Free Museums in San Francisco: 16 Places with No Admission Fees

San Francisco is famous for its big-name attractions, but several fascinating experiences are completely free if you know where to look. Our free museums might be smaller in size, but they are packed with history, art, and stories that capture the spirit of our colorful city.

Some of the most visited include the Cable Car Museum, where you can watch the massive wheels pulling the cars through the streets; the Fire Department Museum, filled with antique engines and firefighting history; and the charming Octagon House, one of the city's most unusual historic homes.

As a local, I've personally visited every museum on this list and many more than once. I love the variety they offer, from miche collections and hidden gems to exhibits that give you a deeper look into San Francisco's past and its creative energy. 

I also keep this list updated, so you can count on the latest information for your visit.

A couple of longtime favorites - the Wells Fargo Museum and the Pier 24 Photography Museum, which sadly closed in early 2025, are no longer listed here. But, the 17 museums that remain (including a couple of new ones), welcome you to explore, learn, and be inspired, all without spending a dime!

1. Cable Car Museum

Living just a few blocks away, I find myself stepping into the Cable Car Museum a few times a year, and it never gets old.

This is one of San Francisco's top free museums, offering a fascinating look into the history of the iconic cable cars, including many lines that once crisscrossed the city.

One of my favorite things here is watching the massive wheels spin inside the powerhouse. These very wheels pull the cables that keep the cars running up and down our steep streets.

Don’t miss the short 10-minute movie. They pack in so many fun facts and bits of history that even I learn something new every time I watch it.

Before you leave, check out the small gift shop for some cool, locally themed items. Just remember, it’s cash only.

You’ll find the Cable Car Museum in the Nob Hill district at 1201 Mason Street, and it's a must for anyone who wants to understand how these moving pieces of history still operate today. 

Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour here.

Find out more about what it's like to visit.

2. Fire Department Museum

In the quiet, elegant neighborhood of Pacific Heights sits one of San Francisco’s hidden gems, the Fire Department Museum. It’s small, but it’s packed with fascinating displays that bring the city’s firefighting history to life.

One of my favorite exhibits here is about the 1906 earthquake and fire. In a glass display case, you can see documents from the time, along with artifacts that were actually burned in the disaster. It’s both sobering and captivating, offering a tangible connection to one of the most pivotal events in the city’s history.

You’ll also find a display dedicated to Lillie Hitchcock Coit, the city’s most famous firefighting patron. She donated the funds that would ultimately go toward building Coit Tower, one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks.

Beyond the stories and artifacts, the museum has some incredible pieces of equipment, including one of the first three engines ever in service in the city. You can even climb into a more modern engine and give its bell a ring, which is always a hit with kids (and plenty of adults, too).

It’s a charming stop that’s perfect for families or anyone curious about how San Francisco has fought fires for over 150 years, and like all the museums on this list, admission is completely free.

Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes here. It's located at 655 Presidio Avenue. 

3. Museum of San Francisco

The newest addition to San Francisco’s lineup of free museums is the Museum of San Francisco, created by the San Francisco Historical Society. This hidden gem offers a fascinating look at some of the most pivotal moments in the city’s history.

The main gallery features small but engaging exhibits on the Gold Rush, the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, the Panama-Pacific Exposition, and the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island. One standout piece is an original stagecoach from the now-closed Wells Fargo Museum, alongside vintage concert posters from the Fillmore Auditorium dating back to 1966–1968.

One of my favorite parts is the Urban Renewal exhibit, tucked into two side rooms off the main gallery. It explores the city’s redevelopment projects and their impact on local communities.

A short video clip plays continuously in one of these rooms, featuring an interview with James Baldwin after his visit to San Francisco, where he spoke candidly about the struggles of Black residents during that era. It’s powerful, thought-provoking, and well worth the watch.

The museum is housed inside the historic site of the first U.S. Branch Mint, which later served as the Pacific Heritage Museum. You’ll find it in the Financial District at 608 Commercial Street, just steps from Portsmouth Square.

Plan to spend about an hour here.

4. San Francisco Maritime Museum

The San Francisco Maritime Museum may be small, but it’s packed with charm and history. It’s housed in a striking Works Progress Administration building, originally designed in the 1930s as the bathhouse for Aquatic Park.

The architecture and the murals around this building make it a fascinating place to visit. The exhibits make it even more special.

The main gallery features fascinating stories and artifacts from ships connected to San Francisco’s maritime past. One of my favorite displays is a detailed map showing the locations of ships buried beneath Yerba Buena Cove, a hidden layer of history right under the city’s streets.

Make sure to also spend time checking out the murals in the main gallery, as you will learn more about the artist behind them in a few minutes.

When you’ve finished exploring the main gallery, step outside through the doors leading to the waterfront. The building’s back wall is covered in stunning mosaics depicting life on the sea, and they’re even more beautiful up close.

From there, head to the small side room on the left, where you’ll find a short video and display about the artist who painted the murals and how he thinks about color. Don’t forget to look up. The color wheel on the ceiling is a wonderful detail that most people miss.

Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes here. It's located in Fisherman's Wharf at 900 Beach Street, across from Ghirardelli Square.

5. San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park Visitor Center

On the ground floor of the historic Cannery building, right next to the Argonaut Hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center. This free museum is packed with interactive exhibits that bring the history of the waterfront to life.

You'll learn all about what life was like in San Francisco's six working waterfront neighborhoods, including Fisherman's Wharf.

I especially love the large map that pinpoints shipwrecks along San Francisco’s shoreline, as well as the display on ships built at Hunters Point. The exhibit about the restoration of the Cannery itself, now home to this museum, is equally fascinating.

One of my favorite features here is the lighthouse lens from a local beacon. It’s set up so you can get close enough to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that kept sailors safe.

Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour exploring. You’ll find it at 499 Jefferson Street.

6. San Francisco Railway Museum

Tucked along the F streetcar line at the Steuart Street stop, the San Francisco Railway Museum is one of the city’s most charming and often-overlooked free museums.

Inside, you’ll find a fascinating look at San Francisco’s historic streetcars and cable cars, complete with a detailed timeline of both transit systems.

One of my favorite parts is stepping inside a model streetcar cab, the driver’s area, where you can spin the handles that control the speed and brakes, just like the real operators do.

The exhibits include photos and stories about the many types of transit vehicles that have run in San Francisco over the years, from long-retired streetcars to the beautifully restored ones still in service today.

There’s even a side-by-side display comparing cable cars and streetcars, so you can see exactly how they work, how they’re similar, and what makes each one unique.

It’s small but packed with information, and a fun stop for both transit buffs and anyone curious about how the city keeps its vintage fleet rolling.

Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour here. You’ll find it at 77 Steuart Street, just steps from the Ferry Building.

>> Find out more about SF's streetcars and when you can visit this attraction

>> Find more free Bay Area museums

7. Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye

The Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye is one of Fisherman’s Wharf’s most unique and most overlooked attractions. Tucked into the ground floor of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it’s the only free, public museum in the world dedicated entirely to the science of sight.

Inside, you’ll find an intriguing mix of hands-on and high-tech exhibits. Step up to a giant interactive eyeball, explore ancient artifacts related to vision and eye care, and learn from modern educational displays.

There’s even a virtual reality experience that lets you see the world through a whole new lens - literally.

It’s a small museum, but packed with fascinating details that will have you looking at the world a little differently by the time you leave.

Plan to spend about 30–45 minutes here. You’ll find it along Beach Street, just steps from the Powell-Hyde cable car turnaround.

8. World War II Pacific War Memorial Hall

In the heart of Chinatown, the World War II Pacific War Memorial Hall offers a detailed and moving look at China’s role in the Second World War.

This two-story museum goes far beyond the basics, providing a comprehensive timeline of China’s involvement, the contributions of Chinese Americans in San Francisco, and the story of the legendary Flying Tigers fighter squadron.

The exhibits feature wartime memorabilia, including a bomber jacket, a pilot chute, and original documents from the era. There’s also a thoughtful display highlighting the friendship between the United States and China during the war.

I was pleasantly surprised by how impressive and well-organized this museum is. It’s larger and more detailed than I expected, and the layout makes it easy to take in a lot of history without feeling overwhelmed.

Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring. You’ll find it at 809 Sacramento Street, just steps from some of Chinatown’s most popular spots.

9. Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA SF)

The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco recently moved into a bright, inviting new space in downtown San Francisco, with two floors of rotating exhibits. Shows change about every six months, making it the kind of place you can revisit regularly and always find something new.

On my last visit, the galleries were filled with two colorful, thought-provoking exhibits from up-and-coming artists, proof that this space is committed to showcasing fresh voices in contemporary art.

One of my favorite features here is The Vault. Originally part of a Bank of America branch, it still has its massive circular vault door, which now opens into two rooms filled with the original safety deposit boxes.

Today, The Vault is used as an intimate art space, with works installed directly among the historic fixtures. You’ll find it near the lower-level exhibit. Just follow the signs.

The museum typically has two main exhibits at a time, so plan to spend about 30 minutes exploring. It’s located at the corner of California and Kearny Streets, making it an easy stop while you’re exploring downtown.

10. Randall Museum

If you’re visiting San Francisco with kids, the Randall Museum is a must. This free museum of Science, Nature, and the Arts is designed with young explorers in mind, offering a mix of hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and plenty of space to learn through play.

The museum tells the story of San Francisco’s local wildlife and natural history, with engaging exhibits for all ages.

The Toddler Treehouse is a big hit with younger visitors, giving them a safe place to climb, explore, and discover. Another favorite is Riding the Rails, which introduces kids to the history and mechanics of railroads in a fun, accessible way.

One of my personal highlights is the Live Animal Exhibit, home to rescued animals native to San Francisco, the Bay Area, and California. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids (and adults!) to see these creatures up close while learning about their habitats and conservation.

The Randall Museum also offers camps, classes, and programs year-round, making it a vibrant community hub as well as a family destination. You’ll find it at 199 Museum Way in Corona Heights, just above the Castro.

