Not to Miss Attractions for Vets in San Francisco

Whether you’re in town for campus week or just exploring the Bay, San Francisco has something for every kind of veteran. Are you a history buff, sports fan, nature lover, or someone who just wants a great view and good food? However you describe yourself, the city’s mix of culture and character means you can pack a lot into just a few days without ever feeling rushed.

Here are ten standout spots that showcase what makes San Francisco one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

1. Walt Disney Family Museum (Presidio)

This museum isn’t just about cartoons. Explore the magic of Disney through themes of creativity, storytelling, and resilience. Located in the scenic Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum brings Walt’s journey to life with early sketches, personal letters, and interactive exhibits. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge don’t hurt either, and the space itself feels peaceful and inspiring.

2. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

SFMOMA is seven floors of thought-provoking, often surprising art—from photography and sculpture to immersive digital installations. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “art person,” this place will inspire ideas and imagination. Grab a coffee at their rooftop café between exhibits and people-watch.

3. California Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park)

This isn’t your average science museum. The Academy houses a four-story rainforest, an aquarium, and a planetarium all under one living green roof. You can walk through a coral reef tunnel, stand under an indoor thunderstorm, and catch a show about the cosmos all before lunch.

4. USS Pampanito (Fisherman’s Wharf)

Step aboard a real WWII submarine docked in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. The USS Pampanito offers a glimpse into life underwater during wartime, complete with preserved control rooms and bunks. It’s an immersive, hands-on piece of history that hits different when you’ve worn a uniform yourself.

5. San Francisco Botanical Garden (Golden Gate Park)

A peaceful retreat in the middle of the city, the Botanical Garden stretches across 55 acres with over 8,000 plant species from around the world. It’s a great place to walk, think, or just sit with a coffee among redwoods and rare blooms. Go early in the morning for a quiet start to your day.

6. Legion of Honor (Lincoln Park)

Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific, the Legion of Honor blends fine art and history in one stunning spot. You’ll find everything from ancient artifacts to European masterpieces and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge right outside. The building itself is as striking as what’s inside.

7. San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park

Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, a game at Oracle Park is pure Bay Area energy with great food, a waterfront breeze, and one of the best backdrops in pro sports. Catch a sunset game if you can; the view of the Bay Bridge as the lights come on is unforgettable.

8. Stern Grove Festival (Summer Concert Series)

If you’re around during the summer, Stern Grove is a local favorite. These free outdoor concerts are tucked into a natural amphitheater surrounded by trees. The crowd’s relaxed, the music’s top-notch, and the vibe feels like San Francisco at its best: laid-back, inclusive, and full of life.

9. San Francisco Veterans Memorial (Civic Center)

Quiet, reflective, and deeply moving, this memorial sits across from City Hall in the War Memorial Veterans Building. Its simple design and powerful inscriptions make it a place to pause and take a breath. 

10. Exploratorium (Pier 15)

Part science lab, part art exhibit, and part playground for the curious, the Exploratorium is one of those places that makes you feel like a kid again. Everything here is hands-on, from light and sound experiments to interactive displays that challenge how you see the world. Set right on the waterfront, it’s the perfect mix of learning, creativity, and fun that can easily turn an afternoon into a full day.

Before You Go

San Francisco’s museums, gardens, and cultural sites often offer veteran and military discounts or free admission on select days especially around Veterans Day and Fleet Week. Be sure to check each attraction’s website for the latest details.

Whether you’re exploring between classes or unwinding after a long week, these ten spots show why San Francisco is a city worth wandering—one story, one view, and one experience at a time.