Planning a trip to San Francisco?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
Palace of Fine Arts
Historic and Protected Site, Sculpture Garden, and Public Art
Marina District, San Francisco
"I love the swans!"(10 Tips)
"Beautiful architecture, not far from the Golden Gate Bridge."(5 Tips)
"The Exploratorium has moved to pier 17."(3 Tips)
"Very cool to see old world architecture in such a modern city."(16 Tips)
183 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- architecture
- swans
- scenic views
- picnics
- historic sites
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Justin SullivanJanuary 12, 2016Beautiful night and day. The scale is massive. Everyone is dwarfed beneath the dome. The grounds surpass the interior, but the massive fireplaces that you see on the inside are really cool too.
The Ritz-CarltonSeptember 3, 2013The Palace of Fine Arts is a neo-classical "ruin" originally constructed for the 1915 World's Fair and is the only structure from the historic event that is still situated on its original site.
Sam WellerNovember 25, 2013Great concert hall. Well, the usual - sit in rows e,f or g - right in the center. Pick what u want to see or hear and enjoy. If the event is going to pack the house, arrive early - parking is limited
Upvoted Mar 23- Fodor's TravelJanuary 28, 2016The Palace of Fine Arts is an iconic San Francisco building and one of the first you encounter upon entering the city from the Golden Gate Bridge. Read more
WhiskeyAvengerJuly 4, 2018One of the most iconic sites in SF. Lovely for a picnic and feeding the geese swimming along in the pond.
- KaitlinFebruary 13, 2017So much larger and more impressive than I expected. Very cool to see old world architecture in such a modern city.
Alex ChenJuly 29, 2018Fun to walk around and admire the architecture. Nearby to Crissy Field and the Presidio, so make a half day of it biking along all of them.
EricMay 30, 2014Most miss this while driving to the Golden Gate Bridge, which is a shame because to me it says San Francisco as much as the bridge does - walk around, contemplate, enjoy the beauty.
Kevin ZhangSeptember 6, 2014Come here during day or night for awesome views of this place! There are free street parking. Also there is a designated free parking lot for this place as well.
Jim BookJanuary 23, 2014very cool, walk around the lake and read the signs about the history too, lots for birders to view also along lake and island the columns and rotunda are very photgenic
Bennett W WongNovember 17, 2014Nice spot for concerts, performances and seminar conferences. Outdoor area perfect for anyone looking for the right spot to take wedding portraits in the open area.- Déborah RodriguesApril 15, 2018This place is beautiful! It's a great place to take pictures, relax, and enjoy a great day. A place that makes you forget that you're in San Francisco.
Richard GarciaFebruary 28, 2015This place is a must visit for when sight seeing in SF. Just sit in the middle, lie down and stare at the ceiling. You can thank me later ;)
DavidMay 16, 2015Definetely a must do. Do this while renting a bike to golden gate, go towards te center there is a musician there
MissConnorMarch 29, 2016Gorgeous architecture, but at night, some roller skaters reunite with loud music & color lights that ruin the atmosphere and of course, the pics.- Daniel StansellApril 24, 2017Do a full loop here - most people just head to the center and leave but the views from all angles are equally great!
Chuck RoslofMay 6, 2018Beautiful building, in a nice area to walk around (not far from where you can get a good view of Golden Gate Bridge).
Nadine MansourMay 26, 2014Bring a blanket and have a picnic so you can enjoy some good old people watching - especially fun when weddings are happening
Anton ShusterJanuary 14, 2016Originally built in 1915 for Panama-Pacific Expo, this remains an amazing place to visit. What out for the angry swans; they'll chase you.
herm pugayNovember 25, 2014This is all that is left from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Wonderfully preserved. I was here for an editorial shoot :)
Westfield San Francisco CentreJuly 11, 2012Come celebrate the heart of San Francisco in our free animated 3D light spectacular under the dome at Westfield San Francisco Centre (865 Market Street) starting daily at 5 pm until September 3, 2012!
