The best things to do in San Francisco

56 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of San Francisco’s best · Restaurants · Bakeries & Sweets · Nightlife · Shopping · Beauty · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Home & Garden · Parks & Outdoors · Cafes · Services · Sporting Goods · Pets · Health & Wellness

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Entertainment · 56 places · showing the latest additions first

Membership-only country club with a pool.

5295 Broadway Terrace #15 (Oakland)

Membership-only country club with a pool.

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San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range…

1560 Oakland Rd (San Jose)

San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Play a round, take a lesson if your slice needs therapy, then refuel on the patio at Muni Bar & Grill...

From the Fremont newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Stockton Golf & Country Club pairs a championship course with a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, member…

3800 Country Club Blvd (Stockton)

Stockton Golf & Country Club pairs a championship course with a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, member dining, and a sparkling pool, all built for family time and community. Established in 1914, it’s a classic spot to play, dine, or plan that event you keep putting off.

From the Lodi newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Iconic since 1902, Lincoln Park Golf Course is a public 18 that trades stress for Golden Gate, ocean, and cityscape scenery. Hit the…

300 34th Ave

Iconic since 1902, Lincoln Park Golf Course is a public 18 that trades stress for Golden Gate, ocean, and cityscape scenery. Hit the Trackman indoor simulator bays for data-driven reps, games, and over 400 virtual courses, or book playing, short game, swing, and putting lessons before your next round.

From the San Mateo newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Run a San Francisco business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito keeps it local with new releases, Family Matinees, and its beloved Cerrito Classics, plus event screenings like…

10070 San Pablo Ave (El Cerrito)

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito keeps it local with new releases, Family Matinees, and its beloved Cerrito Classics, plus event screenings like National Theatre Live, Met Opera Live in HD, and Great Art On Screen. Grab a seat, some tasty refreshments, and let your week exhale.

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Richmond Plunge

Entertainment

Richmond Plunge is a century-old indoor pool rocking a giant John Wehrle mural, so your cooldown comes with legit art. Swing by this week…

1 E Richmond Ave. (Richmond)

Richmond Plunge is a century-old indoor pool rocking a giant John Wehrle mural, so your cooldown comes with legit art. Swing by this week for Family Rec Swim to play or chill in the water, enjoy lifeguard-supervised fun, and soak up classic Municipal Natatorium charm right across the bridge.

From the East Bay North newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Need a breezy reset close to home? Lake Merritt Amphitheater lines up a pretty perfect combo of shoreline strolls, lakeside art, birds…

QPXQ+Q9, Between 12th Street and 1st Ave., Lake Merritt Blvd (Oakland)

Need a breezy reset close to home? Lake Merritt Amphitheater lines up a pretty perfect combo of shoreline strolls, lakeside art, birds galore, and community performances. Pack a blanket, meet a friend, and let the Necklace of Lights make the evening feel a little extra.

From the San Ramon newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Golden Gate Park Golf Course is a classic nine-hole par 3, renovated in 2023 for improved playability and a more sustainable footprint,…

970 47th Ave

Golden Gate Park Golf Course is a classic nine-hole par 3, renovated in 2023 for improved playability and a more sustainable footprint, tucked on the ocean side of the park. Sneak in a quick round this week or rally friends for an easygoing outing or tournament.

From the South San Francisco newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Alameda Theatre & Cineplex is screening the big stuff right now, and you can pair it with their Cinema Grill thanks to the easy Movie &…

2317 Central Ave (Alameda)

Alameda Theatre & Cineplex is screening the big stuff right now, and you can pair it with their Cinema Grill thanks to the easy Movie & Meal option. Treat yourself to a hometown night out, or stash this spot for birthday bashes and team events when you need a crowd-pleaser.

From the Alameda newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus…

748 Story Rd (San Jose)

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Golfland San Jose

Entertainment

Amusement chain featuring mini golf courses & arcades, some branches with water slides & laser tag.

976 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Amusement chain featuring mini golf courses & arcades, some branches with water slides & laser tag.

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Family-friendly country club with a restaurant offering lunch and hosting brunch, meetings, and events.

