Exploratorium
San Francisco, California
Fresh off a $300 million investment in its new Embarcadero home, the Exploratorium is set to move up the list of Bay Area must-dos. While it's not the ideal place for germaphobes — you have to touch nearly everything in order to experience it — it is frankly amazing for both kids and adults alike, with literally hundreds of exhibits that teach you about the world while keeping you entertained. Be sure to visit the West Gallery of human phenomena while you're there — and bring lots of hand sanitizer.
