San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) — One of the country's major modern and contemporary art museums. Its extensive galleries feature painting, photography, sculpture, design, and multimedia art, making it an excellent choice for art lovers.

California Academy of Sciences — Much more than a traditional museum, the Academy combines a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and four-story indoor rainforest under one roof in Golden Gate Park.

de Young Museum — Located in Golden Gate Park, the de Young features American art, international textiles and costumes, African art, Oceanic art, and art from the Americas. Don't miss the observation tower for impressive views of San Francisco. 

Exploratorium — A hands-on museum at Pier 15 where visitors can experiment with hundreds of interactive exhibits covering science, art, technology, and human perception. It's especially good for families and anyone who prefers interactive experiences.

Asian Art Museum — Located across from City Hall, this museum explores thousands of years of Asian art and culture through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, armor, and other objects from across Asia.

Legion of Honor — A beautiful neoclassical museum overlooking Lincoln Park featuring more than 4,000 years of ancient and European art. An added attraction is its enormous Skinner pipe organ, with public concerts typically presented on weekends.

The Walt Disney Family Museum — Located in the Presidio, this museum tells the story of Walt Disney's life, career, animation, and creation of Disneyland. Original drawings, films, interactive exhibits, listening stations, and an impressive model of Disneyland make this a fascinating stop even for adults. 

Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) — A contemporary art museum dedicated to celebrating Black cultures and exploring the global African Diaspora through art, photography, exhibitions, films, music, and cultural programs.

Cable Car Museum — One of the most uniquely San Francisco museums. Visitors can learn how the city's historic cable cars operate and actually watch the enormous wheels and moving cables that power the system beneath the streets. Admission is free.

GLBT Historical Society Museum — An especially important stop for understanding San Francisco's culture. The museum preserves and presents LGBTQ+ history and helps visitors understand the Castro's role in LGBTQ+ activism, community, and civil rights. It provides valuable historical context beyond San Francisco's traditional tourist attractions.