There are museums in San Francisco catering to a variety of interests and age groups, including science and art exhibits as well as a playful ice cream museum.
The museums in San Francisco offer excellent cultural options for visitors to enjoy alone, with family, as a couple, or with kids. SFMOMA is the most renowned, but other notable options include the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium.
Below are the main museums in San Francisco that you should include in your travel plans. Scroll through to find important details like ticket prices, locations, hours of operation, and key attractions. Enjoy exploring and secure your tickets in advance. 😉
In this article you will find:
- Best Museums in San Francisco
- Activities in San Francisco
- San Francisco eateries
- Accommodation options in San Francisco
- Explore additional suggestions from California.
- FAQs
Best Museums in San Francisco
We curated a collection of the top museums in San Francisco based on their popularity, facilities, and visitor reviews. Explore:
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art – SFMOMA
- Exploration Museum
- De Young Museum in San Francisco
- Museum dedicated to ice cream
- Asian Art Museum
- Walt Disney Family Museum.
- Honorable Legion
- The museum focuses on children’s creativity.
- California Academy of Science is located in California.
- Cable Car Museum exhibition
- Contemporary Jewish Museum – A museum focused on contemporary Jewish culture.
- Golden Park’s Gardens
- ICA SF – Institute of Contemporary Art
- USS Pampanito is the original text.
See below for information on each one.
San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art is known as SFMOMA.
- 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA is the location.
- Adults pay $30, students pay $23, and those over 65 years old pay a reduced price, while those under 18 can enter for free.
- Opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday to Tuesday, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Thursday.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a highly popular destination in San Francisco, showcasing renowned works by artists such as Picasso and Frida Kahlo alongside pieces by local talents. It is a must-see attraction, even for those who may not typically enjoy modern and contemporary art.
SFMOMA is located directly across from Yerba Buena Park, an ideal spot for a picnic with its spacious grassy area. The park also includes the Martin Luther King Jr. Monument and the Children’s Creativity Museum.
- Secure your admission to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
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- Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St in San Francisco, CA 94111, United States.
- Adults cost $40, while students and seniors (aged 65 and over) cost $30.
- Sunday opens from midday to 5 pm; Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm; On Thursdays, entry is only for adults aged 18 and above from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Exploratorium caters to individuals of all age groups, offering interactive settings for enjoyable learning experiences about science and human perception. The museum’s diverse sections engage the senses by providing insights into various topics such as DNA, ecosystems, light, vision, sound, and hearing through experimentation.
The location also has a shop with attractive and intriguing items for those who enjoy collecting souvenirs.
- Secure your admission to the Exploratorium.
3 – De Young Museum
- The address is 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, California 94118, United States.
- Adults pay $20, students pay $11, seniors (65 and older) pay $17, and children under 17 enter for free.
- Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM.
The Young Museum in San Francisco stands out for its rotating exhibitions showcasing works from various artists, providing visitors with a unique experience during each visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to ascend the museum’s viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view from its top nine floors.
- Secure your admission to the De Young Museum.
Ice Cream Museum – Text 4
- 1 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108.
- Adults are charged $38, while children under 2 years old can enter for free.
- Opening hours are from 10am to 5pm on Thursday through Sunday.
There is a museum in San Francisco that is dedicated to ice cream and offers interactive exhibits in a pink setting.
To experience pure happiness during your visit, the museum provides unique ice cream flavors. It is recommended to allocate at least an hour to fully explore the attraction. Following the tour, make sure to also check out the cafeteria, bar, and Ice Cream Museum store.
- Purchase your ticket for the Ice Cream Museum.
Asian Art Museum – Text 5
- 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, California 94102, United States.
- Adults are charged $20, students pay $14, seniors (65+) pay $17, and children under 12 can enter for free.
- Opening hours are from 10am to 5pm on Fridays to Mondays, and from 1pm to 8pm on Thursdays.
If you have an interest in history and cultural excursions, the Asian Art Museum is a fantastic place to visit. It boasts an extensive collection of nearly 18,000 Asian artworks spanning up to 6,000 years, offering a rich insight into the continent’s history. The museum is organized into eight geographic regions, including Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, China, Japan, Korea, and the Himalayas.
The Walt Disney Family Museum – exhibit number 6.
- 104 Montgomery Street in Prison, San Francisco, CA 94129 is where you can find the address.
