What a trip to memory lane. This place bring memories but also learning that this is how it started of the games that we have in today era. Many of them are well maintained and continued to operate. Definitely a hidden historical gem tuck away in the tourist streets of San Francisco piers. read more

This is my wife's favorite place in SF. Yes, really. We don't make it to San Francisco as often as we used to, but this was the #1 thing she wanted to see on our recent trip. Plenty of really old and slightly old games and coin-op machines to keep the family busy for a while. Plus, it is steps away from the Boudin Bakery for lunch afterwards. Win, win. read more

Musee Mecanique - Coin-Op Machine - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

I used to go here when it was at the old Cliff House location. First time here at new location last week. They have a lot of the same things that I remember from my childhood, and then some. Bigger space. I would make sure to bring cash so you can get change to play the games that require money. My favorite, Laughing Sal, is still there. My father had told me that a lot of the old games, including Sal, were left over from when San Francisco had Play land at the Beach. This was from the 1930s until the early 1970s, when it was torn down. Great SF place to visit! read more

Musee Mecanique - Laughing Sal at the Musee Mechanique. - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I stumbled upon this place by accident as I walked along Embarcadero. This place is free to enter. It can best be described as a museum of entertainment machines covering a large time period. Each machine alone would probably be regarded as junk, but putting them all together, and now you have great entertainment nostalgia. Upon finding this place I spent the next hour and half feeding quarters into some of the machines. Some of these machines I have only seen in movies. I had a great time experiencing the entertainment that some of these provided since the early 1900s. I didn't take pictures because I was having so much fun! Lucky for me others have posted plenty of pictures. read more

Nostalgic, historical, antique arcade items. Fascinating! Love the old player pianos and the various arcade games including the fortune teller games. Well taken care of, fun for out of town guests. Located at Fisherman's Wharf. Definitely a place for all ages. Many of the coin operated arcade games and player pianos take coins and are quite functional. read more

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A must visit when visiting Fisherman's Wharf. There is a mix of old and new arcade games. Most games are .25 to .50 but others a bit more. Want to measure your sex appeal lol, there's a game for that! There are a number of musical pieces throughout the arcade. It was so fun to play them all simultaneously, it became quite lively with all the music. read more

Were I in search of a fun place to stretch $20 or so I'd head straight to Musée Mécanique. I walked in here solo on a recent aftenoon excited by the possibilities of how to spend my money. I immediately engaged with the things you peer into to watch images of old San Francisco. This is up my alley. I got out of the way of the large group of chaperoned pre-teens who were leaving seemingly a bit before they desired. Even if your money runs out here, there's a lot to see and it's even fun to watch others spending theirs. Amused by all of the various contraptions that measure your propensity for love, I dropped some money in one and held my palm up to the window. The "Magic Ray" with the "Mystic Pen" pronounced me "melancholy and brooding, cultured, refined... a creative mind and magnetic personality". I was hooked but even though it "would like to advise you further" I had other ideas of where to spend my money. With 50 cents I activated a whole carnival that required me to walk around a big glass-enclosure as I implored others to look on. I can't begin to describe all the treasures here in this space which seems a bit hidden and known but not known. If I were a tourist I could easily imagine missing it entirely and I'd return home a little less happy for not knowing of it. Stash some cash in your pockets and seek it out. It's free to enter and look but I dare you not to spend a few coins (probably more). I'm so glad this place still exists. read more

Musee Mecanique - The Mystic Ray with the Electric Pen (aka the Magic Ray with the Mystic Pen)... who can resist? - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fun place. Great historical machines. Entrance is free, just pay to play. Everything I played was $0.50, but a few higher priced games. Thought I would spend 15 min, rather was there for 90 min. Fun for the whole family! read more

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Located in the heart of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Musée Mécanique is a fun and unique attraction that offers a nostalgic and interactive experience. The museum houses a fascinating collection of over 200 antique arcade games, fortune tellers, and other coin-operated contraptions dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Beyond the arcade games, the museum houses a collection of oddities and curiosities, from a fortune-telling parrot to a mechanical boxing kangaroo. Since I'm not familiar with or interested in vintage games and mechanics, arcade isn't really my cup of tea. Regardless, I still consider the time I spent in going around the museum a delightful experience. read more

