The Marina / Cow Hollow San Francisco Guide

The Marina neighborhood in San Francisco is one of the city’s gems, offering a mix of activities, dining, nightlife & more. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, there’s things to do for everyone. This guide breaks down the best things to do, places to eat, and experiences to enjoy, making it easy to plan your visit.

Things to Do

The Marina neighborhood is packed with exciting activities and scenic spots. From outdoor adventures along the waterfront to trendy cafes and buzzing nightlife, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Events Guide

The Marina hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Seasonal festivals, pub crawls and fitness gatherings at Marina Green are just the beginning. Don’t miss events like Fleet Week, where you can watch the Blue Angels soar above the bay, or the lively Union Street Festival, featuring local artisans and food vendors.

Union Street Festival: Taking place during the first weekend in June, this annual event brings vendors, food trucks, art and more to Union Street for 2 days. It is the kick off San Francisco Street Fair every year.

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the best event in the city.

The Balboa Block Party: This annual event takes place at The Marina’s infamous Balboa Cafe and features bands, vendors and lots of fun

Marina Family Fest: Something for the kids! Bring the ittle ones to enjoy face painting, delicious food a petting zoo and more.

The San Francisco Hot Dog Eating Contest: Taking place during the Fourth of July Pub Crawl, The Hot Dog Eating Contest brings competitive eaters to The Marina for the title ot Hot Dog Eating Champion of San Francisco.

Crawloween: The San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl is the biggest Halloween Event in San Francisco with over 15,000 participants.

Eat

Food lovers will adore The Marina’s culinary scene. From cozy cafes to high-end restaurants, there’s a spot for every craving:

A16: Known for its authentic Italian cuisine and a wine list that will impress even the pickiest sommelier.

Westwood: A country bar with a mechanical bull that also has an amazing menu.

The Tipsy Pig: A gastropub serving hearty American dishes with a laid-back vibe.

Rose’s Cafe: Perfect for brunch with house-made pastries and a sunny outdoor patio.

The Brixton: Trendy yet elegant, this spot is great for dinner and Instagram-worthy cocktails.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down, The Marina comes alive with vibrant nightlife options. Whether you want to sip cocktails, dance the night away, or enjoy live entertainment, this neighborhood delivers.

Bars & Nightclubs

Rick & Roxy’s: A lively bar with a DJ spinning tunes and a dance floor that keeps the party going.

Jaxson: A country-themed bar that has a huge outdoor area. The perfect place to watch sports, do some country line dancing or enjoy some day drinking.

The Blue Light: A fun bar with affordable drinks, a pool table and lots of special events

Celeste: an awesome wine bar with some great food

Music Venues and Comedy Venues

The Marina doesn’t really have any dedicated music venues since Tongue and Groove shut down almost 20 years ago, however you can find smaller concerts, open mic nights and comedy shows at some of the bars in the neighborhood. There are a few multipurpose spaces that do host some larger events:

Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture: Hosts concerts, comedy shows, and art exhibits.

Palace of Fine Arts: An historic landmark that hosts the occasional concert or comedy show.

Westwood: Seem some great up and coming country bands

Attractions & Tours

The Marina is home to some of San Francisco’s amazing landmarks

Palace of Fine Arts: A stunning architectural masterpiece perfect for photos or a leisurely stroll.

Crissy Field: A scenic spot for picnics, kite flying, or taking in Golden Gate Bridge views.

Wave Organ: A unique acoustic sculpture that plays music as waves hit its pipes.

Shopping

The Marina’s shopping scene is chic and inviting. Union and Chestnut Streets are lined with boutique stores, trendy clothing shops, and specialty retailers. Popular stops include:

Honey and Stardust: A trendy boutique with stylish women’s apparel.

The Epicurean Trader: A great place for gourmet foods, cheeses (try the Prairie Breeze Cheddar) and a great selection of whiskey. This is a great spot to grab a last minute gift that will impress.

