Cycle race at Musee Mecanique, housing collections of mechanically operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines.

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Musée Mécanique

Top choice in The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers


A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced Laughing Sal has freaked out kids for over a century, but don't let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and even learn a cautionary tale about smoking opium.

Of all the human-made stuff at Fisherman's Wharf, this is by far the most fun.