Hannah GarciaAugust 13, 2015If you love scenic views & feeling a bit like royalty, check this place out #aesthetics haha
ExploratoriumAugust 30, 2011At the Palace of Fine Arts, there's a secret listening exhibit inside one of the columns of the rotunda. SOUND COLUMN is a musical instrument whose resonating chamber is a 60-foot-high room.
Bentley FerrainaOctober 13, 2015The Great Houdini Escape Room is the best I've ever done. The puzzles and narrative are artful and immersive!
Anthony V.August 24, 2017Don’t forget your camera. The iconic Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most photographed sites in San Francisco.
Dan Mondragón SomeraMay 2, 2016Beautiful, beautiful place out of the blue, there are ducks, turtles and crazy raccoons hahaha
Nespresso USADecember 10, 2012Beautiful, relaxing and breathtaking. It’s the perfect artistic getaway in San Francisco! Visit the Rotunda or have a picnic on a sunny day.
Connie ChiuApril 16, 2017Gorgeous architecture for walking around and taking photos. Beautiful neighborhood but real fancy.
Nespresso USADecember 10, 2012Beautiful, relaxing and breathtaking. It’s the perfect artistic getaway in San Francisco! Visit the Rotunda or have a picnic on a sunny day.
Eric WuebbenDecember 12, 2012This is a quick stop, not a ton to see, but what you do see is beautiful. There's a science museum next door that's great for kids.
Carolena (CaroBbad) H.May 4, 2010This is absolutely my favorite place in San Francisco. It is beautiful,relaxing & it truly takes my breath away. It stirs up my romantic side as well. I can always recognize the scenery in a movie :-) Read more
Elisabeth LongshoreJuly 9, 2017Beautiful piece of architecture. Have a picnic, take a walk around it. It's beautiful.
SarahnautSeptember 1, 2014There's one area where you can go up the "steps" and people watch from a height.
Chris HarrisJune 11, 2013Beautiful spot and great picture opportunity . . . add it to your must see list if visiting San Francisco!
Cynthia VelazquezJuly 7, 2013Love this building, awesome place to have a picnic and take lots of pictures, must visit!
Emmanuel QuarteyApril 5, 2015Beautiful example of public architecture. San Francisco is lucky to host this gem.
KarenAugust 14, 2022Kind of a trek out here, but it's quiet and beautiful. And an architectural masterpiece.
Rebecca MorehiserFebruary 26, 2010Seeing The DoDos & Magik Magik show @Noise Pop. Great ambiance, love the theater seating, though there is no center aisle, so getting up for a bathroom break can be tedious if your in the middle.- Amjad KandarAugust 27, 2023Palace of Fine Arts at 12 minutes drive to the west of UNO DENTAL SAN FRANCISCO
5,772 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Palace of Fine Arts
3301 Lyon St (btwn Bay & Jefferson St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
United States
San Francisco, CA 94123
United States
San Francisco Designated Landmark #88
Closed until 6:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
(415) 563-6504
Features
Credit Cards
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
See More
Places inside Palace of Fine Arts
You might also like
- 9.3
"Super touristy but with a visit. Def do the audio tour"
Gurmukh Panesar - 9.2
"Great walk along the water. Highly recommend checking everything out at the top of the hill for amazing views!"
Mary Dawson
- 8.8
"Iconic SF landmark across from a beautiful public park. Sit in the grass, warm up in the sun and admire the view."
Paul T.
Upcoming Events
- Deorro
8:00 PM on May 4, 2024
Powered by
- Alison Roman Gives Solicited Advice (Live)
8:00 PM on May 8, 2024
- Daniel Sloss: Can't
3:00 PM on May 12, 2024
Powered by
Appears on 1,811 lists
Created by Exploratorium
41 items • 97 followers
Music Venues in San Francisco, CA
Created by Listener Approved
120 items • 174 followers
Top 20 Free things to do in San Francisco
Created by Fodor's Travel
20 items • 96 followers
