San Francisco
We’ve compiled the best of the best in San Francisco - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Castro Theatre
Castro | FilmA large neon sign marks the exterior of this 1,400-plus-seat art-deco movie palace whose exotic interior transports you back to 1922, when the...
A large neon sign marks the exterior of this 1,400-plus-seat art-deco movie palace whose exotic interior transports you back to 1922, when the theater first opened. High-profile festivals present films here, along with classic revivals and foreign flicks. There are a few cult-themed drag shows every month. Lines for the Castro's popular sing-along movie musicals often trail down the block.
View Tours and Activities429 Castro St., near Market St., San Francisco, California, 94114, USA415-621–6120 -
2. City Arts & Lectures
Haight | Readings/LecturesEach year this program includes more than 20 fascinating conversations with writers, composers, actors, politicians, scientists, and others...
Each year this program includes more than 20 fascinating conversations with writers, composers, actors, politicians, scientists, and others. The Nourse Theater, in the Performing Arts Center, is usually the venue. Past speakers have included Salman Rushdie, Ken Burns, and Linda Ronstadt.
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3. Orpheum Theatre
Tenderloin | TheaterThe biggest touring shows, such as Hamilton and The Lion King, are performed at this gorgeously restored 2,200-seat venue. The theater itself...
The biggest touring shows, such as Hamilton and The Lion King, are performed at this gorgeously restored 2,200-seat venue. The theater itself, opened in 1926, is as much an attraction as the shows. It was modeled after a 12th-century French cathedral and is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world; the interior walls have ornate stonework, and the gilded plaster ceiling is perforated with tiny lights.
1192 Market St., at Hyde and 8th Sts., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA888-746–1799 -
4. San Francisco Ballet
Civic Center | DanceFor ballet lovers, the nation's oldest professional company is reason alone to visit the Bay Area, as SFB's performances under the direction...
For ballet lovers, the nation's oldest professional company is reason alone to visit the Bay Area, as SFB's performances under the direction of Helgi Tomasson have won critical raves. The primary season runs from February through May. The repertoire includes full-length ballets such as Don Quixote and Sleeping Beauty; the December presentation of The Nutcracker is truly spectacular. The company also performs bold new dances from star choreographers such as William Forsythe and Mark Morris, alongside modern classics by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Tickets are available at the War Memorial Opera House.
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., at Grove St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-865–2000 -
5. San Francisco Opera
Civic Center | OperaFounded in 1923, this internationally recognized organization has occupied the War Memorial Opera House since the building's completion in 1932...
Founded in 1923, this internationally recognized organization has occupied the War Memorial Opera House since the building's completion in 1932. From September through January and June through July, the company presents a dozen or so operas. SF opera frequently collaborates with European companies and presents unconventional, sometimes edgy projects designed to attract younger audiences. Translations are projected above the stage during most non-English productions.
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., at Grove St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-864–3330-ticketsArts/Entertainment Details
Rate Includes: Box office: 199 Grove St., at Van Ness Ave.; open Mon. 10–5, Tues.–Fri. 10–6 -
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6. San Francisco Symphony
Civic Center | MusicOne of America's top orchestras performs from September through May, with additional summer performances of light classical music and show tunes...
One of America's top orchestras performs from September through May, with additional summer performances of light classical music and show tunes. The orchestra and its charismatic music director, Michael Tilson Thomas, known for his daring programming of 20th-century American works, often perform with soloists of the caliber of Andre Watts, Gil Shaham, and Renée Fleming. The symphony's adventurous projects include its collaboration with the heavy-metal band Metallica. Deep discounts on tickets are often available through Travelzoo, Groupon, and other vendors.
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., at Grove St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-864–6000 -
7. SFJAZZ Center
Hayes Valley | MusicJazz legends Branford Marsalis and Herbie Hancock have performed at the snazzy center, as have Rosanne Cash, Dianne Reeves, and world-music...
Jazz legends Branford Marsalis and Herbie Hancock have performed at the snazzy center, as have Rosanne Cash, Dianne Reeves, and world-music favorite Esperanza Spalding. The sight lines and acoustics here are impressive, as are the second-floor tile murals. Shows often sell out quickly.
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8. Stern Grove Festival
Sunset | FestivalsThe nation's oldest continual free summer music festival hosts Sunday-afternoon performances of symphony, opera, jazz, pop music, and dance...
The nation's oldest continual free summer music festival hosts Sunday-afternoon performances of symphony, opera, jazz, pop music, and dance. The amphitheater is in a beautiful eucalyptus grove, perfect for picnicking before the show. World-music favorites such as Ojos de Brujas, Seu Jorge, and Shuggie Otis get the massive crowds dancing. Shows generally start at 2 pm, but arrive hours earlier if you want to see the performances up close—and dress for cool weather, as the fog often rolls in.
