Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
4.5
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Designed to look like a Greco-Roman ruin, this structure was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It's now a prime events venue.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Marina District
Beautiful homes, beautiful people, and a beautiful backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge welcome visitors to the Marina. Originally the location for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915 (whose remnants can be seen at the Palace of Fine Arts), much of the land was filled and flattened to accommodate a world’s fair. That ample space has given way to a jogger’s paradise at the northern edge of the city. With the picturesque bay setting as its backdrop, it’s no surprise that the area has hosted numerous movie productions. Daytime activities focus on café culture and boutique shopping, while the evenings turn this neighbourhood into a party-going hotspot.
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Restaurants
3,303 within 5 kms
Attractions
850 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- SalaamusTurlock, California151 contributionsGreat place to take pictures.Cool place to see if in the area. Pack with lots of tourist. Water pond in the middle with vary pretty architecture. Photo op of a city that is a jewel eating to be discovered and in joyed.Visited January 2022Travelled with familyWritten December 23, 2022
- Czar EmmanuelManila, Philippines6,246 contributionsRelaxing, with lovely gardensPerhaps less visited compared to the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts Theater is also worth-visiting. There you'll see a reconstruction of some structures built in 1915 on the occasion of the Panama-Pacific international exposition. They are neoclassical structures of Greek and Roman inspiration. There are also lovely gardens in the area. The whole place is very relaxing, but there's really nothing much to do here except taking pictures, watching birds and exploring the gardens.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten July 29, 2023
- Anna LBrantford, Canada154 contributionsA Pleasant SurpriseI was actually surprised how much I enjoyed visiting here. It is quieter than Golden Gate, although obviously not as big. But I found it to be so pretty and peaceful. We walked from the Ferry Building area so were glad to have somewhere to rest for a bit. It's a pretty park with a pond and the architecture, while imitation, is still quite impressive. There were quite a few people having their wedding photos taken when we were there. And beware the ducks... they are not afraid of people and won't hesitate to walk right up to you while you sit on the grass near the pond. I'm glad we took the time and came here. It's also in a pretty part of the city.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten August 2, 2023
- Alan HWhitchurch, United Kingdom197 contributionsBucket list holidayThe Palace of fine art is a must see if you like nice gardens and odd architecture. My wife and i walk from our Hotel to the park which is around 9 mile around trip. You can hire bike if you don’t fancy the walk.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten August 9, 2023
- Paula T1 contributionBeautiful place!Beautiful place!!!!!! Very recommended, the lake and the view is really nice. It’s a great place to see the time pass by and relax by the lake. There were pretty clean public bathrooms. If I had the money I would definitely live in front of the park and the palace.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten August 18, 2023
- E450KCad16 contributionsUnderrated attractionUnderrated attraction. It is picturesque, larger than expected, not crowded and free. Will not take long (around 30 minutes) to see but worth it. Some seating (benches, wall) is available within the park.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten October 11, 2023
- FunBoyOneLondon, United Kingdom199 contributionsQuirky site, lovely in the sunshineA friend recommended this slightly quirky place and we visited in the morning of our last day in San Francisco and we were very glad we did. It’s on the edge of the bay with a good view of the bridge, located in an upmarket area and it is very well maintained. Lovely garden and lake with herons, turtles etc. Lots of photo opportunities with the lake, bridge and buildings. There was a poor guy spending time composing his photo of the lake with a tripod who kept getting interrupted by the instagrammerati.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 2, 2023
- Michael K991 contributionsAn awe inspiring structure that is a must see attraction in San FrancscoThis is a must see attraction for visitors to San Francisco. The structure is simply awe inspiring. Even though it was built over a century ago, the place is well kept and clean without the grime and bird dropping usually found in historical buildings. Parking is available but may be hard to come by.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten November 27, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,496 reviews
Excellent
2,910
Very good
1,298
Average
248
Poor
33
Terrible
7
Michael K
991 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
This is a must see attraction for visitors to San Francisco. The structure is simply awe inspiring. Even though it was built over a century ago, the place is well kept and clean without the grime and bird dropping usually found in historical buildings. Parking is available but may be hard to come by.
