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.

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.

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!!

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.

Massagers for your back, neck, head, and all parts of the body! Yup that's right, you learn all…read moreabout the history of the vibrator, from magical medical usage to psychological healing powers, seeing and reading about the technological innovations as well as the more typical uses nowadayz... think the Rabbit. If you don't know what that is, then work your way to the sex shop afterward (or before), since the museum is inside Good Vibrations. They check your ID at the door and make sure visitors know the store is education-based and you are encouraged to ask questions as you roam around. The museum itself is free admission and just a single room, but there's plenty to see, it may take up to half an hour, or longer if you're going to explore the items in the store as well. It was neither crowded nor empty on a Saturday afternoon, mainly couples just coming to check out the museum, but of course, making their way through the shop too. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but if you are in the area and like museums, or just looking for something in the adult store, then it's worth checking out.

The woman in Good VIbrations which is where the museum is located (in the back of the store) are…read morevery nice. The museum has a lot to see even though its in a small area. If youre in the area stop by and give it a look see.

I came for the Halloween After Dark where my friend presented. All of the talks were funny and…read moreinformative and well delivered. Very imaginative and fun! The drinks are crazy expensive but thats to be expected. The festivities around Halloween were fun - costume contest, pumpkin carving (though not enough for everyone), etc.

Many of the exhibits are closed. The place is super crowded and there's pounding techno music…read moreeverywhere. The only good feature was the food trucks.

The deYoung always has interesting exhibits, and the Bay Area Artists full time installation is…read morealways worth a visit - or a second or third! I'm a multiple time visitor, since I was in college, and every time I come back, I remember how beautiful of a museum it is. (and free for SF residents on Saturdays!) One of my favorite events that the deYoung puts on is their after hours event for adults where you can get drinks & food, and walk around the museum looking at exhibits - they even have a DJ! I saw the Paul McCartney photographs 1963-64 "Eyes of the Storm" exhibit here at the after hours event and it was a great way to experience the work.

As a longtime student of ancient Egypt, I came expecting dynastic splendor and was greeted by the…read more21st Dynasty - well at least the curators stopped before the Ptolemies. The "montage" was extensive and somewhat unrefined - glowy wall of hieroglyphs combined with two authentic Hathor heads inside. Bravo. The gift shop was underwhelming - the mother of pearl boxes reminded of of Khan-el-Khalil in Cairo, where I saw similar pieces. I hope the artisans are receiving their share from the museum sales. This institution is already enjoying the generosity of the San Francisco's plutocratic set. Disappointing.

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.

"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.

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.