Looking for what to do before a Warriors game? From public art and waterfront parks to easy places to eat and practical Chase Center tips, Mission Bay, San Francisco offers plenty to explore before tip-off. Whether you’re visiting Chase Center for the first time or you’re a local looking to slow down and enjoy the neighborhood, these walkable spots near the arena turn game night into a full Mission Bay experience.
I’ve lived in Mission Bay since before the Chase Center opened, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: a Warriors game doesn’t have to start when you walk through the doors.
I love sports and iconic venues, but I don’t love rushing straight into ticketed entry. It can feel a little claustrophobic, and honestly, Mission Bay has too much going on to skip right past it. Exploring the neighborhood before tip-off makes the whole night feel more relaxed and intentional.
These are my favorite things to do within about a quarter mile of the Chase Center before a Warriors game.
1. See Seeing Spheres
If you’re going to the Chase Center, you have to stop by Olafur Eliasson’s Seeing Spheres (2019). The installation features five massive, inward-facing mirrored spheres, each about 15 feet tall.
They create an otherworldly, almost celestial view of yourself and the surrounding plaza, carved and distorted across the reflective surfaces. Located along Terry A. Francois Boulevard, it’s one of those pieces of public art that feels playful and profound at the same time, and it’s especially striking as the light changes in the late afternoon.
2. Walk the Chase Center Esplanade
After entering Thrive City Plaza, follow the gently ascending path up to the Chase Center Esplanade. This walk offers sweeping views of the Bay and features the Warriors Hall of Fame displays along the way.
It’s a great place to pause, take photos, and soak in the energy before the crowds funnel inside.
3. Grab Food in Thrive City
I’ve mostly stuck to the casual restaurants in Thrive City, but the food and the vibes are consistently solid. Señor Sisig and Gott’s Roadside are fast, reliable options if you want something satisfying without committing to a long sit-down meal.
Eating here also lets you linger outside a bit longer before heading into the arena.
4. Walk Across the Street to Bayfront Park
Opened in fall 2024, Bayfront Park is one of San Francisco’s newest waterfront parks and a real gem. The park runs along the Bay and offers gorgeous views of both the water and downtown San Francisco.
Design details like recycled Bay Bridge steel and riprap rock blend beautifully with the natural landscape. The park is also currently home to Dewitt Godfrey’s massive Lewis sculpture, located along the Big Art Loop. My kids love running in and out of it, and it’s one of those rare art pieces that truly invites interaction.
5. Experience a Richard Serra Sculpture
If you walk across 3rd Street to UCSF’s campus, you’ll find Richard Serra’s Ballast. Like many of Serra’s works, it’s immersive and physical, encouraging you to move through and around it rather than simply observe from a distance.
Ballast echoes the emotional weight and spatial tension of Serra’s famous Tilted Arc, which once stood in Foley Federal Plaza, but in a setting that feels far more open and contemplative.
6. Stroll Pierpoint Lane
On the other side of Warriors Way, Pierpoint Lane offers a quieter, more whimsical experience. The Uber headquarters sculpture garden features Masako Miki’s playful, surreal statues set against creeping flowers and shrubs.
It’s the perfect place to grab a boba from Plentea and take a short, peaceful stroll before the energy ramps back up near the arena.
7. Watch the Warriors Warm Up
Chase Center doors open 90 minutes before tip-off. If you arrive early, you can watch the players warm up on the court from the lower seating areas.
It’s one of the best ways to experience the arena without the full crowd and gives you a closer look at the game before it officially begins.
Chase Center Tips
Free Muni Rides All Day
Your Chase Center ticket includes free Muni rides (excluding cable cars) all day. The T Third Street line or the 22 bus will take you right to the arena.
https://www.sfmta.com/muni-youve-got-game
Bring the Right Bag
All bags must be smaller than 14″ x 6″ x 14″, including diaper and medical bags.
Eat Before You Go
No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the Chase Center, so plan to eat beforehand unless you want to buy food once you’re inside.
More Things to Do in Mission Bay
A Warriors game doesn’t have to be a rush from transit to seat. One of the best parts of Chase Center is how much there is to experience just outside its doors. From large-scale public art to waterfront walks and easy, reliable food, Mission Bay rewards anyone who arrives early and takes the time to explore.
If you enjoyed this guide, check out more of my San Francisco and Bay Area posts below, where I share walkable neighborhoods, family-friendly outings, and free or low-cost things to do with kids. There’s always more to discover, especially when you slow down and look around.
Things to Do in Mission Bay with Kids
Seven Founding Hills 
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