Last updated: 2025-04-22
San Francisco’s indoor attractions offer world-class cultural experiences that transform rainy days into extraordinary adventures. From interactive science exhibits to stunning art collections, the city’s museums provide engaging escapes that capture the innovative spirit of the Bay Area.
Whether exploring the immersive displays at the Exploratorium or wandering through the diverse galleries of the Asian Art Museum, visitors can dive deep into fascinating experiences that showcase San Francisco’s unique intellectual and creative landscape.
Discover SF’s coolest indoor adventures right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in San Francisco
- California Academy of Sciences
- Exploratorium
- Musée Mécanique
- de Young Museum
- Asian Art Museum
- Legion of Honor
- Urban Putt
- The Gregangelo Museum
Asian Art Museum
What to Expect
Extensive pan-Asian art collection with rare historical artifacts
Description
San Francisco's premier museum showcasing comprehensive Asian art collections spanning multiple cultures and historical periods. Features rare artifacts, rotating exhibitions, and cultural artifacts from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. Interactive displays and educational programs provide deep insights into Asian artistic traditions and historical contexts.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Asian Art Museum
California Academy of Sciences
What to Expect
Four-story spherical planetarium and indoor living rainforest ecosystem
Description
San Francisco's premier science museum featuring immersive, multi-level exhibits including a living rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium. Interactive displays showcase natural history, marine life, and scientific discoveries through cutting-edge technology and engaging environments for all ages.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: California Academy of Sciences
de Young Museum
What to Expect
Comprehensive art collections spanning multiple cultural perspectives
Description
The de Young Museum is a premier fine art museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, showcasing diverse art collections spanning American art, international contemporary works, textiles, and photography. Visitors explore rotating exhibitions featuring compelling visual narratives and significant artistic contributions from global artists.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: de Young Museum
Exploratorium
What to Expect
Interactive science museum with perception-focused exhibits
Description
Public learning laboratory showcasing interactive science and art exhibits that explore human perception through hands-on experiences. Features hundreds of immersive displays allowing visitors to experiment, touch, and engage with scientific concepts across multiple disciplines. Transforms complex ideas into accessible, playful learning opportunities.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Exploratorium
Legion of Honor
What to Expect
Breathtaking Beaux-Arts palace with panoramic Pacific Ocean views
Description
Fine arts museum housing an exceptional collection of European and American art in a stunning Beaux-Arts building overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Features rotating exhibitions, permanent collections spanning multiple centuries, and carefully curated displays of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from diverse artistic periods.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Legion of Honor
Musée Mécanique
What to Expect
Extensive vintage mechanical arcade machine collection
Description
Musée Mécanique houses one of the world's largest collections of vintage mechanical arcade machines and antique coin-operated entertainment devices. Visitors can play and interact with over 300 historic mechanical games and musical instruments, offering a nostalgic journey through mechanical entertainment history in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Musée Mécanique
The Gregangelo Museum
What to Expect
Artist-curated home museum with immersive, narrative-driven experiences
Description
An extraordinary immersive museum housed in the private home of artist Gregangelo Herrera, offering themed guided tours that transport visitors through imaginative, interactive experiences. Visitors explore meticulously crafted environments like the Riddle of the Sphinx Tour and Haunted Dollhouse, featuring intricate artistic installations created by local and international artists.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: The Gregangelo Museum
Urban Putt
What to Expect
San Jose-themed miniature golf course with creative obstacles
Description
Urban Putt offers an immersive 18-hole miniature golf experience in downtown San Jose, featuring creatively designed holes inspired by local landmarks. The venue combines interactive golf with a full-service restaurant and bar, providing a unique entertainment destination for groups, date nights, and team-building events.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Urban Putt
Find Indoor Activities in Other Cities
Looking for indoor activities in another city?