San Francisco Museum Tickets — SFMOMA, Academy of Sciences & Exploratorium
San Francisco's museums run timed entry; the choice spans the California Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium for families, SFMOMA and the Legion of Honor for art, and the Aquarium of the Bay at the wharf.
Available
11 options
Avg. rating
4.7 - 11,399 reviews
From
$25 USD
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
Museums & Science Centers: what to know before booking
San Francisco's museums run timed entry; the choice spans the California Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium for families, SFMOMA and the Legion of Honor for art, and the Aquarium of the Bay at the wharf.
- Availability
- 11 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $25 USD before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.7 stars across 11,399 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Across the city — Golden Gate Park (Academy, de Young, Legion of Honor area), SoMa (SFMOMA), and the Embarcadero (Exploratorium)
- Best time
- Weekday mornings, or evening adults-only sessions for the science museums
- Ticket note
- Mostly timed entry valid for the selected date; check each listing for the entry window
Museums & Science Centers in San Francisco
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Everything you should know before you book
San Francisco's museums cover a wide spread: the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park combines an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest under one living roof; the Exploratorium is the city's hands-on science playground on the waterfront; and SFMOMA holds one of the country's best modern-art collections. The Legion of Honor and de Young round out the art side.
Book timed entry in advance for the Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium — both are family favourites that hit capacity on weekends and school holidays. Adults-only evening tickets (Academy NightLife, Exploratorium After Dark) are a quieter, 21-plus alternative if you'd rather skip the daytime crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Which San Francisco museum is best for families?
The California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium are the top family picks — both are hands-on and combine aquarium, planetarium, and science exhibits.
Is timed entry required?
Most San Francisco museums use timed entry, so booking ahead secures your slot and skips the box-office line, especially at weekends.
Are there adults-only museum nights?
Yes — the Academy of Sciences NightLife and Exploratorium After Dark are 21-plus evening sessions with a quieter, more social atmosphere.