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,492 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
We parked nearby, had a look at the Golden Gate Bridge and walked here. Great photo spots and well worth a visit.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FunBoyOne
London, UK199 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
A friend recommended this slightly quirky place and we visited in the morning of our last day in San Francisco and we were very glad we did. It’s on the edge of the bay with a good view of the bridge, located in an upmarket area and it is very well maintained. Lovely garden and lake with herons, turtles etc. Lots of photo opportunities with the lake, bridge and buildings. There was a poor guy spending time composing his photo of the lake with a tripod who kept getting interrupted by the instagrammerati.
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Javed Rasheed
Kurnool, India2,685 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
I have seen the palace of fine arts in movies, heard about this and read about it and finally visited it on the 24th of May 2023. The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure located in the Marina District of San Francisco, California, worth visiting while one is in San Francisco. If one goes on a weekday then there is less of a crowd but one can find families, couples, photographers enjoying the scenic view. The Palace of Fine Arts is an extravagant neoclassical icon—a faux palace surrounded by an idyllic pond, its reflective surface graced by snow-white swans. It's one of San Francisco's most popular spots for wedding photos. I found this place to be a photographer’s delight !!
Dr. Javed Rasheed
Dr. Javed Rasheed
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honey
United Kingdom88 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
The Palace of Fine Arts would be in my priority list when in San Francisco. I could spend the whole day here having a picnic apart from enjoying the historical part.
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E450KCad
16 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
Underrated attraction. It is picturesque, larger than expected, not crowded and free. Will not take long (around 30 minutes) to see but worth it. Some seating (benches, wall) is available within the park.
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathalie Leenders- den Nijs
Oosterhout, The Netherlands4 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Very pretty, but there were no restrooms available. A lot of people taking wedding photos, couldnt reslly watch everything freely because of this.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greenbox
Cardiff16 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
I saw a show here, the staff were lovely. The place is impressive and maybe I should have stayed longer - just had a look whilst waiting for the show
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy M
San Francisco, CA292 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Beautiful tranquil area. Very close to the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a perfect spot for photography. It’s also just steps away from the Presidio where there are many paths through the forest.
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mm b
5 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Friends
The Palace of fine Arts is a must see in San francisco But Be Warned DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING VALUABLE IN your Vehicle like Pass port suit case back packs Luggage Because this Area parking lot is high break ins Do not just stop there on your way to airport with Luggage in back of car follow these guidelines and you will have a very nice day and don't for get to take photo of Golden Bridge from the back parking lot hopefully it's not to foggy enjoy
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielsonSilva
Natal, RN52 contributions
This place closes after 5 PM?
Texas_Jayde
Whitehouse, TX32 contributions
it is an open air park. i don't think it "closes" at all.
Paola A
San Jose, Costa Rica55 contributions
Hola, cómo se hace para poder entrar? Qué costo tiene la entrada de ese lugar y dónde se consigue?
pirolo_farm
Orduna, Spain113 contributions
Hola. Es gratis. Cuando yo estuve solo se podÃa visitar por fuera y creo que es siempre asÃ. Está en un parque cerca de la zona del presidio.
bbrieger4
Waco, TX1 contribution
Watch for rental car break ins!
nickstar101
Toronto129 contributions
We took the bus from downtown, we felt safe in this location. We ubered back after walking the bay
Bawtryscot
Sedgeford, UK395 contributions
Anywhere to eat close by, attending an evening concert .
nickstar101
Toronto129 contributions
While you are there Im presuming you will go in to the Presidio National Park which is a beautiful park We walked through the park before heading to the palace of fine arts., check out the presidio Social Club which is the old army barracks. Good food and good prices
Can we still visit palace of fine arts on Monday although it is closed?
