Amoeba Music Haight Street San Francisco
A legendary San Francisco record store in Haight-Ashbury, offering a vast collection of new & used music, movies, and memorabilia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Amoeba Music Haight Street San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary San Francisco record store in Haight-Ashbury, offering a vast collection of new & used music, movies, and memorabilia.
"This place is a heaven for a person like me who is an audiophile."
Allocate Plenty of Time
You can easily spend 3+ hours exploring! Don't rush your visit.
Check for Live Shows
Amoeba often hosts free live performances, especially during street fairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vinyl & CD Nirvana
Main floor
Dive into an unparalleled collection of new and used vinyl records and CDs across every genre imaginable.
Vintage Memorabilia
Various sections
Score unique vintage tees, pins, posters, and other music-related treasures that tell a story.
DVD & Blu-ray Room
Dedicated room
Explore a massive selection of new and used DVDs and Blu-rays, including a surprisingly robust 4K section.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Haight-Ashbury Vibe
Parking & Getting There
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Plenty of Time
You can easily spend 3+ hours exploring! Don't rush your visit.
Check for Live Shows
Amoeba often hosts free live performances, especially during street fairs.
Be Prepared for Prices
Amoeba is a curated museum; expect standard pricing, not deep discounts.
Hunt for K-Pop Gems
Surprise yourself with K-Pop finds, like Jisoo's 'Amortage'!
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Plenty of Time
You can easily spend 3+ hours exploring! Don't rush your visit.
Check for Live Shows
Amoeba often hosts free live performances, especially during street fairs.
Be Prepared for Prices
Amoeba is a curated museum; expect standard pricing, not deep discounts.
Hunt for K-Pop Gems
Surprise yourself with K-Pop finds, like Jisoo's 'Amortage'!
Parking is Tricky
Street parking is tough. Consider public transport or a garage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Amoeba Music SF is a legendary, sprawling record store in the heart of Haight-Ashbury, lauded for its immense collection of new and used music, movies, and memorabilia. Visitors praise the vast selection and the unique atmosphere, though some note that pricing can be standard due to the store's curated nature and that customer service can vary. Parking is consistently cited as a challenge.
"This is one of the oldest record stores that still exists in the Bay Area. My niece collects vinyl records so we came here. I haven’t been here in a very long time. There is tons of old and new records you can find. They have other items like vintage tees, mugs, pins and more.
The store is huge. You can spend a good three hours in here. The customer service is ok. We got to the register and we were out within minutes. The guy that helped us can use a smile. (But maybe he wasn’t having a good day).
I think the value is standard. I paid $20 for one of my shirts. I was happy. If you love musics and things associated with it you’d love Amoeba.
Parking: it’s San Francisco so you know what that means? Hard to find parking unless you park in a garage. We were lucky enough to get a street parking.
4 stars - because customers service and interaction is important to me."
Jemellee Manaoat
"This place is a heaven for a person like me who is an audiophile 🥹
Not exaggerating but they have everything here. I was not expecting to find kpop here, and look what I got!!! Amortage by Jisoo
This place is amazing, I am gonna go there every month just to buy new CDs.
Plus it was the Haight Ashbury street fair, so there was a live performance right in front of the store."
Anand Kamble
"Amoeba is great. It's a staple. I've been to the one in LA many times, the old location and the new, but this is my first time at the SF location.
It's very cool that it's located in the Haight-Ashbury district, with all the rock history there.
The store itself is very familiar. Huge collection, spanning just about every genre and era you can imagine. If it's been pressed, there's a good chance it's here.
Amoeba's greatest strength is also its major flaw as a consumer: they are the best in the business. They know exactly the value of every record in the store. In many cases, they define the value. You are not likely to find a deal on anything you are looking for specifically. If you're looking for it, someone else is too, and Amoeba knows this. Now, that's not to say you can't find a hidden gem of an obscure, lesser known random print.
Do not expect to get The Beatles on Sale. But to expect to marvel at a massive record museum."
Michael Guynn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Amoeba Music SF is located at 1855 Haight Street. The most convenient ways to get there are via public transportation (Muni buses are frequent in the area) or ride-sharing services. Parking can be very difficult and expensive in the Haight-Ashbury district, so public transit is highly recommended.
Street parking is extremely limited and often metered. There are a few parking garages in the vicinity, but they can be pricey. Many visitors opt for public transport or ride-sharing to avoid parking frustrations.
