Location: Downtown San Francisco
Top Things to do in Downtown San Francisco
10 Specialty Museums in Downtown San Francisco That You Shouldn't Miss
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. San Francisco Art Exchange
2. Children's Creativity Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
The Children's Creativity Museum is a hands-on multi-media art and technology experience for children ages 2-12 and their families. Exhibits encourage visitors to Imagine, Create and Share as they make their own stop-motion animation movie, take the Mystery Box Challenge, visit the Tech Lab to code robots, or experiment with instruments and sound in the Making Music exhibition. Our youngest visitors let their imagination run wild in the Imagination Lab.
Reviewed By PaulB476 - Minneapolis, United States
Great place for kids with a lot of fun things to do (especially on a rainy day when we were there). Staff were very nice and clearly enjoyed what they were doing. Pretty reasonable for a few hours of entertainment as well. Note: cheap (and good) food options just across the street at the Metreon food plaza.
3. American Bookbinders Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
The American Bookbinders Museum tells the story of the book and why it's important to all of us today. The ABM celebrates the history, tools and process of western bookbinding, and of the men, women, and children who made books. See how books were bound by hand until the 19th century; marvel at the first machines that automated bookbinding. “The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented is the book.” –Northrop Frye Currently we offer audio-tours and self-guided tours. The American Bookbinders Museum is the only bookbinding museum in North America.
Reviewed By RadioKaren - Poughkeepsie, United States
Wonderful display of presses, techniques, and beautifully bound books. Also a sweet little gift shop.
4. Comfort Women Statue - San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
5. Museum of the African Diaspora
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By 926grahamb - Raunds, United Kingdom
A small museum but packed with such interesting and diverse displays. Paintings, sculptures, exhibits and displays that make you think and consider. Lovely staff who were very helpful and well read.
6. San Francisco Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 113 reviews
The San Francisco Railway museum is the place to learn about the antique streetcars and national landmark cable cars that regularly run along the city's main arteries, and how rail transportation shaped development of the city. The museum is located at the Steuart Street F-line stop, half a block south of Market St., catty-corner from the Ferry Building, and only steps away from the California St. Cable Car terminal. Admission to the museum is free.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
I made a repeat visit to the San Francisco Railway Museum. Its a free museum, close to the Ferry Building area, which tells the story about San Francisco's street cars. There are exhibits and some movies to watch. There is also some store items. Staff is nice.
7. Contemporary Jewish Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 223 reviews
This museum houses fascinating and sometimes controversial exhibits on Jewish history and culture.
Reviewed By permia
Another Daniel Libeskind triumph and a great space for the contemporary themes of the temporary exhibitions. A number of interesting displays were underway at our visit and it was great to see the vibrant modernity of Jewish culture on public display.
8. Museum of Craft and Folk Art
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 7 reviews
A museum of craft, folk art, and ethnic art with exhibits rotating every ten weeks or so.
9. Telephone Pioneers Communication Museum
Learn about the lives of the telephone pioneers and even about the art of telephony at this free museum.
10. The Selfie Market
A curated, immersive music exhibit designed to create buzz-worthy moments to share with your fans and followers. 10 rooms with over 30+ art installations all inspired by the world of music from rock and hip-hop to dance and dub. Visit the Musiquarium and be transported on-stage, to the studio and on the dance floor.
