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San Francisco Map: The ExploratoriumThe Exploratorium Frommer's Exceptional

Hours Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
Address 3601 Lyon St
Location In the Palace of Fine Arts (at Marina Blvd.)
Transportation Bus: 28, 30, or Golden Gate Transit
Phone 415/EXP-LORE, 415/561-0360 (recorded information)
Web site www.exploratorium.edu
Prices Admission $13 adults; $10 seniors, youth 13-17, visitors with disabilities, and college students with ID; $8 children 4-12; free for children under 4
Credit Cards AE, MC, V
Season Closed Mon except MLK, Jr., Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Other Free parking

Frommer's Review

Scientific American magazine rated The Exploratorium "the best science museum in the world" -- and I couldn't agree more. Inside you'll find hundreds of exhibits that explore everything from giant-bubble blowing to Einstein's theory of relativity. It's like a mad scientist's penny arcade, an educational fun house, and an experimental laboratory all rolled into one. Touch a tornado, shape a glowing electrical current, or take a sensory journey in total darkness in the Tactile Dome ($3 extra, and call tel. 415/561-0362 to make advance reservations) -- even if you spent all day here you couldn't experience everything. Every exhibit at The Exploratorium is designed to be interactive, educational, safe and, most importantly, fun. And don't think it's just for kids; parents inevitably end up being the most reluctant to leave. I went here recently and spent 3 hours in just one small section of the museum, marveling like a little kid at all the mind-blowing hands-on exhibits related to light and eyesight. On the way out, be sure to stop in the wonderful gift store, which is chock-full of affordable brain candy.

The museum is in the Marina District at the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts, the only building left standing from the Panama-Pacific Exposition of 1915. The adjoining park with lagoon -- the perfect place for an afternoon picnic -- is home to ducks, swans, seagulls, and grouchy geese, so bring bread.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's San Francisco 2008 Frommer's San Francisco 2008

Author: Erika Lenkert
Pub Date: October 01, 2007
Price: $16.99

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Home > Destinations > North America > USA > California > San Francisco > Attractions > The Exploratorium