A Guide to San Francisco’s Most Unique Museums

San Francisco is a city where history, innovation, and imagination collide, and nowhere is this more evident than in its world-class museums. Whether you’re fascinated by vintage arcade games in San Francisco, curious about historic ships at Fisherman’s Wharf, or looking for family-friendly museums in San Francisco, this city offers unforgettable cultural experiences for every traveler. Iconic attractions like the Musée Mécanique, Cable Car Museum, USS Pampanito, and the Walt Disney Family Museum provide a unique way to explore San Francisco’s history and creativity. Perfect for both tourists and locals, these museums are must-visit stops on any San Francisco sightseeing itinerary.

Musée Mécanique

Overview & Highlights:
A quirky, interactive penny-arcade museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, featuring 200+ vintage mechanical machines (pinball, fortune tellers, player pianos…). Navigate your way to Musée Mécanique on this walking tour from Pier 39.

Must-See Exhibits:

• Laffing Sal – an iconic mechanical figure from the old Playland amusement park
  
• Fortune Teller Machines – including Zoltar
  
• Steam-Powered Motorcycle – a unique 1912 invention

Location: Pier 45, Shed A.

Hours & Admission:

• Open daily; individual play-by-play fees (not standard museum entrance tickets).
  

Transit:

• Muni buses/trams to Fisherman’s Wharf; F-line streetcar drops you nearby.

Children’s Creativity Museum

Overview & Highlights:
Hands-on tech arts museum in Yerba Buena Gardens with animation and music studios plus a historic carousel—perfect for families (San Francisco Travel).

Must-See Exhibits:

• Animation Studio – kids create and voice their own claymation films
  
• Music Studio – record songs using green-screen tech
  
• LeRoy King Carousel – beautifully restored 1906 classic

Location: 221 Fourth St, Yerba Buena.

Hours & Admission:

• Check museum website (typically daily; family ticket required).
  

Transit:

• BART/Muni to Powell or Montgomery; short walk.

San Francisco Railway Museum

Overview & Highlights:
Free museum documenting historic cable cars and streetcars with artifacts and 1906 earthquake exhibits (San Francisco Travel, Wikipedia).

Must-See Exhibits:

• Historic F-Line Streetcar Cab – climb inside for a real operator’s perspective
  
• 1906 Earthquake Cable Car History Display
• Miniature Working Model of the Market Street Railway

Location: 77 Steuart St (across Ferry Building).

Hours & Admission:

• Free entry; hours vary (check online).
  

Transit:

• Muni F-line runs right outside; BART to Embarcadero.

The Walt Disney Family Museum

Overview & Highlights:
Located in the Presidio, this museum tells the life story of Walt Disney through interactive galleries, rare artifacts, personal letters, original animations, and a spectacular model of Disneyland. It’s a must-see for Disney fans and animation lovers alike. And while you’re out that way visiting the museum, take a detour to stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge on this walking tour. You’ll learn all about the history of the bridge, find out how the 1849 Gold Rush transformed San Francisco, dive into the history of the Cable Car, understand the impact of the 1906 earthquake and its devastation on the city and more. 

Must-See Exhibits:

• The Disneyland Model – a large, detailed 3D model of Walt’s original concept
  
• Early Mickey Mouse Cartoons and animation sketches
  
• Walt’s Oscars – including one full-size and seven miniature statuettes for Snow White

Location: 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio
Hours: Thu–Sun: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Closed Mon–Wed
Admission: Adults $25; Students/Seniors $20; Kids (6–17) $15; under 6 free
Transit: PresidiGo Shuttle or Muni buses 43, 28, 30 to Presidio Transit Center

Cable Car Museum

Overview & Highlights:
A fascinating tribute to San Francisco’s most famous form of transportation, the Cable Car Museum is located in the working Washington-Mason powerhouse and showcases vintage cable cars, mechanical displays, and historic photographs.

Must-See Exhibits:

• Real-time machinery pulling the city’s cable cars
  
• Historic Cable Cars from the 1870s
  
• Gripman’s Tools and historic photographs
  

Location: 1201 Mason St, Nob Hill
Hours: Daily: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Closed major holidays
Admission: Free
Transit: Muni bus 1 or cable cars Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines

USS Pampanito (Submarine Museum)

Overview & Highlights:
Step aboard this WWII Balao-class submarine docked at Fisherman’s Wharf. The USS Pampanito offers an immersive, self-guided tour of life under the sea during wartime.

Must-See Exhibits:

• Torpedo Room
• Crew’s Quarters & Control Room
• Audio Tour narrated by former crew members
  

Location: Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf
Hours: Daily: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (seasonal changes may apply)
Admission: Adults $25; Seniors/Youth $15; Children under 6 free
Transit: Muni F-line or cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf

SS Jeremiah O’Brien (Liberty Ship Museum)

Overview & Highlights:
This fully functional WWII Liberty ship is a floating museum and one of only two remaining ships of its kind. Located next to the USS Pampanito, it offers insight into wartime maritime operations and engineering.

Must-See Exhibits:

• Engine Room – featured in Titanic (1997) movie
  
• Wheelhouse & Bridge
• D-Day Exhibition – the ship participated in the Normandy invasion
  

Location: Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf
Hours: Daily: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $20; Seniors/Students $15; Children $10
Transit: Muni F-line or cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf

Cartoon Art Museum

Overview & Highlights:
The Cartoon Art Museum, located near Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, is the only museum in the Western United States dedicated to preserving and showcasing cartoon and comic art. It features rotating exhibits highlighting everything from classic newspaper strips and superhero comics to modern graphic novels and animated films.

Must-See Exhibits:

• Peanuts Collection – Original comic strips by Charles M. Schulz
  
• The Art of Spider-Man – Rare Marvel illustrations and concept art
  
• Anime and Manga Features – Celebrating Japanese visual storytelling
  
• Animation Cels & Storyboards – Behind-the-scenes looks at beloved cartoons
  

Location: 781 Beach Street, Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco, CA
Hours:

• Open daily: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
  
• Closed Wednesdays
  

Admission:

• Adults: $10
  
• Seniors, Students, Military: $6
  
• Children (6–12): $4
  
• Children under 6: Free
  

Transit:

• Muni F-line streetcar to Beach & Larkin
  
• Powell-Hyde cable car to Hyde & Beach
  
• Walkable from Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

Chinese Historical Society of America Museum (CHSA)

Overview & Highlights:
Located in the heart of Chinatown, CHSA is the oldest organization in the U.S. dedicated to preserving Chinese American history. It offers thought-provoking exhibits about immigration, labor, identity, and activism.

Must-See Exhibits:

• “Chinese in the Civil War” and “Gold Mountain Dreams”
• Community Heroes Wall
• Rotating art installations by Asian American artists

Location: 965 Clay St, Chinatown
Hours: Wed–Sun: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Closed Mon–Tue
Admission: Adults $15; Seniors/Students $10; Children under 12 free
Transit: Muni bus 1 or 30; walk from Montgomery BART

Exploring San Francisco museums is more than just a day trip—it’s a chance to dive into the city’s rich history and playful spirit. From the hands-on fun at the Children’s Creativity Museum to the legendary maritime heritage showcased on the SS Jeremiah O’Brien and USS Pampanito, every stop reveals why San Francisco is one of the top cultural destinations in California. Whether you’re planning a San Francisco family vacation, searching for historic attractions near Fisherman’s Wharf, or building your San Francisco bucket list, these museums offer unforgettable experiences that will leave you inspired long after your visit.