and once for a Glow event. At the Future Foods event, I learned about cellular seafood with Finless Foods, about sustainable agriculture with CUESA, about smart gardens with Kijani Grows, about vertical farming with Green Skies Vertical Farms, and listened to institute for the Future's Rebecca Chesney talk about recipes for the next decade. I also re-tried the vegan Impossible Burger, tried chips made of crickets, and got a free persimmon on the way out! The Glow event just had cool lighting and lasers and stuff...it could have had a lot more that I missed, but it didn't seem much different than a themeless EAD. I've been wanting to draw with that weird pendulum machine for a while but there are always too many people in line. Maybe one day... Oh and although there is alcohol, keep in mind that it's kinda pricey and there are only special drinks on themed nights.

    MarVy S.

    An After Dark Museum for adults 18 and over. It's open every Thursday night from 6pm- 10pm. It's located in Pier 15. The activities touches on science and human perception. You'll learn a lot if things! :: Experience:: We came on May 4th which was a Stars Wars theme; May the 4th be with you. Some people dressed up with the Stars Wars theme. I liked the R2-D2 droids roaming around. This museum is very hands-on. They serve alcohol throughout the place. The activities consist of sight, motion, electricity, water, wind, and sound, etc. There are also exhibits outside. This place is a big playground for adults. ::Food:: If you are hungry, there is restaurant inside called SeaGlass. ::Tips:: -Purchase tickets online. -Check the website for events. ::M's Notes:: -Ticket Prices: $15 General and $10 Members -Street and Lot Parking

    Fallon F.

    So much fun for date night! Bay Area Native here and I've been to the exploratorium on field trips numerous time growing up, coming back as an adult was just as fun! Beer and drink selection were reasonably priced in the cafe in my opinion with good options too. The exhibits themselves were obviously fun and interactive and it didn't seem too crowded here either. They check vaccination cards and IDs and have hand sanitizer all over the place which was a nice Covid friendly addition too given almost everything is hands on and interactive. Tons of fun and definitely will be coming back to after dark. I've gone to cal academy's after dark which is fun as well, but I have to say I think the exploratoriums exhibits are way more interactive.

    Piggyback!

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    Adults after dark so well worth it. We were hooked after the first visit. Now we're members.

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    Super fun spot for all ages. Love the view of the Bay.

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    It was great lots of HANDS ON lines are a bit long for the activities but the bigger kids (8yrs ) perhaps would enjoy more.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Exploratorium After Dark

    Are you allowed to take adult drinks with you as you walk through the exhibits?

    Yes! We encourage you to get inquisitive and grab a drink.

    Do people dress up or is it casual?

    I just wanted to confirm before I commute to the city with my dog - are dogs allowed to the all exploratorium after dark events? TIA!

    I saw a service dog

    Do you need to show ID to enter?

    Hi Jennifer! Thanks for your question. After Dark is open to all visitors ages 18 and older. We do not typically check IDs at the door, as the entryway to the museum is open to the public. We will occasionally check IDs at the ticket counter or… 

    How do I become a member here?

    Membership area is located straight ahead past the ticketing area.

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Exploratorium After Dark

    The tactile dome was quite intriguing and I'd highly recommend it if you've never done it before.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

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    Exploratorium

    4.4(1.3k reviews)
    0.1 miEmbarcadero, North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    I've been coming to the Exploratorium since I was in elementary school 40 years ago, and after all…read morethese years, I can honestly say that my love for this place has only grown deeper. I'm now a STEAM instructor myself, and I still feel the same sense of wonder every time I walk through the doors. The Exploratorium understands something incredibly important: science isn't just a collection of facts to memorize. It's something to touch, hear, build, question, experiment with, and experience. What I admire most is the institution's mission to make science tangible, accessible, and genuinely fun. The exhibits invite curiosity instead of demanding expertise, which makes them just as engaging for adults as they are for children. Every visit reminds me that science belongs to everyone. As someone who teaches kids for a living, I know how difficult it is to create experiences that are both educational and exciting. The Exploratorium has been doing exactly that for decades, and they continue to set the standard. Their educators, exhibit designers, and staff have created something truly special. San Francisco is full of iconic landmarks, but for me, the Exploratorium will always be one of the city's greatest treasures. It played a role in shaping the person I became, and I have no doubt it will continue inspiring generations of curious minds. I was a science-loving kid when I first walked in, and, thankfully, I'm still a science-loving kid now.

