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San Francisco Theater District: Where to Stay, Shows to See & More
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: March 11, 2025 • Published: October 17, 2016
The San Francisco Theater District is in the heart of the city. This small area has a large concentration of stage theaters hosting some of the best plays in San Francisco.
The SF Theater District sits between Union Square and the Tenderloin District.
Inside this area, you will find top theaters such as the Orpheum, Golden Gate, Curran, Strand (ACT), and others.
In total, more than two dozen San Francisco theaters are located within or nearby this neighborhood, which is also a major commercial hub with some of the best dining and shopping in the city.
This area is a great place to stay if you plan to catch several theater shows in San Francisco. It's also centrally located, which makes it easy to get to other top districts via public transit.
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Where is the Theater District in San Francisco?
The original location for the SF Theater District was a small two-block by two-block area bordered by Geary, Powell, Sutter, and Taylor Streets.
However, the definition these days includes a broader area that includes about 10 blocks.
San Francisco Theater District Map
Is the Theater District in San Francisco Safe?
As you can see in my SF Theater District map, this thriving performing arts area is located around the Tenderloin in San Francisco, between Union Square and the Civic Center.
The Tenderloin neighborhood unfortunately has a bad reputation. More than anything, you'll find high rates of homelessness in this urban area, and the streets can be quite dirty.
However, you'll also find excellent hotels, retailers, and government buildings close by, as well as lots of other theater-goers.
The Theater District San Francisco is not necessarily dangerous, but if you're not used to it, I recommend reading my page about San Francisco safety for tourists.
Top Venues in the Theater District SF
Read the descriptions below to find out more about just a few of the top San Francisco theaters in this vibrant performing arts district.
The Curran
Since 1922, the 1,600-seat Curran has hosted some of the largest productions in theater history. The century-old theater was built by accomplished pianist Homer Curran just two blocks west of Union Square at 445 Geary Street. Learn more about the Curran here.
Golden Gate Theatre
Originally opened as a vaudeville house in 1922, the space later served as a movie theater and was finally restored and opened as a performing arts venue in the 1970s. This is one of the two major SHN theaters in SF that host large Broadway musicals. It is located at 1 Taylor Street at Market and 6th. Learn more about this SF theater.
Orpheum Theatre
Built in 1926, the massive Orpheum Theatre (also owned by SHN) is a San Francisco Historical Landmark. It seats more than 2,200 guests and hosts some of the most popular musicals and plays. The Orpheum is located in the Civic Center district at 1192 Market Street. More on the Orpheum.
Toni Rembe Theater (formerly the Geary Theater )
The historic Toni Rembe Theater of the city's premier nonprofit theater company, American Conservatory Theater (ACT), rose from the rubble of the devastating 1906 earthquake and was dubbed a "splendid temple of drama" by the local press. The large, classical, three-tiered venue is located at 415 Geary Street.
The Strand
While the Geary Theater has been ACT's home since the beginning, the smaller Strand Theater has become an important alternative space, especially for new work, cabaret, and theater performances by Young Conservatory students. The Strand is located at 1127 Market Street.
San Francisco Theater District Shows
The San Francisco theater scene is thriving, and the variety of shows available is incredible. You'll find everything from dramas and comedies to original works by emerging playwrights.
In this vibrant and diverse city, there is plenty of local talent to fill just about every role.
Visitors and locals alike love to catch hit Broadway shows in San Francisco—some visiting straight from New York, and others stopping by on world tours.
SF has hosted long runs of very popular musicals, such as "Phantom of the Opera," "The Lion King," "Wicked," and "Hamilton."
All year long, you'll find large shows at the Orpheum as well as small works at intimate playhouses.
If you're looking for shows in San Francisco today, check out the current SF theater calendar for all venues.
You'll also find tickets to our biggest upcoming productions below:
Orpheum Theatre San Francisco Events
San Francisco Theater District Hotels
If you are looking for the perfect place to stay in the Theater District San Francisco, here are just a few of my recommendations in the Union Square district.
These hotels are an easy walk to most of the theaters in the area.
- Hilton San Francisco Union Square: 333 O'Farrell Street, 4-Star Hotel Read reviews and book a room
- Hotel Adagio, Autograph Collection: 550 Geary Street, 4-Star Hotel More details and booking
- The Donatello: 501 Post Street, 4-Star Hotel Find rooms and rates
- Hotel Spero: 405 Taylor Street, 4-Star Hotel Check rates and availability
>> Find recent guest reviews for these and other Theater District hotels in San Francisco
TIP: If you are looking specifically for hotels near the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, check out my page about the South of Market (SoMa) district, which offers a variety of lodging options—from budget to luxury—within just blocks.
San Francisco Theater District Restaurants
Here are just a few of my favorite places to eat in and around the SF Theater District.
- Bartlett Hall: Gastropub with a great selection of beers on tap and cocktails, American cuisine, 242 O'Farrell Street
- Jasper's Corner Tap & Kitchen: American gastropub with a large selection of beers and cocktails, lower level of the Hotel Spero, 401 Taylor Street
- Johnny Foley's Irish House: Irish bar with tasty traditional dishes, such as bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and fish and chips, 243 O'Farrell St
- Pinecrest Diner: Old-school diner that is open 24 hours, 401 Geary Street
>> Discover my Top 20 list of restaurants in Union Square, from cheap eats to fine dining
How to Get to the SF Theater District
The central location of the San Francisco Theater District makes it easy to get to from many locations around the city and the Bay Area.
I recommend taking public transit if you can because parking in the area is tight.
SF Public Transit
The SF Theater District is just off Market Street, the corridor for many public transit options. To get here, you can take one of the following.
Buses: 5, 7, 8, 9, 30, 45, 91
Light Rail: K, L, M, N
Streetcar: F
BART: If you are coming to the district from the Peninsula or the East Bay, BART is a great option. Get off at the Powell Street or Civic Center Station (marked on my San Francisco Theater District map)
From Fisherman's Wharf
If you plan to visit the SF Theater District from Fisherman's Wharf, you have two great options.
You can take the Powell/Hyde or Powell/Mason cable car to the end of the route at Market and Powell Streets.
You can also take the historic F Streetcar along the Embarcadero. Either option will get you within a couple of blocks of your destination.
Caltrain from the South Bay
If you are coming from San Jose, other parts of the South Bay, or the Peninsula, Caltrain is also an option. When you arrive in SF, you will need to grab a bus to reach the Theater District SF.
Head to the corner of 4th and Townsend Streets and take the 30 or the 45 toward Market Street. If you aren't sure you are on the right bus, just confirm with the driver. You will need to cross Townsend Street to get to the bus stop.
Driving & Parking
As I mentioned above, I don't recommend driving, as the streets are busy and crowded. Plus, parking is expensive. However, if you do decide to drive, here are a few places you will find parking:
- 415 Taylor Street: Parking garage close to the Tony Rembe Theater and the Curran
- 64 Golden Gate Avenue or 67 Turk Street: Dedicated theater parking for the Golden Gate Theatre
- 33 8th Street: Garage across the street from the Orpheum Theatre
More Performing Arts Calendars
SF Symphony: Head over to the Civic Center District to catch a show with the SF Symphony. They perform several shows each month at Davies Symphony Hall. See the detailed SF Symphony schedule of shows.
SF Opera: The SF Opera has two seasons. Their longer season is September through December with a shorter summer season in June and early July. Learn more about attending an SF Opera show.
SF Ballet: Another renowned performing arts company is the SF Ballet. Every year, their Nutcracker performances in late November and December sell out. They also have several programs from January to May. Check out this season's SF Ballet schedule.
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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