Palace of Fine Arts Tours

Palace of Fine Arts showing a pond and heritage architecture
Palace of Fine Arts which includes a park, heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Palace of Fine Arts featuring interior views
Palace of Fine Arts showing heritage elements and interior views
Palace of Fine Arts which includes 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.

Plan a trip to see Palace of Fine Arts

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Grove Inn
Stanford Court San Francisco
Marbella Lane Tuscan Villa with Hot Tub

Browse tours and tickets to explore Palace of Fine Arts

Tours & day trips

See all 294 activities

History & culture

See all 120 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 81 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 53 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 42 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Palace of Fine Arts

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
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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
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
Marina Motel

Marina Motel

2 out of 5
2576 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA
Marina Motel
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
Comfort Inn by the Bay

Comfort Inn by the Bay

2.5 out of 5
2775 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Comfort Inn by the Bay
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

At the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets and explore nearby theaters and shopping options. The area boasts upbeat bars and a vibrant fine arts event venue, perfect for cultural experiences. Indulge in delicious dining at various restaurants, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the creative atmosphere of the city.

Shopping

The closest shopping destination is Ghirardelli Square, just 1 mile away, offering a mix of family entertainment and local charm. Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery are both 2 miles away, perfect for unique gifts and delicious treats. If you're up for a drive, explore more options in nearby neighborhoods.

Recreation

Oracle Park, a vibrant sports stadium 4 miles away, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy live music and entertainment vibes at the SF Masonic Auditorium, located 2 miles away. For a relaxing outdoor experience, visit the Presidio Golf Course, just 1 mile from the Palace of Fine Arts.

Adventure

The Coastal Trail offers exhilarating hiking experiences with stunning outdoor scenery, located 3 miles from the Palace of Fine Arts. For a fun winter activity, visit the Union Square Ice Rink, 2 miles away, or enjoy the fresh air along Perimeter Road, situated 4 miles from the Palace.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Palace of Fine Arts offers a mix of culture and entertainment. Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre, just 2 miles away, or enjoy a romantic film at the Presidio Theater, only 0.4 miles away. For family fun, visit the San Francisco Carousel, also 2 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Palace of Fine Arts

Visitors to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco can explore a range of attractions, including nearby urban parks, museums, and cultural experiences perfect for families. Don't miss the fine arts theatre and the opportunity to appreciate fine arts throughout the city. This scenic location offers a blend of natural beauty and artistic inspiration, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking a memorable experience in the heart of San Francisco.

  • Pier 39: Located 2 miles from the Palace of Fine Arts, Pier 39 is a lively destination featuring stunning waterfront views, street performers, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Experience the playful sea lions lounging on the docks and enjoy fresh seafood while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge, also 2 miles away, is a symbol of San Francisco. You can walk or bike across for breathtaking views of the bay and city. The cultural significance and stunning architecture make it a must-visit landmark.
  • Lombard Street: Just 2 miles from the Palace, Lombard Street is famous for its steep, winding turns and beautifully landscaped gardens. A stroll down this unique street offers a quintessential San Francisco experience and fantastic photo opportunities.

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 is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

Visiting the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco can be budget-friendly with free entry to the grounds. Consider traveling during the cheaper months of February and November to December, avoiding the peak season from August to October. Booking accommodations on Fridays can also save you money, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • 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 Friday. 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 options based on 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 sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Palace of Fine Arts with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.