As an urban campus, it doesn’t get any better than CCA’s prime location. Located in the exciting Design District, close to the colorful Mission District, bustling Mission Bay neighborhood, and a stone’s throw from downtown San Francisco—you can make the most out of your undergraduate school experience every day (and find internships and jobs in the process).
Neighborhood
Media Gallery
Neighborhood
ARCH supplies
Galleries and museums
Food
Essentials
Nature
▪️ Galleries and museums
CCA is within walking distance or a short bus ride from world-class museums and galleries.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Less than two miles away from campus is SFMOMA, one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States. Enjoy seven floors of masterpieces in paintings, sculpture, film, architecture, and more.
Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF)
Opening October 2022, the ICA SF is a non-collecting museum, presenting need-to-know, civically engaged local artists and curators into global consciousness and brings international artists to the Bay Area. We’re close partners of the institution, which often invites faculty and graduate artists to participate in events and exhibitions.
Minnesota Street Project
Minnesota Street Project, just a 15-minute bus ride away, is the neighborhood’s ultimate destination for art viewing. The Project houses more than a dozen individual galleries and hosts a slew of events and parties, including some organized by CCA.
Museum of Craft and Design
This is the only museum in San Francisco devoted to craft and design. You’ll see a showcase of designers, makers and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft- and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. It’s also next door to CCA’s Dogpatch MFA Studio.
Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD)
This contemporary art museum celebrates Black cultures and inspires learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora. MoAD exhibitions change regularly throughout the year, and their Emerging Artists program shows work by local artists and art collectives.
😋 Food
We hope you’re hungry. San Francisco is a foodie paradise, and our campus is at the center of it all.
18th Street
This is the main drag for restaurants, shops, and bars in our neighborhood. CCA students love to hang out here for coffee, picking up flowers, weekend brunch, and picturesque hilltop views.
SPARK Social
A favorite among locals and the CCA community alike, SPARK Social is a food truck park, beverage oasis, and event space designed to bring the neighborhood together. You’ll find over 150 food trucks, as well as a mini-golf course.
👌 Essentials
It’s all in the neighborhood. See what’s around and where to get everything you need, from art supplies to groceries.
ARCH Art Supplies
CCA’s go-to supply store for over 20 years is conveniently located on the ground level of Blattner Hall, one of our student residence buildings. ARCH Art Supplies selects their merchandise based on the needs of our faculty and students so you can get everything you need. They even offer same-day delivery to your suite!
Grocery stores
Beyond the convenience store in Makers Cafe at Founders Hall, you have three really great grocery store options, all within a mile or less from campus: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway.
Coffee shops
College students MUST have their coffee. Aside from the DoReMi Coffee Bar at Makers Cafe, CCA students are a fan of Farley’s Coffeehouse, Philz Coffee, and Linea Coffee Roasting + Cafe—all just a few blocks away from the campus’s main building.
🌳 Nature
San Francisco is lucky to be a mix of high-density urban living with calming nature around most corners.
Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is the eastern waterfront and roadway of the Port of San Francisco. It’s one of the best places for a scenic stroll and calming views of the Bay.
Crane Cove Park
What used to be an inaccessible industrial patch of land is now a friendly park with a lot of lawn space, barbecue areas, a small beach, and a dog run. CCA students find this to be a great place for life drawing, painting, and photography.
Potrero Hill Community Garden
Located on top of one of the highest hills in San Francisco is the Potrero Hill Community Garden. It has 51 plots and common areas maintained by local residents using only organic methods. From here, you can also take in panoramic views of the city.