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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

From its myriad of art museums to its on-the-rise-again street art, there’s no shortage of stand-out artwork in San Francisco.

Nearly everything about the city has an artistic edge. There’s the exquisite Art Deco beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the colourful heart sculptures – which debuted in 2004 – that still dot the streets in spots like the Lyon Street Steps and SOMA’s Moscone Center.

The city is home to several world-class art museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the De Young Museum for fine art.

For showcasing local artistic talent, there are top-quality independent art galleries and special events such as SF Open Studios, the spring Art Market and the DIY Renegade Craft Fair.

Recommendations

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Asian Art Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Long line on free Museum day to the Asian Art Museum

Home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art on the planet, this Civic Center locale exhibits everything from future fantasy animations to Chinese jade carvings from more than 6,000 years ago.

Adult price: £15

Best for ages 13+

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De Young Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Sculpture and paintings in the De Young Museum of Fine Arts, San francisco

A highly regarded art collection showcasing American art from the 17th-21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, costumes and textiles.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 18+

Contemporary Jewish Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

exterior entrance to Contemporary Jewish-Museum, San francisco

With no permanent collection, San Francisco’s CJM offers ever-changing exhibits highlighting the Jewish culture and its complexities. It’s housed in a historic Pacific Gas & Electric substation that’s been modernly redesigned with elements of Jewish symbolism.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 18+

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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

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Bucket List Experience
Gallery and paintings inside the SFMOMA

One of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art on the planet, with seven floors packed with more than 33,000 works ranging from abstract paintings to Depression-era photographs.

Adult price: £20

Best for ages 13+

Legion of Honor

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Interior of Legion of Honor Museum

A Beaux Arts replica of Paris’ Legion of Honor Palace of all things, this art museum houses a collection of European and ancient art that spans over 6,000 years of artistic creation. The sister museum to the De Young.

Adult price: £10

Best for ages 18+

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Museum of the African Diaspora

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

exterior entrance of the Museum of African Diaspora

Celebrating black cultures around the world through a global lens, MoAD remains one of the few museums in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the artworks of the African Diaspora. Artist discussions, literary events, and film screenings take place here regularly.

Adult price: £8

Best for ages 13+

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More details >

SF Open Studios

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Female artists painting on a canvas

A four-weekend festival in autumn when over 400 of the city’s best and emerging artists throw open the doors to their studios and workspaces.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 4 weekends

When: Oct & Nov

Frequency: annually

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The city’s South of Market (SOMA) neighbourhood is the main art museum hub, with the SF Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, all within several easy-to-walk blocks.

Although spread out, the bulk of San Francisco’s art galleries are also located in SOMA, and between, Union Square and the Tenderloin. See the Art Collection website for comprehensive listings. The San Francisco Art Dealers Association is another good resource.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art General Admission Ticket

San Francisco

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art General Admission Ticket
SFMOMA was founded in 1935 as the first West Coast museum devoted to modern and contemporary art. Today, it stands as an icon of San Francisco, expanding seven floors of gallery space featuring outstanding holdings of more than 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks and rotating exhibitions on view.

Price: $30

Min age: 0

Rating 4.28 / 5 [118 ratings]

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Mission: Street Art & Food Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco

Mission: Street Art & Food Tour in San Francisco
Street Art? Latin Food? Hipster Vibes? Dive into a journey that's bursting with flavor, culture, and stories. Our Mission street food tour is a delightful blend of San Francisco's rich history and gastronomic wonders. HIGHLIGHTS: + Full Meal Included + Small Groups + Experience the flavor at the town's top-rated taqueria + Witness the city's most historic church + Discover the captivating murals that grace the neighborhood + Step into a lesser-known pupuseria for an authentic treat + Learn & taste bean-to-bar chocolate + See the Mission's best shopping street + Try hipster pizza + Walk Clarion Alley and see the famed Street Art

Price: $89

Min age: 6

Rating 5 / 5 [22 ratings]

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Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown

San Francisco

Art and Architecture Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown
We actually go INSIDE 16 different venues including select art galleries with mosaics, sculpture and iconic photographs. Explore Renaissance Baroque architecture with décor in several hotel lobbies in the bustling Union Square area. Then discover Chinatown with its exotic unique shops, Buddhist monastery, Old St. Mary's church, local art and alleyways ending in the movie "Joy Luck Club " and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' s" Ross Alley. See where fortune cookies are made and have a taste. This is an easy 2 hour 30 minute walking tour with a local expert guide. Tea tasting included or optional.

Price: $35

Min age: 8

Rating 4.65 / 5 [20 ratings]

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San Francisco: Mission District Small Group Mural Art and Food Tour

San Francisco

San Francisco: Mission District Small Group Mural Art and Food Tour
On this San Francisco walking tour, your small group will explore Mission District murals, handicrafts, and some of the best cuisine in San Francisco. Gain a new appreciation for what makes the Mission one of the most intriguing neighborhoods in San Francisco.

Price: $79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.37 / 5 [8 ratings]

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Early morning low fog at Golden Gate Bridge

A beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food. Home to the magnificent red-ochre Golden Gate Bridge and the world’s most infamous prison, Alcatraz.