Musée Mécanique
Museum · Fisherman's Wharf ·

Musée Mécanique

Museum · Fisherman's Wharf ·

Antique coin-op arcade games, photo booths, and unique mechanical wonders

Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by Photo by Rachel McCord
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null
Musée Mécanique by null

Information

Pier 45, San Francisco, CA 94133 Get directions

Information

Static Map

Pier 45, San Francisco, CA 94133 Get directions

+1 415 346 2000
museemecanique.com
@museemecaniquesf
𝕏
@MuseeMecSF

Features

restroom
crowd family friendly
parking paid street
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Nov 18, 2025

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 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Musée Mécanique, at Pier 45 in Fisherman’s Wharf, is one of the largest privately held collections of vintage mechanical arcade machines in the world. Displaying some 200 pieces from the more than 300 acquired by Edward G. Zelinsky throughout his life, the museum is still owned and managed by the philanthropist and historian’s family. But words like museum and display are misleading: The majority of these contraptions still work. Stock up on quarters and dust off your nostalgia, because this is a chance to introduce your kids to the PlayStation of the good old days. There are music boxes, barbershop quartets, peep shows, fortune-tellers, jerky dioramas (ranging from a colorful carnival to a dingy opium den), and more; many of the items are over a century old. There are also more modern arcade machines—still ancient by today’s standards—such as pinball, Pac-Man, and Street Fighter II; those with a competitive streak can play Skee-Ball or air hockey. Presiding over it all is the life-size Laffing Sal, whose full-blooded cackling is the only thing that cuts through the cacophony of beeping and buzzing and clanging and the riot of carnival tunes. As well as a cool place to play games with your kids, it’s a fun lens through which to teach them about life in the not-so-distant past, and perhaps about your own childhood. Entry is free, and there are plenty of change machines. Photo: Gary Stevens/Flickr By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

The Best Things to Do in San Francisco
Photo by Rachel McCord
Musée Mécanique
@eater
391,113 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

Museum of Ice Cream Opens SF Cafe and Plans Bar - Eater SF

"Next up is Dive-In: The team says it’s built the bar space in its mezzanine area already, overlooking the sprinkle pool, and has applied for its license to serve beer and wine. They’re also teasing “wine and beer cocktails combined with the sweetest toppings and one-of-a-kind flavor profiles,” so save room for dessert, and stay tuned." - Caleb Pershan

https://sf.eater.com/2019/4/4/18296078/museum-of-ice-cream-sf-cafe-1905c-open
Musée Mécanique
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,279 Cities

Admission is free to one of the world’s largest collections of vintage arcade machines—bring quarters to play. National Geographic and other editors call it a must for its living slice of San Francisco amusement history.

https://museemecanique.com/visit
Free Attractions in San Francisco (2025)
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Musée Mécanique

Keisha T.

Google
Musée Mécanique – A Whimsical Time Machine of Fun 🕰️ If you're in San Francisco and craving a dose of vintage joy, Musée Mécanique at Fisherman’s Wharf is a must. We had an absolute blast exploring this quirky, delightful arcade packed with games from every era imaginable. From hand-cranked fortune tellers to retro pinball machines and classic racing games, it’s like stepping into a living museum where everything still works—and invites you to play. The best part? You don’t just look at history, you interact with it. ✨ Highlights - Games from the early 1900s to modern favorites - Only costs a few quarters to play—affordable and addictive - Great for all ages: nostalgic for adults, magical for kids - Free admission, so you can wander in and out as you please

Michael P.

Google
What a fun hidden gem! We stumbled across this place as we were exploring Fisherman's Wharf. Free admission. Each item on display requires some quarters. Most are one quarter, but a few are a little more pricey. It was so interesting to see all of the cool mechanical games and entertainment mechanisms. My wife really liked all the player pianos and musical devices. I liked the old games. Really cool that this place has been able to preserve these experiences for us to enjoy. While some of the exhibits had some history, I hoped that there would be a little more info on each one. There are several change machines to get quarters... protip... if you only have a twenty, find the attendant or ring the bell in the back and they will break it down for you so that you aren't carrying around so much change.

