Fun Things

Life-changing moments. World-changing science. We’re an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park—and a powerful voice for biodiversity research and exploration, environmental education, and public engagement around the globe. Our mission: to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

The Cartoon Art Museum’s mission is to ignite imaginations and foster the next generation of visual storytellers by celebrating the history of cartoon art, its role in society, and its universal appeal. Our vision is to be the premier destination to experience cartoon art in all its many forms from around the world, and a leader in providing insight into the process of creating it. As one of a handful of museums in the United States, the museum demonstrates how cartoon art entertains, communicates diversity, and champions self-expression through exhibitions, artist appearances, and community outreach programs.

The GLBT Historical Society Museum, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro district, is the first stand-alone museum of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history and culture in the United States. It celebrates the San Francisco’s vast queer past through dynamic and surprising exhibitions and programming. Open since January 2011, the museum showcases the sheer depth and breadth of the GLBT Historical Society’s archives, demonstrates the importance of queer history to the public, and mounts wide-ranging exhibitions with an emphasis on diversity and social justice.

The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) is the only museum in San Francisco devoted to craft and design. Founded in 2004, MCD showcases designers, makers and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. As a non-collecting institution, the museum actively collaborates with artists, designers, museums and universities, as well as design venues and practitioners to create inspirational experiences in the world of craft and design for visitors of all ages.

Travel the World in 55 Acres! Escape to a unique urban oasis of extraordinary beauty at San Francisco Botanical Garden, showcasing 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world.

Expansive complex featuring a museum, interactive displays & ships telling the story of sea travel.