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San Francisco, California / Shopping

Amoeba Music

A world-renowned independent record store located in a converted bowling alley, offering a massive selection of music and media across several aisles of treasures.

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Amoeba Music
Gary Minnaert (Minnaert)), Public domain

What is Amoeba Music known for?

Amoeba Music presents itself as the world's largest independently owned record store. It is described as a "music lover's wonderland" and a meeting place for artists, DJs, collectors, and musicians.

What are the hours for the San Francisco store?

The San Francisco store is open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

What can I buy there?

Amoeba Music buys and sells used records, CDs, and DVDs, and also offers a vast selection of posters.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, Amoeba regularly hosts free live performances and events where all ages are welcome.

Where is the San Francisco location?

It is located at 1855 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117, at the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Amoeba Music is an American independent music store chain that presents itself as the world's largest independently owned record store. The San Francisco location, situated at 1855 Haight St., opened in 1997 in a converted bowling alley at the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park. This unique architectural history adds a character to the space that complements its role as a hub for music lovers. Inside, the store is a music lover's wonderland, featuring aisles upon aisles of music. The shop buys and sells used records, DVDs, and CDs, alongside a vast selection of posters. It serves as a meeting place for musicians, DJs, collectors, and artists of all kinds, maintaining the city's creative spirit. Beyond the retail experience, Amoeba regularly hosts free live performances and events that are open to all ages. These events transform the store into a dynamic community center for the same passion for music, ensuring that the physical stores remain the heart and soul of the business.

Visitor tips

  • The store is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so plan your visit during these hours.
  • Check the official events calendar for free live performances and events.
  • Allow plenty of time to explore the vast aisles of records and CDs.
  • // a practical tip for a shop: wear comfortable shoes for browsing the aisles.

Nearby context

Located on Haight Street, Amoeba Music sits at the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park, placing it in a heart of San Francisco's counter-culture history.

Sources

Evidence and links