San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood is centered between Franklin, Market, Leavenworth and Turk streets, with a large portion of the neighborhood’s businesses and government offices along Van Ness Avenue. Civic Center assets include City Hall, UN Plaza, and cultural institutions such as the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and Orpheum Theater, among others.
Leashed dogs are allowed throughout Civic Center, except at the Heart of the City Farmers Market. Off-leash dogs are allowed at the UN Plaza Dog Run (7am-7pm, 7 days a week); all dog waste must be promptly picked up and disposed of in a garbage receptacle. ADA service animals are allowed everywhere in Civic Center.
The City’s temperature can change drastically when the fog rolls in or out, so layers are always a great option. See today’s weather here.
We suggest visiting the SFMTA site and the 511 Twitter account for the latest information on street closures due to events, roadwork or building construction.
Dispatch for Services: 7 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm; call: (415) 781-4700. You can also email us at: dispatch@sfciviccenter.org.
There are two large city-owned garages (Performing Arts Garage and Civic Center Garage) and many private ones in the area. The Civic Center CBD staffs the elevator access area at the entrance of Civic Center Garage on McAllister Street, Tuesday through Saturday, 6 to 11 pm. There is bike parking at the Civic Center Garage as well as at the Civic Center BART station.
If you’re interested in getting married at City Hall, visit the Office of the County Clerk page of the City site for more information.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 through Sunday, January 12, 2025 – gold – in recognition of the Inauguration of the 46th Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, Mayor Daniel Lurie.
Monday, January 20, 2025 – red/green/black – in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – color(s) TBD – in recognition of the SF Ballet’s 2025 Opening Night Gala
Sunday, January 26, 2025 – orange/white/green – in recognition of the Republic Day of India
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 – red/gold – in recognition of the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Snake
You can find the latest information on City Hall’s color schedule on the City Hall Lighting Calendar via the SFGov site, scroll down to “Lighting schedule.”
There is an extensive array of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants from casual fare to fine dining, visit the shopping & dining portion of the Activities & Events page to find a specific place to grab a bite.
Anytime is a good time to visit! Museums, government buildings and cultural institutions are open year round. Outdoor events hosted by the Civic Center Community Benefit District and the Civic Center Initiative tend to occur in Summer, Fall and the holiday season; see our events calendar for more of what’s happening soon.
MUNI bus lines serving Civic Center include Bus Numbers: 5-Fulton, 21-Hayes, 31-Balboa, 47-Van Ness, and 49-Van Ness/Mission.
The MUNI Metro Subway includes all lines (J, K, L, M, N) serving both the Civic Center and Van Ness Stations. For up-to-date route and schedule information contact MUNI at (415) 701-2311 or dial 311 within San Francisco.
BART lines serve the nearby “Civic Center” station at Market and Eighth Streets. For schedule information please contact BART at (415) 989-2278.
North Bay: The Civic Center area is also served by Golden Gate Transit (415) 455-2000
South Bay: Sam Trans (800 660-4287) runs many buses from the South Bay. Cal Train riders may call 800-660-4287 for service information.
East Bay: From the East Bay riders can take AC Transit (dial 511 anywhere in the Bay Area) to the Transbay Terminal, on Mission Street between First and Fremont Streets, and transfer to MUNI lines such as the No. 5 Bus.
See more on our Directions, Parking & Transit page.
Public Spaces Download PDF