HOSANNA
19 contributions
Yes. Bring someone with you to stay in the car. Children with backpacks have thick brick or heavy rock in it to break the tourists' cars.
Tara L
Chicago, IL124 contributions
I would love to see this at dusk but was wondering about the area safety regarding crime or the homeless in the area. Thank you.
Richard R
Westminster, CO921 contributions
Greetings Tara L., I can understand your concern about crime and the homeless in San Francisco. You will have absolutely no problems at dusk in this area. The homes surrounding the Fine Arts Center are what you would call upper class. This is a REALLY nice neighborhood. I would think the homes surrounding the Fine Arts Center will fetch 1 to 5 million if they were on the market. I have photographed the Fine Arts Center as late as 11:00 PM and have had absolutely no problems with neighbors, park visitors, park police etc. The dusk time frame visit will be very nice. Wait for the blue hour, between sunset and one hour later. That is when the Fine Arts Center is at its best. Try to park on Baker. During the day parking along Baker can be hit or miss because of all the visitors. But as dusk approaches most people leave and you can usually find parking on Baker right in front of the Center on the park side (West side) of the street. Try to approach the Center from the North, leaving the Presidio by driving South. It is a little easier to get parking on Baker when driving South.Be really conscious of the resident's drive ways if you have to park "off street". We want to be as nice to them as we can when visiting their neighborhood. So, I hope this helps. You will be just fine there at dusk. Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns I might be able to help with. Safe Travels. Cheers, Rich
Hi me and my fiancé wants to go for a photoshoot here. Does it require booking ?
Nate Bair
Caldwell, ID194 contributions
no
it is completely free to the public. The only problem you might have will be working around the public.
Hi Guys, if the place is perfect for wedding..can you recommend which timing is better morning or afternoon..(which time of the day the building looks more stunning and lesser people i guess..hehe..) thanks!
Richard R
Westminster, CO921 contributions
Greetings Ghie, I would go with late afternoon as the light would be fairly uniform with the sun being on the West, less interesting side, of the facility. The photographer should have an easier time getting wedding shots with external flashes rather than using reflectors. Photos with the sun in the back will make portraits a little easier to get with speedlites, etc. Just my opinion on dealing with light for the pictures..... Plus, if you go into the evening towards the blue hour the building and columns will be lit, but you will still have blue sky (not black) and the dome will show nicely. Think about tux color if you go late into the evening as black will be hard to separate from black, unlit areas in the background. Just a thought.....Chrissy Field is a stones throw away and you can get some wedding shots with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Congratulations on the wedding. You will have a wonderful and memorable wedding with it being held at the Place of Fine Arts. Cheers, Rich
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Claim your listingPALACE OF FINE ARTS THEATRE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Palace of Fine Arts Theatre:
- Small Group San Francisco Half-Day Afternoon City Tour (From C$107.36)
- GoCar San Francisco Tour (From C$131.53)
- Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour (From C$195.69)
- Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour (From C$107.36)
- Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rental - Near the Golden Gate Bridge! (From C$54.36)
- Hotels near Palace of Fine Arts Theatre:
- (0.51 km) Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco
- (0.88 km) Lodge at the Presidio
- (0.56 km) Marina Motel
- (1.04 km) Inn at the Presidio
- (1.25 km) Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
- Restaurants near Palace of Fine Arts Theatre:
- (0.39 km) Sessions at the Presidio
- (0.79 km) Super Duper Burgers
- (0.71 km) Roma Antica
- (0.89 km) Home Plate
- (0.64 km) A16
- Attractions near Palace of Fine Arts Theatre:
- (0.02 km) The Art Of Banksy - San Francisco
- (0.12 km) Palace Games
- (0.13 km) Walter S. Johnson Park
- (0.15 km) The Innovation Hangar
- (0.27 km) Golden Gate Promenade