Finding anything in the Presidio is like finding a needle in a haystack, so who knew there was a quaint little bowling alley tucked into the trees? Although it’s a little hard to get to (and you might have to step out of your game to feed your metered parking spot), this hidden gem has a small-town feel with some serious techy upgrades you didn’t even know you wanted. For the selfie-obsessed, touch-pad screens take three photos of each guest, then copies each face onto animations that do things like cry after an embarrassing streak of gutter balls. With only 12 lanes, reservations are highly recommended. The chicken wings are a must-have, but if you’re lucky, Off the Grid might be hanging out in the parking lot to help you celebrate your turkeys (that’s three strikes in a row, for you newbs!).
Whether you’re looking for some all-around family fun or needing—er… wanting—to drink the night away with friends, an evening of bowling is the perfect indoor solution to escape the rain, fog, or whatever weather San Francisco’s microclimates throw your way. With synchronized laser nightclub parties, iPad scoring (#soSF), and Food Network-famous burgers, Bay Area bowling is hardly mediocre. If there’s one thing to keep in mind: make reservations. Too many people, not enough lanes.