Specialty Museums in San Francisco

THE 10 BEST San Francisco Specialty Museums

Specialty Museums in San Francisco

Types of Attractions
Museums
Awards
Travelers' 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 travelers across the globe.
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49 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Showing results 1-30 of 49

What travelers are saying

  • DMC1958
    Huddersfield, UK270 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are a Disney fan or just interested in how Disney came into being, then this is a must visit.

    This is not the easiest place to find and not too clearly signposted. However, it is well worth a visit. There is a lot to take in as it retraces the family history back several generations. It informs in great detail the journey of Walt and Roy Disney, the challenges, failures and successes on their journey. The ground floor is full of the many awards collected over the years. Upstairs the family history and the development and growth of the Walt Disney Company.

    There is an interesting story about a conversation between Walt and Roy over the purchase of the land in Florida, where Disney World would eventually be established,

    A really enjoyable experience.
    Written September 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ldiva001
    San Diego, CA85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The very best entertainment for any age. Every time I travel to SF I find time to visit the Exploratorium because there is so much to do with my granddaughters and I could never finish exploring the hands-on science exhibits that enthrall all of us. Good for ALL ages. I cannot say enough about the learning that happens while you spend the day. There is even a cafe. Easily take a day or two or .... Great place! Nice people working there.
    Written December 21, 2023
    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 September 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 196LindaC
    Mukwonago, WI794 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful place to visit if you like arcades and/or antiques. There were games and displays that I've read about but have never seen. For just a quarter, you can play/use these pieces of history to see how they work.
    Written September 28, 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 August 25, 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 March 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Oversized
    London, UK69 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I happened upon this wonderful floating museum. Hats off to the volunteers who have preserved it. I didn’t have time to go down into the engine room (it features in the Titanic) but explored the rest of the ship and the wonderful museum in one of the holds. So glad I stop by. Just remember to duck!
    Written September 20, 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 January 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sanrionjb
    Philadelphia, PA122 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'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 June 6, 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 May 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ElvisAndrus
    Arlington, TX912 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Some lovely artifacts. A sense of the history. A highly engaged staff. A nice little shop. Some level of rotation so not a just one time place.
    Written May 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mini
    Fremont, CA212,259 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went to the store area of the Chinse Cultural Center. They had some cute kids books for the upcoming Chinese New Years (Year of the Rat).

    It was a quick visit this time as they were int he midst of setting up a new art exhibit. The new art collection willl be available to see February 8, 2020.
    Written January 9, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IanThomas84
    Ilford, UK265 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very worthy of a visit. This small, yet perfectly formed museum, traces the history of LGBTI rights in the city and beyond. I lovely reach back into the recent past.
    Written November 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LLD2215
    Atlanta, GA85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of my favorite things. You need a reservation. Beautifully displayed. Super interesting. Be on time as it is a lot to see.
    Written July 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • leah t
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cool stuff, kids loved it, especially the mind warping tunnel. Leti super helpful and welcoming. Loved it!!!!!!!!
    Written July 20, 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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