United States

San Francisco 

Iranian-born director, photographer, and multi-disciplinary artist Mohammad Gorjestani comes through with an in-depth guide to where to go if you're visiting San Francisco.

Gorjestani is the founder & creative director of San Francisco-based studio Even/Odd. As a filmmaker, his work has screened globally earning awards at festivals including SXSW & Tribeca. He also is the artist behind 1-800 Happy Birthday, a voicemail project and public installation honoring the Black and brown lives taken by police.

As a San Francisco local, who has has tried and tested the eateries, cafes and drink spots, he's also covered the 

Theres been a few really dope independent galleries that have popped in the last few years including Schlomer Haus, and House Seiko and MRKT Gallery. MRKT is curated and owned by Nora Suliman who has a curatorial taste that expands your awareness of the contemporary art world. She gives platform to artists that may get overlooked by the institution.  I’d check their calendar for their Friday night art openings. 

Dying Breed is a locally-born art supply and clothing brand that honors the essence and community that gives San Francisco the moniker of the “SFC (Sucka Free City). 

Stashed is my favourite mens clothing stores. The selection of curated streetwear has a wide range of designers and brands that can fit a lot of vibes. 

The best home goods/bookstore/gift shop in the city if you ask me. I also love being on Clement Street for any reason so its one of the best moves to stop by Park Life buy an amazing book or something for the crib and then take a stroll for some of the best Asian food in the city all up and down Clement St. 

Nothing stresses me when I travel than stressing about a bad cut. Mike’s is the best barbershop in the city. My barber is Paul, but everyone is super solid. 

This is one of the most “is this a dream” views in all of San Francisco. Baker Beach has a great beach, a mellow tide, and has an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

I think Golden Gate Park is my favourite place in the world. Me and my lady spend mad time in the park and just disappear in all of its nooks. It’s got multiple Museums, a James Turrel space, gardens, buffalos, ponds, and meadows. I would start at the Conservatory of Flowers and enjoy a nice long walk to the De Young Museum, dip into the James Turrel garden, and just take every left and right turn and get lost. Keep going West until you hit the Pacific Ocean, and if you can make it a weekend activity the Great Highway is closed on the weekends now, so you can enjoy a surreal walk on the highway next to the Pacific Ocean. If you need a coffee when you’re out there, drop a pin at Blackbird Bookstore where you can get a cup of coffee and book too. 

You can’t come to San Francisco without visiting North Beach and Chinatown. I would start at Washington Square Park and just walk around in and out of Chinatown and onto Columbus Ave. Trek up to Coit Tower or do something a bit more touristy but still cool like the Cable Car Museum. 

Mike's Barber Shop

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