Bay Area Museums You Should Visit
Great Local Museums You Don’t Need a Car to Reach
Museums are a great way to learn about the world in a relaxing and interactive way. From thought-provoking art exhibits to hands-on installations that let you learn by doing, the modern and high-tech museums of the Bay Area have a lot to offer. Unfortunately, some of them can be a pain to get to if you don’t have easy access to a car or want to avoid taking several different forms of transportation.
Fortunately, we’ve discovered some of the best museums in the Bay Area that are either in walking distance from Cal or close to a BART station for easy access.
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a fabulous free museum for Berkeley students and a great opportunity to explore a diverse collection of works and art styles that span mediums from canvas to film. Speaking of film, the museum’s archive of domestic and international films puts it at the top of the to-do list for any cinephile. They have plenty of new exhibits coming through all the time so it’s always worth checking out what’s new. The easiest major museum to get to for Cal students and definitely one of the best in the Bay Area.
Exploratorium
While it’s a relatively long walk to the Exploratorium from the Embarcadero BART station, it’s really not much more than heading into downtown Berkeley from the dorms. Whatever the distance it’s definitely worth the trip. It’s nearly impossible to run out of things to see and do here. The museum is home to all sorts of interesting and interactive exhibits that rotate regularly. A highlight of the Exploratorium is their famous Tactile Dome, a thrilling adventure through a variety of tactile experiences in darkness. Be sure to reserve a spot ahead of time if you plan to try it out because spots fill up fast. If you’re looking for a great science and technology museum that puts you in the middle of the action this will be your new favorite spot.
Lawrence Hall of Science
The Lawrence Hall of Science is only a short shuttle ride up into the Berkeley hills and free to current Cal students. The Lawrence Hall is perfect for science fans of any age with their topical, interactive, and regularly refreshed exhibits. Learn about what Berkeley’s most famous lab is working on or simply catch an awesome planetarium show at the Easy Bay’s top science destination. If you want the Exploratorium experience without the Exploratorium price then make plans to visit the Lawrence Hall of Science.
Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum is California’s museum. If you’re interested in California’s rich history then it’s nearly impossible to find a better place to experience it. Located a couple blocks from BART’s Lake Merritt station, The Oakland Museum is one of the most accessible places on this list. It’s affordable too. Student tickets are only $11 but if you come in after five in the evening on Fridays you can check out the museum for only $5. That works out to only $1 an hour if you stick around till closing time. This isn’t some stuffy history museum either, you’ll be surprised at how topical and fresh the exhibits look and feel. It’s a great place if you want to pick up some relevant knowledge you can share with your friends and that they’ll be able to appreciate.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA) is only steps away from the Montgomery street BART station and is your location for major art exhibits in the Bay Area. BAMPFA has its share of great exhibits but SF MOMA attracts some of the biggest names (and biggest exhibits) in the art world. Because of its prominence ticket prices might be a bit high (BAMPFA is definitely a great budget-friendly alternative). They do offer a slight discount for visitors under 24 years of age. Regardless of the price, if you’re a fan of modern art and famous artists you’ll find that SF MOMA is a great deal for the price.
Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum is a real treat for those looking for awe-inspiring exhibits on Asian culture and art. Very close to the U.N. Civic Center BART station, the Asian Art Museum is easy to reach. Some of the most famous works of Asian art and storied Asian artifacts pass through this Museum regularly. These are sights you will likely never see elsewhere in the area (or most of the United States). There’s also a discount for students. However, it’s advisable to go during the week since ticket prices go up on weekends. If you want a museum experience that offers some of the most well put together and beautiful exhibits in the area with a unique offering you won’t find anywhere else, then take the time to visit the Asian Art Museum.
Learn and Explore in the Bay Area
Whether you’re looking for a great date spot, a thought-provoking way to pass the time or a great indoor experience on a hot or rainy day, look no further than the museums on this list.
Remember, you can always find this guide and tons of helpful community lists on the Gojurn app (available for iOS and Android). Know of a place you think deserves a mention? Let us know here.