B. G.

Google
Absolutely magical ✨ A must-visit in San Francisco! NOTE‼️= Respect the vintage machines — they’re delicate pieces of history, so no banging or rough handling. Musée Mécanique is full of vintage arcade games, quirky mechanical wonders, and so much nostalgia. Loved exploring all the coin-operated machines — and the vintage photobooth inside is the perfect souvenir stop. Free to enter, bring cash and/or small bills so you can get quarters (there are change machines).

Kristen B.

Google
Amazing experience. I wandered in simply because it was free. I was quickly wrapped up in the charm of the arcade. I spent $5 and entertained myself for an hour playing a variety of games new and old. This was one of my favourite SF experiences

Amie Jay M.

Google
This place is magical! There’s so much to see and so many machines to play on, plus an ATM and change machines so you can play all you want. The owner is an amazing guy who is very passionate and has so many fun facts and BTS bits to share, so I highly recommend chatting to him (he’s also on roller skates because… iconic). One of my fav stops - couldn’t recommend more - and if you’re a Princess Diaries fan, you can play on the arm wrestling machine Julie Andrews plays in the movie and spots lots of other games from those scenes.

Arthur K.

Google
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.

Ani R.

Google
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. :)))

Matt D.

Google
A museum packed with an incredibly eclectic mix of vintage arcade games and mechatronic oddities. Walking through feels like stepping into a cabinet of curiosities, only everything here runs on coins and gears. Some of the machines are downright hilarious. I found myself belly laughing at the unexpected comedy built into them. A few even come with posted warnings about “offensive” behavior, which only made them more intriguing. Spoiler: they turned out to be absolutely delightful and easily worth dropping in a quarter. Beyond the arcade cabinets, there’s an old steam-powered motorcycle on display that looks like something out of a Jules Verne novel, and tucked between the relics you’ll also find a handful of more modern games. The blend of old and new makes it feel less like a static museum and more like a living, quirky collection that invites you to play and explore.
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Lilian W.

Yelp
Musée Mécanique, located in Fisherman's Wharf, is a nostalgic arcade filled with a massive collection of vintage arcade machines. It's a popular spot, always bustling with visitors eager to experience the charm of old-school games. The arcade is coin-operated, and there are ATMs available to exchange cash for coins. Most machines cost only $0.25 per play, making it an affordable and fun experience. I got a decent amount of plays in for just $1.50. Some machines are more entertaining than others. I personally enjoyed the self-playing pianos, as their music can be enjoyed by anyone nearby. The arm-wrestling machines, while popular, weren't particularly exciting. A few machines just light up without much interaction, but the overall experience of exploring such a unique collection makes up for it. Adding to the fun atmosphere, I noticed one worker zipping around on rollerblades, which was a cool sight. I make it a point to visit Musée Mécanique every time I'm in Fisherman's Wharf--it's a charming, budget-friendly stop that never gets old.
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Denise C.

Yelp
It all started at Musee Mecanique one day after high school 2002. My father said "it's musee mecanique" and we didn't even go inside and spend too much money...I saw Laughing Sal...I didn't even spend that much time at Musee Mecanique...We may have gone to Half Moon Bay..then I decided to see SFMOMA for the first time..then....it all went down hill into darkness...My father wanted to retire and we were going on another trip to see San Francisco..go to college in Los Angeles...we were at the wharf...he thought I would like this place...it was Playland 1972 near the beach etc... My father could be retired but he did not give up everything for me to live my life in my fantasy and dreams...he wished to plan his old age and see me off to live my adult life...go off to college...and every time I would go out and come back to the house and he was at the house..that is not fair to him...that's not fair
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Shelby G.

Yelp
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.
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Christine M.

Yelp
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!
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Hen A.

Yelp
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...
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Tracey A.

Yelp
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.
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Chloe F.

Yelp
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!
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Nicole K.

