Musée Mécanique: A Nostalgic Journey Through Arcade History
Experience a nostalgic journey through arcade history at San Francisco's Musée Mécanique, featuring 300+ vintage coin-operated games and musical machines.
The Musée Mécanique, located at Pier 45 in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, is a captivating interactive museum featuring a vast collection of over 300 coin-operated mechanical games and artifacts from the 20th century. It offers a unique opportunity to experience vintage arcade entertainment.
A brief summary to Musée Mécanique
- Pier 45, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, CA, 94133, US
- +1415-346-2000
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-8 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Bring quarters! While admission is free, the games and machines are coin-operated, typically costing between $0.25 and $1.
- Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Take public transportation or rideshare, as parking near Pier 45 can be limited and expensive.
- Explore Fisherman's Wharf before or after your visit to Musée Mécanique to make the most of your trip.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the F Market streetcar to Fisherman's Wharf. The streetcar stops near Pier 45. A single ride costs $3. Alternatively, several bus lines, including the 8, 30, 39, and 49, serve the area. Check the MuniMobile app for real-time schedules and fare payment options.
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Walking
If you are already in Fisherman's Wharf, Musée Mécanique is easily accessible by foot. From Pier 39, walk west along the Embarcadero towards Pier 45. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and offers scenic views of the waterfront.
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Taxi/Rideshare
Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in San Francisco. Request a ride to Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf. A short trip from downtown San Francisco will typically cost between $15 and $20.
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Parking
Parking near Pier 45 is limited. There is a parking garage at Pier 45 Shed A, with rates of $3 for 15 minutes and a daily maximum of $45. Alternative parking options can be found at nearby garages, such as 2552 Taylor St Garage ($12.50 for 2 hours) or 590 Bay St Garage ($20 for 2 hours). Consider using parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a spot in advance.
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