Things to Do in San Francisco (2025)

The city’s literary nerve center since 1953, City Lights pairs a landmark bookstore with a progressive press and weekly readings. Frequently highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler and Time Out, it remains a living link to Beat culture and today’s writers.

An 18-stool seafood counter run by the same family for decades, celebrated by Condé Nast Traveler and beloved by Anthony Bourdain. Come early for Dungeness crab, oysters, and Sicilian sashimi served old-school over a marble counter.

A civic dining room since 1979, known for wood-fired roast chicken and a deep wine list. James Beard–winning and still evolving, it’s regularly praised by local critics, with recent coverage by the San Francisco Chronicle underscoring its enduring appeal.

Since 1977, this community arts collective has created and interpreted Mission District murals. Their artist-led walks through Balmy Alley and beyond are recommended by respected guidebooks and keep living neighborhood stories front and center.

America’s first worker‑owned cooperative nightclub, reopened on Folsom in 2024. Covered by Eater SF, SFGATE, and NBC Bay Area, it hosts drag, DJs, and dance parties that reflect San Francisco’s queer nightlife legacy and its future.

A 176‑speaker theater where sound moves past, over, and under you in total darkness. Celebrating 50 years with new and archival works in 2025, it’s lauded by San Francisco Classical Voice and spotlighted by local culture writers.

A Japantown institution offering Japanese‑style communal baths and body treatments, with women’s, men’s, and all‑gender sessions. Open and operating in 2025, it’s a soothing counterpoint to city bustle and a frequent pick in local guides.

Mission District classic and James Beard America’s Classics winner. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, it’s famed for rice‑free Mission‑style burritos and dorado tacos—simple, fresh, and emblematic of neighborhood flavors.

Worker‑owned and beloved for morning pastries, sourdoughs, and daily pizza. Its cooperative model and neighborhood roots are frequently cited by local media as a blueprint for community‑minded business in San Francisco.

A gilded 1907 venue with ornate balconies and killer acoustics. Its 2025 calendar mixes global legends, local heroes, and genre nights; the space embodies the city’s intimate, artist‑forward live music tradition.

A rum temple with one of the largest selections in the country and cocktails spanning three centuries. Cited by Esquire and the World’s 50 Best Bars, it’s a transportive, locally built ode to craft and culture.

The Mission’s historic nonprofit cinema screens repertory gems, festivals, and indies with ardent community support. In 2025 it secured its building, a milestone covered by local press that safeguards a cornerstone of the city’s film culture.

Family‑run since 1953 and spotlighted by local and national food writers, Mitchell’s scoops tropical flavors like ube and macapuno alongside classics. Lines move fast; the Mission‑Bernal border shop is open late daily in 2025.