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Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco: Tips to Visit this Free, Gorgeous Attraction in the Marina
Written by: Jill Loeffler • Published: May 17, 2018 • Updated: Nov 25, 2024
The Palace of Fine Arts is undoubtedly one of the best places to soak in the beauty and history of San Francisco all at once. Plus, it's one of our free attractions!
You've probably seen postcards or film scenes of this iconic San Francisco park with columns and a dome majestically reflected in the lagoon.
This is a view of the main dome and some of the columns that make up the historic Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District in San Francisco.Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Palace of Fine Arts FAQ
How much is the Palace of Fine Arts entrance fee? There is no cost to visit.
Is the Palace of Fine Arts free? Yes! It is free and open to the public! (Though there is also an events venue available for rent, and a theatre that offers paid performances.)
What is there to do at the Palace of Fine Arts? Stroll around and enjoy its beauty, relax on the lawn, and have a picnic near the lagoon. Or come at night (when it’s stunningly lit) to attend a show!
Where can I get Palace of Fine Arts tickets? You’ll find tickets to all of the concerts and performances here. There are shows several nights a week. See the full calendar on their website.
Palace of Fine Arts History
You will find a lot of opportunities to photograph this beauty. This is from the walkway that circles this free attraction.The San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts is the largest and one of just a handful of remaining structures from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.
It was built as a temporary structure for the expo and was supposed to be torn down. However, both visitors and locals fell in love with it, so the city of SF decided to keep it standing.
In the 1960s, the city of SF fully rebuilt the temporary structure to make it permanent. It was then damaged in the 1989 earthquake. The city repaired it and did some retrofitting to ensure its survival during larger earthquakes.
They also did more repairs to it in 2009. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015 with several events all year long.
Before I talk a little about what you will see while exploring it, let's take a deeper look at the Palace of Fine Arts history.
You can also click the links below to jump ahead to a specific topic for your visit.
- What to Do at the Palace of Fine Arts
- Visiting Tips & Map
- Guided Tours
- Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
- Where to Eat Nearby
- Parking Tips
- How to Get Here
- Movies Featuring It
Panama Pacific Exposition History
The 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition was a celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. This expo also turned into one of the most important events in the history of San Francisco.
Before the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco showed some interest in hosting this large international event. However, after the earthquake hit, city officials knew the event was critical for the city.
With millions of visitors expected, it was one of the best ways to showcase how far San Francisco had come after the devastating earthquake.
SF was selected as the city to hold this World’s Fair shortly after the earthquake hit.
The expo site only took four years to build. The buildings covered 635 acres of land in an area that is now the San Francisco Marina.
It stretched all along the waterfront from Van Ness Street to Fort Point. In total, the buildings for the event housed more than 70,000 exhibits from around the world.
The Panama Pacific Exposition opened on February 20, 1915. For 288 days, more than 19 million people from around the world visited San Francisco for the event.
At the close of the event in December 1915, the buildings were scheduled for demolition. However, the city decided to keep one of the most beautiful buildings—the Palace of Fine Arts.
Palace of Fine Arts Architecture Style
This is an example of some of the weeping women on the top of the columns at the Palace of Fine Arts.When you walk around the Palace of Fine Arts, you will see beautiful architecture and special art on the walls. During the World’s Fair, there were loads of stores and other temporary exhibits here.
This San Francisco attraction was designed by famed architect Bernard Maybeck. He wanted to make a grand building to show off some European and classic style.
The entire building is a work of art with intricate details on its columns and a beautiful dome inspired by Roman and Greek architecture.
So why are there four weeping women built into one of the colonnades?
Because Mr. Maybeck wanted to show that, even though everything was recovering in San Francisco, and there was a major World’s Fair happening here, we should still remember the past and what has been lost to time.
So, these four women face inwards and weep for the times gone by and what has been lost.
Fun Fact: The weeping women were originally going to be partially covered in vines and flowers to make it even more mournful, but it would have cost too much money, so they’ve continued to stay exactly as they were over 100 years ago.
What to Do at the Palace of Fine Arts
Apart from admiring the Palace of Fine Arts architecture, I love exploring the grounds and taking in the scenery, where you can do both people- and bird-watching.
The Palace of Fine Arts is free to stroll around (outside of the building). It is also the perfect place for a picnic lunch or a place to hang out to relax for a little while.
The striking aesthetic of the building attracts both locals and visitors. It is very common to see at least one wedding party taking pictures here—in fact, you might even see two or three during your visit.
To give you a sense of work that went into the building, here are just a few Palace of Fine Arts photos from my last visit.
This shows a few of the columns at the Palace of Fine Arts. The sidewalk in front is the walkway that takes you really close to each one so you can get a great look.
Another look at the gorgeous dome at the Palace of Fine Arts, one of my favorite outdoor San Francisco attractions.Palace of Fine Arts Birds
Bird lovers will definitely want to visit the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco to see the variety that inhabit the lagoon. They include herons, seagulls, owls, and of course ducks and mallards.
Some individual birds are even famous.
For 28 years, multiple generations of visitors were mesmerized by Blanche, the Polish mute swan who charmed crowds with her cheerful, sociable personality—an unusual quality for her species, which tend to be more territorial and aggressive.
For many years, Blanche and her partner, Blue Boy, would be spotted coming and going from their spot together. The icon died in January 2023.
Something I loved about the swans is that they lived at the Palace of Fine Arts from its opening as part of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition until the last one passed away.
That means they had been here almost as long as the palace has, which is rather amazing.
Visiting Tips and Palace of Fine Arts Map
What are the Palace of Fine Arts hours? The park is open both day and night. There is no Palace of Fine Arts admission.
It's free to visit and it usually takes about 30 minutes to explore. You will find it at 3301 Lyon Street.
The Palace of Fine Arts map below offers a look at the layout of this San Francisco attraction. In total, it sits on about 20 acres. The red dotted lines show the walking path in and around the park.
The small white area behind it is where you will find some on-site parking as well as a small lot just to its north. Both are marked with the blue 'P.'
I recommend visiting around lunchtime. You can pick up a sandwich or salad in the Marina and spend some time picnicking as you enjoy the Palace of Fine Arts.
There are plenty of places to sit on the grass (shown in green on the map) and all offer amazing views. You will find a few ideas below on where to find some of the best grab-and-go lunches in the Marina.
Tour Options
What Palace of Fine Arts tours are available? You have several options for your visit. The following are my favorites.
San Francisco Public Library Walking Tour
The San Francisco Public Library offers a number of free informative walking tours throughout San Francisco. This one is a dedicated tour of the history surrounding the Panama Pacific Exposition and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Your guide will share with you even more about the importance of this event to the revitalization of San Francisco.
>> Find out more about the SF City Guides tours
Premium City Tour
If you want to see several top SF attractions at once, then check out this 4-hour guided tour.
In addition to the Palace of Fine Arts, it will take you to the best sightseeing locations around SF, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and others.
This is the most comprehensive half-day tour out there, covering lots of ground in a short time.
That means that some attractions you will view from the bus only, while at others you will get out for a 10- to 15-minute photo stop.
>> Learn more about this tour and check for availability
Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
If you prefer to explore on your own, then check out the popular Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. It includes 17 stops around SF, including one at the Palace of Fine Arts.
You can stay as long as you want and then hop on the next bus to continue on your journey. The open-top tour buses run this circuit every 10 to 15 minutes from 10 am to 6 pm.
>> Discover details about the Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Deals on Other Ways to Visit
You can stop at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on these other fantastic adventures, either by bike or in a stylish GoCar, on your own or with a guide.
More Top Free Attractions Around San Francisco
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Are you curious about seeing the inside of the building? Check out the Palace of Fine Arts upcoming events.
It is home to a fantastic theater. They offer a variety of shows throughout the year and during the holiday season, ranging from theater performances to comedy.
The Palace of Fine Arts capacity is just 960 seats, making it a great space to catch a show up close.
Find an up-to-date calendar of performances.
Where to Eat Nearby
The Palace of Fine Arts is in the Marina District and just a couple of blocks away from one of its main commercial streets, Chestnut. Here are just a few places close by that I recommend.
Grab & Go Options
As I mentioned above, I love coming to the Palace of Fine Arts with a sandwich or salad and hanging out as I eat lunch or a snack. Here are my favorite places to grab something to bring with me.
Lucca Delicatessen: This is the best place to grab a tasty sandwich. They have a variety of options and are about a half-mile away. You will find them at 2120 Chestnut Street.
Marina Delicatessen & Liquors: Another great spot to grab a sandwich or a snack to enjoy on the lawns of the Palace of Fine Arts. It's about 5 blocks away at 2299 Chestnut.
Chestnut Street Coffee Roastery: This is another spot about 5 blocks away. It's perfect if you need a coffee pick-me-up for your visit. They also have grab-and-go sandwiches. You will find it at 2331 Chestnut.
Other Options in the Marina
If you prefer to sit down for a bite to eat either before or after your visit, here are a few of my recommendations.
Super Duper Burgers: This casual burger joint is perfect if you want to grab a quick bite and keep exploring. Their menu is simple and the food is tasty. 2201 Chestnut
Pluto's: Sandwiches and salads are on the menu at this casual yet healthy stop in the Marina. 3258 Scott
Causwells: This bistro offers American cuisine with a European flair. They also offer many dishes on their menu that are light and perfect for sharing. 2346 Chestnut
Tacolicious: If you love Mexican food, then you are going to want to stop in here. What originally was a little taco stand has blown up into full-on restaurant. Their bite-sized tacos are the bomb! 2250 Chestnut Street
Tips on Where to Park
If you plan to drive, you will find several options for Palace of Fine Arts parking.
It may be difficult to find street parking near the Palace of Fine Arts, with hundreds of Marina residents. However, there are several lots within a few blocks of the building.
