Aug 20, 2025

Church of 8 Wheels San Francisco

Holy rollers unite!

"This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene..."

As a kid I went to Catholic School and I went to church. Sacred Heart Church at the top of a hill on Fillmore at Fell had a steeple bell that didn't ring too loud but could be seen across many neighbourhoods.  The church is part of a complex of buildings completed in 1888 including the Rectory next door, the Convent around the corner and School down the block. All of the buildings could be easily accessed through the playground in the middle of the complex.

In the '60s and '70s, this church was a meeting place for San Francisco State University student activists against the war in Vietnam. The parish complex was the site of the local Black Panther Party Breakfast Program. The United Farmworkers Union started the 1970 lettuce boycott here. It's no wonder that the nuns I remember in school were so badass. This place nurtured revolutions.

Seismic retrofitting was too costly after the 1989 earthquake and the church was closed in 2004. The buildings were eventually sold and the Church of 8 Wheels, founded by David G Miles Jr, debuted in 2013. He's been known as the Godfather of Skating since he moved to SF in 1979. Anything roller skating related around the city, including the fun in Golden Gate Park over the last 40 years, is thanks to him.

Skating lessons are available an hour before the doors open. All ages in the first few hours. Sundays and evenings are adults only. Check the schedule for details. Costumes are optional but encouraged.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

554 Fillmores Street

Entry + skates:

US$

15

find your way in San Francisco, download our app.

Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

The Crepevine

Best Spot Ever

The Crepevine is a family-owned crêpery in the Inner Sunset that is just what the doctor ordered. Grab a great breakfast at a reasonable price & hang out.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Sep 16, 2025

Foggy Notion

Find your vibe here

"Foggy Notion" in San Francisco is a small woman-owned shop that's a calming oasis. Find your favorite ceramics, eco-friendly home goods, candles & more!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Sep 16, 2025

Damnfine Pizza

Best Pizza West of Divis

The name of the business, for once, is no lie, it is pretty dang fine. A personal favorite is the Pig in the Woods: pancetta, enoki, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and truffle.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Byron

Beach

Sep 15, 2025

Maison Nico

Pâté en croûte en SF

Right in the shadow of the TransAmerica Pyramid, Maison Nico is a must stop for me when I am downtown and need either a perfect pastry or want to bring something home that is special.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Byron

Beach

Sep 15, 2025

Pier Market

Another great one!

"Pier Market" in San Francisco's Pier 39 specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood. You should try the Mixed Grill and the lobster with drawn butter...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Sep 13, 2025

Blazing Saddles

Bike rental shop

"Blazing Saddles" is the most extensive bike rental establishment in San Francisco. Are YOU ready to bike the bridge? If so, you should come here...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Sep 13, 2025

Hole in the Wall Coffee

Don’t miss it

"Hole in the Wall Coffee" in San Francisco is in the beautiful neighborhood of Telegraph Hill/North Beach. Its name says it all, really...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Sep 13, 2025

Stow Lake

Paddle the afternoon away

I never hear anyone going to "Stow Lake" in San Francisco, yet it's one of the neatest little nooks in town! Time just seems to slip by there...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Sep 13, 2025

Sightglass Coffee

Kick back with quality coffee

"Sightglass Coffee" was one of the first coffee shops I visited in SF and remains one of my favorites. It's a neighborhood spot for friends to connect...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Sep 13, 2025

Tantrum

Darling shop for kids

I can tell you, if I was a child now and went into "Tantrum" in SF, I would freak out with genuine joy! So many playful gifts, books and party supplies!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Sep 13, 2025

Little Baobab

Senegalese food and music

Whatever your favorite restaurant in San Francisco might be, it's about to become your second-favorite after Senegalese restaurant "Little Baobab"...

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Sep 11, 2025

Fog Harbor

One of the best restaurants at Pier 39

"Fog Harbor" Fish House in San Francisco's Pier 39 is a total winner: the food is incredible, the people are friendly and it won't break your wallet!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Sep 11, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to San Francisco?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

158 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves San Francisco

Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
64
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters