San Francisco and the Bay Area are currently experiencing an unusual heat wave, with forecasted temperatures in the 80s. As a result of the high temperatures, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through Friday night.
While many people are welcoming the warm temperatures, the NWS advises taking breaks from the heat and staying hydrated to avoid heat sickness. Since hot temperatures are rare in the city, many buildings lack air conditioning. Thankfully, there are some free, public spaces in San Francisco perfect for cooling off.
Public library cooling centers
One wonderful resource available to San Franciscans is the public library system, which serves as free cooling centers across the city. Many libraries across the city have air conditioning and are great places to escape the sun during hot days.
Designated cooling centers with Air conditioning throughout the building
- Main Library, 100 Larkin Street
- Bayview Branch, 5075 3rd Street
- Chinatown/ Mark Lai Branch, 1135 Powell Street
- Mission Bay Branch, 960 4th Street
Public libraries with air conditioning in meeting rooms
- North Beach Branch, 850 Columbus Avenue: max capacity at 50 people
- Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond Street: max capacity of 30 people
- Park Branch Library, 1833 Page Street: maximum capacity 97
- Portola Branch Library, 380 Bacon Street: maximum capacity 20
- Potrero Branch Library, 1616 20th Street: maximum capacity 20
- Presidio Branch Library, 3150 Sacramento Street: maximum capacity 75
- Richmond Branch Library, 351 9th Avenue: maximum capacity 45
- Visitacion Valley Branch Library, 201 Leland Avenue: maximum capacity 49
SF activities with air conditioning
While the public libraries are free cooling centers, you can also purchase a ticket to a museum or movie theater during the heat wave. Major theaters are equipped with air conditioning, including AMC Metreon, Regal Stonestown, and Alamo Drafthouse in the Mission.
You can also explore one of San Francisco’s major art museums, which utilizes temperature-controlled galleries to protect the artwork (and it helps keep visitors cool on hot days).
You can learn more about public cooling centers in SF here.
