The marquee of the Mission's cinematic heyday was the New Mission Theater, which opened in 1916 and was declared a landmark in 2012. It was around this time that Alamo Drafthouse took over ownership and brought the epic space back to its 1932 Art Deco glory.
2550 Mission St.
+1-415-549-5959
Established in 1909, the Roxie Theater is the oldest continuously operating movie theater in the United States. A true hallmark of the neighborhood's film community, the Roxie showcases both cult favorites and lesser-known indie films in addition hosting numerous film festivals, filmmakers, curators, and entertainers for more immersive experiences. It isn't afraid of whimsical events, as demonstrated by a screening of Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs, where they encouraged moviegoers to bring their furry friends.
3117 16th St.
+1-415-863-1087
San Francisco's only 24-hour gallery defies all the conventions of a typical place to experience artwork. Visitors view works by flicking a light switch located on the side of the building, illuminating the gallery within, and viewing art through a reverse peephole. What appears to be a life-size installation is actually a miniature display designed to fit within the confines a one-square-foot space.
2411 24th St. 4110
Home to American conceptual artist David Ireland for three decades, 500 Capp Street has been preserved and opened in 2016 as San Francisco's first historic artist's home. The Victorian house contains site-specific installations that capture the artist's signature use of humor and everyday materials. Visitors are invited to take guided or self-guided tours, immersing themselves in Ireland's rich history.
500 Capp Street
+1-415-872-9240
A pillar of the community since the late ‘70s and the largest Latino cultural center in the continental United States, the MCCLA promotes Latin America's contemporary and ancient arts and culture. In addition to multiple traditional gallery spaces it includes a performance theater and a printmaking studio. Exhibitions range from group shows on queer Latinx narratives to interactive Día de Los Muertos installations.
2868 Mission Street
+1-415-643-2785
Its unassuming, black facade and location on the block alongside Foot Locker and various Mexican restaurants makes it easy to miss. But the surprisingly spacious bright white gallery is home to some of the city's best contemporary art. It has showcased work from internationally renowned artists such as Marilyn Minter, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, and Sol LeWitt.
2831A Mission Street
+- 415-821-3371
A mini-detox in the middle of the Tenderloin. Petite communal bathhouse in the back. Japanese bar and restaurant in the front. Come for one or both. Throw in a massage and call it a Sunday night.
466 Eddy St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
+1-415-441-4987
A massive photography exhibition space along the water. Shows are brilliantly curated and sweeping, and the space is just dazzling.
24 Pier
San Francisco, CA 94105
+1-415-512-7424
Housing over 33,000 works of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, media, and design, this museum is one of the largest contemporary art spaces in the world. Since re-opening in 2016 following a massive expansion overhaul, it's where you'll find works by Pollock, Klee, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and de Kooning, among many, many others.
151 3rd St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
+1-415-357-4000
So this is where foodies are born. Go door-to-door and course-to-course with Cowgirl Creamery, The Slanted Door, Gott's Roadside, Miette Patisserie, and a grocery list's worth of other fine makers and purveyors. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, cruise the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.
1 Ferry Bldg.
San Francisco, 94111
+1-415-983-8030
City cyclists have the right idea — bikes are faster than cable cars and easier to park than smart cars. So do a tour on two wheels. In 3 – 6 hours you'll cover more must-see Victorian architecture, hippie hideouts, foodie meccas, and historic sites than you thought possible.
370 Linden St.
San Francisco, 94102
+1-415-448-7673
With enough planning anything is possible, including private, hands-on cheesemaking classes with Louella Hill. With delicious-sounding alliterative courses like Butter Burrata and Bloomy Brie on the syllabus, Public classes are held often but fill up fast.
2124 Folsom St.
San Francisco, 94112
+1-401-301-7690
Over 1,000 acres of lush green filled with playgrounds, museums, nature trails, and hippie heritage. Get a dose of culture (or just a peek at the observation deck) at the de Young Museum, a floral fix at the Arboretum, or a cup of matcha and a moment of zen inside the Japanese Tea Garden.
501 Stanyan St.
San Francisco, 94117
+1-415-831-2700