Yelp
Definitely recommend checking it out if you like playing arcade games. I like that they have a mix of old and new games. It's fun to walk around too and look at all the games they have, esp the vintage ones.
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Hmmmmm O.

Yelp
Crazy old antique machines many are a quarter each. Fun to just play a few and leave.
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Christa M.

Yelp
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!
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Cris I.

Yelp
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.
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Jenna O.

Yelp
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.
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Joshua L.

Yelp
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.
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Jennifer B.

Yelp
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.
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Candace F.

Yelp
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!
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Erich L.

Yelp
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.
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Deshika B.

Yelp
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!
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Vanessa T.

Yelp
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!
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Emily L.

Yelp
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!
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Shayla T.

Yelp
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!
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Annie W.

Yelp
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.
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Anastacia M.

Yelp
This amazing one of a kind museum features games that are over 100 years old, plus arcade amusements and extremely rare items and they all work! Bring lots of quarters because you will want to play them all! They have racing games, fortune tellers and player pianos. Admission is free and they have change machines so get some cash and experience being a gamer in the 1800s and early 1900!
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Ayla B.

Yelp
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!
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Harlee S.

Yelp
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!
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Amanda K.

Yelp
I saw about this place on social media and thought I'd just go, take a few pics, walk around a bit and enjoy a game or two. I didn't expect to spend like 1 hour here checking out all of the vintage games and playing them! We played so many games and the ones we played were all like $0.25-0.75 each. So we spent like $6 total and had a really great time. The guy working was so friendly showing us how some of the games worked and it was just an overall really unexpected great time. I definitely recommend it to see the vintage games!
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Katrina H.

Yelp
Arcades are always fun to visit because I can step back into time, though generally it's the 70/80/90's video games that fill arcades. Museé Mécanique takes you back on a winding journey of early 1900's to the 2000's...coin-operated pianos, mystical fortune tellers, pinball machines, and the Terminator game (to name just a few). This place is packed with games of all sorts...one could easily spend a few hours in there! Definitely a fun spot in Fisherman's Warf!
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Sherry F.

Yelp
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.
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Therese K.

Yelp
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.
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Tiana D.

Yelp
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.
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Gambit H.

Yelp
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.
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Danica V.

Yelp
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
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Francisco C.

Yelp
Tbh this place doesn't look like much from the outside but honestly this place is like the arcade of your childhood. It's filled with alot of old nostalgic games from the early early 1900s along with modern arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, The Simpsons etc. some great novelty pinball machines that I loved tbh you'll come in to browse and you'll leave with your childhood ambitions and memories all rushing back! Just bring loose change no card accepted!
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Clay G.

Yelp
I have nothing bad to say. It's basically an arcade but also a museum. You can play pretty much everything there for a nominal price but a lot of it's just cool to look at. Also you can win little prizes in some of them and look at how happy I look.
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Janette W.

Yelp
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'?
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Tiffany P.

Yelp
This is a great nostalgic place to go with the family and friends so much fun something for everybody bring your quarters brings back memories of old pinball machines miss Pac-Man, skeet ball, and many more
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Rheina C.

Yelp
Absolutely loved this place! We've always gone to pier 39, and had no idea that this was right next door! Love all the vintage games and that you actually have to use quarters! Granted, some of the games weren't working but these are older machines. The staff was literally going around in roller blades which was cool. It was also great to see all ages enjoy this unique place!
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Scott E.

Yelp
This is a super cool little place. Admission is free. It has a really terrific variety of old-school video games and pinball machines. Some of them are great to play, and others are probably more for looking at at this point in their lifespan. But I really enjoyed my visit here.
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Jade J.

Yelp
Fun & refreshing entertaining experience as it has so many classic/vintage arcade games and vibes. Honestly, me and my sister wanted to visit so we could take photos in the vintage photobooth that went viral on TikTok and because this place was spotted in Princess Diaries. It was worth it because we got the cutest photos and saw arcade games that we'd never seen before. Note: It's free to enter & just walk around to view. All the games are coin-operated so bring cash since there is an ATM inside. Also, the vintage photobooth takes cash.
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Knickerbocker R.

