Urban Putt

Urban Putt is a one-of-a-kind indoor miniature golf course in the Mission District where every hole is a handcrafted art installation designed by local San Francisco artists, engineers, and fabricators. It is part mini golf, part immersive art experience, and it completely reimagines what putt-putt can be. For families looking for a rainy day activity or a unique evening out, this is one of the most creative entertainment options in the city.

The 14-hole course occupies the basement of a converted building on South Van Ness Avenue. Each hole has a distinct theme and elaborate set design -- one hole winds through a miniature San Francisco streetscape with working traffic lights, another features a Rube Goldberg contraption that activates when you sink the putt, and yet another takes you through a psychedelic tunnel with UV lighting. The craftsmanship is extraordinary; you can tell these were built by people who genuinely care about design and detail.

The atmosphere is deliberately moody -- dim lighting, atmospheric sound effects, and creative use of black lights and projection make each hole feel like entering a different world. This design choice is part of what makes Urban Putt special, but parents should know that very young children (under 4-5) who are uncomfortable in dark spaces may not enjoy it. For kids 5 and up, it is magical.

Gameplay is straightforward mini golf, and the holes vary from easy to moderately challenging. A round takes about 60-90 minutes depending on how crowded the course is and how much time you spend admiring the artwork. The space is tight in places -- this is not a sprawling outdoor course -- but the intimacy adds to the atmosphere.

Upstairs, a full restaurant and bar serve unexpectedly good food. Burgers, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and craft cocktails (for the adults) are well-prepared and reasonably priced for San Francisco ($14-20 per entree). Many families make an evening of it: golf downstairs, dinner upstairs. The restaurant menu includes kid-friendly options.

Booking is strongly recommended. Walk-up waits can stretch to 30-60 minutes on weekend afternoons and Friday evenings. Reserve a tee time online at urbanputt.com to guarantee your spot. Sunday mornings at 11 AM are the sweet spot for families -- shorter waits, more kids around, and a relaxed vibe.

Pricing is $14 per adult and $10 per child under 12. Kids under 3 are free. The course is not stroller-accessible -- leave the stroller upstairs. The restaurant level is accessible. Closed Mondays.