Guide to the Top Museums in San Francisco

A guide to the top museums in San Francisco

Looking for unforgettable things to do in San Francisco? Whether you’re an art lover, science enthusiast, history buff, or family traveler, San Francisco is home to some of the most iconic and diverse museums in the United States. From world-renowned institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to the family-friendly California Academy of Sciences, this guide will help you explore the top museums in San Francisco. Learn about each museum’s must-see exhibits, hours of operation, admission fees, and the easiest ways to get there via public transportation. Start planning your cultural adventure through the heart of San Francisco today!

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Overview & Highlights:

One of the world’s largest modern art museums, housing a 33,000‑piece collection including works by Pollock, Warhol, Kahlo, and Duchamp. Enjoy seven floors of innovative installations, interactive public spaces, and a vertical living garden.

Must-See Exhibits:

Diego Rivera’s Pan American Unity Mural – a 74-foot-long fresco masterpiece.
Pop, Minimal, and Figurative Art Galleries – featuring Warhol, Lichtenstein, and more.
Living Wall – a 4,400-square-foot vertical garden, one of the largest in the U.S.

Location: 151 Third St, SoMa.

Hours:

Mon–Tue & Fri–Sun: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thu: 12–8 p.m.
Closed Wed (SFMOMA).

Admission:

Adult $30; Seniors $25; Ages 19–24: $23; 18 & under: Free.
Bay Area Medi-Cal/EBT cardholders: free (San Francisco Travel).

Transit:

BART/MUNI at Montgomery or Powell stations.
Bus lines 8, 14, 30, 45, 91, 101, 130, 150 stop a block away (SFMOMA).

California Academy of Sciences

Overview & Highlights:
A living science museum/planetarium/aquarium & natural history center with a rooftop rainforest and 4-level indoor ecosystem. Penguin encounters, planetarium shows & live coral reef displays (San Francisco Travel).

Must-See Exhibits:

Osher Rainforest – a four-story glass dome filled with butterflies and tropical birds.
Living Roof – 2.5 acres of native plants on a rolling, sustainable rooftop.
Morrison Planetarium – the largest all-digital planetarium in the world.
Steinhart Aquarium – one of the most biodiverse aquariums in the world.

Location: 55 Music Concourse Dr, Golden Gate Park.

Hours:

Mon–Sat: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday NightLife (21+): 6–10 p.m. (California Academy of Sciences).

Admission:

Adults $49–55; Youth (13–18) $45–49; Kids (3–12) $39–45 (dynamic pricing) (SF Tourism Tips).

Transit & Parking:

Reach via Muni bus lines to Golden Gate Park.
Paid garage at Fulton & 10th Ave or Music Concourse Dr (weekday $5/hr, weekend $6/hr) (FAMSF, California Academy of Sciences).

de Young Museum

Overview & Highlights:
Fine Arts Museum featuring American art (17th–21st c.), textile, contemporary art, and ethnographic collections from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Its stunning copper-clad building and 144-foot tower offer panoramic park views.

Must-See Exhibits:

“Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” (special exhibit)
Observation Tower – with panoramic views of the city and park
American Art Collection – including works from Georgia O’Keeffe and Grant Wood

Location: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, Golden Gate Park.

Hours:

Typically 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. (check online for variations).

Admission:

Check FAMSF site; free general admission & $3 off with public transit proof (Muni FastPass) (California Academy of Sciences, FAMSF).

Transit & Parking:

Muni buses nearby; $3 admission discount with transit proof.
Music Concourse Garage (weekday $5/hr, weekend $6/hr) (FAMSF).

Legion of Honor

Overview & Highlights:
A beaux-arts gem with European paintings, sculpture, ancient artifacts, and breathtaking Golden Gate views. Part of FAMSF (Wikipedia, Funcheap).

Must-See Exhibits:

“The Thinker” by Auguste Rodin – at the museum’s entrance
European Paintings Collection – including works by Monet, Rembrandt, and El Greco
Ancient Artifacts – Egyptian mummies and Roman sculptures

Location: 100 34th Ave, Lincoln Park.

Hours & Admission:

Follow general FAMSF guidelines; typically open daily.
Free on first Tuesdays (all), Saturdays (residents) (Funcheap).

Transit:

Muni lines offer good access (Wikipedia, Funcheap).

Asian Art Museum

Overview & Highlights:
World-class collection spanning 6,000 years across Asia—from sculptures and paintings to textiles and armor (San Francisco Travel).

Must-See Exhibits:

The Buddha of Sarnath – a 5th-century masterpiece
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room (limited-time exhibit)
Samurai Armor Collection – centuries-old ornate armor

Location: 200 Larkin St, Civic Center.

Hours:

Typically daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Admission:

Free first Sundays; special exhibits may incur fees (Funcheap).

Transit:

BART to Civic Center; Muni stops just outside (FAMSF).

Exploratorium

Overview & Highlights:
The Exploratorium is a world-renowned museum of science, technology, and art that encourages hands-on exploration and playful learning. With over 650 interactive exhibits, it’s a favorite for both kids and adults, offering immersive experiences that blend education with creativity. Located on San Francisco’s scenic Pier 15, it’s one of the city’s top-rated museums for families and curious minds alike.

You can also make a day of your trip to the Exploratorium with my Pier 39 to Ghirardelli walking tour. Among the highlights:

Learn about the history of Pier 39,
Head over to see the sea lions,
Check out vintage arcade games at Musée Mécanique and
Finish up at the world-famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

Must-See Exhibits:

Tactile Dome – a pitch-black maze navigated entirely by touch (reservation required)
Fog Bridge – an outdoor installation that envelops you in a soft, misty fog
Color and Shadow Exhibits – test perception in real time
Distorted Room & Anti-Gravity Mirror – fun visual illusions for all ages
Living Systems – a section exploring ecosystems, cells, and biology

Location: Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green Street

Hours:

Tue–Sun: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thu (18+ After Dark): 6–10 p.m.
Closed Mondays (except holidays)

Admission:

Adults (18–64): $39.95
Seniors (65+): $34.95
Youth (4–17): $29.95
Children under 4: Free
Discounted admission for SF residents and EBT cardholders

Transit:

Muni F-line streetcar to Embarcadero & Green
Short walk from Embarcadero BART Station
Paid parking nearby (Pier 19½, Pier 27)

Alcatraz Island (Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary)

Overview & Highlights:
One of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, Alcatraz Island was home to the notorious federal prison and now hosts historical and cultural exhibits. The island offers self-guided and ranger-led tours with breathtaking views of the Bay.

Must-See Exhibits: