How to See the Golden Gate Bridge From Palace of Fine Arts
Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco: Tips to Visit this Gratuitous, Gorgeous Attraction in the Marina
The Palace of Fine Arts is a complimentary attraction that features a cute dome and curved columns. It'south prepare in a colorful park on the northern side of San Francisco in the Marina District. It's 1 of my favorite places to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the city.
It is i of just a scattering of remaining structures from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. It's the largest remaining structure and draws in hundreds of visitors a twenty-four hours.
It was congenital as a temporary structure for the expo and was supposed to exist torn downwardly. Even so, both visitors and locals vicious in love with it, so the city of SF decided to keep information technology standing.
A view of the dome and the small lake on the eastern side of the edifice
In the 1960s, the city of SF fully rebuilt the temporary construction to make it permanent. It was then damaged in the 1989 earthquake. The urban center repaired it and did some retrofitting to ensure its survival during larger earthquakes. They also did more repairs to information technology in 2009. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015 with several events all yr long.
Before I talk a little nearly what you lot will run into when y'all visit, let's take a step back and look at the history of this construction. You lot can too click the links beneath to jump ahead to a specific acme for your stay.
- More About the Palace of Fine Arts
- Visiting Tips & Map
- Guided Tours
- Where to Eat Nearby
- Parking Tips
- Movies Featuring It
- How to Get Here
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 virtually of import events in the history of San Francisco.
Before the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco showed some interest in hosting this large international result. Withal, subsequently the convulsion hit, city officials knew the event was critical for the metropolis. 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 large event shortly later on the convulsion hit.
You volition find this at the Palace of Fine Arts where you can read even more nigh its history and its importance to the metropolis of San Francisco.
The site only took 4 years to build. The buildings covered 635 acres of land in an area that is at present the San Francisco Marina. Information technology stretched all along the waterfront from Van Ness Street to Fort Point. In full, the buildings for the event housed more than 70,000 exhibits from effectually the world.
The Panama Pacific Exposition opened on Feb twenty, 1915. For 288 days, more than than 19 million people from around the world visited San Francisco for the event.
At the close of the event in Dec 1915, the buildings were scheduled for sabotage. Yet, the city decided to proceed one of the most beautiful buildings -- the Palace of Fine Arts.
Weeping Women at the Palace of Fine Arts
When you walk around the Palace of Fine Arts, you lot volition run into many beautiful architecture and special art on the walls. The Palace was originally built in 1915 for the World'south Fair. They decided to have information technology here to show that San Francisco is live and well after the 1906 earthquake.
During the World's Fair, at that place were loads of stores and other temporary exhibits. The Palace was originally designed by Bernard Maybeck who wanted to make a g building and choose to bear witness off some classic European and classic style. So why are at that place 4 weeping women built into one of the colonnades?
Because Mr. Maybeck wanted to bear witness that, fifty-fifty though everything was recovering in San Francisco, and there was a major World'south Fair happening right here, we should still retrieve the past and what has been lost to time. So, these 4 women face inwards and weep for the times gone by and what has been lost.
Being that this was originally just supposed to exist for the Globe's Fair, and then knocked down, the urban center worked with the US government to be given the state to go part of the Presidio. And so, luckily for us, the Palace and the two colonnades. Were saved and are still with us today.
Fun Fact: They were originally going to be partially covered in vines and flowers to go far fifty-fifty more mournful, just it cost too much money, then they've continued to stay exactly as they were over 100 years agone.
More on the Palace of Fine Arts
This San Francisco allure was designed past famed builder Bernard Maybeck. The entire building is a work of art with intricate details on its columns and beautiful dome inspired by Roman and Greek architecture.
It'due south free to stroll around the outside of the building. It is too the perfect identify for a picnic lunch or a place to hang out to relax for a little while.
The beauty of the building attracts both locals and visitors. It is very common to see at least one wedding ceremony party taking pictures hither -- in fact, you might even see two or iii during your visit.
To give you a sense of work that went into the building, here are only a few pictures from my last visit.
A closer look at the columns and within of the dome
A view of the tiptop of the big columns that line the sidewalk on the western side of the building
Peaking through the columns at a statue on the Palace of Fine Arts
Another look at the detail of the gorgeous dome that is the centerpiece of this magnificent building
Palace of Fine Arts Swans
For those that birds, you lot will definitely want to visit the Palace of Fine Arts to encounter them around the lagoon. There are many types of birds, including herons, seagulls, owls, and of form ducks and mallards. However. the most famous is Blanche, the mute swan. She is named a mute swan since her blazon rarely are song. However, she will quack one time in a while. She'due south over 20 years former and is a Polish mute breed.
