Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
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10 Specialty Museums in Fisherman’s Wharf 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.
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1. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 682 reviews
Visitors can take a workshop on boatbuilding, board a vessel docked at the Hyde Street Pier or tour the fine collections of maritime lore.
Reviewed By PepperNewJersey - California, United States
We just visited the Visitor Center which provided us great exhibits an hands-on activities bout the Gold Rush, shipwrecks and sea communications. Great artifacts and interesting history!
2. SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Historic World War II ship docked at Pier 45. One of two remaining Liberty Class of ships, the Jeremiah made 11 trips from London to Normandy for the D day invasion to supply the war effort and carry troops.
Reviewed By RHS1946 - Monroe, United States
On a recent trip to San Francisco with family, we visited the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a restored and functional WWII Liberty ship. My interest was the fact that it had seen duty on Omaha Beach on D-Day and my father had been there on a US Navy LST landing troops and equipment. It had seen duty in the South Pacific too and had even delivered "war brides" to the USA after the war was over. Hard working people managed to save this Liberty Ship, the only one of it's class still a working vessel. It was sailed to Normandy for the 50th Remembrance of D-Day. Walking up the rope had rail of the steps to the ship would not be easy for anyone who is walking challenged. Almost the entire ship can be explored - from the gun placements above deck to the engine room way below deck. We saw the Captain's quarters and where the ordinary seamen slept, the galley, the infirmary, the map room and many other places. It was fascinating. There is a museum aboard complete with a very large diorama of the sea, the entire beach head and the land where the invasion took place. A small gift shop had several interesting items including books, some posters, patches, hats. This was on New Year's Eve and as we left the staff was setting up for a large event. What a setting to watch the fireworks to be set off at midnight while the band played!
3. USS Pampanito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 763 reviews
World War II submarine docked at Pier 45.
Reviewed By GilB867 - Memphis, United States
The USS Pampanito, built in 1943 is now a National Historic Landmark and actually part of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association located not at the Maritime National Park but at Fisherman's Wharf or pier. This sub completed six war time patrols between 1944 and 1945. If you are the least bit of a history, navy, or ship enthusiasts this is a must see while in San Francisco, and it is conveniently located in the Fisherman's Wharf area on the bay. Ticket prices are a little steep but well worth the first hand look you will get inside an actually WWII submarine. You can tour the entire ship, stand in every compartment, at your own pace using a audio cassette.
4. Musee Mecanique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,871 reviews
This superb collection of mechanical games and toys will entice people of all ages.
Reviewed By JameAndDare - Woodstock, Canada
After having happy hour drinks at the restaurant across the street from this museum, we wandered in and ended up spending over an hour in here! Its free to get in and open until 8pm on weekends, although I'm pretty sure we were here til about 8:30. This place is amazing with a wide range of old arcade games from cheesy old games that show some sort of scenario, to strength games, ski ball, common video games, love tests and our favorite; The Gypsy Queen fortunteller! Bring AT LEAST a roll of quarters, if not more. They go quickly and it was so much fun. We felt like little kids again!
5. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
I made a return visit to the very good museum on San Francisco Maritime History. There are exhibits and movies to see. Admission charge is free. The museum also covered other things like California national parks, the gold rush, and also family history.
6. Cartoon Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 87 reviews
Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone — from comic strips, comic books and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comix. Visitors of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation at classes and workshops, research deeply into our collection and library, and mingle with professional and aspiring cartoonists. The Museum's mission is to ignite imaginations and foster the next generation of visual storytellers by celebrating the history of cartoon art, its role in society, and its universal appeal. Located at 781 Beach Street (just one block from Aquatic Park, the Maritime Museum, Ghirardelli Square, and the Hyde Street cable car turnaround), the first floor gallery and lobby offer a beautiful historic façade, prominent street presence, convenient parking, and easy access to and from public transportation. Visit our website for a list of current exhibitions.
Reviewed By RetireandTravel - New Smyrna Beach, United States
Lovers of the Marvel comics or movies along with lovers of 1960 and 70s cartoons like Scooby-Doo will love this place. The permanent collection features more than 7,000 pieces, including original animation cells, comic book pages, anime, and more. The museum is small but has some gems inside. It is also a great place to take the kids if you are traveling as a family. Some of the exhibits change, so check their website to see what is currently on display.
7. San Francisco Maritime Museum/Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 104 reviews
Find everything seaworthy - ship models, ship relics, scrimshaw, whaling gear and figureheads - in this free maritime museum.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We enjoyed seeing the maritime museum and its assortment of exhibits. We very much enjoyed our visit while visiting San Francisco.
8. Madame Tussauds
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 549 reviews
Welcome to Madame Tussauds San Francisco! Be immersed in our interactive wax attraction, experiencing Hollywood icons, rock royalty, and world leaders, to name a few. Walk through SF history in the Spirit of San Francisco and meet top musicians of yesterday and today!
9. The San Francisco Dungeon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 649 reviews
The San Francisco Dungeon is NOT your usual visitor attraction! We're an exciting mix of 9 live actor shows, 200 years of history, 360° sets, 1 dark boat ride and authentic storytelling. Being scared has never been more fun. Our unique take on history has made us one of Europe's best-loved visitor attractions. But now, for the first time, we have arrived in the USA! San Francisco is the perfect venue; filled with history, intrigue and colorful characters.
Reviewed By 252katiej
My 15 year-old son and I had a blast on this tour. It was equal parts creepy and funny. We learned some history and had a great time. The tour included a trip through the wax museum. My son wanted to do it again the next day.
10. Ripley s Believe It or Not! San Francisco
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 257 reviews
With over 70 interactive and hands-on exhibits, San Francisco's Believe It or Not! Odditorium is the most interactive in the world! It is home to more than 400 exhibits, , in 18 themed galleries, with a new emphasis on the Bay Area.
Reviewed By Freq_Traveler_01_13 - Pittsburgh, United States
I'd never been to one of Ripley's Odditoriums before, but it was well worth the price of admission. Tons of interesting things and replicas of them from around the world, and neat stories to go with them. I got a photo of myself with a replica of Jeremy Bentham's auto-icon and had to show some friends who were excited about it! The matchstick work with cable cars, bridges, and a space shuttle are among the most intricate pieces of Americana folk art I've ever seen, and can't fathom the patience required for them. The mirror maze, as well, was amazingly fun! Though one tip for prospective visitors: go early. I went at 11am, and had almost two hours before I saw another guest, and then it filled up quickly.
