Though Los Angeles may be the first place that comes to mind when you consider visiting the best art galleries in California, San Francisco has its fair share of museums that are equally worth exploring.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) 

Location: 151 Third Street

Admission: $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $19 for young adults (ages 19-24), and free for individuals 18 and under

Special exhibits: From May 19–September 2, view Andy Warhol - From A to B and Back Again. Members and youths ages 18 and under receive free admission to special exhibits, while the cost for the general public is $37. 

Hours:

Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. 

Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.* 

Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

*Open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays, May 25 through September 2

SFMOMA is one of the largest modern art museums in the country and definitely ought to be a stop on your next San Francisco excursion. Featuring everything from outdoor sculpture gardens, to unique eateries, to a 30-foot living wall, to an unbeatable Sightglass Coffee espresso bar, to artworks from unparalleled artists—such as Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe—SFMOMA makes it easy for visitors to spend an entire day wandering around the grounds in wonderment. 

Art Attack SF 

Location: 2358 Market Street, Suite 1

Admission: Free

Hours:

Available by appointment as well as:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 1 p.m.–6 p.m.*

Friday: 1 p.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday: 1 p.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m.–6 p.m.

Thursday–Sunday, 1 p.m.–6 p.m.*

*Open until 9 p.m. the first Thursday of every month

Art Attack SF is a unique art gallery nestled in the Castro District. Dedicated to celebrating the artistic expressions of local creators, Art Attack SF is a vibrant space complete with ceramic works, sculptures, and paintings. The gallery features new artists on a regular basis and hosts free opening receptions on Thursday evenings, so make sure to reserve your spot to see the next great S.F. artist of our time.

Berggruen Gallery

Location: 10 Hawthorne Street

Admission: Free

Summer Hours:

Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Berggruen Gallery is home to a collection of contemporary art, plus 20th-century American and European paintings, sculptures, drawings, and limited-edition prints—and is entirely free to the public. As a gallery, every piece of art on display is for sale, making it a tremendous resource for locals looking to furnish their apartments, homes, and businesses. 

SF Camerawork 

Location: 1011 Market Street, 2nd Floor

Admission: Free

Hours:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Thursday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Friday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday: 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

SF Camerawork is a photography space dedicated to showing off a range of styles and approaches that differ from the norm. The gallery hosts a variety of events, workshops, and exhibitions and can be rented for both private and corporate events. Settle in to San Francisco’s Mid-Market Arts District between the Civic Center and Powell BART stations, and get ready to see photographic art like never before.