How to Get to Palace of Fine Arts From Pier 39
Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco: Tips to Visit this Free, Gorgeous Allure in the Marina
The Palace of Fine Arts is a gratuitous attraction that features a beautiful dome and curved columns. Information technology's set up in a colorful park on the northern side of San Francisco in the Marina District. It'south one of my favorite places to sit down back, relax, and bask the beauty of the urban center.
Information technology is i of merely a handful of remaining structures from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. Information technology's the largest remaining structure and draws in hundreds of visitors a day.
It was built as a temporary structure for the expo and was supposed to be torn downwardly. However, both visitors and locals fell in dearest with it, so the city of SF decided to go along it standing.
A view of the dome and the minor lake on the eastern side of the edifice
In the 1960s, the city of SF fully rebuilt the temporary structure to make information technology permanent. It was then damaged in the 1989 earthquake. The metropolis repaired it and did some retrofitting to ensure its survival during larger earthquakes. They also did more than repairs to it in 2009. It celebrated its 100th ceremony in 2015 with several events all year long.
Before I talk a piffling about what you volition encounter when you visit, let's have a step back and look at the history of this construction. You lot can also click the links below to bound alee to a specific top for your stay.
- More Nigh 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 commemoration of the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. This expo also turned into one of the most important events in the history of San Francisco.
Before the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco showed some involvement in hosting this large international consequence. However, after the convulsion hit, urban center officials knew the consequence was critical for the city. With millions of visitors expected, it was 1 of the best ways to showcase how far San Francisco had come up later the devastating earthquake.
SF was selected as the city to hold this large effect before long after the earthquake hit.
You will detect this at the Palace of Fine Arts where you can read even more than about its history and its importance to the city of San Francisco.
The site but took four years to build. The buildings covered 635 acres of country in an area that is now the San Francisco Marina. Information technology stretched all forth the waterfront from Van Ness Street to Fort Bespeak. In total, the buildings for the event housed more than lxx,000 exhibits from effectually the world.
The Panama Pacific Exposition opened on February xx, 1915. For 288 days, more than than 19 million people from around the world visited San Francisco for the upshot.
At the close of the effect in December 1915, the buildings were scheduled for demolition. Nevertheless, the city decided to keep one of the virtually beautiful buildings -- the Palace of Fine Arts.
Weeping Women at the Palace of Fine Arts
When you walk around the Palace of Fine Arts, yous will encounter many beautiful architecture and special art on the walls. The Palace was originally built in 1915 for the World'south Fair. They decided to accept it here to show that San Francisco is live and well subsequently the 1906 convulsion.
During the Earth's Fair, in that location were loads of stores and other temporary exhibits. The Palace was originally designed by Bernard Maybeck who wanted to make a grand building and choose to show off some classic European and classic style. And so why are there 4 weeping women built into one of the colonnades?
Because Mr. Maybeck wanted to testify that, fifty-fifty though everything was recovering in San Francisco, and there was a major World's Off-white happening right here, we should still remember the past and what has been lost to time. So, these iv women confront inward and weep for the times gone by and what has been lost.
Being that this was originally merely supposed to exist for the World'due south Fair, then knocked downwardly, the city worked with the U.s. authorities to be given the country to become function of the Presidio. And then, luckily for us, the Palace and the two colonnades. Were saved and are still with the states today.
Fun Fact: They were originally going to exist partially covered in vines and flowers to brand it even more than mournful, just it price too much money, and so they've continued to stay exactly every bit they were over 100 years ago.
More on the Palace of Fine Arts
This San Francisco attraction 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.
Information technology's free to stroll around the outside of the edifice. It is too the perfect place for a picnic lunch or a identify to hang out to relax for a little while.
The dazzler of the building attracts both locals and visitors. It is very mutual to see at least one wedding party taking pictures here -- in fact, you might even see two or three during your visit.
To requite you a sense of work that went into the building, hither are merely a few pictures from my last visit.
A closer look at the columns and inside of the dome
A view of the summit of the large 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
Some other look at the particular of the gorgeous dome that is the centerpiece of this magnificent building
Palace of Fine Arts Swans
For those that birds, you will definitely want to visit the Palace of Fine Arts to see them effectually the lagoon. There are many types of birds, including herons, seagulls, owls, and of course ducks and mallards. Nevertheless. the about famous is Blanche, the mute swan. She is named a mute swan since her type rarely are vocal. Yet, she will dishonest once in a while. She's over twenty years old and is a Shine mute breed.
