AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Art and culture activities in San Francisco

Book unique activities hosted by local experts on Airbnb.

Art and culture activities led by local experts

Discover unique experiences hosted by inspiring locals.

0 of 0 items showing

1 of 2 pages

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 58 reviews

Paint Watercolor with a Local Artist

You will have the opportunity to paint iconic San Francisco images in watercolor with an experienced artist and teacher. Beginners are welcome and all materials are included, you'll walk away with your own personal masterpiece! My name is James Gleeson and I am a multi faceted, local San Francisco Artist who specializes in local scenes of San Francisco. My work reflects both academic discipline and creative artistic freedom. My studio is located in the Bernal Heights/Mission district where I display my work and share my passion for art with others. This is where I paint and teach my classes, you will be immersed by iconic images and paintings of San Francisco. We do a different theme each class and I prepare an individual drawing for each student on watercolor paper. All students are provided materials and a spacious place to work. We will do a quick round of introductions and I'll explain our theme and painting in a beginner friendly step by step process. I will explain and demonstrate each step for students to paint each segment of the painting. You will learn basic water color technique as well as color and design methods. I am very excited to host you and to provide this artistic experience. As a teacher I love working with beginners and seeing their inspiration for art grow. You will learn technical skills to take home and continue your painting. See you soon!

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 555 reviews

San Francisco Architecture private tour

Your private tour will meet at the Queen Anne Hotel located at 1590 Sutter in Pacific Heights with its colorful Victorian row houses, famous mansions, and diverse architectural mix. Learn the history of San Francisco through its architecture. Explore the inside of a period Queen Anne Victorian with all its original detail and furniture. See where Mrs. Doubtfire and Princess Diaries were filmed, or where Robin Williams and Francis Ford Coppola lived and much more. See views of the bay including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy lunch after the tour on Union Street in Cow Hollow, our exclusive Victorian commercial district. A truly unforgettable experience! Other things to note Wear comfortable shoes. We go around hills, never up them. This is the perfect activity for corporate team building and convention groups. It’s also great for private events like birthdays and wedding activities. Only private tours are being offered at this time at a base rate of $200 for up to four. You pick the tour start time. Larger groups can be accommodated for an additional cost.

5 out of 5 average rating, 18 reviews

Chromatic Capture Photo Walk through Golden Gate Park

At the far western edge of the American continent, Golden Gate Park shimmers as the final jewel of San Francisco as it reaches to the sea. Larger than the famous Central Park in New York City, Golden Gate Park brought green to the city’s sandy edge and stands today as an urban refuge of trees, lakes, meadows, bison, and mystery to be discovered. • We’ll meet at the top of the stairs in front of The Conservatory of Flowers 100 John F Kennedy Dr San Francisco, CA 94118 • We will start by learning how to use a Fujifilm polaroid camera, and will then indulge in a photo walk to the dreamiest nooks of this expansive park. • As we meander the park, I will teach you to fine tune your photographic eye by pointing out the magical moments in everyday life… See it, frame it, and snap the photo to then experience the reward of a polaroid coming to life before your eyes. You’ll walk away with a healthy dose of nature therapy and lasting photo tips for your everyday routine.

5 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews

Art curator's tour of Minnesota St Projects

San Francisco has long inspired the work of artists as a hub of creativity and diversity. On this experience, you’ll get to meet the gallerists shaping the SF art scene today at Minnesota Street Project — the new center of SF’s art world. • We’ll welcome you into our space with bubbles and light bites. You’ll learn about the Minnesota Street Project and our efforts to increase public access to contemporary art. • We’ll step into three to four galleries/art studios, connecting you with different styles and mediums of art. Minnesota Street Project is a multifaceted organization that includes commercial galleries, artist studios, and a foundation for supporting the arts. • You’ll truly get an insider’s look at the art. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with a local artist or a gallery owner depending on the current exhibition schedules.

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 11 reviews

Learn to Indigo Sun Print in SF's iconic outdoor parks

The Journey Enjoy a scenic hike led by photographer and outdoor enthusiast Suzette Lee. Connect with the stunning landscape and prepare for an immersive cyanotype printmaking session. Cyanotype & Nature Bathing – Cyanotype is a historic photographic process that transforms natural elements into striking indigo prints using sunlight and water—no camera needed. Paired with nature bathing, a meditative practice that enhances relaxation and creativity, this experience deepens your connection to both art and the environment. What to Expect • Explore a new park together – Each workshop occurs in a different SF location. In the past, we've explored Muir Woods, Crissy Field, and Golden Gate Park. • Guided Nature Bathing – Engage your senses, recharge, and heighten creativity through the sights and sounds of the trail. • Foraging & Cyanotype Workshop – Collect natural materials during the walk and create up to four original solar prints. • Meeting Point Confirmation – Details will be emailed two days before the workshop. Additional Details Private & Custom Sessions – Alternative dates and locations available upon request. Perfect for Groups – Tailored experiences to fit your needs. Join me for a mindful and creative experience blending nature, art, and wellness.

New place to stay

Design your own zine with Letterform Archive

Get up close and personal with books, posters, sketches, and typeface specimens especially chosen for Airbnb visitors, before creating a zine (or postcard) of your very own with the help of Letterform Archive’s expert staff. • Learn about San Francisco’s role in shaping design history, from its counterculture movements and psychedelic posters to the beginnings of the design stages for the Bay Area’s most recognizable tech brands. • Explore a carefully curated selection of posters, type specimens, graffiti zines, and local design artifacts from Letterform Archive’s cherished collection that exemplify San Francisco’s unique brand of design. An experienced archivist will lead the interactive tour, encouraging you to handle the material, ask questions, and get inspired. • Create your very own eight-page zine from a single sheet of paper in a one-and-a-half-hour workshop where we’ll help you experiment with collage, stamping, tracing, and assembling your creation using materials sourced from the Archive’s collection. • If you choose the option of creating postcards instead of a zine, we'll even mail these out for you! We’ll wrap up with a share-out session, where you can showcase your zine or postcard, exchange ideas, and discuss the day’s design inspirations.

New place to stay

Discover graffiti’s past and present with Dregs One

Meet the graffiti legends of San Francisco in this workshop on street art history, led by Dregs One, an artist and rapper who has been at the center of this movement for decades. •We’ll meet at Precita Eyes Mural Arts Studio, where I’ll share how graffiti in San Francisco has evolved over the years from tags to vivid murals. •Through photos and videos, I’ll introduce you to iconic works of street art, neighborhood masterpieces, and the evolution of graffiti styles, all set to the sounds of the Bay. •Then, it’s your turn to create! With drawing paper and markers, I’ll guide you through essential graffiti techniques, from bold lettering and 3D effects to developing your own original style. You’ll leave with your personalized artwork, exclusive merch, and tips for exploring San Francisco’s street art scene.

New place to stay

Trace the Art Deco legacy of Timothy Pflueger

Join a preservationist on a guided walk through the history of the city's skyline. Meet in Union Square Gather for an intro to Art Deco architecture. View a 1948 building Scrutinize a marble-clad building and an underground garage. Reflect on the 1920s Contextualize a Maya-inspired dental and medical building. Compare styles Juxtapose two major Financial District buildings. Admire a skyscraper Mull over a 1925 Paris Exposition-inspired design. Walk through SoMa Weigh diverse designs and the city’s first Deco skyscraper.

Top-rated art and culture activities

View our most highly rated experiences, loved by guests.

0 of 0 items showing

1 of 3 pages

5 out of 5 average rating, 323 reviews

SF's Wild Side, Redwood & Mountain Hike With Meteorologist

Get immersed in the redwoods and hike a mountain surrounded by sweeping vistas without leaving the city! This San Francisco park tour gives visitors a personalized experience in Northern California's gorgeous natural environment with a local scientist enriching every step. Golden Gate Park, tiled steps and a panoramic view of the city cap off some highlights along the route. Guests begin the urban hike in the city’s vast Golden Gate Park, meeting in one of the park’s beautiful redwood groves, learning all about the tallest trees on Earth. Next, we’ll continue to explore the park stopping at hidden gems that most locals don't even have on their radar. Finally, the tour culminates at a favorite viewpoint over the city, Grandview Park, where, depending on the day, guests will either catch a view from the Pacific Ocean to the Bay or a bird’s eye view above the fog that serves as San Francisco’s natural air conditioning. Along the way, we’ll hike up two sets of tiled steps and through one of the city’s many bustling neighborhoods where locals shop and dine. Looking forward to showing you the breathtaking geography that our city has to offer! This tour is by no means difficult but is quite the hike! Bring comfortable shoes and athletic clothes. For a shorter and easier version (without the stairs) book my "Golden Gate Park's Hidden Gems, Highlights and History" tour.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 245 reviews

San Francisco Personal Photographer Tour

Whether you are traveling solo, with your significant other, or with friends/family, it is always hard to get a spontaneous photo to truly capture the moment. Don't leave it up to a stranger on the street, let me show you some of my favorite spots around San Francisco while snapping some great shots along the way. Don't worry if you feel a little awkward in front of the camera - I am happy to give you directions! This 1.5- 2 hrs tour will show you some well-known spots plus some hidden gems around San Francisco Get ready for some fresh, Insta-ready images to make you the envy of your friends back home. You will get at least 25 high-resolution edited photos per person (usually more!). We will be taking you to the most beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts, Painted Ladies, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Please note this is a small group tour with a maximum of 4 guests. If you wish to have a private tour or are traveling in a larger group, please contact me to arrange a custom booking. Other things to note. - Bring happiness and Smiles, you are the star of the day - Additional charger for extra hour (discount) - Reschedule is possible when the weather is not on our side. - I also offer Private Proposals contact me for details!

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1314 reviews

Electric Bike Tour SF's iconic sights & gems w/ a cool local

Discover San Francisco Like Never Before! This experience is led by longtime locals Nick and John. We run Dandyhorse (look us up:), SF's only local bike tour & rental company, since 2015. Send us a note for private tours, team building rides, and custom options. Take our awesome e-bike tour and go beyond typical sightseeing on an immersive, narrated adventure through the soul of the city. Your fun local guide / historian uses our exclusive wireless earpieces to bring the story of San Francisco’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes to life. As you ride our premium electric bikes, you’ll hear fascinating stories of the city’s gold rush origins, rebellious spirit, and ever-evolving future—all while enjoying the beauty of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and must-see neighborhoods. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this is a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you truly feel the soul of the city, not just see it. What you'll do (and ride features): • Ride the Golden Gate Bridge! • Explore Golden Gate Park • Discover the Presidio, SF’s other grand nature area • See SF’s famous Painted Lady Victorian houses • Enjoy a pastry (included!) from one of SF’s best local bakeries • Experience 10 must-visit local neighborhoods • Wireless Headsets for an immersive and extra safe ride • SF's best electric bikes: get up all the hills with ease (so FUN!)

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 592 reviews

Stroll with a Storyteller--the SuRREaL San Francisco Tour

Please note: This is NOT A REGULAR walking tour. Have a few LAUGHS with storyteller-extraordinaire CLYDE ALWAYS, accompanied by his lovely (though undeniably out-of-tune) assistant Kaylee the Ukulele. Enjoy an assortment of Clyde's own TALL TALES: myths, legends, fables, folklore, riotous RHYMES, and fascinating bits of HISTORY. Bring your imagination. Beware: FACT may masquerade as FICTION (and vice versa). It'll be up to you to tell them apart. Keep an eye on Clyde's bag of tricks. Props, PRIZES, surprises and hand-drawn ILLUSTRATIONS will be presented. The 2-mile (3.2 km) route features 3 beautiful neighborhoods: the MISSION, the CASTRO and the DUBOCE TRIANGLE. You'll pass various eateries, murals, landmarks, shops and stunning Victorians—plenty of 'GRAMMABLE PHOTO-OPS, here. Scared of heights? It's your lucky day—NO HILL CLIMBING. WARNING! Profanity and NUDIST SIGHTINGS are entirely possible. Think twice before you bring the kids. Looking for other FUN and UNIQUE San Francisco-based activities? Clyde's got more than a few tips. This tour was created to ENTERTAIN, AMUSE, INSPIRE and UPLIFT both locals and visitors, alike. ***PLEASE, for PRIVATE GROUPS, DM to check availability before booking.***

5 out of 5 average rating, 7 reviews

Queer Magic in the Castro District

Let's explore the magic that is the Castro District of San Francisco! We'll begin our time at Harvey Milk Plaza, named after the first openly gay elected official in North America. While we explore the how and why of the most famous gayborhood in the world, it is my intention to also introduce you to the other major players in the American fight for queer liberation, like Jose Sarria and Miss Major. We'll also visit the Pink Triangle Memorial, the GLBT Historic Museum, the Castro LGBTQ+ Memorial (Hibernia Beach) and Harvey's former campaign HQ, camera store and residence. Discover the Castro District through the lens of a sixth-generation queer San Francisco organizer- an unforgettable experience that is guaranteed to leave you mesmerized!

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 22 reviews

Sausalito Walking Tour of Historic Houseboats & Art Studio

Hello! Come join me for a stroll in my unique, colorful Sausalito neighborhood. Off the beaten path from the downtown, popular tourist area, the Marinship and houseboat area appears a quiet, industrial work zone but there is much going on here! Come explore the yesteryear of the bohemian lifestyle that many artists, writers and celebrities called home. Let's start with a meet and greet in front of the dock called "South 40 Dock" in Waldo Point Harbor. There is plenty of street parking along Gate 5 Road should the parking lot be full. Your GPS easily shows you the spot to meet and Uber finds the location as well. We'll take a 1- 1/2 hour walk along the houseboat docks and hear the story of how this intriguing neighborhood began, discuss a few boats that are of historic significance and give a few local stories of some famous interesting characters. As we make our way back to my art studio for a drink/snack, we can see a few more interesting structures and hear about the artist Jean Varda for which Varda Landing is named for. If an artist is in a studio and open to a "hello" we may have a chit-chat for a moment. I do require a 2 person minimum to run this tour. For the history buffs, make sure to watch the building of the Liberty Ships for WWII: on the website: archive dot org /details/chi_00005 Note--There is small dog in the art studio.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

⭐️ Rug Tufting Workshop (SF)

Dive into tufting and craft your own rug or wall art! No experience needed—beginners welcome! You’ll use a top-quality tufting gun, a 20"x20" frame, and endless vibrant yarns to create your masterpiece. You will finish your session by taking home your creation immediately. Book Your Spot! Turn an ordinary day into a festival of creativity and fun. --- Workshop Flow: ➼ WELCOMING ➼ INTRODUCTION (2 mins) ---Free snacks, tea & Turkish coffee :) ---Don't forget to: stretch, hydrate, eat ➼ EXPLORE STUDIO (5 mins) ---How to use the canvas? ---What patterns are good for beginners? ---Safety rules! ➼ LET’S DIVE IN! (10 mins) ---How to feed the yarn? ---How to use tufting gun? ---Practice with everybody (individually) ➼ TUFTING (2 hr) ---You will start tufting your art ---Last Checks ➼ COMPLIMENT SERVICES (5 mins) ---Backing ---Gluing ---Shaving ➼ GOLDEN TOUCH (surprise) :) Location: 209 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Features: 40 seats available / session, +40 Different Color of yarn, 2-3 Hours FAQs: **Private Events? Yes, for 8+ people. **Team Building? Ideal for teams; we've hosted from top firms. **Adjust Time? 2-3 hours flexibility. **Group Discount? See private event page. **Max Size? 40/session; multiple sessions available. **Children? Yes, 14+ with waiver. **Patterns? Simple, adjustable on-site. **Beginner-Friendly? Yes, mainly first-timers.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 561 reviews

See San Francisco from a vintage VW Bus

Looking for an authentic San Francisco experience? Trade the tour bus for a vintage Volkswagen bus that easily navigates the city’s less-traveled lanes from the Golden Gate to the Painted Ladies. You will be picked up at our easily accessible pickup location and driven by one of our professional guides in either Lillie or Harvey, our two fully restored vintage 1971 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Buses. The tour will last approximately 3 hours and you will get to see all that San Francisco has to offer including 5 photo stops. Enjoy neighborhoods such as Chinatown, North Beach, The Marina, Haight Ashbury and The Castro with photo stops at Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Point (under the Golden Gate Bridge), Twin Peaks and Alamo Square. Your guide will drop you off at the same location where you were picked up. Other things to note: Bring a camera, light jacket, and a smile. We'll provide a bottle of water. Make sure to be a little early if possible so you can find the pick-up location.

5 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews

Love & Haight - San Francisco's Bohemian Past

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood was the center of the counter-culture movement and the Summer of Love. I'll bring its bohemian history to life and even share some dark secrets from its distant past. I'll bring you to the homes of the musicians that lived here and you'll marvel at the colorful murals and beautiful Victorian houses along the way. Oh, I'll also introduce you to the world's greatest record store!

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 476 reviews

Intro to Pottery Wheel Throwing-Take a Claycation

We will literally get down to earth, get centered and throw some mud on the potter's wheel. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and explore the depth of your creative spirit. Our master potter will demonstrate the mesmerizing process of throwing a basic cylinder on the wheel. Then its your turn to get your hands into the clay and create your own masterpiece. Anything you want to keep will be trimmed, bisque fired, glazed and glaze fired by our master potter's and made available for you to pick up at a later date (3-6 weeks). After you have created your masterpieces, the last 15 minutes of class will be for clean-up. If you want to use all your time creating, for a small fee, the teacher will do the clean-up for you, just ask. *Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time. Late arrivals disrupt the flow of the demonstration and won't give you the time you will want to create. *For a private group or team session at a date and time of your choice, please send me a message. Other things to note Children are welcome with an adult guarding registered and participating in the same class.

Art and culture activities in San Francisco

Art and culture activities led by local experts

Top-rated art and culture activities

Discover more activities near San Francisco