>> Visit their site to learn more about the Randall Museum

11. Musée Mécanique

One of my absolute favorites on this list is the Musée Mécanique, an antique arcade and interactive museum that’s as quirky as it is fun. You could spend hours here wandering among its collection of vintage coin-operated games, mechanical music machines, and unusual curiosities.

Admission is free, but you’ll need a few quarters if you want to play. Even if you don’t, it’s still fascinating to stroll through and watch others bring the machines to life.

A visitor favorite is Laffing Sal, a towering mechanical figure whose cackling laugh is unforgettable. For locals who grew up in the Bay Area, it’s pure nostalgia, although I still can’t decide if her laugh is funny or a little creepy.

I also love the Wurlitzer organ, which fills the room with old-fashioned music while colorful lights dance along to each tune. I could listen to it for hours.

This gem in Fisherman’s Wharf is a treat for "kids" of all ages. Plan to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours here, depending on how many games you want to play. You’ll find it on Pier 45, right next to the USS Pampanito.

>> Find out more about visiting the Musée Mécanique

12. Octagon House

The McElroy Octagon House is a rare architectural gem—built in 1861 and one of only two octagon-shaped homes still standing in San Francisco. Painted in crisp blue and white, it’s a striking sight in the Marina District.

This unique home was saved from demolition in 1951 by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in California. After purchasing it, they restored the building and began offering public tours.

Inside, the museum focuses not on the shape of the house, but on decorative arts and furniture from the American Colonial and Federal periods.

The collection includes portraits, ceramics, pewter, and needlework samplers, along with historical documents tied to the founding of the United States. The elegant Victorian setting of the house offers an intriguing contrast to these pieces from an earlier century.

Today, you can still step inside for free (though a small donation is appreciated). Please note that photography and video are not allowed inside.

It’s a quick stop, usually about 30 to 45 minutes, but a memorable one, especially if you’ve never set foot inside an octagon house before. You’ll find it at 2645 Gough Street in the Marina District.

13. Presidio Officers Club

The Presidio Officers’ Club is a free museum that tells the story of the Presidio from its earliest days to the present. Exhibits trace its history from the time when the Ohlone people called this area home, through its years as a Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. military post, and into its current role as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Inside, you’ll find artifacts, images, and personal stories that explore themes of community, service, and the natural environment. Rotating special exhibits dive even deeper into different chapters of the Presidio’s past.

While you’re here, step outside to see one of Andy Goldsworthy’s site-specific art pieces, integrated right into the historic wall surrounding the museum.

It’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in both military history and San Francisco’s layered past.

You’ll find it in the Presidio at 50 Moraga Avenue, open Friday through Sunday.

14. City Hall

I absolutely love the small museum tucked inside San Francisco City Hall. While it only has about 10 exhibits, it’s well worth a stop, especially if you’re already in the area.

The highlight for me is the preserved head of the 25-foot statue that once stood atop the old City Hall. That version of the building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire, and while the head survived, no one knows what happened to the rest of the statue. Standing in front of it, it’s fascinating to imagine how impressive the full sculpture must have been.

The museum also features two scale models I always enjoy: one showing the intricate interior of City Hall, and another of a Golden Gate Bridge tower.

Visiting also gives you the perfect excuse to explore the rest of this historic building. Take time to admire the grand marble steps, the ornate detailing inside the dome, and the beautiful architectural elements throughout the halls.

Plan to spend about 15 to 20 minutes in the museum, and another 15 to 20 minutes wandering the building itself. You’ll find City Hall in the Civic Center District.

15. Star Wars - Lucasfilm's Lobby Mini-Museum

If you’re a Star Wars fan, the Lucasfilm Mini Museum in the Presidio is a must-see hidden gem.

Your visit begins outside with the famous Yoda Fountain, a favorite photo spot for fans from around the world. From there, you can step into the lobby to see a small but exciting collection of memorabilia, awards, and behind-the-scenes photos from the Star Wars universe.

While video isn’t allowed inside, photography is welcome, so you can capture a few shots of the treasures on display.

It’s a quick stop, with just a handful of items showcased in the lobby, but for true Star Wars enthusiasts, it’s a fun and unexpected find in the middle of San Francisco.

You’ll find it in the Presidio at 1 Letterman Drive, Building B.

16. The International Art Museum of America

The International Art Museum of America is one of the more eclectic free museums in San Francisco. I’ve visited three or four times, and while its focus can be hard to pin down, it’s clearly committed to showcasing world-class art.

The galleries feature a mix of European, American, and Asian works displayed side by side. Artists represented include Rosa Bonheur, one of the most celebrated animal painters of the 19th century; Évariste Carpentier, whose style evolved from academic art to impressionism; and contemporary Chinese-American artist Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang.

A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to the work of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, a Chinese-American artist and Buddhist religious leader with many wealthy followers in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

IAMA features 16 creative styles of paintings by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, works the museum describes as unique, exquisite, and unprecedented, alongside representative pieces from every artistic subject category and period of his career.

The result is… unusual, to say the least. But it’s free, it’s been open for over a decade, and it offers an art experience unlike anything else in the city.

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