Something we love is that swans have lived at the Palace of Fine Arts since it opened originally for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition. That ways they have been hither as long as it has which is rather amazing. Being that the designers of the Palace didn't plan for these birds to stay here at night, they never planned a special hiding spot for them.
Thankfully, swans know their way around and are smart. They found a fenced in area and get there to sleep at night. For many years, there were two swans that were e'er together, the abovementioned Blanche and her partner, Blue Human foot. Sadly, Blue Boy died in 2020 at the age of 17. And so, when you go there, make sure to wave at Blanche and give her a smile to help cheer her upwards.
Visiting the Palace of Fine Arts
The park is open both day and night. It'due south gratuitous to visit and it unremarkably takes about 30 minutes. Y'all volition find it at 3301 Lyon Street.
The map below offers a look at the layout of this San Francisco allure. In total, it sits on virtually twenty acres. The crimson dotted lines show the walking path in and effectually the park. The pocket-sized white expanse backside it is where you will find some on-site parking as well as a minor lot just to its north. Both are marked with the blue 'P.'
I recommend visiting around tiffin time. Yous tin option up a sandwich or salad in the Marina and spend some fourth dimension outdoors as you bask the Palace of Fine Arts as y'all eat. There are plenty of places to sit on the grass (shown in light-green on the map) and all offer amazing views. You will observe a few ideas beneath on where to find some of the all-time catch and go lunches in the Marina.
Tour Options
San Francisco Public Library Walking Tour: The San Francisco library has a number of gratis walks throughout San Francisco. This one is a dedicated tour of the history surrounding the Panama Pacific Exposition and the Palace of Fine Arts. Your guide volition besides share with y'all more than about the importance of this outcome to the revitalization of San Francisco. Find out more here.
Premium Urban center Bout: If yous want to encounter several peak SF attractions, and so check out this 4-hour guided bout. It will accept you to several places effectually SF in addition to the Palace of Fine Arts including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and others. Some you will see from the tour passenger vehicle and others are stops where yous will become out to see them for yourself for a couple of minutes. Visit GetYourGuide to larn more about this tour and to check for availability.
Hop On Hop Off Tour: If you adopt to explore on your ain, so bank check out Big Bus Bout'south Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour. It includes xx+ stops around SF including one at the Palace of Fine Arts. Yous tin stay as long as you want so hop on the next motorcoach to go along on your journey. Find out more about the Big Motorcoach Bout here.
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
Inside the building, yous will also find a theater. They offer a variety of shows throughtout the year from theater performances to comedy. You will likewise notice some great shows each holiday flavour. Hither are just a few of the top upcoming performances.
Where to Eat Nearby
The Palace of Fine Arts is in the Marina District and just a couple of blocks away from 1 of its main commercial streets, Chestnut. Here are just a few places close by that I recommend.
Grab & Go Options
Equally I mentioned above, I love coming to the Palace of Fine Arts with a sandwich or salad and spending time here equally I eat lunch or a snack. Here are my favorite places to grab something to bring with me.
The Sandwich Spot SF: This is the best place to take hold of a tasty sandwich. They have a variety of options and are about a one-half mile abroad. You lot volition find them at 3213 Pierce.
Marina Delicatessen & Liquors: Another great spot to grab a sandwich or a snack and enjoy information technology on the lawns of the Palace of Fine Arts. It'southward about v blocks away at 2299 Chestnut.
Chestnut Street Coffee Roastery: This is another spot that is about 5 blocks away. It'south perfect if you demand a coffee option me up for your visit. They likewise have grab and become sandwiches and salads. You will find it at 2331 Anecdote.
Other Options in the Marina
If you lot prefer to sit down for a scrap to swallow either before or afterwards your visit, here are a few of my recommendations.
