Musée Mécanique, San Francisco - Old photo booth at the Musee Mecanique in SF
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Musée Mécanique San Francisco

Step back in time at this family-run museum featuring hundreds of antique, coin-operated arcade games and mechanical wonders.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more games!

CrowdLow
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Musée Mécanique, San Francisco - Old photo booth at the Musee Mecanique in SF

Musée Mécanique San Francisco

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more games!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at this family-run museum featuring hundreds of antique, coin-operated arcade games and mechanical wonders.

4.7
(8k reviews)

"Easily the best thing we've done in San Francisco, I could've spent all day in here marvelling at the arcade games."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bring Quarters!

Most games cost 25-50 cents. Change machines available, but quarters are king! :coin:

📸 Capture the Nostalgia

Don't miss the vintage photo booth for fun, retro pics! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Arcade Games

Vintage Arcade Games

Main Hall

Step back in time with hundreds of antique coin-operated arcade machines, from Pong to Pac-Man.

Mechanical Musical Instruments

Mechanical Musical Instruments

Various Displays

Marvel at intricate, century-old coin-operated automatons that play music and perform shows.

Princess Diaries Photo Booth

Princess Diaries Photo Booth

Near Entrance

Recreate iconic movie moments in a classic, working photo booth that's a hit with visitors.

Planning Your Visit

Bring Quarters!

Most of the vintage arcade games and mechanical wonders at Musée Mécanique are coin-operated, typically costing 25-50 cents per play. While there are change machines, having quarters on hand makes jumping into the fun seamless. It's a budget-friendly way to spend hours, with many visitors reporting around $10-$30 for a family to have a blast.Reddit

Free Entry, Pay to Play

The best part? Admission to Musée Mécanique is completely free! This makes it an accessible and exciting stop, especially for families or those on a budget. You only pay for the games you choose to play, allowing you to control your spending while still enjoying the unique atmosphere.Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more games!
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

if you’ve been trying to go to the vintage photobooth, you should def check out this one near pier 39!! there’s like no lines here haha plus it’s the one in princess diaries 🤠 📍 musee mecanique #vintagephotobooth #bayarea #photobooth
@3ll3bsai
42.3K likes • 285.3K views

🎯 Bring Quarters!

Most games cost 25-50 cents. Change machines available, but quarters are king! :coin: Reddit

📸 Capture the Nostalgia

Don't miss the vintage photo booth for fun, retro pics! :camerawithflash: TikTok

Obsessed with the photos from the old fashoined photo booth! #sftok #princessdiaries #sfthingstodo #sanfrancisco #sanfrancisolife #sfdateideas #photobooth
@kelseyyams
33.8K likes • 300.7K views
[San Fran post] These antique arcade machines & retro arvade games are still coin operated using quarters 😮 at Musee Mecanique @museemecaniquesf San Francisco! This place is my favourite thing to do in SF as I love arcades games, and you don’t see many retro arcades like this anymore!! Perfect for all ages: entry is free & located conveniently at Pier 45 Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’ve been to SF, ha...
tastysydney
52 likes • 641 views

🕰️ Allow Plenty of Time

You can easily lose hours exploring the 300+ machines. :clock1: Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be standing and playing, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

👾 Musée Mécanique👾 When I looked this up online , I know we had to take a look , and it didn’t disappoint , it’s a family operated business that’s been on Fisherman’s Wharf since 1933. There’s coin operated musical instruments , coin operated puppet shows , and lots of coin operated execution arcade machines , thrown in with some 80s nostalgia arcade machines. (Pac Man, Centipede, Galaga) Musée...
moiststrawberry
40 likes • 431 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bring Quarters!

Most games cost 25-50 cents. Change machines available, but quarters are king! :coin: Reddit

📸 Capture the Nostalgia

Don't miss the vintage photo booth for fun, retro pics! :camerawithflash: TikTok

🕰️ Allow Plenty of Time

You can easily lose hours exploring the 300+ machines. :clock1: Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be standing and playing, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:

💰 Budget-Friendly Fun

Free entry! Pay per game, making it affordable for all. :moneybag: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Musée Mécanique as a unique, nostalgic, and incredibly affordable San Francisco gem. The sheer volume of working vintage arcade games and mechanical wonders, combined with free entry, makes it a standout attraction. While some note the potential for spending more than intended due to the fun factor, the overwhelming sentiment is one of delight and a highly recommended experience.

"Let's talk parking. It is SF, there is none. So think ahead where you are going to park before you come.

