Musée Mécanique San Francisco
Step back in time at this family-run museum featuring hundreds of antique, coin-operated arcade games and mechanical wonders.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more games!
Musée Mécanique San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more games!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this family-run museum featuring hundreds of antique, coin-operated arcade games and mechanical wonders.
"Easily the best thing we've done in San Francisco, I could've spent all day in here marvelling at the arcade games."
🎯 Bring Quarters!
Most games cost 25-50 cents. Change machines available, but quarters are king! :coin:
📸 Capture the Nostalgia
Don't miss the vintage photo booth for fun, retro pics! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Arcade Games
Main Hall
Step back in time with hundreds of antique coin-operated arcade machines, from Pong to Pac-Man.

Mechanical Musical Instruments
Various Displays
Marvel at intricate, century-old coin-operated automatons that play music and perform shows.

Princess Diaries Photo Booth
Near Entrance
Recreate iconic movie moments in a classic, working photo booth that's a hit with visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Bring Quarters!
Free Entry, Pay to Play
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Quarters!
Most games cost 25-50 cents. Change machines available, but quarters are king! :coin:
📸 Capture the Nostalgia
Don't miss the vintage photo booth for fun, retro pics! :camerawithflash:
🕰️ Allow Plenty of Time
You can easily lose hours exploring the 300+ machines. :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing and playing, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Quarters!
Most games cost 25-50 cents. Change machines available, but quarters are king! :coin:
📸 Capture the Nostalgia
Don't miss the vintage photo booth for fun, retro pics! :camerawithflash:
🕰️ Allow Plenty of Time
You can easily lose hours exploring the 300+ machines. :clock1:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing and playing, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Free entry! Pay per game, making it affordable for all. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Musée Mécanique as a unique, nostalgic, and incredibly affordable San Francisco gem. The sheer volume of working vintage arcade games and mechanical wonders, combined with free entry, makes it a standout attraction. While some note the potential for spending more than intended due to the fun factor, the overwhelming sentiment is one of delight and a highly recommended experience.
"Let's talk parking. It is SF, there is none. So think ahead where you are going to park before you come.
Now to business: This place is so awesome for retro gamers.
So many old arcades. I played the original pong here. Incredible.
And it is really cheap. Free entry, and playing a game costs between 25c to 1usd. Most at 50c.
With 10 bucks we had fun with the whole family.
Can't recommend this enough."
Arthur Kiyanovski
"This was such a fun experience—it takes you back to the far, far past of this land. So beautiful and free-spirited. I loved how every era is represented here, from the old singing and fortune-telling machines to the vintage racing slots and the newer NBA basketball games. With over 300 mechanical and coin-operated wonders, including Zoltar-style automatons, it’s a truly fascinating collection of gaming treasures. I’ll definitely recommend this warm journey through time! This place is a gem. You could honestly get lost here for hours. I spent at least two hours and about 30 bucks, so be careful if you’re planning to take your children there—you’ll probably end up staying longer (and spending more) than you planned. :)))"
Ani Rafyan
"Easily the best thing we’ve done in San Fransisco, I could’ve spent all day in here marvelling at the arcade games. We heard about this place from a friend and I am so glad we went. It’s free admission and then you pay to play on the machines, it ranges from 25c-50c for most games, with some a little more expensive. Don’t worry, there’s a few change machines dotted around for you to change dollars to quarters. The arcade games are so well kept considering their age and I was really in awe of them all. Highly recommend!!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Musée Mécanique is located at Pier 45 on Fisherman's Wharf. You can reach it via public transportation like the F Market & Wharves streetcar or various Muni bus lines. Parking in the Fisherman's Wharf area can be challenging and expensive, so public transit or ride-sharing is often recommended.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots near Fisherman's Wharf, but they can be costly and fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's advisable to plan your parking in advance or consider alternative transportation methods.
Pier 45 is easily accessible by the historic F Market & Wharves streetcar, which runs along the Embarcadero. Several Muni bus routes also stop near Fisherman's Wharf, providing convenient access from different parts of the city.
The museum is generally accessible, but due to the nature of vintage machinery and potentially crowded aisles, navigating with a large stroller might be a bit tight in some areas. It's best to be prepared for some maneuvering.
