Every time you visit San Francisco, you're in for a treat — there's always something amazing to see in the nation’s tech capital. Trying to whittle down the must-see audiovisual spots here is about as tough as picking the best place for a burrito in the Mission (I’m an El Farolito gal, myself). With a mix of museums, interactive fun, and stunning light displays, SF is a playground for anyone chasing AV thrills. Whether you’re a die-hard techie or just in the mood to explore, here are my top picks (as a former SF resident).

1. The Exploratorium
San Francisco, Pier 39

Starting with one of my all-time favorite museums in the Bay, the Exploratorium at Pier 39 is a must-see for visitors of all ages. The museum describes itself as “a public learning laboratory exploring the world through science, art, and human perception,” and one of their main missions is promoting independent thought. So, if you find yourself questioning how most things in science and tech work, the Exploratorium is the place for you. 

For those interested in the basics of light, the museum exhibits include “Aurora,” a demonstration of how reflections are influenced by both the shape of the light and the reflector. There is also the very popular “Pixel Table” that lets visitors put their hand beneath a mylar light table to show the shifting shapes and patterns that appear when light passes through. There are also a number of exhibits that play with shadows, color perception, and a fascinating exploration of creating a digital portrait through only DNA.

2. The Computer History Museum
Mountain View

If you have any interest in the history of computers — from the 1930s to today — checking out the Computer History Museum is a no-brainer. The museum goes even beyond computers to showcase the evolution of tech as a whole, demonstrating how innovation and technological discoveries have changed the world we live in. The CHM is also dedicated to the preservation of computer-related artifacts, so if you want to see just how massive some of the earliest computers were, you’re in luck!

The museum’s most recent exhibit is an ode to chatbots and AI that covers both the hopes and fears for this relatively new technology and lets visitors interact with some bots on-site. If you’re more interested in the past, check out the IBM 1401 Demo — a demonstration of the data processing pioneer that revolutionized businesses in 1959. There are also a number of events happening regularly at CHM, like the upcoming Techfest, a family-friendly celebration that combines sci-fi with the modern tech of today. 

3. Envelop
San Francisco, Dogpatch

Most concert venues take sound seriously, but they only aspire to be as immersive as Envelop. Tucked away in the unassuming Dogpatch district, it’s a part of the Midway concert and experiences space, and if you’ve ever imagined what it would be like to be bathed in sound, this is where you want to be. There are 32 speakers creating a 3D sound experience for true audiophiles who want to nerd out during one of the venue’s listening events.

When you attend an Envelop concert, you are encouraged to close your eyes and experience complete audio immersion. The space is like a dreamscape, filled with pillows, loungers, and plenty of space to sprawl and experience the music exactly how you prefer. 

"Your brain interprets it in such a completely different way than putting on headphones,” says one event attendee. “It’s really about the environment mixed with the experience.” Upcoming listening parties include some of my personal favorites including: The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, and one I’d be so pumped to experience in surround sound, Radiohead’s In Rainbows.

Check out the video below, created by Sensel, to take a deeper dive into the audio tech at Envelop.

4. The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (the MADE)
Oakland

If you’re an AV nerd who is also curious about the history and evolution of gaming, the MADE is made for you! When you walk into this showcase of playable video games, consoles, and computer platforms you will be in awe of how the museum is working to preserve the history of digital art. The coolest feature of the museum is definitely the hands-on approach to its archive — visitors are encouraged to try out games and consoles from various eras and take their own journey through gaming history. Out of over 10,000 games from the 70s to early 00s, almost all are successfully running on their original hardware — just how you remember them from mom’s basement. 

If you have a young child interested in games, make sure to check out their event calendar for MADE Classroom workshops. According to the museum’s website, subjects include “animation, perspective, audio, and programming with a focus on discovery through play and critical analysis.” There are also opportunities for game developer co-working meetups as well as bi-weekly Super Smash Bros. tournaments.

5. Sandbox VR
Downtown San Francisco, other Bay Area locations

For those who’ve watched Squid Game on Netflix: If given the option, would you choose to take part? What  if you were protected from imminent death by a VR headset? At Sandbox VR, you can experience this plus numerous other games ranging from the equally terrifying Deadwood zombie series to the more kid-friendly Curse of Davy Jones treasure-hunting pirate adventure.



The venue is a total playground for VR, and if you come with a group, Sandbox does provide video of you and your friends battling it out, so try to look real professional-like while you bash the zombies’ heads in. There’s a total of about 30 minutes of game play per session, with the rest of the hour booked for learning the ropes and donning your gear. 

For Star Trek fans, Sandbox pegs itself as the closest thing you’ll get to the Holodeck, but before you grab your bat'leth (Klingons, iykyk), remember to book your experience online as walk-ins aren’t recommended. 

Bonus Must-See: Salesforce Tower Light Show

I’m including this as a bonus since it’s really an AV freebie; you can see the Salesforce Tower from many locations around the Bay. The light show features over 11,000 LED video projection elements, designed by artist Jim Campbell, that can be seen from up to 30 miles away.

The Salesforce Tower is the highest building in the San Francisco skyline and at its completion was the tallest public art piece in the world, with 61 stories and standing at 1070 feet (326 m) tall. When the building was completed in 2018, sentiment was very mixed among residents, but it does, however, create a very interesting view while traversing the Bay Bridge.

Ready for more globe-trotting AV wonder? Pack your bags, we're headed to Dubai!