Musee Mecanique (Mechanical Museum), San Francisco

If you're looking for mind-blowing, inexpensive fun in San Francisco, here's a hidden gem: the Musée Mécanique, located at Pier 45 in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, right near all the famous historic restaurants like Alioto's and Tarantino's.

First of all, this place does not charge admission – it's totally free; just be prepared to spend a few bucks in quarters to have a blast! Basically, what you have here is the world's coolest, most fascinating game arcade, where you can play everything from Galaga to 1960s pinball machines to Whack-a-Mole to air hockey to Ms. Pac-Man. The place drips with nostalgia and just plain fun. It also appeals to folks of all ages and backgrounds – tourists, locals, teens, parents, hipsters, you name it.

Why You Should Visit:
Very much worth it for the world's most extensive collection of antique arcade games, including penny-operated nickelodeons and elaborate player pianos, some of which are more than a hundred years old. Yes, they even have laughing fortune tellers, a vintage mutoscope, and many other quirky machines from the early 20th century.

Tip:
Make sure to bring cash to convert to quarters as that's the only way to play.