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San Francisco Marina: Discover the Top Attractions in this SF Neighborhood
By: Jill Loeffler • Published: May 21, 2012 • Updated: February 15, 2025
The San Francisco Marina District is a scenic waterfront neighborhood that has become popular for its upscale amenities.
On the one hand, the SF Marina is home to historic attractions such as the Palace of Fine Arts.
On the other hand, it offers a vibrant nightlife and an amazing array of stylish restaurants, cafes, and bars. Its boutique shops add to its trendy vibe.
For recreation and relaxation, the Marina District in San Francisco boasts a popular beach called Crissy Field, as well as access to the Golden Gate Bridge.
History of the Marina SF
The history of the SF Marina is fascinating. For years, it was just marsh or swamp land.
Only when this area was selected as the site for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition did they start building several temporary buildings here to create a large exposition for the world's fair.
The Marina District's stunning Palace of Fine Arts, the only building still standing from the 1915 world's fairThe Palace of Fine Arts was one of those temporary installments slated to be torn down after the fair, but the city decided to keep it because it was so beautiful.
The expo team did some work on the ornate structure to extend its life, which is why it still stands today.
Because most of the San Francisco Marina District sits on landfill, it received quite a bit of damage during the 1989 earthquake. If you've seen the pictures of collapsed buildings from this earthquake, they were probably of buildings in this neighborhood.
After the Loma Prieta earthquake, the Marina Cow Hollow neighborhood was rebuilt, and today it is as strong as ever. This is one of my favorite SF districts because of its picturesque setting and proximity to the water.
Where is the Marina District in San Francisco?
The Marina District occupies the central part of San Francisco's northern waterfront along the SF Bay. It is sandwiched between the Presidio to the west and Fisherman's Wharf to the east.
Just to the south of this district, you will find a small neighborhood called Cow Hollow, which also offers a variety of fun things to do and places to eat.
On this page, you'll see recommendations for both the Marina / Cow Hollow together, as it's easy to explore the whole area in just one day.
San Francisco Marina Map
My San Francisco Marina map includes the small district of Cow Hollow as well.
Use this map to see where the top attractions are located, the major streets in these neighborhoods, and transportation routes that service the area.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Top Things to Do in the Marina
1. Kick Back at Crissy Field
Along the northern side of the San Francisco Marina District is Crissy Field. Here you will find one of the largest beaches in San Francisco, which people love for its relatively calm waters.
You will also find a running/walking trail and a large grassy area that is perfect for a game of football or to throw around a frisbee with friends.
This is also where you can find some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Sausalito.
>> Learn more about visiting Crissy Field
Bike the Bay Trail through the Marina! One great way to soak in these views of the bay is by pedaling along the scenic path. Here are some of my favorite options for biking in SF:
>> Take this guided tour across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
>> Go at your own pace with this all-day bike rental (standard or electric)
2. Attend an Event at the Fort Mason Center
The converted army buildings that now host galleries, theater, and other cultural events at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and CultureFort Mason is an old army base that was remodeled in 1977 to host large events.
The center is the perfect venue for some of the biggest events in the city, like the annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
They also hold local events, such as Ocean Film Festival and the Annual Public Library Book Sale. There is something fun and interesting happening almost every weekend at the Fort Mason Center.
In addition, you will find some interesting museums and galleries here.
>> Things to do at the Fort Mason Center
3. Soak in the Views at Fort Point
Fort Point is another old army base along the shores of the San Francisco Bay. It's also one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco.
Its location right under the Golden Gate Bridge contributes to its interesting history.
This free attraction is a must-see for history buffs, especially those who love military history.
>> Fort Point National Historic Site
4. Hit the Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most visited San Francisco attractions.
While the southern entrance to the bridge is actually located in the Presidio, you can start your walk or bike ride onto this international icon from the Bay Trail in the Marina District.
This path starts near the Palace of Fine Arts. As you continue, you will find lookout points on both the southern and northern ends of the bridge for that picture-perfect view.
>> Golden Gate Bridge history & visiting tips
The San Francisco Grand City Tour gives you a chance to ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. You will also get a photo opportunity of the bridge at Vista Point.
In addition, you will ride through Golden Gate Park and get amazing views of the city from Twin Peaks.
5. Travel Back in Time at the Octagon House
The Octagon House is another quick stop just to the south of the San Francisco Marina District in the Cow Hollow neighborhood. This historic eight-sided house was built in 1861.
