(The most recent was a road trip to explore California land art.) To geek out on art and culture outside the museum, check out the SFMoMA-funded Raw Material app, each season of which is hosted by a different podcaster-in-residence and explores a different theme. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself lol-ing in front of a Picasso. SFMoMA partnered with Detour to create free, museum-focused audio tours, like a guide to modern art with actor-comedian Kumail Nanjiani ( The Big Sick) and Martin Starr ( Silicon Valley). The official app from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art will change the way you see museums. Most tours cost $7.99, but after exploring, say, North Beach through the eyes of city natives who were part of the Beat Generation, we think you’ll agree that they’re worth every penny. This bi-weekly podcast, produced by inmates at San Quentin State Prison, explores life on the inside, from prison “firsts” (like meeting your cellmate for the first time) to what it’s really like to spend time in the Security Housing Unit (or SHU, for you Orange Is the New Black fans).įounded in the Bay Area, Detour offers 20 immersive audio walking tours of iconic spots in both San Francisco and Oakland. You’ll have to sign up for a CBS All-Access pass, but if you’re dying to know how the sinking Millennium Tower wound up being the biggest joke - and potentially, the most terrifying piece of architecture - in the country, watch this 60 Minutes documentary. “San Francisco’s Leaning Tower of Lawsuits”

Using archival footage, the ’84 documentary lasers in on the life of human-rights activist Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected to office in the U.S. It’s hard to find, but the Oscar-winning Harvey Milk is a must for anyone interested in San Francisco’s legendary LGBTQ history. Oakland-born, Berkeley-raised author (and co-founder) Gary Kamiya’s 49-chapter nonfiction book explores 49 unique pockets of the city, from Lands End to Chinatown and everything in between. The must-read profiles cover a range of subjects, from Governor Jerry Brown to megafarmer Stewart Resnick.Ĭool Gray City of Love: 49 Views of San Francisco

This fine new bimonthly magazine, originally launched in partnership with the San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times, covers the West Coast and beyond, but is particularly - and obviously - known for its California coverage. Pick up this award-winning monthly for reviews of the newest restaurants, tips on shows to catch during your visit, and the latest in local politics.Ī satirical website and nonprofit publishing house, for a taste of the wacky literary culture that’s still alive and well in San Francisco. Because the opening credits of Fuller House don’t count.

Cool gray city of love