Randall Museum San Francisco
A free San Francisco museum blending science, art, and nature with live animals and stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities & artists present
Randall Museum San Francisco
Best Time
More activities & artists present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free San Francisco museum blending science, art, and nature with live animals and stunning city views.
"A wonderful treasure house of nature, creativity, and history, perfect for all ages."
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this San Francisco treasure without an entry fee! Donations are welcome.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
The road is narrow and parking is limited, especially during events. Consider Muni or ride-share.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Animal Exhibits
Wildlife Center
Meet rescued local animals like raccoons, turtles, and crows. A heartwarming glimpse into nature's resilience.
Interactive Science & Art
Various Galleries
Hands-on exhibits for all ages, from building with Legos to exploring climate change and art.
Model Train Landscape
Train Room
An enormous, working model train display that captivates both kids and adults.
Panoramic City Views
Harmon Observation Tower & Outdoor Areas
Breathtaking vistas of Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco skyline.
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Donations Welcome
Navigating the Hill & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this San Francisco treasure without an entry fee! Donations are welcome. +1
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
The road is narrow and parking is limited, especially during events. Consider Muni or ride-share.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring exhibits and potentially hiking around the grounds.
🥪 Picnic with a View
Bring snacks or a lunch to enjoy in the outdoor areas with stunning city views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this San Francisco treasure without an entry fee! Donations are welcome. +1
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
The road is narrow and parking is limited, especially during events. Consider Muni or ride-share.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring exhibits and potentially hiking around the grounds.
🥪 Picnic with a View
Bring snacks or a lunch to enjoy in the outdoor areas with stunning city views.
🎨 Check for Special Events
Look out for art shows, science days, and workshops like SF Open Studios.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Randall Museum as a free, engaging, and educational gem in San Francisco. Its interactive exhibits, live animals, and stunning city views make it a hit for all ages, though the challenging access road and limited parking are noted drawbacks.
"Great for kids very interactive/ great view also it's free....they do accept donations i definitely donated"
juan pulido
"I dropped in on The Randall Museum on a Saturday to reminisce about the the times when my young son, now 26, and I used to frequent the museum. It was so enjoyable and chock full of wonderful, lively and well-maintained exhibits - and all info is indigenous to the area. Each exhibit was wonderfully geared to each species and looked so authentic and well thought out!
The staff was incredibly approachable and truly added to my ever-so-pleasant experience. Donna at the front desk was welcoming and Nick was in the midst of creating a soon-to-be "safe haven" for one of their racoons who has some particular challenges. It is well on its way to becoming a life-size, indoor habitat in the shape of a tree! It's hollowed, well-reinforced tree limbs will provide a dark, quieter refuge for the raccoon when large, perhaps louder, groups of school children visit. The thoughtfulness and care going into this product seems to be just one example of how they truly care about the quality of life for those in their exhibits.
The whole museum underwent a remodel since I was last there, and it's truly fantastic! It's for old and young alike, and many of the exhibits are at the height of children! Where so many venues tell children not to touch, that's not the case here. Buttons to push, info cards to open and read, toy trains to push on the train table and much to learn about climate change, keeping the ocean clean and how the city was formed and what's underneath it. You could even experience an earthquake at a build-your-own Lego table! And for the young electric train enthusiasts in your life there is a huge layout complete with shops, mountains and tunnels and many varied train lines! And on certain Saturdays you can run your own trains on their tracks! For an added bonus, you can take a hike around the mountain and catch some of the best views of the City!
Also, they offer classes to take, such as pottery, and have a wood shop as well. They are also open to suggestions for any new class or workshop you might want to teach!
Let me just say if you haven't taken your children to The Randall Museum you've got to do so. This place is truly a local treasure! - and it's still evolving! You can't beat the price which is FREE! (Donations welcome!)"
C B
"A fun way to spend a few hours! There are live animals to view, even guinea pigs to pet. They have an impressive train set with information on the Transcontinental Railroad. There is also a lot of art on display. There is plenty to view and do, including the incredible views of the city from the hill."
Raybies Flynn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Randall Museum is located at 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94110. It's situated atop a steep hill. Public transportation is a good option; the 33 and 24 Muni buses stop nearby. Driving is possible, but be aware the road is narrow and parking can be limited, especially during popular events.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially during large events. Street parking is also available but can be challenging. Consider using public transit or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the museum is accessible by public transport. The 33 and 24 Muni bus lines have stops close to the museum. It's a good idea to check the Muni schedule for the most up-to-date routes and times.
The address is 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94110.
The road leading to the museum is described as very narrow and steep. Drivers should exercise caution and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Randall Museum offers free admission to everyone. Donations are gratefully accepted to help support the museum's operations and exhibits. +1
Absolutely! Donations are highly encouraged and greatly appreciated. They help the museum continue to provide free educational programs and maintain its exhibits.
The museum's hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required for general entry. However, for specific classes or workshops, registration might be necessary.
The museum itself is always free. They also host special events like 'Saturday Science' and participate in community art events, which are often free to attend.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of exhibits, including live local animals, interactive science displays about climate change and geology, art installations, and a large model train landscape. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended for toddlers and young children. Many exhibits are designed to be touched and explored, and the scale is manageable for little ones.
Yes, there are outdoor areas with places to sit and play, offering great views of the city. It's a nice spot for a picnic or to let kids run around.
While there's a cafe on-site, bringing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy in the outdoor areas is a popular option.
The museum offers incredible panoramic views of Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco skyline from its location on the hill and from the Harmon Observation Tower.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers food and drinks. It has an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it in the outdoor areas, which are perfect for picnics with a view.
While the museum has a cafe, the surrounding neighborhoods offer various dining options. For a quirky lunch date, consider exploring nearby areas like the Castro or Haight-Ashbury.
📸 📸 Photography
The Harmon Observation Tower offers stunning panoramic city views, perfect for capturing San Francisco's skyline. The outdoor areas also provide great backdrops with greenery and cityscapes.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions within certain exhibits.
The panoramic views from the observation tower and the unique animal exhibits offer memorable photo opportunities. The model train display is also a visually engaging subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With plenty of space to run around outdoors and stunning city views, it's an ideal spot for a picnic. The museum's location atop a hill offers a unique perspective, and the accessible exhibits ensure that all children can engage with the displays.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the free entry, the museum offers a rich experience with diverse exhibits, animal encounters, and beautiful city views. It's a place where you can easily spend a few hours exploring and learning, proving that memorable travel doesn't always require a hefty price tag.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+1Beyond these special events, the museum often features art installations and provides spaces for creative exploration, making it a well-rounded destination that blends science, nature, and artistic expression.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife Center
This center provides an educational and engaging experience, allowing visitors, especially children, to connect with local wildlife in a responsible and respectful manner. It's a chance to see these creatures up close and understand their role in the ecosystem, fostering a greater appreciation for nature.
Hands-On Science and Art Exploration
Beyond science, the Randall Museum is a hub for creativity. They offer classes in pottery and have a woodshop, encouraging hands-on learning and skill development. The museum also hosts local artists during events like SF Open Studios, providing a platform for community engagement and appreciation of the arts.
+1The Captivating Model Train Display
Visitors can watch the trains operate and learn about the Transcontinental Railroad. On select Saturdays, there's even an opportunity for visitors to run their own trains on the museum's tracks, adding an extra layer of interactive fun. This unique exhibit is a testament to the museum's commitment to diverse and engaging educational experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit