Looking for something artistic to explore?  Try the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park.  The museum showcases American art from the 17th century through the 21st century, as well as textiles, costumes, and contemporary art. Art from the Americas, the Pacific and Africa are also regularly exhibited.  There is also a museum café on site in case you get hungry and a souvenir shop for those that want to take a piece of the museum home with them!

The Yerba Buena Gardens also offers an artistic experience like no other.  Located in the Gardens proper is the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, a contemporary arts center in the North block, and Zeum, an award winning children's media and technology museum in the South block. An ice skating rink, a bowling alley, and a restored 1905 carousel originally located at Playland-at-the-Beach can also be found in the South block.  The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is located across the street, the temporary home of the California Academy of Sciences was less than a block away, and the Cartoon Art Museum is nearby as well. The new location of the Museum of Craft and Folk Art (MOCFA) is less than one block towards Market, as is the brand new Museum of the African Diaspora located in the St. Regis Museum tower.  If you are looking for a one-stop-destination for all things fun, you’ll make a trip to the Yerba Buena Gardens!

San Francisco is also home to great science museums like The Exploratorium.  The Exploratorium offers two levels of fun, with hundreds of exhibits to explore, plus workshops, film screenings, and local events involving art and science. Daily there’s a myriad of learning experiences to take on.  Categories of exhibits include astronomy and space, culture, Earth, the human body, living things, and the material world. Mind, seeing, and perception play major roles in all exhibits.

Do you need a place to take you little ones for the day ?  Try the Bay Area Discovery Center--a one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor children's museum at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge!  The Museum's unique programs feature hands-on art, science and environmental exhibitions, performances, special events, cultural festivals and ongoing educational curricula... all with a focus on fun! While you’re there, make sure to check out the Wave Workshop—your kids will love it!

Need something a little more “hands-on?”  Try The Tech Museum where you can enjoy hundreds of educational hands-on exhibits and an eight-story IMAX dome theater!  New galleries include: The Tech Virtual Test Zone, and The Tech Awards Gallery and popular galleries include: Genetics: Technology with a Twist; Exploration, Earthquake platform, Jet Pack Simulator and Life Tech.  Stop on by to experience the true sentiment of Silicon Valley!

Finally, step back in time and hop on board the USS Pampanito located at Pier 45 on the Fisherman’s Warf. Pampanito made six patrols in the Pacific during World War II during which she sank six Japanese ships and damaged four others. Operated by the Maritime Park Association, Pampanito hosts approximately 110,000 visitors a year and is one of the most popular historic vessels in the country. Visit the historic vessels at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and USS Pampanito submarine museum & memorial at Fisherman's Wharf and discover your connection to San Francisco's maritime heritage.

If you are looking for more museums to visit, make sure to click on the Play Category Icon to learn more.  There is an endless array of things to do and places to explore that are both educational and fun in the San Francisco area!