It fell into disrepair over the years, but a local non-profit bought and restored it. You can now visit the house and its extensive collection of colonial and federal decorative arts twice a month.
>> Tips for visiting the Octagon House
6. Relax at the Palace of Fine Arts
One of my favorite attractions in the San Francisco Marina District is the Palace of Fine Arts. This free attraction is the only structure still standing from the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915.
Stop by to see the ornate architectural detail on the outside of this Roman-style building and learn more about its history or catch a show inside at its historic theater.
>> Panama Pacific Exposition & Palace of Fine Arts
7. Bask in the Sounds of the Wave Organ
Another fun, free and quick stop in the San Francisco Marina District is the Wave Organ.
This cool piece of art sits out in the bay and makes music from the waves that crash against its 25 pipes.
You can walk inside the Wave Organ to see how it makes music up close. It's a fun stop for kids and adults alike!
To find it, walk past the St. Francis Yacht Club and the Marina District Lighthouse to the end of the walkway.
>> More details for visiting this gem
8. Browse the Boutiques at Union & Chestnut Streets
If you plan on spending some of your time shopping, then I recommend heading over to these two streets lined with boutiques.
In addition to dozens of small, unique shops offering local art and fashion, you'll find some name brand stores like Sephora.
Most of the shops in the Marina District SF are on Chestnut Street between Fillmore and Divisadero. Most of the shops in Cow Hollow are on Union Street between Franklin and Steiner.
>> Additional shopping options around SF
9. Attend the Union Street Festival
The Union Street Festival is one of the largest street festivals in San Francisco. This event usually held the first weekend in June each year. Over two days, you will find hundreds of arts and crafts booths.
In addition, there are over a dozen different food vendors and a couple of stages with live music. This family-friendly event also offers lots of kids' activities.
It's a fun way to spend a few hours while visiting the Marina and Cow Hollow San Francisco neighborhoods.
>> Find additional San Francisco festivals
10. Take a Free Walking Tour
Another great way to learn about this neighborhood is by joining one of the excellent free SF Guides walking tours led by local experts.
This program run by the San Francisco Public Library offers several options, ranging from an in-depth tour of the Palace of Fine Arts to an architecture tour of the Art Deco buildings in the neighborhood.
>> Find additional fun and free tours around SF
Best Restaurants in the Marina District San Francisco
The majority of the restaurants in the San Francisco Marina District and Cow Hollow are on or near Union and Chestnut Streets.
You will find everything from grab-and-go options to higher-end, sit-down restaurants. Here are just some of my favorites.
Grab-and-Go, Casual
- Lucca Delicatessen: An SF Marina institution since 1929, Italian deli with quality sandwiches, $$, 2120 Chestnut Street (9 am to 6 pm daily)
- Ly's Vietnamese Cuisine: Slightly off the main drag, low-key place for a hot bowl of authentic pho, $$, 1779 Lombard Street (11:30 am to 8:30 pm; closed Tuesdays)
Mid-Range
- Causwells: Casual American restaurant and bar with great shareable items on their menu, $$, 2346 Chestnut Street (closed Mondays)
- Pacific Catch: Casual seafood restaurant with a Pacific Rim twist (from sushi to tacos!), perfect for lunch or dinner, $$, 2027 Chestnut Street
- Blackwood: Thai fusion and great brunch staples, my favorites being their mushroom rolls, red curry, and Benedicts, $$, 2150 Chestnut Street
Upscale
- A16: Italian pizza restaurant with amazing food and a great wine list, $$$, 2355 Chestnut Street
- Greens: Classic SF vegetarian restaurant since 1979, seasonal menu and unbeatable views right on the bay, $$$, 2 Marina Blvd at the Fort Mason Center (closed Mondays)
- Atelier Crenn: SF's only fine dining restaurant with three Michelin stars, elevated French cuisine, $$$$, 3127 Fillmore Street (must reserve well in advance for dinner Tuesday through Saturday)
>> Find additional top restaurants throughout SF
Best Bars in the Marina District SF
You will also find a high concentration of bars along Union and Chestnut Streets.
Most of the bars in the San Francisco Marina District and Cow Hollow neighborhood draw a young crowd that likes to live it up on the weekends.
The most famous area for nightlife is called The Triangle. Here you will find three popular bars on the corner of Fillmore at Greenwich.
