
Visiting San Francisco for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of a single day in San Francisco.
Centrally located in San Francisco’s Civic Center district, Davies Symphony Hall is easy to reach from hotels in both Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Some city tours pass by the hall without stopping, but to truly experience the venue, you’ll want to take in a concert. Tickets can be purchased online at the symphony website for will call or print-at-home. If you do visit for a performance, make sure to visit the second tier during intermission for a view of the San Francisco skyline from the windows and balconies. If your travel dates don’t align with a musical performance, tours of the hall are available on Mondays (except holidays).
Davies Symphony Hall is located on Van Ness Avenue between Grove and Hayes streets. It can be reached by BART via the Civic Center station, or take the light rail to the Van Ness station. Several city buses have stops near the hall. Paid parking facilities are also available nearby.
The box office is open every day except Sunday. If tickets are sold out, keep checking the website, as tickets sometimes become available just before a performance.
The hall sits on the edge of the Hayes Valley neighborhood, one of the city’s top neighborhoods for dining. It’s a great place to grab a bite before a concert, or go for drinks afterward. During the day, the area is popular for shopping and lunching.