Yelp
What a lovely gem. There are all sorts of games to play. There is no admission fee, a lot of change machines, and nostalgia all the way. I do not know what took me so long to visit this place. Please visit.
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Roya J.

Yelp
Very nostalgic. It's an old school arcade with old school pricing and right on the water. It's been around for a long time at a desirable location so hopefully they won't be pushed out like so many other iconic spots in the city. If you're at fisherman's wharf pay them a visit.
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Melissa S.

Yelp
Here was our favorite games. Skee ball and bowling were my favorite games as they take the longest to play. You get the biggest bang for your buck.
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Thuyvi M.

Yelp
Wow! I only spent $20 here and almost 2 hours having a blast from the past! My kids were a little hesitant at first and scared with some of the games with dolls but it's because of scary movies lol. They had so much fun after exploring the area. Games run about 25 cents to a $1 and it's open to everyone. Bring hand sanitizer cause there were a lot of people. So if you're in SF it's something you must check out! Some cheap fun and history!
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Rebecca R.

Yelp
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
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Amanda M.

Yelp
Cheap and fun This place is like an antique store but you can touch and play with the machines. There is a variety of machine games, musical, fortune telling, and just general curiosity types of entertainment machines. Many of them are very old. They take any where from a quarter to two dollars to play and you can easily spend a couple hours playing them. Plus it is right on the water.
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Phil A.

Yelp
If you're in Fisherman's Wharf. and are up for some fun and games, then come to this place!! Now when I say fun and games, I mean old arcade style fun, and really old games!! This place is free to enter, and most games are only 25 cents. They had Star Wars and Indiana Jones pinball machines along with really old pinball machines, Ms Pac-Man, Asteroids, Pole Position, SkeeBall, just to name a few. But the really old games, like the arm wrestling and other feats of strength were fun also. Some of the old games, you just kind of watch a show, and yes, almost all of the games work no matter how old they look. Walking in, I thought I would just walk through and look, but those games have a way of hooking you, and once you start, next thing you know, you're having fun!!
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May A.

Yelp
Cheap, Fun Entertainment Located at Pier 45 Fisherman's Wharf on the San Francisco Waterfront. We strolled inside to see an /amazing collection of old 20th-century penny arcade games that also brought back memories when I saw arcade games from the 80's like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Tetris! Admission is free! There are over 300 mechanical machines in this interactive museum. The games are coin operated with quarters so it's one of the cheapest entertainment in San Francisco where you can easily spend an hour or two. There is also a Steam Flyer on display (housed in a glass case). What is it?? It's a motorcycle full of steam and this one is in perfect working condition. The Steam Flyer was built in Sacramento circa 1912. Here you can get your fortune read, stand in front of an illusion mirror, get souvenir photos in the photo booths, play skeeball, foosball, and air hockey, play traditional pinball machines. Remember when the Queen of Genovia herself (Julie Andrews) played an arm wrestling machine in Princess Diaries? They actually filmed the entire scene right at the Antique Penny Arcade! The museum serves as a fascinating peek into the past for the younger crowd. Review #2657
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Cindy C.

Yelp
Free admission! A step back in time!! 1800's to be exact. Antique arcade games here... way before our times! Pretty cool and fun!
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Evan S.

Yelp
Fun time playing some classic games. Highly recommend if you want to kill time waiting for food. $10 goes a long way
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Jerry S.

Yelp
This is one of the coolest places I'd ever been. I was here for hours and it felt like only 20 minutes or so. At one point we were the only people there and it felt so cool to be the only ones immersed in all of these classic machines. But even when the noise level started to increase, everything was still incredibly enjoyable. Some of the games/entertainment were just so captivating that they completely absorbed all of my attention. It was like stepping into a time machine and being transported through time. I loved that they had coin-op machines from the turn of the century all the way up until the present day. From tiny toys that come to life, to music makers, to fortune tellers, to legit arcade games - this was such a fantastic experience. I'll definitely be spending more hours here next time I'm in SF.