Something we dear is that swans have lived at the Palace of Fine Arts since it opened originally for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition. That means they accept been here every bit long every bit it has which is rather amazing. Being that the designers of the Palace didn't program for these birds to stay hither at night, they never planned a special hiding spot for them.
Thankfully, swans know their way around and are smart. They plant a fenced in area and get in that location to sleep at nighttime. For many years, at that place were two swans that were ever together, the abovementioned Blanche and her partner, Bluish Foot. Sadly, Bluish Male child died in 2020 at the historic period of 17. So, when you go there, make certain to wave at Blanche and requite her a grinning to help cheer her up.
Visiting the Palace of Fine Arts
The park is open both day and dark. It's gratuitous to visit and it usually takes about 30 minutes. You lot volition find it at 3301 Lyon Street.
The map below offers a look at the layout of this San Francisco attraction. In total, it sits on nigh 20 acres. The red dotted lines show the walking path in and effectually the park. The small white area behind it is where you volition detect some on-site parking as well as a small-scale lot just to its n. Both are marked with the blueish 'P.'
I recommend visiting around lunch fourth dimension. You tin can pick up a sandwich or salad in the Marina and spend some time outdoors as you savour the Palace of Fine Arts as you swallow. There are enough of places to sit on the grass (shown in dark-green on the map) and all offer amazing views. You lot will find a few ideas beneath on where to find some of the best grab and become lunches in the Marina.
Bout Options
San Francisco Public Library Walking Tour: The San Francisco library has a number of costless walks throughout San Francisco. This one is a defended tour of the history surrounding the Panama Pacific Exposition and the Palace of Fine Arts. Your guide will as well share with you more virtually the importance of this event to the revitalization of San Francisco. Find out more here.
Premium City Tour: If y'all want to meet several top SF attractions, then cheque out this four-hour guided tour. It will take yous to several places around SF in add-on to the Palace of Fine Arts including the Gilt Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and others. Some you will see from the bout bus and others are stops where you will get out to come across them for yourself for a couple of minutes. Visit GetYourGuide to learn more virtually this tour and to check for availability.
Hop On Hop Off Bout: If y'all prefer to explore on your own, so check out Big Omnibus Tour'south Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour. It includes 20+ stops around SF including one at the Palace of Fine Arts. Yous can stay as long equally you desire and so hop on the adjacent omnibus to go along on your journey. Observe out more nearly the Big Motorbus Tour hither.
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
Inside the building, you will also detect a theater. They offer a variety of shows throughtout the year from theater performances to one-act. You volition as well notice some great shows each vacation season. Here are just a few of the meridian upcoming performances.
Where to Eat Nearby
The Palace of Fine Arts is in the Marina Commune and merely a couple of blocks away from one of its master commercial streets, Anecdote. Here are just a few places close past that I recommend.
Grab & Go Options
As I mentioned above, I honey coming to the Palace of Fine Arts with a sandwich or salad and spending fourth dimension here every bit I swallow lunch or a snack. Here are my favorite places to take hold of something to bring with me.
The Sandwich Spot SF: This is the best place to grab a tasty sandwich. They accept a multifariousness of options and are about a half mile away. You lot volition find them at 3213 Pierce.
Marina Delicatessen & Liquors: Another not bad spot to grab a sandwich or a snack and relish it on the lawns of the Palace of Fine Arts. Information technology'due south about 5 blocks away at 2299 Chestnut.
Chestnut Street Coffee Roastery: This is another spot that is about v blocks away. It'due south perfect if yous need a coffee option me up for your visit. They also accept take hold of and go sandwiches and salads. Yous will observe information technology at 2331 Chestnut.
Other Options in the Marina
If you prefer to sit for a scrap to eat either before or later your visit, here are a few of my recommendations.
Super Duper Burgers: This casual burger joint is perfect if y'all desire to take hold of a quick seize with teeth and keep exploring. Their menu is uncomplicated, and the food is tasty. 2201 Chestnut
Pluto'due south: Sandwiches and salads are on the carte at this coincidental, yet healthy finish in the Marina. 3258 Scott
Causwells: This bistro offers American cuisine with a European flare. They also offer many dishes on their menu that are light and perfect for sharing. 2346 Chestnut
MAC'D: If y'all honey mac and cheese as much as me, you are going to never want to go out MAC'D. It'due south a coincidental spot where you lot pick your pasta, your sauce and dig in! 3347 Fillmore Street
Tips on Where to Park
If you programme to bulldoze to the Palace of Fine Arts, y'all will discover several places to park. Parking on the street is very difficult as this is a neighborhood with hundreds of residents. However, there are several lots within a few blocks of the building.
Parking On-Site: Yous will detect a limited amount of parking on-site. I lot is behind the edifice and the other is on the northern side. If you get in early or visit during a slow time of the year, you might go lucky and exist able to grab a spot right near the park.
