Top 5: Museums in San Francisco

There are plenty of cultural attractions for locals and tourists in San Francisco. Start with these museums on your next visit to experience more of the city’s best offerings.

Cable Car Museum 

Discover the history behind the city’s iconic transportation system. The free museum’s collection includes antique cable cars, photographs and other artifacts. Open daily, hours vary by season.

California Academy of Sciences

The expansive science museum also serves as a research and educational institute. Open daily, the museum offers special members-only hours. Adult admission costs $35.95. The cost of admission includes access to the planetarium, aquarium, rainforest and natural history museum.

de Young Museum 

The fine arts museum is located in the city’s Golden Gate Park. The collection boasts more than 27,000 classic and contemporary works from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. Open Tuesday–Sunday, adult admission costs $15.

GLBT Historical Society Museum 

Located in San Francisco’s Castro District, the museum explores LGBTQ+ culture and history in the United States. Open daily. General admission costs $5. Admission is free the first Wednesday of every month.

The Walt Disney Family Museum 

Learn more about the man behind the mouse at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Located in the Presidio recreation area, the museum features galleries, interactive exhibits and daily Disney movie screenings. Closed Tuesday. Adult admission costs $25.