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Best of San Francisco: Entertainment Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Expert recommendations of the top dance, theater, and classical music venues.

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American Conservatory Theater
Preeminent resident theater led by artistic director Carey Perloff; works by classic and contemporary playwrights (from Moliére to David Mamet); performances in historic Geary Theater or Zeum Theater. Tickets from $10. 415 Geary St.; tel. +1 415 749 2228. http://act-sf.org

Beach Blanket Babylon
Steve Silver's musical revue spoofs current events and celebrities; opened in 1974, with packed performances ever since; outrageous costumes featuring towering hats; no minors allowed except for Sunday matinees; performances at Club Fugazi. Tickets from $25. 678 Green St.; tel. +1 415 421 4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Intersection for the Arts
"Extraordinary socially relevant theater."—David Wiegand, executive datebook editor, San Francisco Chronicle. Theater, music, and dance performances, art exhibits, and literary series spotlighting emerging artists; performances in small Intersection for the Arts theater. Tickets from $5. 446 Valencia St.; tel. +1 415 626 3311. www.theintersection.org

San Francisco Ballet
One of the nation's oldest ballet companies; directed by Helgi Tomasson; repertoire includes works by George Balanchine, Mark Morris, and Christopher Wheeldon; performances in War Memorial Opera House. Tickets from $10. 301 Van Ness Ave.; tel. +1 415 861 5600. www.sfballet.org

San Francisco Opera
Critically acclaimed performances directed by David Gockley; traditional works (Mozart's "The Magic Flute") and contemporary American opera (the world premiere of Philip Glass's "Appomattox"); performances in War Memorial Opera House. Tickets from $25. 301 Van Ness Ave.; tel. +1 415 864 3330. www.sfopera.com

San Francisco Symphony
"One of the world's greatest symphonies; really inventive."—David Wiegand. Led by Michael Tilson Thomas; featuring superstar musicians (violinist Itzhak Perlman, soprano Renée Fleming); performances in Davies Symphony Hall. Tickets from $25. 201 Van Ness Ave.; tel. +1 415 864 6000. www.sfsymphony.org

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Know Before You Go: San Francisco

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