- Adult tickets cost $25, while student and senior tickets are priced at $20. Teenagers can purchase tickets for $15, and children under five can enter for free.
- Thursday to Sunday, the hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Museum is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable life and legacy of Walt Disney, with 10 galleries narrating his story from the beginning to the creation of the parks, along with temporary exhibitions featuring Walt Disney himself. It is a must-visit for fans. 😉
- Secure your admission to the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Legion of Honor – Text 7
- Lincoln Park can be found at 100 34th Avenue on Clement Street in San Francisco, California 94121.
- Adults over 18 years old are charged $20, students pay $11, and individuals over 65 years old are charged $17.
- Tuesday to Sunday, the opening hours are from 9:30 to 17:15.
The Legion of Honor regularly offers temporary events, giving every visitor a distinctive experience. Along with its captivating architecture, the museum showcases ancient artifacts spanning over 4,000 years, featuring renowned artists like Rodin, Picasso, and Monet.
The Children’s Creativity Museum – Section 8
- 221 Fourth Street can be found in San Francisco, California, zip code 94103.
- Adults and children both cost $20.
- The business is open from 10am to 4pm on Fridays to Sundays.
When traveling to San Francisco with kids, be sure to check out the Children’s Creativity Museum, which features various interactive exhibits catering to children aged two to 12. The museum offers activities focused on music, art, digital media, and more. Additionally, nearby, there is an entertaining carousel to enhance your visit.
California Academy of Science – Text 9
- The location is 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
- The cost depends on the ticket type and the day of the week; please refer to the official website for more information.
- The store is open from 9:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday, and from 11:00 to 17:00 on Sunday. Entry on Thursday is only permitted for individuals over 21 years old, from 18:00 to 22:00.
The California Academy of Sciences is known for its contemporary and eco-friendly design, featuring a solar panel-covered dome that supplies a significant portion of the museum’s energy. Visitors can admire a diverse array of wildlife, such as fish, butterflies, and birds. Additionally, the museum offers attractions like a cutting-edge planetarium, an earthquake simulator, and rotating exhibits.
- Secure your admission to the California Academy of Science.
The Cable Car Museum is the tenth stop.
- 1201 Mason St in San Francisco, California 94108 is the location.
- Free of charge.
- The establishment is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
The Cable Car Museum is a place dedicated to preserving the history of urban trams. It is located in a functioning machine factory and showcases a remarkable collection of old vehicles, photos, and mechanical displays. Be sure to check out the gift shop, which supports heritage preservation efforts.
Contemporary Jewish Museum – Text 11
- 736 Mission St, San Francisco, California 94103, USA.
- Opening hours: currently not open.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum hosts temporary art installations alongside its permanent exhibits and offers educational programs that delve into Jewish culture, history, and concepts from a modern perspective.
Golden Park’s gardens are beautiful.
- – Botanical Garden: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
- Flower Conservatory is located at 100 John F. Kennedy Drive in San Francisco, California 94118.
- Japanese tea garden is located at 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in San Francisco, California 94118.
- Botanical Garden is located at 1199 9th Ave in San Francisco, California 94122.
- The cost varies depending on the station and park, so it’s best to visit the official website for more information.
- The Flower Conservatory is open from Thursday to Tuesday, between 10:00 and 16:30; the Japanese Tea Garden is open daily from 9:00 to 16:30; and the Botanical Garden is open daily from 7:30 to 17:00.
- Flower Conservatory is located at 100 John F. Kennedy Drive in San Francisco, California 94118.
- Japanese tea garden is located at 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in San Francisco, California 94118.
- Botanical Garden located at 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, California 94122.
The Gardens of Golden Park are ideal for individuals looking to spend time with their family, relax with their partner, or appreciate the beauty of nature. The park consists of three distinct gardens that work well together. The first garden is the Conservatory of Flowers, which captivates visitors with its diverse plant collection. It is the oldest conservatory in North America constructed from wood and glass.
The Japanese Tea Garden features Japanese maples, cherry trees, and other distinctive plants, providing a peaceful escape. To fully enjoy your visit, make sure not to overlook the Botanical Garden, which boasts over 8,000 plant varieties and a vibrant environment perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Institute of Contemporary Art – ICA SF
- 345 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
- Price: no cost.