Marina Dark-green/Yacht Road Parking: If you head just north of the Palace of Fine Arts on Yacht Road, you will find a costless parking lot. You are free to park here during your visit and/or while you bank 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'south about a five-minute walk from this lot to the park. It'southward a grass and dirt lot and you tin enter it from Mason Street.
It'due south best to select a parking area before you arrive, add together in the directions to your phone and then apply them to navigate to your parking area. They have airtight off certain streets for turning, so it can exist confusing when you lot get in. By using a map on your phone, it will give you lot the best directions to become to the lot when you arrive.
Movies Filmed Near the Palace of Fine Arts
Do the pictures of the Palace of Fine Arts expect familiar? If so, you might take seen this dazzler in several movies over the years. Here are only a few of them.
When the World Came to San Francisco (2015) -- This is a documentary nearly the Panama Pacific Expo and the Palace of Fine Arts. I highly recommend watching information technology before you arrive.
The Stone (1996)
Vertigo (1958)
The Room (2003)
The Woman in Cherry-red (1984)
Murder in the Starting time (1995)
It'southward likewise been featured in several Idiot box shows over the years including Falcon Crest, Monk, Gamble and The Streets of San Francisco.
How to Become 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 past vii miles, y'all will observe it'due south close to many of our height attractions and districts.
In the map below, the Palace of Fine Arts is the red star. Fisherman's Wharf is the blue star and Wedlock Square is the green star. I've also highlighted Golden Gate Park with the yellow star. Scroll down for boosted tips on how to get hither from these and other top locations around SF.
Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf: If you need to travel between Fisherman'southward Wharf and the Palace of Fine Arts, you lot have a few options. The distance between the two is about 2 miles. You tin walk or take the omnibus. If yous program to take the coach, option 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 nearly v blocks away.
Crissy Field: It's a quick walk between Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts. They are less than a one-half mile away from each other. Walk along Bricklayer to get from i location to the next.
Marriage Square: Union Square is the light-green star on the map above. Information technology's about three.5 miles away from the Palace of Fine Arts. The best way to get here is to take the #30 jitney. Option it up at Stockton & Sutter and take it all the way to the stop at Divisadero & Anecdote.
Gilded Gate Bridge: The Golden Gate Span is besides non likewise far away. Y'all can either walk along Crissy Field to become betwixt these two attractions or take the motorcoach. If you walk, in that location is a steep loma with stairs to climb when you arrive. The walk is about two miles to the southern side of the bridge (it's some other ane.seven miles across). You tin too pick upward the #28 bus, which volition have you to the southern side of the bridge. You can choice it up at the double-decker stop at Richardson Artery & Francisco Street. It's near a five-minute walk to the finish and about a 10-infinitesimal ride (during non-commute hours) to the span.
Golden Gate Park: Aureate Gate Park is another popular stop for those visiting San Francisco. It'south on the western end of SF and is marked with the yellow star. It's nigh four miles from the Palace of Fine Arts. You would accept the aforementioned bus equally the i for the Golden Gate Bridge, the #28. Yous will stay on this bus and proceed on to the stop at Park Presidio Artery & Fulton Street. From hither, you tin can enter the park so 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 border of the Presidio. Information technology is a classic looking hotel from the exterior, simply up-to-date and very nice within. We think this is a proficient choice for people that want to become out, see the city easily equally there is a bus terminate very close to it.
They have a free breakfast, and they are pet friendly. They are a AAA approved hotel and they have limited gratis parking. It is simply near a 10-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. It is most a 15-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 2755 Lombard Street
Social club at the Presidio: If you want to accept an experience similar no other when in San Francisco, yous volition want to stay here. This was originally built as barracks for soldiers dorsum in the late 1800s. Therefore, information technology has an all-brick exterior and has great views to defend the city from attackers.
Some of the civilities include a free breakfast, evening wine and cheese reception, an outdoor fire-pit, and much more than. You tin get some of the best views of the Gilded Gate Bridge when you lot stay here. It is about a xv to 20-infinitesimal walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 105 Montgomery in the Presidio
Hotel del Sol: This iii-star hotel is a very cool identify if y'all want to go a flake retro and back to the 1950s and still accept all the benefits of today'due south hotels. The rooms are very comfortable, the beds are soft, and you lot will not find another hotel similar this anywhere. Some of the fun features include hammocks, palm trees, and a heated outdoor pool in their courtyard.
They offering a complimentary breakfast (including catch-and-go if you are in a hurry), parking, and more. Sometimes they fifty-fifty have specials such as "Park for a penny" or other surprising deals. It is nigh a 10-minute coach ride or a 20-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts and 3100 Webster Street.
Source: https://www.sftourismtips.com/palace-of-fine-arts.html
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