The Awesome Free Museum List
/ Ronnie SharpeThe Bay Area is well-known for its high cost of living, but there's a silver lining for those looking to enjoy the area's cultural offerings without breaking the bank. Many museums in the region offer free entry or pay-what-you-wish days, allowing you to experience world-class exhibits and collections without the steep price tag. As long as you're flexible with your timing and don't mind a bit of crowding, you'll find a variety of incredible museums to explore across the Bay Area.
Additionally, local libraries often provide a fantastic perk—FREE museum passes that you can check out with your library card. These passes grant you access to a wide range of museums, so it's definitely worth checking in with your nearest library to see what passes they have available and how to reserve them. It’s a great way to explore the cultural gems of the region without worrying about the cost. Be sure to reach out to your local library for more information on availability and specific details about how to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.
MUSEUMS, ALWAYS FREE
MUSEUMS, FREE DATES VARY, CHECK WEBSITE
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. Check website for announcements.
Explore science and meet native California animals! CuriOdyssey’s free Community Days take place on varying days, both during the week and on the weekend, so that more visitors have the opportunity to experience CuriOdyssey. Vehicle entrance fee for Coyote Point Park is $6 per car.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is free on Walt Disney’s Birthday in December.
All visitors to The Exploratorium can pay-what-you-wish on our yearly Community Days, when museum entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The San Francisco Zoo is pleased to offer Free Days for San Francisco residents on certain days. On Free Days, all San Francisco residents are eligible for free admission to the Zoo and must provide valid ID at the front gate as proof of residency.
MONDAY
Admission is free from 9:00am-10:00am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week.
TUESDAY
The Conservatory of Flowers is free to all visitors on the first Tuesday of every month.
The Legion of Honor general admission is free the first Tuesday of every month. Special exhibition fees still apply.
The first Tuesday of every month is our Pay What You Wish Day.
WEDNESDAY
Bay Area Discovery Museum Free First Wednesdays, where admission is free for Bay Area residents* occurs twice a year. The next two Free First Wednesdays are September 3, 2025 and March 4, 2026.
Enter the Japanese Tea Garden Mon, Wed, Fri: FREE admission if entered by 10:00 am
Entry to YBCA Galleries is free on Wednesdays and second Sundays.
THURSDAY
UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive Free First Thursdays: Galleries free for all on the first Thursday of each month.
On every Thursday, all year long, enjoy free admission!
Free First Thursdays: Admission is free for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month.
FRIDAY
Enter the Japanese Tea Garden Mon, Wed, Fri: FREE admission if entered by 10:00 am
Admission will be free at the History Museum on the first Friday of the month.
SUNDAY
Asian Art Museum general museum admission is free every first Sunday of the month.
Every first Sunday of the month, General Admission to OMCA’s Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences is free and tickets to Special Exhibitions in our Great Hall are offered at a discounted price of $6.
Entry to YBCA Galleries is free on the second Sundays.
At 4:30 pm we offer free admission to our permanent collection. All are welcome; no ticket required. Special exhibition prices still apply. The Hamon Observation Tower does not require a ticket for entry. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.