Top Museums in San Francisco

7.9
location icon 181 Objects

Smart AI Guide

Off
On
San Francisco | California Region, USA - Rated 7.9
Best Rating

View on Map

Discover Details:

1

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art rating icon 8.6

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 539 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 245 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 3655 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
Jane January 10, 2025

I suggest downloading the SFMOMA app before you go. It gives you good info about the pieces and helps you find your way around. Plus, it works offline!

user avatar
Jack December 9, 2024

Definitely check out the free first Tuesdays of the month! I had a great time exploring more without breaking the bank. Just be ready for a bigger crowd, though!

user avatar
Mary November 5, 2024

If you want to avoid long lines, try to visit after 3 PM on weekdays. I went around that time and it was much less hectic, giving me more time to enjoy each piece!

2

Exploratorium rating icon 7.8

Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 917 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 426 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 6256 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
John March 21, 2025

my advice is to buy your tickets online before you go. you can save a few bucks and skip the ticket line altogether, which leaves you more time to play!

user avatar
Paul March 19, 2025

I recommend getting there right when it opens at 10 AM. The place gets busy fast, and you’ll have way more space to explore without the crowds during those first couple of hours.

user avatar
Jennifer December 28, 2024

One thing I wish I’d known was to plan your exhibits ahead of time. Some stuff was closed during my visit, so check their website the day before to make sure you see what you want!

user avatar
Ronald October 19, 2024

If you're visiting with kids, here's a tip: there are family packs available at a discount that can save you some cash. We got one and it made a big difference!

3

De Young Museum rating icon 6.6

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 1372 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 657 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 9582 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
Mary February 9, 2025

My advice is to check out the free museum days if you can! I ended up going on one and saved some cash while getting the full experience without missing anything.

user avatar
Michael January 17, 2025

I suggest getting there right when it opens at 9:30 am to dodge the crowds and really enjoy the exhibits. Trust me, it makes a big difference.

user avatar
Paul November 2, 2024

I think you should definitely spend some time on the roof terrace. The city views are just stunning, and it’s a lovely spot to take a break and snap some pics!

4

Musée Mécanique rating icon 6.6

Musée Mécanique, Pier 45, Fishermans Wharf, Port of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, 94133, United States copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 1379 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 656 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 9637 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
George February 25, 2025

Don't forget to bring some change! A lot of the games and attractions require quarters, and trust me, you'll want to play as many as you can. I missed out on a few because I didn't have enough!

user avatar
Zachary January 25, 2025

My advice is to take your time and really immerse yourself in the history of the automata. Some pieces have great stories behind them, and reading about them enhanced my experience a lot

user avatar
Mary December 26, 2024

I suggest starting your visit right when it opens at 10 AM on weekdays. It gets quite busy later, and you'll have more time to explore the cool machines without the crowds.

user avatar
James November 27, 2024

I recommend visiting during the week instead of weekends if you can. The lines were way shorter, and I had more time to enjoy the nostalgic vibe without feeling rushed.

5

Cable Car Museum rating icon 5.9

1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 1712 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 793 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 12001 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
Kevin February 1, 2025

If you're planning to ride a cable car after your visit, grab a day pass instead of single rides. You can hop on and off all day, and it's a great way to explore more of the city without breaking the bank.

user avatar
Karen January 23, 2025

I suggest checking out the gift shop for some unique souvenirs, but avoid the mugs – I got one, and it wasn’t very durable. Better to stick with postcards or local art pieces.

user avatar
Brandon November 19, 2024

My advice is to allocate at least an hour for your visit. It's a small museum, but there's a lot of interesting history and cool displays. You'll want to take your time looking around.

6

California Academy of Sciences rating icon 4.8

55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 2126 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1011 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 15271 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
Charles March 31, 2025

I think you should bring your own snacks if you're visiting with kids. Food can be pricey inside, and we spent way more than we expected on a quick lunch!

user avatar
Steven February 14, 2025

Try to catch the 11 AM penguin feeding; it's a highlight. I almost missed it, and it was such a fun experience to watch their antics.

user avatar
Patrick October 12, 2024

I recommend buying your tickets online to save time standing in line. I did this and breezed right through. It's such a relief not to waste time waiting!

7

Legion of Honor Museum rating icon 4.5

100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 2228 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1082 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 16147 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
Mark October 24, 2024

I recommend getting there right when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid the crowds. The morning light is also great for photos outside the museum.

user avatar
Elizabeth October 17, 2024

Check for free admission days or discounts online before you go. I saved a few bucks by planning my visit for a Sunday!

8

Asian Art Museum rating icon 4

200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 2427 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1169 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 17647 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
Charles February 5, 2025

My advice is to take your time in the Japanese tea garden section. I rushed through it and missed some stunning details—but next time, I plan to pull out my phone and snap some pics!

user avatar
David January 6, 2025

Try visiting on a Thursday; it's free admission from 5pm to 9pm. I saved some cash and still got to enjoy the beautiful exhibits without the crowds!

9

Submarine Pampanito rating icon 3.4

45 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA copy icon
Show on Map
Popularity in Country: 2700 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1268 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 19269 of 29087
Museums
user avatar
Thomas March 15, 2025

I suggest getting there right when it opens at 9 AM. You'll beat the crowds and have more time to explore the submarine without feeling rushed

user avatar
Tyler November 14, 2024

I recommend checking out the nearby Fisherman's Wharf after your visit; it’s a great way to continue the day! Just grab some clam chowder; it's delish!