All free museums and attractions to visit in San Francisco

San Francisco (California) has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 22 museums and attractions in San Francisco can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in San Francisco? These are the best places to visit:

  1. Alcatraz Island1

    Alcatraz Island

     San Francisco, CA
    Alcatraz Island, a significant landmark in the United States, is situated in the San Francisco Bay. This location offers a unique perspective of the city's skyline and the surrounding bay area. It's a great spot for photography and sightseeing.
  2. Musée Mécanique2

    Musée Mécanique

     San Francisco, CA
  3. Cable Car Museum3

    Cable Car Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Cable Car Museum is located in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This museum is free to enter, making it an accessible option for tourists of all budgets. It offers a unique insight into the history and workings of the city's iconic cable car system.
  4. Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum4

    Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    Good Vibrations is a corporation based in San Francisco that specializes in the sale of sex toys and other erotic products. The company was established in 1977 by Joani Blank, a sex therapist and educator. It was the first sex-positive and women-friendly store in the United States, aiming to provide a sex-positive and woman-centered alternative to the adult bookstores of the time.
  5. Presidio of San Francisco5

    Presidio of San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    The Presidio of San Francisco, often simply referred to as The Presidio, is a park situated at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area while also being in close proximity to the bustling city of San Francisco, California.
  6. Fort Point National Historic Site6

    Fort Point National Historic Site

     San Francisco, CA
    Fort Point National Historic Site is a historic fortification located at the tip of the peninsula at the 'Golden Gate', the entrance to the Bay of San Francisco. This strategic location has made it a significant part of the city's history and a fascinating destination for visitors interested in military history and architecture.
  7. International Art Museum of America7

    International Art Museum of America

     San Francisco, CA
    The International Art Museum of America (IAMA), previously known as the Superb Art Museum of America, is situated at 1023 Market Street, nestled between 6th and 7th Streets in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This location is easily accessible and is in a vibrant area of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring San Francisco.
  8. Wells Fargo History Museum8

    Wells Fargo History Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    Built on the site of former Wells Fargo Bank, this museum features various exhibits on the history of banking. The exhibition is both interesting and educational - drive a stagecoach or see how vintage bank machines worked.
  9. Southern Exposure9

    Southern Exposure

     San Francisco, CA
    Southern Exposure, also known as SoEx, is a non-profit arts organization and alternative art space that was established in 1974. It is located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. This organization is dedicated to supporting emerging artists and fostering a vibrant art community.
  10. Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco10

    Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (CCC) is a community-based, non-profit organization that was established in 1965. It is located in the Hilton San Francisco Financial District, specifically at 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, California. The center serves as a hub for Chinese culture and heritage, offering a variety of programs and activities to the public.
  11. Octagon House11

    Octagon House

     San Francisco, CA
    The McElroy Octagon House, also known as the Colonial Dames Octagon House, is a historic octagonal house situated at 2645 Gough Street at Union Street in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This unique architectural structure is a part of the city's rich history and offers a glimpse into the past.
  12. San Francisco Railway Museum12

    San Francisco Railway Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Railway Museum is situated in the South of Market area of San Francisco. This location is easily accessible and is in close proximity to other popular tourist destinations in the city. The museum's location makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  13. California Society of Pioneers Museum and Library13

    California Society of Pioneers Museum and Library

     San Francisco, CA
    The Society of California Pioneers is a historical organization that was established in 1850. It is dedicated to the study and enjoyment of California's art, history, and culture. The society was founded by individuals who arrived in California before 1850 and has been thriving under the leadership of their direct descendants. It serves its members, the academic community, and the public.
  14. Pacific Heritage Museum14

    Pacific Heritage Museum

     San Francisco, CA
  15. CCA Wattis Institute For Contemporary Arts15

    CCA Wattis Institute For Contemporary Arts

     San Francisco, CA
    The Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, established in 1998, is a renowned contemporary art center located in San Francisco, California. It is an integral part of the California College of the Arts, contributing to the vibrant arts scene of the city.
  16. Randall Museum16

    Randall Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Randall Museum, located in central San Francisco, California, is a unique institution owned and operated by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, with the support of the Randall Friends. This museum offers a diverse range of exhibits and activities, making it an interesting destination for tourists of all ages.
  17. 17

    Pier 24

     San Francisco, CA
  18. 18

    Farallones Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center

     San Francisco, CA
  19. 19

    Museum of Russian Culture

     San Francisco, CA
  20. 20

    Museum of the Eye

     San Francisco, CA
  21. 21

    Treasure Island Museum

     San Francisco, CA
  22. 22

    San Francisco Fire Department Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    This small museum presents the history of San Francisco firefighters through various memorabilia including vintage fire engines.