Discover Free Museums and Museum Days in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts an impressive collection of excellent museums, many of which can be visited for free if you know when to go. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the city’s cultural landscape:

• Many museums offer a monthly “free day,” though be prepared for larger crowds.
• Arrive early, as capacity limits may affect admission.
• Inquire about group visits ahead of time, as some museums limit access on free days.
• Check for discounts available for various groups including seniors, students, and teachers.

Here is our list of 15 phenomenal San Francisco museums and the most affordable times to visit them.

Asian Art Museum

Address

200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Phone +1 415-581-3500

Showcasing Asian art and culture for the masses, San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum provides a “bridge of understanding” between the Asian continent and the U.S. through a variety of artworks. The museum offers free general admission every first Sunday of the month, and is always complimentary for those ages 12 and under, SF Unified School District students (with ID), and active U.S. military (with up to five family members).

California Academy of Sciences

Address

55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Phone +1 415-379-8000

Both an exemplary model of sustainable architecture and one of the largest natural history museums globally, the California Academy of Sciences impresses visitors with features like a 2.5-acre living roof. The museum is home to a planetarium, a four-story rainforest canopy, and more. It’s free on the third Wednesday of each month, and for San Francisco residents of certain ZIP codes on select dates.

Cartoon Art Museum

Address

781 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Phone +1 415-227-8666

Reopened in its new Fisherman’s Wharf location, the Cartoon Art Museum houses approximately 7,000 works dedicated to comics and cartoons. The first Tuesday of every month is “Pay What You Wish Day,” allowing visitors to contribute as they can.

Chinese Historical Society of America

Address

965 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Phone +1 415-391-1188

Housed in a historic structure, the Chinese Historical Society of America explores the legacy of Chinese Americans through exhibitions and events. The museum is free each first Thursday of the month.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum

Address

736 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113, USA

Phone +1 415-655-7800

The Contemporary Jewish Museum opened its 63,000 square-foot facility in 2008 and features a rotating array of exhibits, performances, and workshops showcasing Jewish culture. It’s free each first Tuesday of the month and always for those ages 18 and under.

de Young Museum

Address

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Phone +1 415-750-3600

San Francisco’s de Young Museum features outstanding American art from the 17th to 21st centuries. Located in Golden Gate Park, it celebrates both historical and contemporary art. Admission is free on the first Tuesday of the month and for those ages 12 and under.

The Exploratorium

Address

Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

Phone +1 415-528-4444

The Exploratorium is an interactive museum that allows visitors to engage with science, art, and perception through creative projects. This innovative museum is free on select days throughout the year and always for public school teachers and children aged three and under.

Legion of Honor

Address

100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA

Phone +1 415-750-3600

The Legion of Honor features an exceptional collection of art spanning over 6,000 years, including works by renowned Impressionist painters. The museum is free for San Francisco residents on Saturdays, and always for those ages 17 and under.

Museum of the African Diaspora

Address

685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

Phone +1 415-358-7200

The Museum of the African Diaspora celebrates the influence of African migration on history and culture worldwide. This contemporary art museum offers free admission for active military personnel and those ages 12 and under.

Museum of Craft and Design

Address

2569 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA

Phone +1 415-773-0303

The Museum of Craft and Design showcases a unique array of modern works in craft and design. It features an ever-changing array of exhibitions and is free on the first Tuesday of each month and for those ages 12 and under.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Address

1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA

Phone +1 415-661-1316

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a 55-acre haven within Golden Gate Park, featuring diverse flora, including cloud forests and rare trees. Admission is always free for San Francisco residents and those ages 4 and under, while others enjoy free entry on select days.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Address

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Phone +1 415-357-4000

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) was the first museum on the West Coast focused exclusively on 20th-century art. It features iconic works by numerous celebrated artists and offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month, as well as for those ages 12 and under.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)

Address

701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Phone +1 415-978-2700

The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) offers an engaging lineup of contemporary performances and exhibits. This vibrant art center is free to visit on the first Tuesday of each month.

San Francisco Cable Car Museum

Address

1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Phone +1 415-474-1887

This museum dedicated to San Francisco’s iconic cable cars offers free admission. Visitors can discover the history and functionality of the city’s famous cable car system.

San Francisco Railway Museum

Address

77 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

Phone +1 415-974-1948

The San Francisco Railway Museum provides entry free of charge, where visitors can explore the history of rail transit in the city through artifacts and exhibits.