Exploratorium, San Francisco

Developed by physicist Frank Oppenheimer and opened in 1969, this innovative and interactive museum behind the Palace of Fine Arts is dedicated to art, science and human perception. The hands-on displays unveil the mysteries of science and language, and present these theories simply and succinctly. For a different kind of hands-on experience, check out the tactile dome, a labyrinth of different textures that explorers navigate in the dark. Seminars on quirky subjects are offered on the weekends.