    We visited the Exploratorium as part of the City Pass. It was definitely a full day of exploring…read moreand was better towards the end of the day when the summer camp kids left. My kids enjoyed but we also had to take breaks in-between. Why 3 stars you ask? It's a huge space, but all of the exhibits were similar to science museums we have in So Cal. Some things were broken or not operational the day we went. Lunch offerings were super healthy which is a plus. But we liked 2/4 entrees we ordered. Priced are as expected for museums. Logistics wise, you really have to come early to secure good parking. We came an hour after opening and street + parking lots were full. If you plan to come, I say it's a deal via City Pass, but I wouldn't pay full admission prices to go.

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    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - My perspective on Ruth Asawa pieces.

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

    4.2(994 reviews)
    1.1 miSoMa, Financial District

    Even though I've been to SFMOMA a couple times, I enjoy coming back from time to time to check out…read morethe new exhibits. Located on the 1st floor, Jacob Hashimoto: Giant Arc installation, opened yesterday (Saturday, 8/22/26). I love 3D works, so this was easily one of my faves from here. Made up of 75,000 pieces, it's a colorful installation that covers the Roberts Family Gallery. Side notes: 1.) Mixture of free & paid art installations: Check online to see current exhibitions 2.) Limited and expensive parking: It's walking distance from multiple transit stations, so would recommend that. *Verdict: If you're a fan of 3D art, check it out (along with the rest of the museum)! I didn't have enough time during this visit, but I want to return for the Matisse exhibit before it closes!

    I still love this museum! I appreciate how the curators change things up so each time you visit…read morethere are fresh & unique things to experience. Today especially was moved by Shirin Neshat & Philip Glass's collaboration on a an 11 minute video entitled "Passage" that depicts a funeral procession in Morocco.The music and imagery was especially powerful. Mom and I checked everything out & enjoyed the plant wall, Modern Art 101 Gallery, the store, and the cafe. So much to see! We did not opt to pay extra to see the Matisse exhibit. There were people viewing the galleries with us, but it was not too crowded and there was plenty of space. Today was an especially beautiful day, so maybe more folks were outside enjoying the weather, but it was a perfect day for a visit. All employees we interacted with from the security guards to the cafe folks to the ticket checkers were all helpful & pleasant. It is such a joy to come here & you never know what delightful surprises you will happen upon. Peace.

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    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - Great gift shop with nicely curated items

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    California Academy of Sciences - Macaws

    California Academy of Sciences

    3.9(3.7k reviews)
    4.3 mi

    If you have children, are looking for a rainy-day activity, would enjoy walking through a…read moremulti-story indoor rainforest, or like aquariums and big-screen planetarium movies, the California Academy of Sciences might be a good choice. A warning for anyone who is claustrophobic or particularly sensitive to loud noise: you may want to skip the aquarium. It is downstairs in an area with relatively low ceilings, dark surroundings and blue lighting. When I visited, the excited voices of children and adults seemed to reflect off all the aquarium glass, making the noise feel even louder. I found the combination of the crowds, sound, darkness and enclosed space uncomfortable. The planetarium offered several movies at different times throughout the day. I saw Impact, about asteroids, which seemed geared more toward adults, and a Tiny Chef movie about environmentalism. Tiny Chef wasn't for me. I found the character's voice and some of the silly examples annoying, although several teenagers sitting behind me were laughing and obviously enjoying it. For families with younger children, I could see it being a starting point for talking about conservation and connecting its message to real-world examples. One thing to know about the planetarium movies: during my visit, you needed to scan a QR code with your phone, select a showtime and then show your confirmation when entering. I initially found the interface frustrating because it kept telling me there were no available showtimes for my date. After trying several times, I eventually got it to work. The museum exhibits themselves were nicely spaced and included plenty of written information, so there is a lot of educational value here. I didn't visit the rainforest because the line was quite long when I was there. There is also a café and an atrium area where you can sit and eat. Overall, I think the California Academy of Sciences is likely to be a much better fit for families with curious children and adults who enjoy lively, interactive science museums than for someone looking for a quiet museum experience. This museum was included on the Go City pass.

