Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a chain of odditoriums built on the collections of Robert Ripley, the cartoonist and adventurer who traveled the world gathering strange objects and stories. The San Francisco location sits in the Fisherman's Wharf district, a few minutes' walk from the sea lions and the cable car turnaround, and fills its galleries with curiosities, artifacts, illusions and hands-on displays. Visitors wander through rooms of unusual art, cultural artifacts and puzzles, and some tickets add a mirror maze for extra fun. It suits families with school-age children, groups of friends with a taste for the strange and anyone looking for an indoor activity on a foggy or rainy day. Expect a playful, slightly kitschy atmosphere rather than a serious museum, with plenty of photo opportunities and short attention-span-friendly exhibits.
The Ripley brand has a long history. Robert Ripley began publishing his Believe It or Not! cartoons in the early twentieth century and turned them into a global franchise of books, radio programs and museums. Each Ripley's location mixes standard pieces from the brand with items tied to its city, so the San Francisco gallery is part of a larger family but also has its own feel. Do not expect the quiet reverence of an art museum; the point is surprise, humor and a little shock.
Tickets are sold for the museum on its own or in combination with a mirror maze, so compare the options when you book. Time spent inside usually depends on how many of the interactive exhibits you try, but most visitors spend an hour or two. Exhibits change over time, so check the venue's current offerings before you go if there is something you particularly want to see.
How does it fit into a Fisherman's Wharf day? It works well as a counterpoint to the outdoor attractions. After the sea lions at Pier 39 and a walk along the waterfront, the museum offers a dry, indoor stop with air conditioning and bathrooms close at hand. It sits near other wharf attractions such as Madame Tussauds and the Aquarium of the Bay, so many families string together two or three of them across a day.
Practical points
Arrive earlier in the day to avoid crowds in the summer and on weekends, and check whether timed entry applies. Some exhibits include sensitive or intense content, so use your judgment for very young children. Prices are higher than many other wharf attractions, so consider whether a combination ticket or a city pass offers better value. For a family that loves oddities, it is a good way to fill a few hours; for a traveler on a tight schedule, the Exploratorium or the aquarium may be better choices.
A few tips keep the visit smooth. Read the signs, because many exhibits have short stories that make the objects more interesting than they look at first glance. Let children lead at the interactive stations, and keep an eye on the clock if you have other bookings, since it is easy to lose track of time among the oddities. Photography is generally welcome, though some displays may restrict flash. Eat before you go or plan a meal on the wharf afterward, as food options inside can be limited compared with the restaurants outside.
What to expect
The experience
A museum of oddities, artifacts and interactive displays on the Fisherman's Wharf waterfront, with an optional mirror maze on some tickets.
Best time
Weekday mornings are calmer; it is also a good choice on foggy or rainy afternoons.
How long
Usually one to two hours.
Tips
Compare standard and mirror-maze tickets, check whether timed entry applies and use judgment about intense exhibits for young children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who like quirky, hands-on curiosities.
- Families
- A good wharf-day stop for school-age kids.
- Couples
- A lighthearted, kitschy diversion rather than a romantic highlight.
- Pair with
- Pier 39 sea lions, the Aquarium of the Bay and Madame Tussauds.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Where is it located?+
In the Fisherman's Wharf area, a short walk from Pier 39.
Is there a mirror maze?+
Some tickets include a mirror maze; compare the options when you book.
How long does it take?+
Most visitors spend an hour or two.
Is it good for rainy days?+
Yes, it is an indoor attraction that works well on foggy or wet afternoons.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Generally yes, though some exhibits may be intense, so use your judgment.
