A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique (museemecanique.com) houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced Laughing Sal has freaked out kids for over a century, but don't let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and get hypnotized by a Ferris wheel made from toothpicks.
Top Choice
Musée Mécanique
Karina Peralta/Shutterstock
Book popular activities
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.
Must-see attractions
- Attraction in The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero HillDolores Park
- Attraction in The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero HillBalmy Alley
- Attraction in North Beach & ChinatownChinese Historical Society of America
- Attraction in The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero HillClarion Alley
- Attraction in San Franciscode Young Museum
- Attraction in The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the PiersExploratorium
- Attraction in San FranciscoSan Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Attraction in San FranciscoFerry Building