Bobby London: High-end Men’s and Women’s Clothing

Mishka Dog Boutique: A store loaded with super fancy and unique gifts for dogs

Wellness & Sports

If you are visiting the Marina and are looking for a place to work out, you can literally find it all. It’s actually amazing how many yoga studios, boxing gyms, pilates, cycling and other gyms are in the area. On top of that, you can also find plenty of healthy places to eat, salons, spa and more.

CorePower Yoga: Offers classes for all skill levels.

Equinox: A high-end gym with state-of-the-art equipment.

Rumble: A boxing gym that caters to everyone, even if you don’t know anything about boxing.

The Pad Studios: A cute Yoga Studio with a lot of unique classes

Monarch Salon: A great place to get your hair done with great prices

Reboot Spa: Offering some unique services like Sauna & Cold Plunge Contrast Therapy

Marina Green: Popular for jogging, cycling, and waterfront workouts.

Arts & Culture

Art and culture thrive in The Marina, with plenty to explore:

Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture: Hosts rotating art exhibits, theater performances, and workshops.

Museo Italo Americano: Celebrating Italian-American heritage through art and history.

Art Walks: Keep an eye out for pop-up galleries and local artist showcases along Chestnut Street.

Visitors Guide to The Marina & Cow Hollow

Visiting The Marina in San Francisco is a delightful experience any time of year, but proper planning can make your trip even more enjoyable. With scenic views, a fun nightlife and a laid-back vibe, The Marina offers something for everyone. Here’s what you should know before you go:

Overview & History

Located along the northern waterfront of San Francisco, The Marina is a charming neighborhood that offers incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Bay. Originally built on reclaimed land after the 1906 earthquake, The Marina was developed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Today, it’s known for its pastel-colored homes, upscale boutiques, and bustling waterfront parks.

Getting Around

Getting to and around The Marina is easy with plenty of options:

Taxi or Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are the most convenient way to get to The Marina.

Driving and Parking: While driving is an option, parking can be tricky during peak hours. Several parking garages, like the Lombard Street Garage, make it manageable.

Public Transit: The Marina is served by multiple bus lines, including the 30-Stockton, 22-Fillmore, and 28-19th Avenue. These lines connect you to other popular parts of the city.

Waymo: If you’re up for an adventure, try a self-driving Waymo ride. It’s a unique, tech-forward way to explore San Francisco.

Where to Stay

The Marina has accommodations for every budget and preference:

Hotel Del Sol: A colorful, family-friendly spot with a retro vibe.

Cow Hollow Inn and Suites: Affordable and conveniently located near Chestnut Street.

Motel Capri: A no frills motel located right near all the good stuff

Nearby Neighborhoods: Consider staying in Pacific Heights for elegant Victorian homes and peaceful streets or Fisherman’s Wharf for proximity to attractions.

Kids Guide

The Marina is a fantastic destination for families with children. Here are some kid-friendly activities:

Crissy Field: Let the kids run free on the expansive lawns while you enjoy Golden Gate views.

Exploratorium (nearby): A hands-on science museum that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Palace of Fine Arts: A serene spot for family photos and duck watching.

Preparation Tips:

Pack layers; the weather can shift quickly.

Bring snacks and water, especially if you’re exploring the waterfront.

Pets

While many Marina spots are pet-friendly, some restaurants and shops don’t allow pets. Here’s how to enjoy The Marina with your furry friend:

Pet-Friendly Areas:

Crissy Field East Beach: A favorite for off-leash fun.

Fort Mason Great Meadow: A scenic place for walks.

Preparation Tips:

Bring water and waste bags.

Check ahead for pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating.

LGBTQ

San Francisco is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world, and The Marina is no exception. While it’s not the city’s primary LGBTQ hub, the welcoming atmosphere and proximity to Castro and North Beach make it a great base.

Safety

The Marina is generally a safe area, but it’s always good to stay mindful:

Daytime Safety: Perfectly safe for walking, biking, and exploring.

Nighttime Tips: Stick to well-lit streets and avoid leaving valuables in your car.

Weather Preparedness: Bring layers and sunscreen; the waterfront can be windy, and the sun can be strong.