    Located in the Golden Gate Park this California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is the…read moreultimate natural history museum that offers an aquarium, planetarium, as well as a 4-story rainforest ! I think it will take me a week to literally be able to go see everything !! Anazing aquarium with a Philippine Coral Reef, and was able watch feeding time of the fish in this particular aquarium!! 2 scuba divers cleaning aquarium during the presentation!!

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    San Francisco Botanical Garden - San Francisco Botanical Garden

    San Francisco Botanical Garden

    4.5(759 reviews)
    4.6 mi

    I bought the Gardens of Golden Gate Park pass--three gardens for three days for $25--which was a…read moremuch better value for me than paying $15 to visit just the Botanical Garden for one day. I also visited the Japanese Tea Garden, which is $16 for a one-day ticket. If you only have an hour or less, the Japanese Tea Garden is a good choice. But if you have several hours and want to wander among beautiful examples of flowers and plants from around the world in a more peaceful environment, I much preferred the San Francisco Botanical Garden. The San Francisco Botanical Garden was a highlight of my trip to San Francisco and the best botanical garden I have ever visited. If you're an introvert or simply looking for some peace and quiet amid the bustle of San Francisco, this 55-acre garden with more than 8,000 different kinds of plants provides a wonderful escape. What I especially loved was that you aren't limited to the main pathways connecting the different garden areas. Within many of the gardens are smaller, winding dirt and pebble paths that let you wander right alongside the plants and beneath the trees. You can really immerse yourself in the surroundings and get in some serious forest-bathing rest and relaxation. Some of my favorite areas were the Moon Viewing Garden, Ancient Plant Garden, Australia Garden, Andean Cloud Forest, Southeast Asian Cloud Forest, Fragrance Garden, and Redwood Grove. Each felt different enough that wandering from one to another was almost like traveling through different parts of the world without leaving Golden Gate Park. One practical tip: Take a picture of the large garden map when you arrive so you'll have it on your phone. With 55 acres and all those little winding paths, it's surprisingly easy to lose your sense of direction. I found some of the exit signs confusing and occasionally felt as though they were sending me back and forth when I was trying to find my way out. Give yourself time here. For me, this wasn't a garden to race through checking off sights. The pleasure was in slowing down, wandering down those little paths, getting close to the leaves and trees, and simply enjoying being surrounded by so much nature.

    We liked the experience on a summer. Not as bad weather as we came from. We need to be back on…read morespring time.

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    Museum Of 3D Illusions

    Museum Of 3D Illusions

    4.4(354 reviews)
    0.9 miFisherman's Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    When we went it wasn't crowded so we could take our time and take pictures. I like that there were…read moreguides on the floor that showed where to set up the camera. Also, it was helpful having sample photos up on the wall. Took 1 star off because it's a bit pricey. If it was a crowded day, it would have been stressful to take pics and take our time.

    This was a fun little place, and I emphasize, "little." It worked out for us because we were the…read moreonly ones there. I get why this place would be super hot and not the best if there were multiple guests inside. The place itself is really tiny and it's quite stuffy inside. It was just, my husband, my son and I, so we were able to take time to take pics of all the backdrops. The backdrops are painted murals that create cool illusions. They have sample pics so you know where and how to pose and signs where you're supposed to stand to take pics. It took us about 30 minutes to circle the whole thing (maybe even less). This is a fun a little trip if you don't mind taking wacky pics like we do. Also, it would help if you don't mind lying on the floor. We enjoyed it, but I can see why the bad reviews of people expecting it to be much more. As long as you know what to expect, I still think it's an enjoyable experience. Pros: Cute murals that make for cool photos Fun family activity or with friends They have lockers for your stuff up front Cons: it's pretty pricey, and TBH, not worth $30 per person.