Absolutely! It's a short and pleasant walk from Pier 39 (sea lions) and other Fisherman's Wharf attractions to Pier 45 where Musée Mécanique is located.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Musée Mécanique is completely free! You only pay for the vintage arcade games and mechanical attractions you choose to play.
The museum typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
No advance booking is necessary as admission is free. You can simply walk in and start exploring the collection of vintage games and machines.
Most games cost between 25 cents and $1 to play, with the majority being 50 cents. This makes it a very affordable way to have fun for an extended period.
While entry is always free, keep an eye on their social media for any special announcements or events. The inherent affordability of the games is already a major draw.
🎫 🕹️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a vast collection of antique coin-operated arcade games, including classics like Pac-Man, Centipede, and Galaga, alongside unique mechanical musical instruments, puppet shows, and fortune-telling automatons.
Absolutely! Children (and adults!) love the interactive nature of the games. However, parents should be mindful of spending, as kids might want to play many games.
The Musée Mécanique features a vintage photo booth that was famously used in the movie 'The Princess Diaries,' making it a popular spot for fans.
The museum boasts over 300 mechanical and coin-operated wonders, offering a huge variety of entertainment and historical artifacts to explore.
Yes, there's a bell you can ring for assistance, and staff are known to come out quickly, sometimes even on roller skates, to help visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Musée Mécanique itself does not have a restaurant. However, it's located right on Fisherman's Wharf, which is packed with food stalls and restaurants offering everything from clam chowder to seafood and snacks.
You can find famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from various vendors right outside the museum. Ghirardelli Square is also a short walk away for chocolate treats.
While there are no specific rules against it, it's generally best to consume outside food before entering or after leaving the museum to maintain the integrity of the exhibits and respect other visitors.
Yes, the food stalls on Fisherman's Wharf offer more casual and affordable options compared to sit-down restaurants. Grabbing a chowder bowl to enjoy with a view is a classic Wharf experience.
There are benches and seating areas along the waterfront near Pier 45 where you can enjoy food purchased from nearby vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a visually rich environment with unique machines and nostalgic charm perfect for capturing memories.
Don't miss the vintage photo booth, the intricate mechanical musical instruments, the classic arcade game cabinets, and the overall retro atmosphere. The 'Princess Diaries' photo booth is a must-capture.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly on the delicate mechanisms of the antique machines if possible, to preserve their longevity. Also, be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Visitors often capture selfies in the photo booth, close-ups of the detailed automatons, action shots of people playing games, and wide shots showcasing the sheer volume of vintage machines.
Visiting during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) can make it easier to get unobstructed shots. Otherwise, be patient and creative with your angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Bring plenty of quarters! While change machines are available, having a stash ready means less downtime and more playtime. It's a fantastic way to spend a few hours, offering a unique blend of history, fun, and interactivity that appeals to all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Date Nights
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Gaming History
The collection spans a remarkable range of eras and types of entertainment. You'll find early 20th-century mechanical musical instruments and automatons that perform intricate shows, alongside vintage pinball machines and early video games that paved the way for modern gaming. It’s a tangible connection to the past, offering a unique glimpse into how people entertained themselves before the digital age.
This dedication to preservation and operation is what sets Musée Mécanique apart. They maintain their own workshop to ensure these historical artifacts continue to function, making it a truly special experience for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It’s a place where history is not just observed, but actively played.
The 'Princess Diaries' Connection and Photo Booth Fun
Taking photos in these old-school booths is a nostalgic experience in itself. You get a strip of black-and-white or sepia-toned images, a tangible souvenir of your visit. It’s a fun, quick activity that adds another layer of charm to the already engaging atmosphere of the museum.
Many visitors make a point to seek out this particular photo booth, often sharing their results on social media. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of both the movie and the timeless fun of a physical photo booth, offering a unique and personal memento of a trip to San Francisco.
Budget-Friendly Entertainment on the Wharf
The cost of playing the games is remarkably low, typically ranging from 25 to 50 cents per play, with some machines costing a bit more. This means you can enjoy a wide variety of games and attractions for a modest amount. Many visitors report spending around $10-$30 for a family to have hours of fun, making it a fantastic value.
This low cost, combined with the sheer volume and variety of playable machines, makes Musée Mécanique a standout option for budget-conscious travelers. It offers a full afternoon of entertainment without breaking the bank, proving that some of the best experiences are also the most affordable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit