Centrally located in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood, the War Memorial Opera House is easy to reach from hotels in both Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Some city tours and hop-on hop-off itineraries include a drive-by of the venue, but to truly experience it, you’ll want to take in an opera or ballet performance. Tickets can be purchased online for will call, print-at-home, or mailed, depending on the performance and the date you purchase.
The opera and ballet have separate box offices and websites for ticket purchases. The box offices are only open on performance dates. The ballet has a come-as-you-are dress code; most people dress in business or cocktail attire. The opera does not have a dress code; attire ranges from formal gowns to jeans.
The War Memorial Opera House sits at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Grove Street in the Civic Center district. It can be reached by BART via the Civic Center station, or take the light rail to the Van Ness station. Paid parking facilities are available nearby. Local buses also have stops near the venue.
The opera season runs from September to June. The ballet season is February to May. The ballet is particularly known for its iteration of The Nutcracker, which takes place every year during the holiday season.
Located practically next door—just across Grove Street—Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is home to the San Francisco Symphony. If you’re a lover of performing arts, make sure to plan your trip to catch shows at both sites, which make up the crème de la crème of the city’s performing arts venues.
