no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Female artists painting on a canvas

Last updated: 19 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

Creative, trend-setting, colourful San Francisco is renowned for its exceptional visual arts community, and for four weekends in the fall (October and/or November), over 400 of the city’s best and emerging artists throw open the doors to their workspaces.

Visitors can get up close with the artists and their works, and learn more about their creative processes and life as a working artist.

Each weekend highlights studios in different neighbourhoods, so it’s easy to create your own self-guided, art-focused walking tour.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: annually
When: Oct & Nov
Duration: 4 weekends

Getting there & doing it

ArtSpan, the organisation behind it, produces an online guide to the neighbourhoods and studios being showcased, which includes studio listings, maps and artwork. There’s also a free App.

When to do it

The annual event runs for four consecutive weekends in October and November.

If you can’t make it for the main shindig, ArtSpan arranges several smaller versions of the event throughout the year. Check their website to see if any coincide with your travel dates.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

St Regis San Francisco

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

A high-gloss city hotel full of luxe creature comforts, including butlers at guests’ beck-and-call. The best of the top-end luxury hotels in San Francisco.

Official star rating:

Hotel Triton

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Artsy, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind, the great value Hotel Triton stands in prime location between three distinct (and walkable) neighbourhoods: Chinatown, the Financial District, and Union Square.

Official star rating:

Phoenix Hotel

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Beloved for its rock-star vibe and heated pool, this great value refurbished motor-lodge attracts a loyal clientele, despite its gritty Tenderloin surrounds.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.

Website >
Overview >