Palace of Fine Arts: A Roman Ruin in San Francisco
A San Francisco icon, the Palace of Fine Arts blends Roman-inspired architecture with a tranquil lagoon, offering a picturesque and historic escape.
The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is a stunning architectural landmark originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Designed to resemble a decaying Roman ruin, it features a majestic rotunda, colonnades, and a tranquil lagoon, offering a picturesque escape. Today, it stands as a testament to San Francisco's resilience and creative spirit.
A brief summary to Palace of Fine Arts
- 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, Marina District, California, 94123, US
- +1415-360-3731
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit in the late afternoon to capture the golden light on the rotunda and colonnades for stunning photographs.
- Take a leisurely stroll around the lagoon to enjoy a peaceful escape from the city.
- Check the event schedule to see if there's a performance or exhibition you'd like to attend.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns surrounding the Palace.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby waterfront for views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Palace of Fine Arts is easily accessible by San Francisco Muni bus lines. Several lines, including the 22, 28, 30, 41, 43, and 45, stop in the vicinity. From Fisherman's Wharf, take the #30 Stockton bus. A single ride on Muni costs around $3.
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Walking
From nearby areas like Chestnut Street or Union Street, the Palace of Fine Arts is a pleasant walk. It's located at the eastern edge of the Presidio, making it a great starting point for exploring the park. The walk from Fisherman's Wharf is approximately 2.5 miles.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Francisco. A short trip from Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square to the Palace of Fine Arts will typically cost between $16 and $21. Be sure to confirm the fare estimate before you start your trip.
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Driving
If driving, follow signs to the Marina District. From the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Marina exit. There is limited parking available on-site along Palace Drive on a first-come, first-served basis. Metered event parking is also available in the triangle lot along Palace Drive. Alternatively, garage parking can be found across the street at the Letterman Digital Arts Garage. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $12-$20 for a few hours.
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