Now to business: This place is so awesome for retro gamers.
So many old arcades. I played the original pong here. Incredible.
And it is really cheap. Free entry, and playing a game costs between 25c to 1usd. Most at 50c.

With 10 bucks we had fun with the whole family.
Can't recommend this enough."

Arthur Kiyanovski

"This was such a fun experience—it takes you back to the far, far past of this land. So beautiful and free-spirited. I loved how every era is represented here, from the old singing and fortune-telling machines to the vintage racing slots and the newer NBA basketball games. With over 300 mechanical and coin-operated wonders, including Zoltar-style automatons, it’s a truly fascinating collection of gaming treasures. I’ll definitely recommend this warm journey through time! This place is a gem. You could honestly get lost here for hours. I spent at least two hours and about 30 bucks, so be careful if you’re planning to take your children there—you’ll probably end up staying longer (and spending more) than you planned. :)))"

Ani Rafyan

"Easily the best thing we’ve done in San Fransisco, I could’ve spent all day in here marvelling at the arcade games. We heard about this place from a friend and I am so glad we went. It’s free admission and then you pay to play on the machines, it ranges from 25c-50c for most games, with some a little more expensive. Don’t worry, there’s a few change machines dotted around for you to change dollars to quarters. The arcade games are so well kept considering their age and I was really in awe of them all. Highly recommend!!"

B

What People Like

Incredible value for money
Vast collection of working vintage games
Nostalgic and unique atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Potential to overspend on games

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Musée Mécanique is located at Pier 45 on Fisherman's Wharf. You can reach it via public transportation like the F Market & Wharves streetcar or various Muni bus lines. Parking in the Fisherman's Wharf area can be challenging and expensive, so public transit or ride-sharing is often recommended.Reddit

Yes, there are several parking garages and lots near Fisherman's Wharf, but they can be costly and fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It's advisable to plan your parking in advance or consider alternative transportation methods.Reddit

Pier 45 is easily accessible by the historic F Market & Wharves streetcar, which runs along the Embarcadero. Several Muni bus routes also stop near Fisherman's Wharf, providing convenient access from different parts of the city.

The museum is generally accessible, but due to the nature of vintage machinery and potentially crowded aisles, navigating with a large stroller might be a bit tight in some areas. It's best to be prepared for some maneuvering.

Absolutely! It's a short and pleasant walk from Pier 39 (sea lions) and other Fisherman's Wharf attractions to Pier 45 where Musée Mécanique is located.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Musée Mécanique is completely free! You only pay for the vintage arcade games and mechanical attractions you choose to play.Instagram

The museum typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.

No advance booking is necessary as admission is free. You can simply walk in and start exploring the collection of vintage games and machines.

Most games cost between 25 cents and $1 to play, with the majority being 50 cents. This makes it a very affordable way to have fun for an extended period.Reddit

While entry is always free, keep an eye on their social media for any special announcements or events. The inherent affordability of the games is already a major draw.

🎫 🕹️ Onsite Experience

You'll find a vast collection of antique coin-operated arcade games, including classics like Pac-Man, Centipede, and Galaga, alongside unique mechanical musical instruments, puppet shows, and fortune-telling automatons.Instagram

Absolutely! Children (and adults!) love the interactive nature of the games. However, parents should be mindful of spending, as kids might want to play many games.Reddit

The Musée Mécanique features a vintage photo booth that was famously used in the movie 'The Princess Diaries,' making it a popular spot for fans.TikTok+1

The museum boasts over 300 mechanical and coin-operated wonders, offering a huge variety of entertainment and historical artifacts to explore.Reddit

Yes, there's a bell you can ring for assistance, and staff are known to come out quickly, sometimes even on roller skates, to help visitors.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Musée Mécanique itself does not have a restaurant. However, it's located right on Fisherman's Wharf, which is packed with food stalls and restaurants offering everything from clam chowder to seafood and snacks.Reddit

You can find famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from various vendors right outside the museum. Ghirardelli Square is also a short walk away for chocolate treats.

While there are no specific rules against it, it's generally best to consume outside food before entering or after leaving the museum to maintain the integrity of the exhibits and respect other visitors.