Several Muni bus lines stop near Amoeba Music, including the 7, 21, 33, 37, 43, and 55. Check the Muni website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Yes, biking is a great option! The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is relatively bike-friendly, and you can usually find bike racks nearby. Remember to bring a good lock.
BART does not directly serve the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. You would need to take BART to a station like Civic Center or 16th Street Mission and then transfer to a Muni bus or take a longer walk/ride-share.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Amoeba Music. It's a retail store, and browsing is free. You only pay for the items you decide to purchase.
Amoeba Music SF is typically open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute changes or holiday hours.
Most in-store live performances at Amoeba Music are free to attend. These are often promotional events for new releases or special appearances. Check their events calendar for upcoming shows.
Yes, Amoeba Music buys used CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, and Blu-rays. They have specific buying hours and guidelines, so it's best to check their website for details before you go.
While Amoeba doesn't have a formal loyalty program, frequent shoppers often find hidden gems and develop relationships with staff. The sheer volume of inventory means there's always something new to discover.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
Amoeba boasts an incredibly diverse selection, covering virtually every genre and era. You'll find everything from rock, pop, jazz, blues, hip-hop, electronic, classical, world music, and even K-Pop.
Beyond an extensive collection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and DVDs, Amoeba also offers vintage band t-shirts, posters, books, turntables, and music-related merchandise.
While Amoeba is a treasure trove, finding extremely rare or specific items at a bargain price can be challenging as they are experts in valuation. However, you can still discover obscure gems and unique pressings.
Yes, there are listening stations available throughout the store where you can sample vinyl records before making a purchase.
The atmosphere is vibrant and eclectic, reflecting the spirit of Haight-Ashbury. It's a bustling hub for music lovers, with a cool, laid-back vibe.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, yes, you can take photos inside Amoeba Music for personal use. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other shoppers and staff, and avoid blocking aisles or being disruptive.
The sheer volume and variety of records, CDs, and memorabilia create endless visual opportunities. The iconic Amoeba signage and the Haight-Ashbury streetscape outside also offer great shots.
Weekday mornings are ideal for photography as there will be fewer people browsing, allowing for clearer shots of the aisles and displays.
Yes, many creators share their Amoeba experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Just be respectful of others and avoid prolonged filming in busy areas.
For professional shoots or commercial use, it's best to contact Amoeba Music SF directly to inquire about their policies and obtain any necessary permissions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more complete family day out, combine your Amoeba visit with other Haight-Ashbury attractions like Golden Gate Park or unique vintage shops. Just be mindful that the neighborhood can get busy, and parking is a significant challenge, so public transport is your best bet.
🎧 Audiophiles & Collectors
While Amoeba is known for its expertise in valuation, meaning you might not find many 'bargains' on highly sought-after items, the opportunity to discover unique pressings and explore a vast musical landscape is unparalleled. The dedicated DVD/Blu-ray room, including 4K titles, also caters to cinephiles.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair, as sometimes there are special deals or a more festive atmosphere that could lead to unexpected finds. Alternatively, focus on the experience of browsing and soaking in the unique atmosphere, which is free!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Amoeba Music Experience: More Than Just Records
Beyond the vast selection of vinyl and CDs, Amoeba offers a curated collection of music-related merchandise, including vintage band t-shirts, posters, and books. The dedicated DVD and Blu-ray section is also a significant draw, featuring a wide array of new and used titles, even extending to a surprisingly robust 4K collection. This comprehensive approach to media makes Amoeba a one-stop shop for collectors and casual browsers alike.
The store also frequently hosts free in-store performances by both local and touring artists, adding a dynamic layer to the shopping experience. These live shows, often coinciding with the Haight Ashbury Street Fair, create a buzzing atmosphere and offer a chance to catch emerging talent or established acts in an intimate setting.
Navigating the Haight-Ashbury District
When exploring Haight-Ashbury, be prepared for a lively and sometimes eclectic atmosphere. The area is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds, especially on weekends. Take your time to wander down side streets, pop into the various shops, and soak in the unique vibe. The neighborhood's rich history is palpable, making it a fascinating place to explore beyond just Amoeba Music.
For those interested in the area's musical heritage, consider visiting nearby landmarks or simply enjoying the street art and architecture that harken back to the Summer of Love. It's a district that encourages exploration and discovery, offering a distinct San Francisco experience that complements the musical journey at Amoeba.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit