Where to Stay Near the Exploratorium: Hotel Julian, San Francisco

San Francisco is a city that sparks curiosity—and nowhere is that more literal than at the Exploratorium, the city’s iconic museum of science, art, and human perception. Whether you're visiting with kids, a partner, or your own sense of wonder, the Exploratorium invites you to touch, tinker, and think differently.

For travelers looking to pair discovery with design, Hotel Julian offers a refined, boutique hotel experience just minutes from the museum and the Embarcadero. It's the perfect home base for engaging days and immersive nights.

About the Exploratorium: San Francisco’s Museum of Curiosity

Located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero, the Exploratorium is one of the most beloved science museums in the world. Unlike traditional museums, this one invites interaction, play, and experimentation—perfect for families, date nights, or solo travelers who never lost their sense of wonder.

What to expect:

• Over 600 hands-on exhibits exploring light, motion, time, biology, and the senses

• Indoor and outdoor galleries with views of the Bay

• Special evening programming for adults (After Dark Thursdays)

• On-site café and Exploratorium Store

• Waterfront access and proximity to the Ferry Building

It’s consistently listed as one of the top things to do in San Francisco, and for good reason—it’s science you can feel.

Hotel Julian: A Boutique Hotel Near the Exploratorium

If you're searching for a hotel near the Exploratorium San Francisco, Hotel Julian offers the perfect blend of central location, boutique design, and approachable sophistication. Located in San Francisco’s creative corridor, Julian makes it easy to enjoy the museum by day and retreat into a more stylish, adult atmosphere by night.

Why guests love staying at Julian:

• Quick access to the Embarcadero, Exploratorium, and Ferry Building

• Thoughtful, design-forward guest rooms

• Outdoor rotating sculpture exhibit (Exhibit A)

• Elegant on-site cocktail bar (Carlotta’s) for a post-museum wind-down

Whether you're in town with kids or indulging your own curiosity, Julian provides a creative and comfortable space to reset.

From Discovery to Design

Spend your day twisting light, touching shadows, and walking through fog at the Exploratorium. Then head back to Hotel Julian, where creativity takes a quieter form—through mood, material, and music. Whether you’re traveling with family or flying solo, Julian makes space for curiosity and comfort in equal measure.

Planning a Trip to the San Francisco Waterfront?

If the Exploratorium is on your list—and it should be—stay somewhere that supports your spirit of exploration. For guests asking where to stay near the Exploratorium, Hotel Julian offers boutique luxury just minutes away, with easy access to the museum, the waterfront, and the heart of the city.

Book your stay at Hotel Julian—where curiosity doesn’t stop at the museum doors.