- Opening hours are from 11 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday to Sunday, and from 11 AM to 7 PM on Thursday.
The ICA SF is known for exploring current social and cultural topics through exhibitions and events that foster community dialogue and engagement. It showcases works by artists focusing on themes like environmental conservation and refugee immigration.
USS Pampanito – Text 14
- 45 Pier, San Francisco, California 94133, United States.
- Adult tickets cost $30, while student and senior tickets are priced at $20.
- Opening times: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day of the week.
The USS Pampanito, a renowned historical ship in the US, carried out six missions in the Pacific during World War II, sinking six Japanese ships and damaging four others. The submarine on display at the museum has been restored multiple times and showcases authentic artifacts and replicas, providing visitors with a detailed look at its wartime significance.
Explore additional tours in San Francisco for a recommended itinerary.
Activities to undertake in San Francisco
In San Francisco, besides the museums, there are various attractions to explore such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Aquarium of the Bay, and a cruise on the San Francisco Bay. To have a comprehensive experience, consider booking a city tour to discover the key landmarks conveniently and enjoyably.
The local beaches offer a frozen but enjoyable experience for walking and relaxation. Ocean Beach and China Beach are recommended for feeling the sea breeze at dusk. Explore the best activities in San Francisco to plan your itinerary.
- Paraphrase: Structure known as Golden Gate Bridge
- Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
- North Beach, also known as Little Italy.
- Chinatown – a neighborhood characterized by a large population of people of Chinese descent.
- Mission District in San Francisco
- The Theater at the Palace of Fine Arts
San Francisco eateries
There is a diverse range of dining choices in San Francisco, including burgers, Asian and Thai cuisine, as well as upscale restaurants offering scenic views. The city caters to various preferences and budgets, with museums conveniently located near excellent dining establishments. 😉
We are putting together a compilation of top-rated restaurants near major museums, based on reviews from TripAdvisor users. Explore the list for a great dining experience during your visit.
- Sam’s Grill And Seafood close to SFMOMA
- Fog Harbor Fish House close to the Exploratorium
- Lavash is located close to the De Young Museum.
- Pizzetta 211 is located close to the Legion of Honor.
- Brazilian BBQ Fire Floor close to the Contemporary Jewish Museum
Accommodations in San Francisco
Below are the top-rated accommodations in different categories for those who are looking for a place to stay in San Francisco but are in a hurry and don’t have time to search.
| Cheaper: HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel | Note: 8.5 | $90 / day |
| Honeymoon: San Francisco | Note: 9.0 | $345 a day |
| Families: San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square | Note: 8.4 | $324 / day |
| Airbnb: Stunning SanFran | Note: 8.6 | $254 / day |
| Fisherman’s Wharf: Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf | Note: 8.5 | $286 / day |
| Union Square: Hotel Nikko San Francisco | Note: 8.9 | US$ 234 / day |
| Sausalito: Point Horse | Note: 9.2 | $460 per day |
Discover the most affordable lodging options in San Francisco.
Discover additional suggestions from California.
Below is a list of full articles to assist you in organizing your trip.
- San Francisco
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- California’s Malibu accommodations
- California winery hotels
- Activities in San Francisco
- Paraphrase: Iconic bridge in San Francisco.
- Where to Dine in San Francisco
- Accommodations in San Francisco
- Hilton San Francisco Union Square
- San Remo Hotel
- Apple Farm Inn Hotel
- Cheshire Cat Inn
- The Carmel Inn
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- Shopping in San Francisco is an enjoyable experience.
- International Travel Insurance
- Travel safely to the United States.
FAQs
Do you have any more inquiries about the museums in San Francisco? Explore additional detailed questions and answers on this topic.
Don’t forget to see the Golden Gate Bridge, tour the SFMOMA, discover the Ice Cream Museum, and stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.
We suggest reserving four to five days to explore San Francisco.
San Francisco is generally safe, but it’s necessary to be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking in empty streets, as with any large city.
Explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Aquarium of the Bay, take a cruise on San Francisco Bay, and join a tour in San Francisco, in addition to visiting its museums.
The nightlife in San Francisco offers a variety of options including bars, museums, and restaurants, but it is important to mention that the venues do not stay open very late.
The primary parks in San Francisco are the Golden Gate Park and the Golden Park Gardens.
