Top Rated Attractions in San Francisco

The Encore Karaoke Lounge has plenty of room for dancing, drinking and socializing. Relax with a cocktail in the comfy seats, while full length mirrors add a new dimension to the proceedings. You can also enjoy happy hour and karaoke during certain days of the week, but be sure to come early during the weekends, for it can get packed sometimes.

San Francisco's Mission District has long been considered fertile ground for the arts, a fact testified to by the numerous art galleries and entertainment venues that have taken root and flourished here. Budding artists and those new to the local art scene often find it hard to find affordable space to work and display their creations in the city, losing out on the attention of the discerning folk that roam the streets of the district. Art Explosion Studios, at the heart of the district, seeks to remedy this. After all, it is these new artists who bring to life the forever changing landscape of the art world. The studio space is offered to upcoming artists at a very reasonable price, providing them a comfortable place to work and interact with other artists. Art Explosion Studios also organizes exhibitions and special events that showcase the work of its member artists. With over 350 members, Art Explosion Studios is one of the city's largest artist's collectives.

Having undergone refurbishment, The David Ireland House is one of the most beautiful art galleries in San Francisco. David Ireland, an American artist personally worked on the restoration of the house, transforming it into an art gallery and a studio. Many of the art collections inside, most of which are things and appliances used by Mr. Ireland himself are beautifully restored and conserved even today. Guided tours to the house and other public programs - workshops and exhibits are regularly conducted.

This Roman Catholic church, dated 1851, was founded to serve San Francisco's Irish community. That commitment is reflected in the church's gold, green and white decor. Note, for example, the green-tinted rose window over the choir. The columns on either side of the nave are Connemara green marble imported from Ireland itself. What makes this neo-Gothic church especially worth seeing are the Tiffany stained glass windows glowing brightly beneath the vaulted ceiling. There are also display cases with photographs of the extensive damage to St. Patrick's during the 1906 earthquake.

Founded in 1984, the Contemporary Jewish Museum presents scholarly and artistic programs that explore the Jewish spirit and imagination. The museum offers contemporary views and Jewish perspectives on culture, history and art, with programs reflecting global ideas that tie to the past and remain relevant to all people today. World-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind was commissioned for the project. The 63,000 square foot museum provides a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds may encounter, celebrate and debate artistic forms of all varieties.

Nestled in the heart of the city, Yerba Buena Gardens is among the top urban parks in the nation. Located near local attractions such as the Yerba Buena Center For The Arts (YBCA), Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Children’s Creativity Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Moscone Center and METREON, it is a great place to relax, play, shop and dine. It comprises of 10 gardens which includes the likes of The Esplanade, Children’s Learning Garden, Oche Wat Te Ou or Reflection Garden, East Garden and Sister City Gardens. Explore this massive green land at your leisure and enjoy the free annual festivals which are held here. There are about 150 events ranging from acrobatic, concerts, poetry, arts and magic shows, that will transport you to wonderland.