Top Rated Attractions in San Francisco

Developed by physicist Frank Oppenheimer and opened in 1969, this innovative and interactive museum is dedicated to art, science and human perception. Relocated from the Palace of Fine Arts to Piers 15 and 17, the modern space features plenty of new green technologies including the largest solar panel roof in San Francisco and offers over 600 hands-on exhibits. These hands-on displays unveil the mysteries of science and language, and present these theories simply and succinctly. Webinars, special events and seminars occur throughout the year. This San Francisco gem is a must visit.

Located in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is one of the greenest buildings in the city and has a platinum certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The museum features the renovated and expanded Steinhart Aquarium, complete with a hands-on tide pool and the well-known alligator swamp. Other exciting features are the Morrison Planetarium, the four-storey rainforest dome, and the Tusher African Hall. In addition to these educational gems, the museum features other natural history exhibits as well as exhibits about global warming. The Academy Café offers international cuisine, while the elegant Moss Room restaurant is the only dining option available in the park past museum closing time.

This science center features a variety of educational attractions including one of the largest telescopes (36-inch reflector) open to the public in the United States. You can also look through its historic eight- and 20-inch telescopes and enjoy a sophisticated 250-seat planetarium, a 210-seat domed-screen theater, and a 150-seat amphitheater. The observatory also offers interactive science exhibits including a Challenger Learning Center with space flight simulation.

This is a hands-on science museum. Walk in past a full-scale fiberglass model of a fin whale and indulge in earthquake simulations, dice-rolling games of probability, a planetarium and hundreds of other exhibits for both kids and adults. The younger set will particularly appreciate the Wizard Lab. The view from here (day or night) is about the best you will get in the Bay Area.

A penny for your thoughts? In addition to a melange of penny structures, this quirky, offbeat museum has a variety of interesting gadgets and knick-knacks. A must-see is the toothpick amusement park, built by San Quentin inmates. Bring a handful of quarters to Musée Mécanique so you can play some of the antique games, including the miniature pinball machines. Visiting the museum is free of charge.

One of the main features of the Presidio of San Francisco, The Walt Disney Family Museum offers a comprehensive insight into the history of the Disney family as well as the Disney franchise. Exhibits mainly focus on Walt Disney's life, including Walt Disney sketches, such as early versions of Mickey Mouse, a model of the original Disneyland, and audio and video clips of some favorite Disney movies and cartoons. Geared towards adults and kids alike, this delightful museum offers an immersive trip down memory lane and is a fun and informative way of exploring the world of Disney!