Yes, the food stalls on Fisherman's Wharf offer more casual and affordable options compared to sit-down restaurants. Grabbing a chowder bowl to enjoy with a view is a classic Wharf experience.Reddit

There are benches and seating areas along the waterfront near Pier 45 where you can enjoy food purchased from nearby vendors.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a visually rich environment with unique machines and nostalgic charm perfect for capturing memories.TikTok

Don't miss the vintage photo booth, the intricate mechanical musical instruments, the classic arcade game cabinets, and the overall retro atmosphere. The 'Princess Diaries' photo booth is a must-capture.TikTok+1

While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly on the delicate mechanisms of the antique machines if possible, to preserve their longevity. Also, be mindful of other visitors' privacy.

Visitors often capture selfies in the photo booth, close-ups of the detailed automatons, action shots of people playing games, and wide shots showcasing the sheer volume of vintage machines.

Visiting during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) can make it easier to get unobstructed shots. Otherwise, be patient and creative with your angles.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Musée Mécanique is a dream destination for families! The free entry means you can pop in without commitment, and the low cost of games makes it easy to let kids have a blast without overspending.Reddit They'll be mesmerized by the old-school arcade games and the quirky mechanical performers. The 'Princess Diaries' photo booth is also a huge hit for creating fun family memories.TikTok+1

Pro-tip: Bring plenty of quarters! While change machines are available, having a stash ready means less downtime and more playtime. It's a fantastic way to spend a few hours, offering a unique blend of history, fun, and interactivity that appeals to all ages.

💰 Budget Travelers

For travelers watching their wallets, Musée Mécanique is a goldmine. Free admission is the first win, and then the games themselves are incredibly cheap, mostly costing 25-50 cents.Reddit You can easily spend hours here, playing a huge variety of vintage games and marveling at the mechanical wonders, for under $20. It's a perfect way to experience a unique San Francisco attraction without a hefty price tag.Reddit

💖 Couples & Date Nights

Looking for a unique and fun date idea in San Francisco? Musée Mécanique offers a playful and nostalgic setting. Challenge each other to vintage arcade games, share a laugh at the quirky automatons, and capture some fun memories in the 'Princess Diaries' photo booth.TikTok+1 It's a low-pressure, high-fun environment that sparks conversation and shared experiences, especially when combined with a stroll along Fisherman's Wharf.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Gaming History

Musée Mécanique is more than just an arcade; it's a living museum dedicated to the history of coin-operated entertainment. Founded in 1933, this family-operated business has amassed an incredible collection of over 300 antique mechanical wonders.Instagram These aren't just static displays; the vast majority are in working order and available for play, a rarity for such delicate, century-old machines.Reddit

The collection spans a remarkable range of eras and types of entertainment. You'll find early 20th-century mechanical musical instruments and automatons that perform intricate shows, alongside vintage pinball machines and early video games that paved the way for modern gaming. It’s a tangible connection to the past, offering a unique glimpse into how people entertained themselves before the digital age.Instagram

This dedication to preservation and operation is what sets Musée Mécanique apart. They maintain their own workshop to ensure these historical artifacts continue to function, making it a truly special experience for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It’s a place where history is not just observed, but actively played.Reddit

The 'Princess Diaries' Connection and Photo Booth Fun

For fans of the beloved movie 'The Princess Diaries,' Musée Mécanique holds a special significance. The museum features a classic, fully functional vintage photo booth that was prominently used in the film.TikTok This iconic spot allows visitors to step into the shoes of Mia Thermopolis and capture their own memorable snapshots.

Taking photos in these old-school booths is a nostalgic experience in itself. You get a strip of black-and-white or sepia-toned images, a tangible souvenir of your visit. It’s a fun, quick activity that adds another layer of charm to the already engaging atmosphere of the museum.TikTok

Many visitors make a point to seek out this particular photo booth, often sharing their results on social media. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of both the movie and the timeless fun of a physical photo booth, offering a unique and personal memento of a trip to San Francisco.TikTok+1

Budget-Friendly Entertainment on the Wharf

One of the most appealing aspects of Musée Mécanique is its incredible affordability. With free admission, it immediately stands out as an accessible attraction on the bustling Fisherman's Wharf.Instagram This allows everyone, regardless of budget, to experience the unique charm of the museum.

The cost of playing the games is remarkably low, typically ranging from 25 to 50 cents per play, with some machines costing a bit more. This means you can enjoy a wide variety of games and attractions for a modest amount. Many visitors report spending around $10-$30 for a family to have hours of fun, making it a fantastic value.Reddit

This low cost, combined with the sheer volume and variety of playable machines, makes Musée Mécanique a standout option for budget-conscious travelers. It offers a full afternoon of entertainment without breaking the bank, proving that some of the best experiences are also the most affordable.Reddit

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