All history museums and attractions to visit in San Francisco

San Francisco (California) is a good place to visit if you are interested in history. Below we list all 30 history museums in San Francisco, to lose yourself in the place's cultural heritage and local history.

Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in San Francisco? These are the ones:

  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. Grace Cathedral2

    Grace Cathedral

     San Francisco, CA
  3. USS Pampanito3

    USS Pampanito

     San Francisco, CA
    The USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a historic submarine that played a significant role in the Pacific War during World War II. It is now a museum ship located at Fisherman’s Wharf in the port of San Francisco. Visitors can explore this Balao class submarine and learn about its history and the role it played during the war.
  4. SS Jeremiah O'brien4

    SS Jeremiah O'brien

     San Francisco, CA
    The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is typically docked at Pier 45 in the Port of San Francisco, California, where it is open for public viewing. It holds the distinction of being one of the few remaining ships that participated in Operation Overlord on D-Day during World War II. This makes it a unique and tangible piece of history that visitors can explore and learn from.
  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. The Contemporary Jewish Museum6

    The Contemporary Jewish Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) is situated in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This non-collecting museum is located at 736 Mission Street at Yerba Buena Lane. It is a unique institution that does not maintain a permanent collection, but instead curates and hosts a broad array of exhibitions each year in collaboration with other institutions.
  7. Maritime Museum - Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building7

    Maritime Museum - Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, located in San Francisco, California, is a comprehensive destination for maritime history enthusiasts. The park features a collection of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility. These facilities provide a deep dive into the maritime history of the region and offer a unique experience for visitors.
  8. Asian Art Museum8

    Asian Art Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is home to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Asian art. It boasts over 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some of which date back as far as 6,000 years. This extensive collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of Asia through its art.
  9. Fort Point National Historic Site9

    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.
  10. Chinese Historical Society of America10

    Chinese Historical Society of America

     San Francisco, CA
    The Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) is a significant institution located in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco, California. It holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest archive and history center that documents the Chinese American experience in the United States. This makes it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the rich history and contributions of Chinese Americans.
  11. San Francisco Main Library11

    San Francisco Main Library

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Public Library is a comprehensive public library system that caters to the city of San Francisco. The Main Library, which is the heart of this system, is strategically located in the administrative area of San Francisco, specifically on Larkin Street, at the corner of Grove Street. This location makes it easily accessible to both residents and tourists alike.
  12. Haas-lilienthal House12

    Haas-lilienthal House

     San Francisco, CA
    The Haas–Lilienthal House is a historic building situated at 2007 Franklin Street in San Francisco, California, United States. It is located within the Pacific Heights neighborhood, a region known for its panoramic views of the Bay Area and its historic mansions.
  13. Wells Fargo History Museum13

    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.
  14. Balclutha14

    Balclutha

     San Francisco, CA
    The Balclutha is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is currently preserved at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, California. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on 7 November 1976. This ship is a testament to the rich maritime history of the region and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  15. Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco15

    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.
  16. Glbt History Museum16

    Glbt History Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The GLBT History Museum in San Francisco is a significant institution dedicated to the history and culture of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. It was the second museum of its kind, following the Gay Museum in Berlin. The museum is an initiative of the GLBT Historical Society, a group committed to preserving and promoting the history of the GLBT community.
  17. Haas–Lilienthal House17

    Haas–Lilienthal House

     San Francisco, CA
    The Haas–Lilienthal House is a historic building situated at 2007 Franklin Street in San Francisco, California, United States. It is located within the Pacific Heights neighborhood, a region known for its panoramic views of the Bay Area and its historic mansions.
  18. Octagon House18

    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.
  19. The Beat Museum19

    The Beat Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Beat Museum, situated in San Francisco, California, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the memory and works of the Beat Generation. This group of post-WWII artists, known for challenging the social norms of the 1950s and encouraging experimentation with drugs and sexuality, has left a significant mark on the cultural landscape. The museum houses thousands of pieces of memorabilia, photographs, and books from the era, providing a comprehensive insight into the lives and works of these influential figures.
  20. San Francisco Railway Museum20

    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.
  21. San Francisco Armory21

    San Francisco Armory

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Armory, also known as the San Francisco National Guard Armory and Arsenal or simply The Armory, is a historic building located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. This iconic structure has a rich history and has served various purposes over the years. It was constructed as an armory and arsenal for the United States National Guard in 1912–1914 and designed with a castle-like appearance in a Moorish Revival style.
  22. California Society of Pioneers Museum and Library22

    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.
  23. Pacific Heritage Museum23

    Pacific Heritage Museum

     San Francisco, CA
  24. Nike Missile Site SF-8824

    Nike Missile Site SF-88

     San Francisco, CA
    SF-88, located in the Marin Headlands north of San Francisco, California, is a former Nike Missile launch site at Fort Barry. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, specifically the Cold War era. It was initially opened in 1954 with the purpose of protecting the population and military installations of the San Francisco Bay Area from potential Soviet bomber aircraft attacks.
  25. 25

    Tenderloin Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    As the name suggests, this museum will guide you through the history of San Francisco's neighborhood connected mainly to prohibition, immigrants, and LGBT - Tenderloin. You can also join various walking tours through the district.
  26. 26

    The Mexican Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Mexican Museum, located in San Francisco, California, was established to showcase the aesthetic expression of the Latino, Chicano, Mexican, and Mexican-American communities. This institution serves as a platform for these cultures to display their artistic contributions and heritage, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.
  27. 27

    National Japanese American Historical Society

     San Francisco, CA
  28. 28

    Museum of Russian Culture

     San Francisco, CA
  29. 29

    Treasure Island Museum

     San Francisco, CA
  30. 30

    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.