Parking On-Site: You will find a limited amount of parking on-site. One lot is behind the building and the other is on the northern side. If you arrive early or visit during a slow time of the year, you might get lucky and be able to grab a spot right near the park.
Marina Green/Yacht Road Parking: If you head just north of the Palace of Fine Arts on Yacht Road, you will find a free parking lot. You are free to park here during your visit and/or while you check out some other local attractions.
Crissy Field Parking: Another option is to park at Crissy Field. This lot is also open to the public and free parking during the day. It's about a 5-minute walk from this lot to the park. It's a grass and dirt lot and you can enter it from Mason Street.
It's best to select a parking area before you arrive, add in the directions to your phone, and then use them to navigate to your parking area. They have closed off certain streets for turning, so it can be confusing when you arrive.
By using a map on your phone, it will give you the best directions to get to the lot when you arrive.
How to Get to the Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts sits on the northern side of San Francisco. Since SF is only 7 miles long by 7 miles wide, you will find it's close to many of our top attractions and districts.
In the map below, the Palace of Fine Arts is the red star. Fisherman's Wharf is the blue star and Union Square is the green star. I've also highlighted Golden Gate Park with the yellow star.
Scroll down for additional tips on how to get here from these and other top locations around SF.
From Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf
If you need to travel between Fisherman's Wharf and the Palace of Fine Arts, you have a few options. The distance between the two is about 2 miles. You can walk or take the bus.
If you plan to take the bus, pick up the #30 at Columbus Avenue and North Point (or on North Point on the western side of Columbus). Take it to its last stop at Divisadero & Chestnut and you will be about 5 blocks away.
From Crissy Field
It's a quick walk between Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts. They are less than a half mile away from each other. Walk along Mason to get from one location to the next.
From Union Square
Union Square is the green star on the map above. It's about 3.5 miles away from the Palace of Fine Arts. The best way to get here is to take the #30 bus. Pick it up at Stockton & Sutter and take it all the way to the end at Divisadero & Chestnut.
To the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is also not too far away. You can either walk along Crissy Field to get between these two attractions or take the bus. If you walk, there is a steep hill with stairs to climb when you arrive. The walk is about 2 miles to the southern side of the bridge (it's another 1.7 miles across).
You can also pick up the #28 bus, which will take you to the southern side of the bridge. You can pick it up at the bus stop at Richardson Avenue & Francisco Street.
It's about a five-minute walk to the stop and about a 10-minute ride (during non-commute hours) to the bridge.
From Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is another popular stop for those visiting San Francisco. It's on the western end of SF and is marked with the yellow star. It's about 4 miles from the Palace of Fine Arts.
You would take the same bus as the one for the Golden Gate Bridge, the #28.
You will stay on this bus and continue on to the stop at Park Presidio Avenue & Fulton Street. From here, you can enter the park and then head to your destination.
Hotels Near the Palace of Fine Arts San Francisco
Travelodge by Windham Presidio
This 2-star hotel is located right on the edge of the Presidio. It is a classic-looking hotel from the outside, but up-to-date and very nice inside.
This is a good choice for people who want to get out and see the city easily, as there is a bus stop very close to it.
They have free breakfast and are pet-friendly.
They are a AAA-approved hotel and they have limited free parking. It is only about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 2755 Lombard Street
>> Find reviews, rooms, and the best rates for your stay at Travelodge by Windham Presidio
Lodge at the Presidio
If you want to have an experience like no other when in San Francisco, you will want to stay here.
This hotel was originally built as barracks for soldiers back in the late 1800s. Therefore, it has an all-brick exterior and has great views to defend the city from attackers.
Amenities include free breakfast, evening wine and cheese reception, an outdoor fire pit, and much more.
You can get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge when you stay here. It is about a 15- to 20-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 105 Montgomery in the Presidio
>> Learn all about the Lodge at the Presidio and find the best room rates
Hotel del Sol
This 3-star hotel is a very cool place if you want to go back to the 1950s for a retro feel and still have all the benefits of today’s hotels.
The rooms are very comfortable, the beds are soft, and you will not find another hotel like this anywhere.
Some of the fun features include hammocks, palm trees, and a heated outdoor pool in their courtyard.
They offer free breakfast (including grab-and-go if you are in a hurry), parking, and more. It is about a 10-minute bus ride or a 20-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 3100 Webster Street.
>> Read all about guest experiences and find the best room rates at Hotel del Sol
Movies Filmed Near the Palace of Fine Arts
Do the Palace of Fine Arts photos look familiar? If so, you might have seen this SF treasure in several films over the years. Here are just a few of them.
- When the World Came to San Francisco (2015): This is a documentary about the Panama Pacific Expo and the Palace of Fine Arts. I highly recommend watching it before you arrive.
- The Rock (1996)
- Vertigo (1958)
- The Room (2003)
- The Woman in Red (1984)
- Murder in the First (1995)
It's also been featured in several TV shows over the years, including Falcon Crest, Monk, Chance and The Streets of San Francisco.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
