Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum

One of the world's largest (over 200) privately owned collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition. (You can play them!)

Walking through these galleries feels different in winter—the natural light filtering through the building takes on that crisp, clear quality that San Francisco's cold months bring, making the contemporary pieces hit differently. The museum has been shaping how art institutions think about connecting with visitors through digital channels for nearly a decade, constantly reworking its approach to welcome people from all backgrounds into the conversation. Each redesign reflects a deeper commitment to figuring out what a modern art space actually means today, using online platforms to invite reflection on the institution itself rather than just showcasing what hangs on the walls.

Dive into the rebellious heart of the Beat Generation at this vibrant cultural hub in North Beach. Browse an ever-growing collection of rare photographs, handwritten letters, and first-edition classics from Kerouac, Ginsberg, and beyond—each piece tells the story of a literary movement that changed America. The museum's collection keeps expanding thanks to passionate locals and visitors who contribute their own Beat treasures.

Zeum is a non-profit multimedia and technology museum with a mission to provide multimedia tools for families of all communities to think and act creatively. By providing hands-on experiences in four core creative processes (animation, sound and video production, live performance and visual arts), we encourage youth to share their stories, build their voices, and use multimedia tools for creative self-expression.

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. Travel through 6,000 years of history, trek across seven major regions, and sample the cultures of numerous countries.

Walking through these galleries during the quieter winter months, you'll find yourself stepping into stories that demand your attention and reflection. The Museum of Tolerance pulls you into conversations about humanity's past and present through hands-on installations, compelling artwork, and speaker series that cut straight to the point. Whether you're exploring solo on a crisp afternoon or bringing a group, the thoughtfully designed programs—tailored for everyone from students to seasoned learners—spark real conversations about the prejudices still woven into our communities. It's the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave, nudging visitors toward deeper understanding and action.

In October of 1999, a group of puppeteers, producers, business professionals and lovers of puppetry came together to form a steering committee. The goal was to create a non-profit center in Southern California that promotes and preserves puppetry arts. While there are other such centers in in America's heartland of entertainment, there is no place dedicated to honor and celebrate this magical art.

Location & Parking<br> The main buildings at LACMA (also known as LACMA East) are located in the Miracle Mile area between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea Avenue, on Wilshire Boulevard, just east of Ogden Drive. LACMA West is two blocks west, at the northeast corner of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard.

Step into a world where Hollywood's biggest stars stand frozen in incredible detail. This iconic wax museum brings you face-to-face with lifelike figures of your favorite celebrities, from classic legends to current A-listers, making for unforgettable photo ops and family fun right in the heart of Hollywood Boulevard.

Visit the world’s largest collection of costumes, props, posters, photographs and other priceless memorabilia from Hollywood’s greatest films, TV shows and music acts. <br> See costumes worn by Zac Efron and the cast of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" plus the dresses worn by Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls." See items from "The Sopranos," "Harry Potter," "Star Trek," "Baywatch," "Oceans 11," "Sweeney Todd," "Gone with the Wind," "I Love Lucy." Also — Rocky’s boxing gloves, Marilyn Monroe’s dresses, Elvis Presley’s favorite bathrobe, Indiana Jones’ whip, Pamela Anderson’s "Baywatch" swimsuit, Cary Grant’s Rolls-Royce, the shark seen in "Jaws," the church pews from "The Exorcist," Tom Cruise’s eyeball-switcher from "Minority Report" (and the eyeballs), Nicole Kidman’s’ sexy outfits and swing from "Moulin Rouge!"

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is a nonprofit organization. The museum was founded in 1996, by the San Diego Chinese Historical Society under the leadership of its first three presidents: Sally Wong, Tom Hom, and Dr. Alexander Chuang. Charles Tyson donated the museum's current building, originally a Chinese mission located at 645 First Avenue, and in 1991, the City of San Diego graciously provided a piece of land in the original Chinatown area where the museum now resides. <br> Since opening in 1996, the museum has presented more than 47 exhibits highlighting the rich tradition of Chinese culture and history in San Diego and the world. The Museum also features a library of books on Chinese culture and a tranquil garden with koi pond.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum celebrates aviation and space flight history through preservation of significant artifacts, presentation of dynamic exhibits, and commemoration of the men and women who forged aerospace history, educating the public about the social and historical significance of aerospace technology and its promise for the future and inspiring students to excel in technology, mathematics and the sciences, and encourage all visitors to become life-long learners in support of aerospace advancement.

Feast your eyes on some of the rarest and most beautiful cars ever created at the San Diego Automotive Museum.

The San Diego Natural History Museum traces its roots to an enthusiastic group of amateur naturalists, who formed the San Diego Society of Natural History in 1874. <br> The San Diego Natural History Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, which certifies that this museum continues to demonstrate a professional level of operation in accordance with the standards of excellence prescribed by the AAM.

Discover how photography shapes the way we see the world at this premier museum dedicated entirely to the art of the photograph. Housing everything from rare 19th-century daguerreotypes to striking contemporary works, the collection spans the full history of the medium and celebrates both master photographers and today's most compelling visual storytellers. It's the perfect destination for anyone who appreciates powerful imagery and artistic vision.

Discover California Indian history, art, and culture told through Native voices at this remarkable community museum. Explore vibrant exhibits celebrating the resilience and ongoing renaissance of California Indian traditions, while supporting Native professionals gaining hands-on experience in museum work and cultural interpretation. Founded by the National Indian Justice Center, this institution stands as a powerful testament to Indian sovereignty and cultural pride.

Step into the world of a cartoonist who turned childhood dreams into an iconic legacy. Charles M. Schulz's journey from a Minneapolis kid who fell in love with the comics to the creator of Peanuts is a testament to following your passion—and you can explore it all right here in Santa Rosa, where his most beloved work came to life.

The California State Military Museum is located at 1119 Second Street in the Old Sacramento State Historical Park. It is only a few minutes walk from the State Capital, The California State Railroad Museum and several other fine museums, parks, and tourist attractions. The museum, opened by Governor Pete Wilson in 1991, is the official military museum and historical research center of the State of California. This was reinforced on 11 September 2002 when Governor Gray Davis signed legislation making the museum a permanent museum under the California State Military Department and providing permanent funding for the museum. Finally on 13 July 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to amend the Government Code to make the museum the state's official military museum.