San Francisco, California Attractions
Unusual landmarks, museums, roadside attractions, and hidden wonders in San Francisco and the surrounding area. There's plenty to see right in town, but we've also mapped hidden treasures we've discovered in surrounding cities, from Marin County to the East Bay.
Sights for Oddball Excursions
Big Mike the Muffler Man
Hayward, California
1960s vintage fiberglass Paul Bunyan statue spent career standing in front of Hayward businesses before finding a home at a local plastics fabrication business.
Nike Missile Site SF-88L
Mill Valley, California
The National Park Service conducts tours through this remarkably well-preserved and maintained Cold War facility, built to fire supersonic missiles at approaching Soviet bombers.
Battery Townsley
Mill Valley, California
World War II era coast artillery bunker restored and open once a month for tours. Big guns, nuclear pressure tests, former teen burner hangout.
Out-of-Control Rombeiro Christmas House
Novato, California
A holiday-crazed home buried in Christmas cheer and open to the public. Normally includes the rooms inside. 2020-2021: outside only.
Champions For Humanity: Mount Rushmore of California
Oakland, California
Giant bronze heads of 25 "champions" of peace and perseverance show sculptural solidarity in a park plaza.
In and Around San Francisco
Choice field reports and tips. Or check out: Complete list of California attractions.
- Vallejo: Mare Island Naval Shipyard Museum
- San Jose: Winchester Mystery House
- San Francisco: Wave Organ
- San Francisco: Urban Putt
- San Francisco: Magic Bus
- San Francisco: San Francisco Dungeon
- Richmond: Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center
- Petaluma: Military Antiques and Penry Museum
- Oakland: Champions For Humanity: Mount Rushmore of California
- Novato: Olompali: Miwoks, Chosen Family, Grateful Dead
- Mill Valley: Battery Townsley
- Mill Valley: Nike Missile Site SF-88L
- Crockett: Crockett History: Sugar, Sturgeon, Switchboard
- Burlingame: Museum of Pez Memorabilia
- San Francisco: Comic Rockstars Toilet Seat Museum [tips]
- San Francisco: Paxton Gate - Taxidermy Art
- San Francisco: 826 Valencia: Pirate Supply Store [tips]
- San Francisco: Tonga Room
- San Francisco: Urge - Robot Mimics You
- San Francisco: Crookedest Street in the World
- San Francisco: Real Crookedest Street in San Francisco