3603 St Andrews Dr (Stockton)

Family-friendly country club with a restaurant offering lunch and hosting brunch, meetings, and events.

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Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

601 Van Ness Ave

Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

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Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

4186 Piedmont Ave #5133 (Oakland)

Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

925 Blossom Hill Rd #2000 (San Jose)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Well-maintained 18-hole golf course featuring multiple tees, plus a driving range and sand traps.

6301 W Eight Mile Rd (Stockton)

Well-maintained 18-hole golf course featuring multiple tees, plus a driving range and sand traps.

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Golf club known for its challenging course and welcoming members.

844 W Orange Ave (South San Francisco)

Golf club known for its challenging course and welcoming members.

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California Theatre

Entertainment

Restored 1927 motion picture house turned performing-arts venue, also offers private event options.

345 S 1st St (San Jose)

Restored 1927 motion picture house turned performing-arts venue, also offers private event options.

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American bar & grill in the Alameda Cinema, with seating or options to carry into the theater.

2301 Central Ave (Alameda)

American bar & grill in the Alameda Cinema, with seating or options to carry into the theater.

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Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.

1901 Monterey Rd (San Jose)

Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.

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Lively amusement attraction featuring escape rooms, thrill rides & a laser challenge.

39 Pier Jamboree Road, 9 The Embarcadero

Lively amusement attraction featuring escape rooms, thrill rides & a laser challenge.

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Vogue Theatre

Entertainment

One of the city's oldest operating cinemas, showcasing classic & current films on a single screen.

3290 Sacramento St

One of the city's oldest operating cinemas, showcasing classic & current films on a single screen.

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Topgolf

Entertainment

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

10 Topgolf Dr (San Jose)

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

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Bay Area-themed indoor course with 18 holes, pool tables & an arcade with air hockey & Skee-Ball.

900 North Point St F-201

Bay Area-themed indoor course with 18 holes, pool tables & an arcade with air hockey & Skee-Ball.

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Fleming 9 Course

Entertainment

This relaxed 9-hole, par-30 golf course at TPC Harding Park offers educational programs.

99 Harding Rd

This relaxed 9-hole, par-30 golf course at TPC Harding Park offers educational programs.

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Country club with a restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, and an outdoor patio, plus facilities for weddings.

1000 Old Quarry Rd (San Jose)

Country club with a restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, and an outdoor patio, plus facilities for weddings.

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Golf club offering a driving range and a 9-hole course, plus lessons.

260 Bernal Rd (San Jose)

Golf club offering a driving range and a 9-hole course, plus lessons.

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This retro drive-in movie theater screens the latest releases & pipes sound into cars via FM radio.

3630 Hillcap Ave (San Jose)

This retro drive-in movie theater screens the latest releases & pipes sound into cars via FM radio.

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Cinelounge® Marin

Entertainment

Local cinema with digital projection & stadium-style luxury seating along with beer, wine & food.

40 Main St (Tiburon)

Local cinema with digital projection & stadium-style luxury seating along with beer, wine & food.

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Golf academy and course featuring a restaurant with outdoor seating, plus a 27-hole golf club with a restaurant and a pro shop.

23600 McKean Rd (San Jose)

Golf academy and course featuring a restaurant with outdoor seating, plus a 27-hole golf club with a restaurant and a pro shop.

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Long-standing golf course & clubhouse in national park with a driving range, restaurant & shop.

300 Finley Rd

Long-standing golf course & clubhouse in national park with a driving range, restaurant & shop.

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

3088 Olsen Dr (San Jose)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Not your average movie house, this indie-film center has presented cutting-edge releases since 1961.

55 Taylor St

Not your average movie house, this indie-film center has presented cutting-edge releases since 1961.

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Family-friendly amusement center featuring bowling, karaoke, arcade games and a bar.

2200 Eastridge Loop Ste 2094 (San Jose)

Family-friendly amusement center featuring bowling, karaoke, arcade games and a bar.

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Teams draw, guess and wager their way to victory in rounds of mini games.

145 Jefferson St Ste 500

Teams draw, guess and wager their way to victory in rounds of mini games.

