Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
Embarcadero
Admission tickets from ₹3,356
Speciality Museums in San Francisco
THE 10 BEST San Francisco Speciality Museums
Speciality Museums in San Francisco
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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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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Speciality Museums
Presidio
Admission tickets from ₹2,101
Recommended Museum Tickets and Passes (18)
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Military Museums • Speciality Museums
Fisherman’s Wharf
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Fisherman’s Wharf
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Financial District
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Chinatown
Speciality Museums
Financial District
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Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Castro
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Fisherman’s Wharf
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Union Square
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Fisherman’s Wharf
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Dogpatch
Visitor Centres • Speciality Museums
Golden Gate Park
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Military Museums • Speciality Museums
Fisherman’s Wharf
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Marina District
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What travellers are saying
- jeesauOakland, CA3 contributionsWhat? 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dustythoughtsManchester, CT2,287 contributionsThis 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Usia2014Calgary, Canada1,953 contributionsThis “museum” is a real working machine shop that runs the cables for the city cable cars. It was loud with the wheels turning and quite fascinating to watch the operation. There were some plaques to read about the history and a short movie to watch. It also has a gift shop. Entrance is free.Written 29 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tanner W4 contributionsCool and unique experience on thr bay area, popular place, all machines are coin operated but most are only 25c to use. Only complaint was some didn't seem to work but there is only 2 I used with that issue.Written 2 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ashley DCupertino, CA1 contributionSuch 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The Winded Traveller64 contributionsLittle 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adventure DivaManchester, CT2,780 contributionsLocated 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sanrionjbPhiladelphia, PA123 contributionsI've been to San Francisco quite a few times and I had some free time before another activity I was doing near the wharf started so I checked this out. I found it interesting and I learned a lot, it wasn't crowded, and the views were great. I was there around one hour but actually could've spent a little more time between the ships and the museum. There are some ships there that are in disrepair. I have the National Park Pass, but honestly not sure I would've gone if I had to pay admission but at the same time I understand sites like this need reasonable entrance costs to maintain the historic structures.Written 6 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Montreal_nativeEdmonton, Canada1,550 contributionsPast by randomly and the stagecoach caught our eye. Its free to walk around and they had some pretty interesting displays about the history of Wells Fargo and San Francisco. Worth a look if you have the time.Written 11 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RGFManchester, VT6 contributionsGood 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ty G5 contributionsI'm not sure how many today remember or even know of the Beat Generation. This museum and bookstore is a labor of love to celebrate the people and literature of this counterculture movement. I grew up in the 60's so read beat literature a few years after its peak. In its day and at the time, the movement was embraced by a relative few and denigrated and mocked by the "establishment". While I enjoyed the museum and appreciated how they honored these folks who walked a different path, what struck me is that how many of the ideals of the Beats have found their way into accepted society while, at the same time, still generating fear across much of America. I suppose that what I liked most about the museum is that it made me again consider that there are many possibilities that arise from taking a left turn here and there (left was not intended to be a political statement) and looking at life and society from a different angle and with different values. It's been a couple of weeks since we were there and I find myself still pondering this when I am daydreaming. The small bookstore portion of the museum is packed with Beat and Beatish works and definitely worth some time. The museum/bookstore representative, although young, was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the Beat Movement. If he's not business, it's worth you time to engage him in a conversation. The location of the Museum is right in the middle of the Beat Movement (and coincidentally or not near the infamous topless entertainment establishments that sprung up in San Francisco in the 60's a la Carol Doda). My suggestion, which does not include a visit to the topless bars which I'm not even sure are still open-at least that's my story, is to start with a visit to the Beat Museum that walk across the street and spend some time in the City Lights Bookstore. Finally, take a right out of City Lights and sit down to have a drink or two at my favorite San Francisco bar, Vesuvio. It is not a sleek and shiny place but there probably isn't a more "if the walls could talk" place this side of the Algonquin Hotel-and there was certainly a lot more peace and love at Vesuvio. I never miss a stop when I'm in San Francisco. Maybe I'll see you there.Written 13 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michelle D1 contributionWe could not say enough about this fantastic walking tour! We have traveled all over and we were very impressed. On this trip it was my mom(70), and I (45) as well as two teenagers. Eugenia was an outstanding guide and showed pictures and explained things so well! She answered our questions, showed us around town, took us to a fortune cookie factory (we bought some and tasted some!!) Then we went to a tea tasting room (and I don't even care for tea but thought it was very interesting!) And a Buddhist temple.
We highly recommend!
It's downtown but we were pretty easily able to park under the hotel where the tour meets.Written 17 June 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - zendudeNew Jersey51 contributionsSmall cozy museum and gift shop. Great for taking your time exploring the history of S.F. railways. Very friendly staff. Highly recommend for train lovers of all ages.Written 5 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DmitryChicago, IL31 contributionsGreat little photography museum on the waterfront. Some thought provoking exhibits displayed there. You do need a reservation... As it is a private museum. But all of this is a moot point, as the museum is closing for good, due to a dispute with the city regarding the lease. If you haven't been there yet, chances are it's now closed as of this review. Too bad.Written 30 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- goldenparadoxPasadena, MD594 contributionsI came across this National Park by accident when I was walking to Ghirardelli Square. The national park is made up of the building and also ships at a nearby pier. Unfortunately the ships were closed— only open on the weekends— but you could walk down the pier a little bit to see the ships as well as a few exhibits. I really wish I would have been there on the weekend to tour the ships. For the museum itself, it took less than 15 minutes to look through and there are public restrooms. You have to enter from the top as the bottom is a senior center. Definitely worth a quick trip, especially if you enjoy ships and maritime history.Written 1 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
