Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze: Mind-bending Fun in San Francisco
Yale graduate Charles Magowan decided to put his psychology degree to good use by creating a mirror maze in San Francisco that bends the consciousness of every person who attempts to find their way to the other side.
Located in Pier 39, Magowan’s mind-bending hall of mirrors features towering archways, neon lights, and pulsing electronic music. The maze is essentially a 21st century version of the mirrored section of a classic carnival funhouse.
Those who are prone to disorientation and motion sickness might want to think twice before attempting to navigate Magowan’s flashy hall of mirrors. If you’re a maze lover—consider undertaking the ultimate challenge by attempting to navigate the mirror maze backwards. Magowan’s hall of mirrors will either be the ultimate horror or the ultimate delight. It all depends on how well you tolerate optical illusions, and how good you are with directions. You can always close your eyes if you feel overwhelmed.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, halfway along the east side of Pier 39, second floor, San Francisco, California, USA
- Coordinates
- 37.81011, -122.41033
- Access
- At Pier 39, halfway down the east side of the second floor, beside Taco Cantina and near the Piano Staircase. The operator sells tickets at the door and online; a ticket allows unlimited repeat entries, and unused online tickets are honored on another day. Follow the operator's directions for the maze's floor; PIER 39 describes its directory level differently.
- Admission
- General admission is listed at $10; online checkout showed $10.60 including booking fee in a recent date-specific listing, and the total may change by date or fees. Children aged 5 and younger are free. Check the operator's ticket page for the current total.
- Time needed
- Allow about 5–30 minutes for one maze session, based on visitor reports; the operator allows unlimited repeats. PIER 39 lists 1–2 hours as a broader stop estimate, while visitors report that one pass through the maze itself is usually much shorter.
- Best season
- No preferred season is published. The operator says it is open every day; the maze is indoors at Pier 39, so it can be visited year-round. Check the operator's schedule before going.
- Opening hours
- Daily, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., according to the operator; check the ticket page for exceptions.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-10
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-10
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