The Bay Area is filled with a ton of museums. In fact, there are 55 museums just in San Francisco alone. If you’re like me, that’s an overwhelming number AND you want to see all of them! Not quite sure where to begin? Let me help! Here are eight must-see museums to get you started.  

California Academy of Sciences 

The California Academy of Sciences is one of the most popular museums in San Francisco. With an aquarium, planetarium and a natural history museum, you’ll be able to see and learn all sorts of cool things. The museum will immerse you into a four-story rain forest, a trip to see the penguins, and shows that transport you through our planet.  

Ticket prices vary due to the date you want to visit. The museum does have a student discount, so bring your school ID with you! 

For hours and admission fees, click here for more information. 

de Young Museum 

Home to modern art, contemporary art, American art, African, art and so much more. You will be able to see different kinds of art from all over the world and from different time periods. Also, a very popular Instagram spot, make sure you visit the ninth floor to enjoy a 360 view of the city. 

The best part is that admission for students is only $6! Bring your student ID, your friends, and your camera to enjoy part of your day at the de Young Museum. 

For hours and ticket purchases, visit their website. 

Exploratorium 

The Exploratorium is an interactive museum with over 600 exhibits to choose from. You’ll be able to learn and experience the world of science, art, and human perception. The Exploratorium also has a great view of the city from Pier 15. 

Ticket prices with student discount cost $24.95. For more information, visit their website. 

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

With over 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks on display, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) houses works by artists from all over the world. From Frida Kahlo to Andy Warhol, you will be able to explore the different artwork from different artists. There is also an outdoor sculpture garden for you to stroll through and nice views of the city. 

Tickets for students from ages 19-24 cost $19. Ages 18 and below are free but still needs an admission ticket. To purchase tickets and have more information, visit their website. 

Legion of Honor 

The Legion of Honor is a beautiful museum built to pay tribute to the soldiers that died in World War 1. The museum features over 4,000 years of ancient and European art. They also have public concerts on Saturday and Sundays with performances playing Bach, Gershwin, and great film scores. 

Ticket prices with student discount are only $6. For hours and information, visit their website. 

Museum of Ice Cream 

If you haven’t been to the Museum of Ice Cream, you need to book a visit soon! How can you miss out on a museum dedicated to ice cream? Here’s the scoop: you get free ice cream, there are ten interactive rooms with cool photo opportunities and you get to jump into a pool of sprinkles.

Tickets cost $38. To purchase tickets and get more information, visit their website.  

Asian Art Museum 

Capturing the beauty of Asian culture, the Asian Art Museum has collections of historical and contemporary Asian art to showcase. Their exhibitions are interesting and change year-round, so make sure to check their website to know what exhibits are going on when you plan to visit. 

Tickets with student discount cost $10 and $20 if you want to see the special exhibitions. To get more information about the museum, visit their website.  

The Walt Disney Family Museum

If you’re a huge Disney fan, this museum is for you. You will be able to go back into history and learn about the famous Disney stories and about Walt Disney’s life. There are lines of photos, drawings, and props used throughout many years of Disney. They also have film screenings for you to enjoy. 

Tickets with student ID cost $20 and $30 if you want to view the Mickey Mouse Exhibition Combo. To purchase tickets, visit their website. 

Now get out there and check these museums out!