15 best San Francisco museums to get to know the city

San Francisco has some of the best museums in the world. Explore venues such as the San Francisco Maritime Museum offering fascinating insights into the city's long relationship with the Pacific. Learn about the lives of the infamous gangsters and criminals held at Alcatraz, and discover local gems at the city's best art museums—there’s a diverse range of establishments in the Golden City.

San Francisco's best history museums

1. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island has an infamous history. It was used as a prison for centuries before it became a modern-day penitentiary in the 1930s. The prison has housed some of the most notorious criminals in the USA, such as Al Capone and George "Machine-Gun" Kelly.

Highlights:

Alcatraz no longer operates as a prison, but visitors can explore cells, secret tunnels, and the underground levels that were reserved for its most dangerous inmates.

Address and opening hours:

San Francisco, CA 94133. Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.

2. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a testament to the role the city played in the defense of America's shores. Several historic vessels are permanently moored here, along with an extensive collection of artifacts that celebrate the Bay Area's contributions to maritime history.

Highlights:

You'll find thousands of records and fascinating audio recordings capturing the oral histories of those who lived through some of the deadliest naval battles.

Address and opening hours:

900 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109. Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. The museum is free to enter.

3. USS Pampanito

The USS Pampanito was crucial during World War II. This vessel earned no less than 6 battle stars during its service. It was decommissioned at the end of the war, and work began on converting it into a museum ship in the 1970s.

Highlights:

The USS Pampanito Museum has been open to the public since 1982. Visitors can explore the torpedo room, engineering stations, and crew quarters.

Address and opening hours:

45 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133. Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best art museums in San Francisco

4. Legion of Honor

Established in 1924, the Legion of Honor is one of San Francisco's oldest art museums. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection, encompassing everything from artifacts from Ancient Egypt to works by post-impressionist icons like Paul Gauguin.

Highlights:

There's also something new to discover here. The museum is home to a stunning array of statues, with works by Auguste Rodin on display in the inner courtyard. The museum is also part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco alongside de Young.

Address and opening hours:

100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121. Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 AM-5:15 PM.

5. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has been a major draw for culture lovers since the 1930s, hosting exhibitions from leading artists like Jackson Pollock. Today, the permanent collection boasts works by the likes of Ansel Adams, Henri Matisse, and more.

Highlights:

In 2009, an extensive rooftop garden was added to the venue, providing an open-air exhibition space and offering stunning views of the city skyline.

Address and opening hours:

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Thursday 1:00 PM-8:00 PM, Friday-Tuesday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

6. de Young museum

Opened in 1895, the de Young Museum is one of the most famous museums in San Francisco, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors annually. Inside, you'll find works from the 17th century to the present day.

Highlights:

The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of American art. However, it also has works by eminent European artists like Salvador Dali and pieces from across Asia and Africa.

Address and opening hours:

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118. Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 AM-5:15 PM.

Best design museums in San Francisco

7. Museum of Craft and Design

The Museum of Craft and Design showcases the work of up-and-coming designers. Although you'll find plenty of pieces to admire here, there's also ample insight into the creative process behind each one.

Highlights:

If you're looking for unique works you won't have seen anywhere else, the Museum of Craft and Design is an essential stop, with pieces crafted using unusual materials and novel techniques.

Address and opening hours:

2569 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107. Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 AM-5:00 PM.

8. YBCA: San Francisco's finest multi-disciplinary arts center

The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts opened its doors in 1993. Since then, it's become a creative hub for artists from San Francisco and the Bay Area. This center also has its own museum space.

Highlights:

The YCBA exhibits unique works produced by emerging artists and creative locals.

Address and opening hours:

701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Thursday-Sunday 12:00 PM-6:00 PM.

9. Autodesk

In San Francisco, Autodesk maintains its own gallery space that lets visitors explore what's possible with this innovative CAD (computer-aided design) software. Once a week, visitors can explore 20 one-of-a-kind exhibits and learn about the creative process.

Highlights:

The Autodesk Gallery is a must for anyone interested in computer-aided design. You don't need to be a tech lover to be impressed by what's on show here.

Address and opening hours:

1 Market St # 200, San Francisco, CA 94105. Wednesday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.

Best science museums in San Francisco

10. California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences has been around since the 1850s and has become one of the largest museums of its kind. Standout attractions include the Morrison Planetarium, the Steinhart Aquarium, and the Rainforests of the World exhibition. The museum is a great activity to enjoy with kids.

Highlights:

One of the most eco-friendly museum venues in the country, the museum’s green, living roof was inspired by the topography of San Francisco.

Address and opening hours:

55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118. Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM-5:00 PM.

11. Exploratorium

This one-of-a-kind museum was founded by Frank Oppenheimer in the late 1960s. Most of the exhibits on display at the Exploratorium are interactive. It attracts more than a million visitors annually, and its innovative design has inspired other venues.

Highlights:

The Exploratorium's Tactile Dome is one of its most popular attractions. Here, visitors need to rely on their sense of touch to traverse the terrain.

Address and opening hours:

Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111. Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.

12. The Randall Museum

Originally designed to appeal to younger visitors, the Randall Museum has expanded over the years to become one of the most popular museums in San Francisco. It offers interactive exhibits that even toddlers can enjoy.

Highlights:

The Randall Museum offers free admission. What's more, there's a regular schedule of lectures, plays, and live events.

Address and opening hours:

199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114. Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Best unique museums in San Francisco

13. Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum is a mecca for fans of animation. The main building offers exhibits that include everything from Disney's rough sketches to awards he accumulated. There's even a scale model of Disneyland itself.

Highlights:

The lower levels of the museum contain an immersive digital theater inspired by Fantasia. Here, you'll find daily screenings of classics from the Disney archives.

Address and opening hours:

104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129. Thursday-Monday 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

14. The Beat Museum

The Beat Generation was the collective name for post-war artists, such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, who challenged social norms and pushed boundaries. The Beat Museum spotlights important figures while keeping the core message of the Beat Generation alive.

Highlights:

Many items on display have been donated by friends and family of Beat Generation figures. Permanent exhibits include several first editions of Kerouac's works, as well as memorabilia from famous obscenity trials.

Address and opening hours:

540 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133. Thursday-Monday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

15. San Francisco Cable Car Museum

The San Francisco Cable Car Museum is entirely dedicated to the public transit system that's ferried locals from A to B for more than a century. Exhibits include preserved cars dating from the 1870s.

Highlights:

As well as serving as a historical showcase of public transit, the museum allows visitors to watch from a gallery as haulage cables are routed out to the streets.

Address and opening hours:

1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108. Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the must-visit museums in San Francisco?

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or SFMOMA, is the city’s most prominent art museum, while the California Academy of Sciences is a must for curious kids. There's also the GLBT Historical Society, which spotlights San Francisco's important place in the history of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Are there any free museums in San Francisco?

Many of the best museums in San Francisco offer free admission, which tends to be limited to certain days. Most venues offer free admission at least once a month, but you might be restricted to certain exhibits and gallery halls. Generally speaking, free admission is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.

Are there any museums in San Francisco that are suitable for children and families?

Family-friendly museums in San Francisco include The Walt Disney Family Museum, the Children's Creativity Museum, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum. The California Academy of Sciences is popular with inquiring minds.

For which museums in San Francisco are guided tours recommended?

The de Young Museum and Asian Art Museum both offer private tours. If you're eager to go beyond the scenes, it's also worth booking a private tour of the California Academy of Sciences. This venue also offers VIP events during evening hours.