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TPC Harding Park

Entertainment

Popular public golf course with well-manicured fairways and greens.

99 Harding Rd

Popular public golf course with well-manicured fairways and greens.

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Balmy Alley

Entertainment

Iconic block-long alley featuring a constantly changing collection of murals by various artists.

50 Balmy St

Iconic block-long alley featuring a constantly changing collection of murals by various artists.

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Art Deco theater opened in 1931 hosting ballet & symphony performances, plus classic movies.

2025 Broadway (Oakland)

Art Deco theater opened in 1931 hosting ballet & symphony performances, plus classic movies.

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Familiar theatre with roomy seating, craft beer and wine, as well as burgers and sliders.

2306 Almaden Rd (San Jose)

Familiar theatre with roomy seating, craft beer and wine, as well as burgers and sliders.

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Narrow alleyway featuring colorful wall murals by community artists, many with political themes.

90 Clarion Alley

Narrow alleyway featuring colorful wall murals by community artists, many with political themes.

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Grand Lake Theatre

Entertainment

Restored 1926 movie palace with a Wurlitzer organ & themed auditoriums, screening first-run films.

3200 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Restored 1926 movie palace with a Wurlitzer organ & themed auditoriums, screening first-run films.

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The Castro Theatre

Entertainment

Circa-1922 cinema for offbeat films, musical movie sing-alongs, drag acts & pre-show organ concerts.

429 Castro St

Circa-1922 cinema for offbeat films, musical movie sing-alongs, drag acts & pre-show organ concerts.

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Gleneagles

Entertainment

Public golf course offering disc golf after 1 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

2100 Sunnydale Ave

m. on weekends and holidays.

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Movie theater with stadium seating for regular, XD & 3D movies, plus arcade games.

1188 El Camino Real 4th Floor (San Bruno)

Movie theater with stadium seating for regular, XD & 3D movies, plus arcade games.

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Small cinema in the Marina District offering a variety of films in a cozy setting.

2340 Chestnut St

Small cinema in the Marina District offering a variety of films in a cozy setting.

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Large gathering of food trucks serving street food and beer and wine, with live music.

Parking lot, 2 Marina Boulevard, Fort Mason Center

Large gathering of food trucks serving street food and beer and wine, with live music.

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Arched doorways & columns form the basis for this colorful mirrored maze for adults & children.

Pier 39 Level, 0-11 Beach St

Arched doorways & columns form the basis for this colorful mirrored maze for adults & children.

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Golf course featuring an 18-hole course, driving range, well-stocked pro shop & restaurant.

2995 Tuers Rd (San Jose)

Golf course featuring an 18-hole course, driving range, well-stocked pro shop & restaurant.

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Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

1901 Junipero Serra Blvd (Daly City)

Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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180+ rose varieties typically blooming April-November in a colorful 5.5-acre garden with a fountain.

1649 Naglee Ave (San Jose)

5-acre garden with a fountain.

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Venue for emerging artists with gallery exhibits, theater performances & classes for youth & adults.

762 Fulton St

Venue for emerging artists with gallery exhibits, theater performances & classes for youth & adults.

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Stagecoach Greens

Entertainment

Laid-back course offering beer and wine at its various miniature golf holes.

1379 4th St

Laid-back course offering beer and wine at its various miniature golf holes.

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Bright event venue with picturesque views of the SF skyline, featuring an airy pavilion, plus a museum.

1414 Harbour Way S (Richmond)

Bright event venue with picturesque views of the SF skyline, featuring an airy pavilion, plus a museum.

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Chain of indoor racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all skill levels, plus food.

160 Beacon St (South San Francisco)

Chain of indoor racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all skill levels, plus food.

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Urban Putt San Jose

Entertainment

UFO-themed mini-golf venue, with cocktails and San Jose-inspired pizza.

201 S Second St Ste 150 (San Jose)

UFO-themed mini-golf venue, with cocktails and San Jose-inspired pizza.

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Iconic area with the largest assembly of Chinese eateries, shops & cultural events outside of Asia.

855 Stockton St # B

Iconic area with the largest assembly of Chinese eateries, shops & cultural events outside of Asia.

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