Sigmund Stern Grove, Sloat Blvd. at 19th Ave., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-252–6252 -
9. War Memorial Opera House
Civic Center | Arts CentersWith its soaring vaulted ceilings and marble foyer, this elegant 3,146-seat venue, built in 1932, rivals the old-world theaters of Europe. Part...
With its soaring vaulted ceilings and marble foyer, this elegant 3,146-seat venue, built in 1932, rivals the old-world theaters of Europe. Part of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, which also includes Davies Symphony Hall and Herbst Theatre, this is the home of the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet.
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10. 42nd Street Moon
Financial District | TheaterThis group produces delightful "semistaged" concert performances of rare chestnuts from Broadway's golden age of musical theater, such as Fiorello...
This group produces delightful "semistaged" concert performances of rare chestnuts from Broadway's golden age of musical theater, such as Fiorello! and Follies in Concert.
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11. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Mission DistrictFor a dinner and movie combo, visit this art-deco landmark theater, which features new American cuisine, craft beers, and a hip selection of...
For a dinner and movie combo, visit this art-deco landmark theater, which features new American cuisine, craft beers, and a hip selection of films, including new releases, indie favorites, and cult classics. Be sure to save room for a boozy milk shake, like the Alpine Lift.
2550 Mission St, at 21st St., San Francisco, California, 94110, USA415-549–5959 -
12. Alonzo King LINES Ballet
SoMa | DanceSince 1982 this company has been staging the fluid and gorgeous ballets of choreographer and founder Alonzo King, sometimes in collaboration...
Since 1982 this company has been staging the fluid and gorgeous ballets of choreographer and founder Alonzo King, sometimes in collaboration with top-notch global musicians. Ballets incorporate both classical and modern techniques, with experimental set design, costumes, and music. The San Francisco seasons are in spring and fall.
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13. American Conservatory Theater
Union Sq. | TheaterOne of the nation's leading regional theater companies presents about eight plays a year, from classics to contemporary works, often in repertory...
One of the nation's leading regional theater companies presents about eight plays a year, from classics to contemporary works, often in repertory. The season runs from early fall to late spring. In December ACT stages a beloved version of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.
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14. American Indian Film Festival
FestivalsPresented by the American Indian Film Institute, this event has been based in San Francisco since 1977. Each November the festival takes over...
Presented by the American Indian Film Institute, this event has been based in San Francisco since 1977. Each November the festival takes over various venues, including the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.
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15. Balboa Theatre
Richmond | FilmThis historic theater, which just celebrated its 88th birthday, features a combination of classic movies, second-run hits, local documentaries...
This historic theater, which just celebrated its 88th birthday, features a combination of classic movies, second-run hits, local documentaries, and art-house favorites.
3630 Balboa St., at 37th St., San Francisco, California, 94121, USA415-221–8184 -
16. Berkeley Repertory Theatre
TheaterThis Tony Award–winning group is the American Conservatory Theater's major rival for leadership among the region's resident professional companies...
This Tony Award–winning group is the American Conservatory Theater's major rival for leadership among the region's resident professional companies. It performs an adventurous mix of classics and new plays from fall to spring in its theater complex, near BART's Downtown Berkeley Station. Parking is difficult, so arrive early if you're coming by car.
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17. Berkeley Symphony Orchestra
MusicThe Berkeley Symphony Orchestra rose to prominence under Kent Nagano's baton and continues to prosper with Joana Carneiro at the helm. The emphasis...
The Berkeley Symphony Orchestra rose to prominence under Kent Nagano's baton and continues to prosper with Joana Carneiro at the helm. The emphasis is on 20th-century composers. The orchestra plays a few concerts each year, in the University of California–Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall and elsewhere in Berkeley. The acoustics in Zellerbach Hall are poor; sit in the front or middle orchestra for the best sound.
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18. Cafe International
Haight | Readings/LecturesIt's a chill café during the day and a performance venue at night. There's an open-mike session here every Friday night, where spoken-word...
It's a chill café during the day and a performance venue at night. There's an open-mike session here every Friday night, where spoken-word performances are interspersed with acoustic musical acts.
508 Haight St., at Fillmore St., San Francisco, California, 94117, USA415-552–7390 -
19. Cal Performances
Cultural ToursHeld at various venues on the University of California–Berkeley campus from September through May, this popular series offers the Bay Area's...
Held at various venues on the University of California–Berkeley campus from September through May, this popular series offers the Bay Area's most varied bill of internationally acclaimed artists in all disciplines.
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20. Chanticleer
MusicA Bay Area treasure, this all-male a-cappella ensemble stages lively and technically flawless performances that show off a repertoire ranging...
A Bay Area treasure, this all-male a-cappella ensemble stages lively and technically flawless performances that show off a repertoire ranging from sacred medieval music to show tunes to contemporary avant-garde works.
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