Built in 1922, The Castro Theatre is San Francisco's only remaining movie palace. When it's not hosting film festivals, this 1400-seat house runs a repertory calendar heavy on film classics; there is no better place to see The Wizard of Oz. The interior reflects the elegance of a bygone era with its red velvet seats and walls that feature molded plaster and fresco detailing. The fanciful ceiling, from which an imposing art deco chandelier hangs, is designed to evoke the interior of a Bedouin tent. A mighty Wurlitzer organ plays between evening shows and completes the antique feel of the theater.
Constructed as a temporary attraction for the 1915 Pan-Pacific International Exhibition, Palace of Fine Arts continues to enchant the city. The original plaster, which made up the monument's exterior, has been gradually replaced, with funds raised by the Marina's residents who wanted to preserve a graceful part of their landscape. Swans in the adjoining lagoon glide by the soaring ocher-tinted colonnades and the imposing dome rigged with panels of centaurs and warriors. Stroll inside the dome and marvel at the uncanny acoustics, then enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the park benches to provide an unparalleled view of this gem.
Established in 1988, this museum in California is known for its rare collection of classic and unique automobiles. This massive glass and granite structure houses more than 120 classic cars dating back from the 1890s. It showcases one of the earliest works of automobile art in its granite and mirror rooms. Whether it is antique cars, high-speed racers, a Franklin, Ferrari, Mercer, or Mercedes, you would find a varied collection here. The museum also has conference rooms that can be hired for meetings and gatherings. Check their website for timings and other information.
The New Parkway rose from Oakland's desire to get a speakeasy-style theater back after the beloved original Parkway Theater closed. After several years and tons of donations, the New Parkway was born. The theater is devoted to showing second-run and independent and new classic movies at much lower than average prices, and once inside you can order food, wine and beer to be delivered to you in the theater. And they aren't your average theaters, either! One theater is set up like a big dining room with wooden tables and chairs with a balcony full of cushy couches, while the other is a hodge-podge of old couches, armchairs and coffee tables, arranged on the floor to resemble entire living room sets. Select menu items can be ordered from inside the theater during the movie.
Formerly Pac Bell Park, SBC Park, and AT&T Park, the Oracle Park is the first privately financed ballpark in Major League Baseball since Dodger Stadium in 1962. The name may have changed several times, but the game always remains the same here. The San Francisco Giants' home features an inspiring nine-foot (2.74-meter) statue of America's greatest living ballplayer, Willie Mays, at the northwest corner of the stadium. An 80-foot (24.3-meter) Coca-Cola bottle with playground slides and a miniature replica of the park, located behind left field, has become a magnet for kids of all of ages.
With one ticket, guests can see three to five bands in one night at Bottom Of The Hill. All musical genres are represented here, and it is a good bet that whatever you like will play here eventually. Modest Mouse, Yo La Tengo, MGMT, Mates of State and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are just a few of the cutting-edge performers to have graced Bottom of the Hill's hallowed stage. Occasionally, all-age shows allow even the youngest music fans to rock out with the big kids. The venue also offers a full bar and a kitchen, so no need to worry if you’ve got an appetite for drinks and food.
With a credo of honoring truth in all faiths, CelebrateLIFE! is a spiritual community that practices a passion for life with all the enthusiasm, fun and purpose that Spirit intends for all. A people-focused spiritual community, they teach by example, those who seek the knowledge.
Watch in awe as delicate, elegant and artistic pieces take shape from characterless blobs of molten glass at the Glass Hand Studio. This public access art studio often hosts open house events and glass-blowing demonstrations that are nothing short of mesmerizing. The studio itself is available on rent for use by artists who would like to work on projects of their own. Besides rental space and events, the Glass Hand Studio also offers custom glass blowing classes for individuals and groups of up to three participants, suitable for every skill level. The studio doubles up as an art gallery displaying hand made glass art for sale, and even accepts custom orders.
Fremont Teen Center is ideally located near the banks of Lake Elizabeth. The venue is divided into the main hall and two meeting rooms and also has an outdoor patio and a kitchen. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and can accommodate up to 300 people. It is available for meetings, conferences, and private parties.