Top Museums in San Francisco

7.9
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San Francisco | California Region, USA - Rated 7.9

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1

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art rating icon 8.6

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 541 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 244 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 3767 of 28532
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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!

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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!

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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
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Popularity in Country: 955 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 437 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 6259 of 28532
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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!

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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
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Popularity in Country: 1396 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 649 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 9713 of 28532
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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.

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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
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Popularity in Country: 1409 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 659 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 9668 of 28532
Museums
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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.

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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 5.8

1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1713 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 791 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 11959 of 28532
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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 4.7

55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2152 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1017 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 15145 of 28532
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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 4.4

100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2278 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1092 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 15864 of 28532
Museums
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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.

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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 3.9

200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2483 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1174 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 17444 of 28532
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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 3.3

45 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2714 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1285 of 1912
Popularity Worldwide: 19132 of 28532
Museums
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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!