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This was my second visit to this place and I think it's pretty cool. For free, you can walk in and admire all the mechanical games or you can play for cheap. You can definitely spend quite some time here. It was busy when we stopped by so we were in and out pretty quickly. We did win a rubber ducky at one of the vending machines which was pretty cute. Definitely worth checking out when in the area! read more

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What a great experience!! I have never seen a tetris arcade irl ever!!! Will be coming back for more And there are not shortage of other retro arcades Lots of arcades and super crowded, theres a guy around roller skating, I think he manages the place read more

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Big Bro hasn't been to San Francisco for 37 years. Since he was up, I felt it was time to bring him out for a tour! We got through with Pier 39, so the wharf was next. As many times as I have been through the wharf, I've never noticed this place! If it weren't for Big Bro, I still prolly wouldn't have known this was here! And how cool is this place! I think we almost OD'd on nostalgia, everything in here reminded us of our childhood. It screamed OLD SKOOL everywhere. They even had the change machines for quarters should you decide to play! They also had some cool displays of mini-structures made of toothpicks. (This got my attention most.) Man, the time and work that went into them! We were on a strict timeline so we didn't get the chance to play, but if you find your way in the wharf, make a stop. It's a good place to kill time for both small and big kids alike. read more

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The arcade room is a blast from the past. The games are from 20, 30, 40, 50 years past. Most games cost $0.25 to $0.75 to play and experience. This is a nice reminder of how gaming started with simplicity. Most everyone appeared to have paid the fee to play and watch animatronic puppets perform. After touring the wharf this is a great place to stop. The games themselves are relics of the past definitely nostalgic. The pinball machine and skeet ball are still old favorites. It feels like you are in a museum but you get to play with everything. Definitely stop here for the experience. This place is so well laid out by theme. The low price and just the games itself are a great place to explore and take a bunch of selfies! read more

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This was such a cool place to visit! Endless games from the 50s to the 90s. I'm taking pinup machines to pinball machines, cruisin U.S.A., and everything in between. The admission is free, and you can tour at your leisure. They have change machines throughout the, with the older games costing a quarter, and the new-ish games about .50 to $1. Expect to spend about 30-45 minutes here, and you'll have a great time! read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

So cool! A wonderful collection of arcade games, open late and easily accessible. Palm readings, a vintage photo booth, so many unique machines. I spent $20 in quarters and about an hour and a half here, although you can definitely spend more time and money. The attendants are nice and offered to split bills from the ATM. The only downside is that they don't have a restroom on site, but I didn't mind because I was so distracted having so much fun! read more

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A fun collection of antique games. This place was so much bigger than I was expecting and is definitely worth a visit even if all you do is walk around. As a bonus, some of the games were featured in the early 2000s cinematic masterpiece The Princess Diaries. read more

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It is with a heavy heart that I make the decision to give what should be an incredible place only 3 stars. Maybe I should give it even less, but I try to review arcades holistically. As a whole this place is great. It offers an incredible look at arcade and amusement machine history from the late 1800s to today. There's so much to take in that you're bound to notice something new on return visits. Before my latest visit, the first in over a year, I was prepared for my only big criticism to be wishing they at least put the years on or next to the machines so you could tell how old everything really is and the chronology. Unfortunately upon my return I noticed a much bigger problem. Within the past year they have obtained a $9,999 Harry Potter pinball machine released in 2025. Of all the games this recent they could have chosen from, they had to pick a licensed game for a franchise that cannot and should not be divorced from truly significant real world hate and harm. Hopefully the owner/s are just naive. The person who appears to be in charge is an old man and son of the man who started this collection in 1933. Hopefully he is just woefully out of the loop on how truly dangerous this franchise now is. But even then, this is quite alarming. As I type this I wonder if it is even right to award 3 stars given what a truly bad decision this was. Whether this place is worth visiting depends on how easily you can just ignore that they have this game. Otherwise I really like what they're doing here and feel very conflicted. I just can't bring myself to fully dismiss this place given how amazing it otherwise is. read more