- Balboa Cafe: Young crowd, usually packed on weekend nights, great drink specials, 3199 Fillmore Street
- Bus Stop: Old-school SF bar with a young crowd, a fun place to grab a drink, 1901 Union Street
- Campus: Great cocktails, small outdoor area which is perfect on a sunny day, a fun place to watch some football, 2241 Chestnut Street
- CC's Cocktails: Small, relaxing bar with couches throughout, 2417 Lombard Street
- The Final Final: An old sports pub, the perfect place to catch a game, 2990 Baker Street
- Horseshoe Tavern: A small dive bar in the heart of the Marina, 2024 Chestnut Street
- The Blue Light: Great drinks and a lively atmosphere, 1979 Union Street
>> Find a list of my favorite bars all around SF
>> Discover my top picks for great happy hour specials
San Francisco Marina District Hotels & Motels
Although most tourist opt to stay in either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square, here the advantage is that many of the hotels in the Marina District San Francicso include parking.
Many of the hotels in this neighborhood are two-star hotels or motels. While they may not have a lot of amenities, they are worth a look if you are on a tight budget and/or have a car.
Hotel Del Sol, a Joie de Vivre Hotel (3-star)
3100 Webster Street
The Hotel Del Sol is one of the best hotel/motels in this neighborhood. It is bright and cheery inside and out with its vibrant, beachy decor.
You will find some very basic amenities at this family-oriented hotel, including a heated outdoor pool, a simple breakfast, and free Wifi. It's a great value because the parking is included.
High Season Average: $330 | Low Season Average: $200
>> Check availability at the Hotel Del Sol here
Travelodge at the Presidio San Francisco (2-star)
2755 Lombard Street
Another great value in this neighborhood is the Travelodge at the Presidio. This two-star hotel/motel is on the western side of the San Francisco Marina District, just a few blocks from Presidio Park.
Their amenities include a simple breakfast and a business center with printing and internet access. They allow pets with a small deposit and parking is free.
High Season Average: $265 | Low Season Average: $170
>> Make reservations for the Travelodge at the Presidio San Francisco
More Recommendations: San Francisco Motels | Other Budget-Friendly Hotels
How to Get to the Marina and Cow Hollow
From Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is about a mile away from the eastern side of the San Francisco Marina District and Cow Hollow. There are quite a few options for getting between these two neighborhoods.
- Bus: The 30 Stockton takes you directly to the Marina District in San Francisco. Pick it up at North Point and Hyde Streets in Fisherman's Wharf. This bus drives along Chestnut Street, so you can exit at or any stop after the Fillmore Street stop. This will take you about 10 minutes.
- Car: It's an easy 5- to 10-minute drive from Fisherman's Wharf. However, parking is tight here with few garages, so I recommend taking public transit if you can.
- Taxi (Lyft or Uber): A taxi will cost around $15 and take about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Walk: My favorite option is to walk along the water from Fisherman's Wharf to the San Francisco Marina District. It isn't the most direct route, but is the most beautiful. There is a sidewalk the entire way, with a small but steep uphill section right before you get to the Fort Mason Center. For fewer hills, take Bay Street to Fillmore Street; from there you can turn right and head to the waterfront or turn left to head deeper into the neighborhood.
From Union Square
It takes a little longer to get from the Union Square neighborhood over to the San Francisco Marina District and Cow Hollow. However, you will find several options.
- Bus: You can take either the 45 Union or the 30 Stockton. Both pick up at a stop on Stockton Street between Bush and Sutter. Both will take you just under 30 minutes. These routes run parallel to each other, just four blocks apart. The 45 drops all along Union Street in Cow Hollow San Francisco, while the 30 drops all along Chestnut Street in the Marina.
- Car: This is another option, but parking here is hit or miss. You can try a few garages, or you can look for a spot on the street. It should only take about 20 minutes to get to the Marina / Cow Hollow from Union Square but might take twice as long to find a spot to park.
- Taxi: A taxi will take about 15 minutes and will cost anywhere from $15 to $25, depending on your pick-up and drop-off point. This is an easy option, but also the most expensive.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour
The popular Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour offers 15+ stops around San Francisco and it's a great way to get to know the city while riding on the double-decker open-top narrated bus ride.
You can purchase a tour pass for either one or two days and explore as many stops as you'd like during that time.
The Palace of Fine Arts stop is the best one to use to explore the Marina and Cow Hollow neighborhoods.
>> Learn more about how to book the Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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