Palace of Fine Arts Tours and Activities

Palace of Fine Arts featuring heritage architecture and a pond
Palace of Fine Arts featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and a garden
Palace of Fine Arts featuring interior views
Palace of Fine Arts
Palace of Fine Arts showing art


This Roman-inspired palace built in 1915 remains a modern-day renaissance center of fine arts and science. 

The Romanesque Palace of Fine Arts was created as a star attraction at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The expo celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and San Francisco’s recovery from the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires. Designer Bernard Maybeck themed the construction around Roman ruins, drawing inspiration from both Roman and Greek architecture. His intention was to show “the mortality of grandeur and the vanity of human wishes.”

This is one of the few surviving structures from the expo. It has housed tennis courts and served as a store of military trucks and jeeps. A major restoration program in the ’60s restored the palace to its former glory, stripping it back to its basics and then rebuilding with new concrete, paving and landscaping.

Today it's the home to the Exploratorium, an exciting journey into the wonders and mysteries of science, with interactive displays and hands-on activities aimed at children.

The palace is in a peaceful space to walk, or enjoy a picnic. Surrounded by gardens and a swan-filled lagoon, sits the palace, a grand rotunda and 1,100-foot (335-meter) pergola. It’s a popular destination because of the serenity of its environment and the majesty of its architecture.

The Palace of Fine Arts is to the west of Fisherman's Wharf in the Marina District. On foot, it’s less than two miles (three kilometers) from Fisherman's Wharf past Ghirardelli Square. It is also easily accessible by public transport. Several Muni buses will take you there. There is a parking lot on the west side accessible from Lyon Street.

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Best Lodging Options Near Palace of Fine Arts

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Inn at Golden Gate

Inn at Golden Gate

2 out of 5
2707 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Inn at Golden Gate
Marina Motel

Marina Motel

2 out of 5
2576 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA
Marina Motel
La Luna Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

La Luna Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

2.5 out of 5
2599 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
La Luna Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco

Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco

2 out of 5
2755 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco
Alpha Inn & Suites

Alpha Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
2505 Lombard Steet, San Francisco, CA
Alpha Inn & Suites
Signature Inn San Francisco Marina District

Signature Inn San Francisco Marina District

2 out of 5
2440 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Signature Inn San Francisco Marina District
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Surf Motel

Surf Motel

2 out of 5
2265 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
Surf Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is a picturesque location perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets, exploring nearby theatre options, and indulging in shopping experiences. Visitors can enhance their trip with bus tours and fine arts tours that showcase the area's rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty. This blend of activities makes for a memorable vacation experience in this iconic landmark.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Ghirardelli Square, just 1.6km away, offering a blend of family fun and unique boutiques. Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery are both 3.2km away, perfect for local treats and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore more options in nearby areas.

Recreation

At Oracle Park, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying a game or event. Nearby, the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium offers a lively entertainment experience with concerts and shows. For a relaxing day, the Presidio Golf Course invites you to play amidst beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

At the Palace of Fine Arts, embark on a scenic hike along the Coastal Trail, located 4.8km away, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy ice skating at the Union Square Ice Rink, 3.2km from the site, or explore the outdoor vibes along Perimeter Road, situated 6.4km away.

Nightlife

At the Palace of Fine Arts, the War Memorial Opera House offers a cultural escape with romantic performances, just 3.2km away. Closer, the Presidio Theater showcases family-friendly films, 0.6.4km away, while the San Francisco Carousel provides outdoor fun, also 3.2km away.

Find the best attractions near Palace of Fine Arts

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a family seeking a fun experience, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco offers a rich array of attractions. Explore the stunning architecture, visit nearby museums, and enjoy the lovely urban park. For accommodation, there are hotels conveniently located around the Palace of Fine Arts, making it an ideal base for your local adventures.

  • Pier 39: Located 3.2km from the Palace of Fine Arts, Pier 39 offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with street performers, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy stunning waterfront views and get up close with playful sea lions lounging on the docks.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic landmark, also 3.2km away, is a testament to engineering marvels and offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay. Walk or bike across the bridge to fully appreciate its grandeur and the surrounding scenic beauty.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the "crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street, located 3.2km from the Palace of Fine Arts, features eight sharp turns adorned with beautiful flowers. Experience the quirky charm of this unique street while taking in the city views.

Best time to go to Palace of Fine Arts

Visitor numbers around Palace of Fine Arts is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Palace of Fine Arts can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Palace of Fine Arts falls in September, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Palace of Fine Arts falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco offers free entry, making it a budget-friendly attraction. Nearby, you can explore other free activities like Pier 39, Golden Gate Park, and Lombard Street. To save on accommodation, consider visiting in February or November to December, when prices are lower compared to the peak months of August to October. Saturdays are usually the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find great deals by filtering for budget options and combining hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palace of Fine Arts are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Palace of Fine Arts is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Palace of Fine Arts is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation at the Palace of Fine Arts with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.