I freaking love this place! It was a highlight of my trip to SF. So cool to see so many old arcade games and actually be able to play them. Some of them will straight up just eat your money but it's usually 25c so not a big deal read more

Musee Mecanique - Disclaimer about the old machines - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had a great time at Musee Mecanique! I spent $5 for so much entertainment. You really get a huge bang for your buck. The amount of antique games and throwbacks to a different time was expansive! I was so fascinated by some of the older games that portrayed executions or opium dens! It was wild that so much time was spent building each one and that those particular themes were once so popular among peers! I also really enjoyed the psychic varieties, palm reading, and even the vintage-feeling Harry Potter sorting hat fortune! This was my favorite stop on the Fisherman's Wharf and an experience that was so worth the time and very little money spent to boot! I would definitely recommend this to all... there is something for everyone in there and much fun to be had! read more

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Musee Mecanique is kind of tucked away in the corner of the Wharf, but keep an eye out for it. It's a free attraction that offers a little bit of history and nostalgia. You can play the games (bring quarters!) and it was fun to see that people actually were playing them. Easy to spend 15 minutes or a couple of hours in there! read more

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It's rare that such a noisy place would make me feel comfortable and happy, but somehow this place does it! Walking around, it feels like a flashback to the past in the best possible way. Arcade games, antique games, basketball games, there really is something for everyone to enjoy their inner child. I particularly love the old-timey games, like where else would you see a game called 'Execution' or 'Opium Den'? read more

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Cool arcade with games and attractions from as far back as the 1800s. It is something fun to do and see at fisherman's wharf. Everything is run on quarters and they have plenty of change machines. There are some interesting and possibly controversial things there. read more

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZGMUWrCmoT5orKt76?g_st=i&utm_campaign=ac-im This place is fantastic! Carve out a couple of hours to take in all of the history and opportunity to see fully operational pieces, some of which go back as far as 1896. Make sure to see the Violanlo-Virtuoso piece fully restored and probably the only one left in the world. We were honored to have met the owner. His father started collecting in the 1930's and he has carried on his legacy. Every piece in the place has a story and he can repair practically every operating system used. One of best and unexpected experiences I have found in my many time visiting the Bay Area. Many of the local don't even realize that this gem exists in their backyard. One last comment, the owner is the last of his kind so if you see a guy flying around on roller skates, make sure you thank him for sharing his love for these unique pieces on display. read more

Very cool arcade! They have photobooths, lots of different penny souvenir designs and pretty much something for everyone. I know its an antique arcade, but a few added claw machines w plush toys for the win would be nice. read more

located at fisherman's wharf...interactive museum and arcade...greeted by a towering laughing sal near the front entrance...pay to see the creepy obnoxiously loud laughing...various antique coin operated mechanical scenes filled with music and movement...old fashion grip strength meter....fortune telling animatronics...various arcade machines from the 80s to 90s...quite entertaining just walking around and observing the various solid wood and steel contraptions...everything was sold and built to last a lifetime...always a favorite stop when walking around the wharf... read more

Musee Mecanique - inside.. - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Musée Mécanique is such a hidden gem in SF! It's packed with vintage arcade games and quirky mechanical machines--you can spend hours playing, taking photos, and just enjoying the nostalgic vibe. Super fun for all ages and totally worth a visit! read more

Took an out of town visitor to the Musee Mecanique while we were roaming around at Fishermen's Wharf and we both loved all the vintage machines. All the machines that used to be at Playland at the Beach brought back lots of memories and fun times. It was not much fun to see all the contemporary machines jammed in the warehouse, but I would imagine it helps to financially support the museum. read more

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Took my then-talking-phase-man here to test out our passion on this Love Meter. We popped in a penny, it told us our love is PASSIONATE, and the rest is history. We're two years deep into our relationship now. Thank you, Musee Mecanique, for being the best wingman ever! read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Musee Macanique is such a fun spot. I loved all of the old machines and the history behind each of them. Although it's not too big, you can definitely get lost in here and spend a couple hours. All of the machines take quarters and it was typically 25-50c per machine. There is an ATM and quarter machine, so don't worry if you didn't bring any pocket change. This is a must see if you're at Fishermans Wharf! read more

Stumbling upon this gem in SF was like becoming a kid again! I live in SF but had never heard of this place. I was in Fisherman's Wharf and decided to stop in. It has what must be hundreds of vintage games and quirky old mechanical toys. It's free to enter but you do need quarters to play the games. They have ATMs there but then to exchange for quarters you have to walk to a door in the back and ring a doorbell for a staff member to come out and give you quarters. Kind of weird but it worked. One of the games just ate my quarters and didn't work but everything else was fantastic! It's also fun to walk around and watch others play the games! read more

Brings back memories. Lots of old school pinball machines, skee ball, Centipede, etc. Introduced my teenager to what fun was before cell phones. Nice collection. read more

What a local gem by pier 39/41. Fun lil past time to enjoy for all ages. They got antique games dated all the way back to the 50s or so. Games ranges from $.25-.75. So fun to just roam and walk around. Great for all ages read more

Musee Mecanique - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

A fun vintage arcade museum that's one of the world's largest collections! This was surprisingly really fun, even for my older parents, and very affordable! Each machine ranged from 25 cents to $1. And what a diverse selection of arcade machines from the past. There were pinball machines, skee ball alleys, dioramas, fortune tellers, video games, music boxes, and so much more! All in all, great fun and would take anybody of any age to visit and experience. read more

My wife had been dying to come here given the connection to Princess Diaries. Unfortunately we came a little late and we sort of had to rush through a bunch of the stuff rather than taking our time. To be honest, I was skeptical at first but it was actually a ton of fun. They have a ton of stuff, ranging from photo booths, to dancing dolls, and a range of old school arcade machines. Some of the machines don't work as intended even if they still accept your quarters which is understandably frustrating; but is also understandable given the age of some of them. Don't worry if you didn't bring cash or quarters cause they have multiple ATM and exchange machines on site. read more

One of the more interesting museums. Free admission. Pay to play. Games range from modern to vintage fortune teller booth to old timey nudes viewer from the flapper era. read more

Fun arcade to take the kids while visiting the Fisherman's Wharf. They have a ton of antique arcade machines. Cheap and affordable fun to take the kids. They also have photo booths and air hockey tables. read more

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Very cool place w/ a little bit of something for both the young & old to enjoy & it's conveniently located on the pier in Fisherman's Wharf! I would describe Musee Mecanique as part, vintage arcade & part, nostalgia museum. It's really big inside filled w/ lots of vintage games, sprinkled w/ a few modern games to enjoy. Admission is free to get in & cash is needed for each of the games. There is an ATM on-site, as well as a coin machine if you already have cash on you. It reminded me of going to an ol' school carnival. I really enjoyed myself & so did my teenage son who got a kick out of the arm wrestling machine :). And I swear, there was an old' school character reading machine called "Mystic Ray" that could actually tell you the TRUTH about yourself by putting your palm on the machine!! Myself, my hubby, & both sons did it & I'm a believer! (my hubby, not so much ;) Stopping by this cool & unique spot is a must if you're ever in the SF area! Till next time! ~Rebecca read more

Musee Mecanique - Musee Mecanique Taken 08/17/2022 - Museums Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a unique spot by the water! Lots of really cool old (and some more modern) games and activities. It's also huge! Not super busy on a Wednesday. There were change machines everywhere to get quarters. It would have been nice if there were multiple ways to break a bigger cash bill. I think I saw a sign saying you could ask for change, but it looked like that was the only way. read more

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As a native San Franciscan visiting the Musée Mécanique brought back many childhood memories. Located at Pier 45 in Fishermen's Wharf, admission is free. Bring your quarters to play arcade games from the late 1800's up to the 1980's. I spoke with the owner, you may see him on skates with a badge that says "I work here" he truly has a passion for the Museum and is happy to share the history. Play pinball machines, PAC Man, foosball, air hockey have your fortune told and listen to Wurlitzer organ. I remember Laughing Sal from the Fun House at Playland amusement park. read more

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2nd time here and my guest always enjoy it! I never knew this place existed and I am so happy to bring friends and family here when visiting the city for the day. The games are affordable and fun! Great history and a great place to entertain the kids! No prizes, but still fun! Games range from .25 to $1.00 which isn't bad in modern day prices at arcades! read more

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