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Museums in San Francisco

THE 10 BEST Museums in San Francisco

Museums in San Francisco

Museums
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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271 results sorted by traveller favourites
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Showing results 1-30 of 271

What travellers are saying

  • jeesau
    Oakland, CA3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What? You have never been to the Exploratorium? Or "Explo" as the cool kids call it? It's budget-friendly and has something to offer, even those folks who think "what's that? Is it 'science' or some such?" Yeah, even you! Make your way there on public transit or your two feet. Right there on the bay with the bridge in the background? Come on! Do it. No, really. Do it!
    Written 26 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, CT2,234 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is jam-packed with interesting information, memorabilia, and other assorted items associated with Walt Disney and his family - sketches, pictures, miniature trains, and video reels. It's amazing how much they were able to squeeze into this museum without making it overwhelming. Two floors of exhibits took us two hours to view, and even then we missed a few things. This museum really highlighted how much Walt Disney was able to accomplish in his 65 years!
    Written 18 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, CT2,234 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I've been to San Francisco several times, and am disappointed that this was my first time visiting this stupendous living museum, as it was a glorious experience. The entrance fee is a bit steep ($43/person for adults), but it's absolutely well worth the price. This place is truly a living museum - it has a fascinating rainforest exhibit with living birds and butterflies, an aquarium with live animals, and a super-cool natural history museum (we loved the African Hall). The planetarium was also fantastic, although please note that you need to make a reservation for one of the shows. We enjoyed just wandering through the museum to take in the exhibits at our own pace.
    Written 14 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Help
    Newport, UK22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting to see how the cable car system works. Lots of exhibits. Nice gifts in gift shop. Don't forget to ride the cable cars too
    Written 21 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventure Diva
    Manchester, CT2,796 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located in the touristy area of Fisherman Wharf's Pier 45, this is worth a visit to see antique arcade games, artifacts from amusement parks and their mechanical musical instruments.
    Written 19 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff P
    Prescott, AZ419 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the many art places everyone needs to visit and spend the day. This our our first time anti will not be the last.
    Written 21 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TedT
    San Francisco, CA52 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must-see destination for a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Seven stories of iconic art ranging from Henri Matisse to Frida Kahlo to Anselm Kiefer.
    Written 24 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashley D
    Cupertino, CA1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a cool space. Can't wait for their new location and all the awesome things to come. Love this for the community. Murphy is the best.
    Written 25 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LJKC
    San Francisco, CA143 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful building in the sweeping Sutro Park area near Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach; very well set up and staffed. Went to see and class journal the Mary Cassatt exhibit, lovingly set up and brief.
    Written 7 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Concierge_8
    Trinidad and Tobago3,774 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went a few hours ahead of my event workshop to take in the museum galleries beforehand. Loved the vibe!
    I loved the museum's events posted on their website and was delighted by the Korean Bojagi art workshop which was totally enjoyable and well-hosted!
    They've got great exhibitions spanning thousands of years from every corner and Asian empire.
    The gift shop was quite extensive too and so many Korean books. I was in heaven!
    Lovely little cafeteria too called Asian Box where you can relax.
    It was easy to get to on the streetcar plus a 2-block walk.
    If I lived in the city, I'd attend all the museum's events! Cool stuff!
    Written 26 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The Winded Traveller
    64 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Little over priced. But pretty neat if you’ve never been in a submarine. Your is self guided/ on your phone. If you have mobility issues this is not the place for you.
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventure Diva
    Manchester, CT2,796 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located at The Embarcadero at Pier 35, I'm told this vessel is the only active Liberty Ship in the U.S. Glad I got to visit to hear all the historic stories. There are also volunteer opportunities and a youth overnite program to participate in. Check out their website for upcoming events.
    Written 24 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff H
    San Francisco, CA9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hidden jewel in downtown San Francisco! We discovered it on a rainy afternoon. Wonderful historical artifacts which really tell the story of SF from its origins to recent times. Displays about Stagecoaches and the 1906 Earthquake were especially interesting. Docent/curator Joycee added lots of insight and really made it a wonderful visit!
    Written 5 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meredith B
    San Jose, CA40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful visitors center chock full of information. There are still ships buried in SF! One is right by the TransAmerica building. The city burned down 6 times in a two year period!

    There is only one historic ship available for touring, located across the street. Seeing the cargo hold was amazing.
    Written 2 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RGF
    Manchester, VT6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good museum for youngsters in beautiful Buena Vistas Park. Engaging activities scattered about in wide open spaces. Staff seemed available but not as engaging as I would have expected. Nonetheless, our three year old granddaughter seemed to enjoy her visit, especially the unique sand table and dancing circles.
    Written 20 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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