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    Palace Of Fine Arts - At Sunset

    Palace Of Fine Arts

    4.7(1.2k reviews)
    2.8 miMarina/Cow Hollow

    "You ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine And I wish you were…read moremine, mine, mine You ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine" (Rockpile) I just read that San Francisco ranks #2 among the most expensive U.S. cities to live. But that doesn't mean there aren't some bargains to be had if you know where to look. As a case in point, look no further than the jaw dropping outdoor grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts. You can see this magnificence for free. It was built for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition with a Greco-Roman soaring rotunda, looping colonnades, and 17 acres of parks, walking paths, and wetlands make it one of San Francisco's most photogenic spots. The architecture reminds me of what you see in the Gladiator movies, or in photos of ancient ruins, with Corinthian columns, sculpted figures, and grand arches. We spent an hour or so just strolling around and enjoying the beauty of what surrounded us. And it was all free of charge.

    The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

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    Asian Art Museum - Japanese pottery

    Asian Art Museum

    4.4(862 reviews)
    1.8 miCivic Center

    The opening is strong because the recommendation from strangers on the cable car explains why you…read morewent, and then you immediately stumbled into something you couldn't have planned: the matcha seminar. I'd also keep your reaction to Writing in the Rain toward the end because it gives the review more substance than simply listing the museum's collections. I met a mother and daughter on a San Francisco cable car who told me the Asian Art Museum was their favorite thing they had seen in the city. Based on their enthusiastic recommendation, I decided to go. Admission was included with my Go City pass. I happened to arrive just in time for the final seminar in a series about tea. This one was presented by Constance Tea & Matcha, a San Francisco company, and focused on matcha. We learned how differences in shade, processing, and the time-consuming grinding process affect matcha, and watched a demonstration before receiving a sample. The matcha was a beautiful, vibrant green and had none of the bitterness that I sometimes associate with green tea. It was an unexpected bonus to my museum visit and one of those experiences I never would have known to plan in advance. The museum covers the art and cultures of many parts of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, India and Tibet. There is a great deal to see, so you could easily spend several hours here depending upon your level of interest. One of the most memorable works for me was FX Harsono's Writing in the Rain, part of a current exhibition scheduled through September 7, 2026. Understanding the symbolism behind the work gave it a depth that stayed with me after I left. The bottom level also had an arts-and-crafts area, and there were tables in the atrium where visitors could learn and play mahjong. I liked that the museum provided opportunities to participate in Asian culture rather than only viewing objects behind glass. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant with reasonably priced and interesting choices, including chicken, pork and beef dishes. I'm glad I listened to two strangers on a cable car. Between the matcha demonstration, the extensive Asian art collections, the cultural activities and the thought-provoking contemporary art, the Asian Art Museum offered much more than I had expected. Sometimes the best travel recommendations come from the people you happen to meet along the way.

    I revisited the Asian Art Museum recently for its community day on the first Sunday of the month…read more I'm not sure if there was a special exhibit, but there were many events happening at the museum - sip & sketch and a children's activity. I also saw signage for weekly mahjong happy hours and performances - it's so cool how the museum has become a community gathering place. I spent about an hour exploring the permanent collection and never fail to discover new treasures. I'm always amazed by the expansive collection of pottery and statues across cultures. If you time it right, joining one of the docent-guides tours would be a neat way to experience the collection.

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    Asian Art Museum - Video where artist talks about her work

    Video where artist talks about her work

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    This was a some beautiful art! 2/1/2026

    Exploratorium After Dark - museums - Updated August 2026

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