San Francisco Exploratorium

Description

One of the better-known science museums in the nation.  Many of the exhibits are interactive, and the museum holds many special events throughout the year.  Some of those, such as the Iron Science Teacher competition, are webcast. Check the Calendar for details.

The first Wednesday of every month is "Free Day", with free admission to the museum.  Groups of 10 or more should make reservations in advance before attending on a Free Day.

The parking lot frequently fills up by noon (if not sooner).  If you're driving, you're better off arriving early.

Main Web Site

http://www.exploratorium.edu/

Location

3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco

(This is in the Palace of Fine Arts, near the Golden Gate Bridge.)

If you're driving, and you entered at Lyon Street, be aware that you can't make a left back onto Lyon to leave.  One way to get back onto Lyon is to turn right when exiting Palace Drive, take the exit for the Presidio (left lane), then take a left and then drive back to Lyon through the Presidio.  There's probably a more efficient way to do that, but this works. 

Drive Time

from Ames (per Google maps):  54 minutes to 1 hour and ten minutes, depending on traffic

Public Transit

Caltrain runs from the Mountain View station to the San Francisco station.  The Mountain View station is about 1.5 miles from the Ames main gate, but there's a park-and-ride lot nearby.

SFMTA Bus 30 stops next to the San Francisco Caltrain station, and will drop you off about a block east of the museum.

Incidentally, Bus 30 will take you past the Fisherman's Wharf area and Fort Mason on your way to the museum.

Hours

Tue - Sun 10 AM to 5 PM (closed most Mondays

Cost

$14 general admission

$11 with a student ID

free admission the first Wednesday of every month