Super Duper Burgers: This coincidental burger joint is perfect if you want to grab a quick bite and go on exploring. Their menu is elementary, and the food is tasty. 2201 Chestnut
Pluto's: Sandwiches and salads are on the carte at this casual, yet healthy finish in the Marina. 3258 Scott
Causwells: This bistro offers American cuisine with a European flare. They also offering many dishes on their menu that are light and perfect for sharing. 2346 Anecdote
MAC'D: If you lot love mac and cheese as much equally me, you are going to never want to exit MAC'D. Information technology'south a casual spot where you lot pick your pasta, your sauce and dig in! 3347 Fillmore Street
Tips on Where to Park
If you plan to drive to the Palace of Fine Arts, y'all will find several places to park. Parking on the street is very difficult every bit this is a neighborhood with hundreds of residents. Notwithstanding, at that place are several lots within a few blocks of the building.
Parking On-Site: You will detect a limited amount of parking on-site. One lot is behind the building and the other is on the northern side. If you make it early on or visit during a tedious time of the year, y'all might get lucky and exist able to take hold of a spot right virtually the park.
Marina Green/Yacht Road Parking: If you caput just north of the Palace of Fine Arts on Yacht Route, you volition discover a free parking lot. You are free to park here during your visit and/or while you lot check out some other local attractions.
Crissy Field Parking: Another choice is to park at Crissy Field. This lot is also open to the public and gratis parking during the day. It'southward about a 5-minute walk from this lot to the park. It's a grass and dirt lot and yous can enter it from Mason Street.
It'due south best to select a parking area earlier you arrive, add in the directions to your phone then use them to navigate to your parking area. They have closed off certain streets for turning, so it can be confusing when you arrive. By using a map on your phone, it will give you the best directions to get to the lot when you arrive.
Movies Filmed Well-nigh the Palace of Fine Arts
Do the pictures of the Palace of Fine Arts look familiar? If so, y'all might take seen this beauty in several movies over the years. Hither are just a few of them.
When the World Came to San Francisco (2015) -- This is a documentary well-nigh the Panama Pacific Expo and the Palace of Fine Arts. I highly recommend watching it before y'all make it.
The Rock (1996)
Vertigo (1958)
The Room (2003)
The Woman in Carmine (1984)
Murder in the Starting time (1995)
It's also been featured in several Idiot box shows over the years including Falcon Crest, Monk, Chance and The Streets of San Francisco.
How to Get 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 7 miles, you will discover information technology'southward close to many of our summit attractions and districts.
In the map below, the Palace of Fine Arts is the red star. Fisherman's Wharf is the blue star and Union Square is the light-green star. I've also highlighted Golden Gate Park with the yellowish star. Scroll down for boosted tips on how to get here 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, y'all have a few options. The distance between the two is nearly 2 miles. You can walk or take the passenger vehicle. If yous plan to take the bus, pick upwards the #thirty at Columbus Avenue and N Point (or on N Point on the western side of Columbus). Take information technology to its last stop at Divisadero & Chestnut and y'all will be about 5 blocks away.
Crissy Field: It's a quick walk between Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts. They are less than a half mile away from each other. Walk along Bricklayer to go from one location to the next.
Wedlock Square: Marriage Square is the green star on the map above. Information technology'southward about 3.5 miles away from the Palace of Fine Arts. The best way to become here is to have the #30 bus. Selection it up at Stockton & Sutter and accept information technology all the way to the finish at Divisadero & Chestnut.
Gilt Gate Span: The Golden Gate Bridge is also non too far away. You tin can either walk forth Crissy Field to get betwixt these two attractions or take the bus. If you walk, there is a steep colina with stairs to climb when yous arrive. The walk is about 2 miles to the southern side of the bridge (information technology'south another 1.7 miles beyond). Yous can also pick upward the #28 passenger vehicle, which will take you to the southern side of the span. You lot tin can selection information technology up at the autobus stop at Richardson Avenue & Francisco Street. It's about a 5-minute walk to the stop and about a ten-minute ride (during non-commute hours) to the bridge.
Golden Gate Park: Golden Gate Park is another popular stop for those visiting San Francisco. It'due south on the western end of SF and is marked with the xanthous star. It's nearly iv miles from the Palace of Fine Arts. You lot would take the same bus as the one for the Golden Gate Bridge, the #28. You will stay on this charabanc and continue on to the finish at Park Presidio Avenue & Fulton Street. From here, you tin enter the park and then 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. It is a archetype looking hotel from the exterior, but up-to-date and very overnice inside. Nosotros recollect this is a skillful choice for people that desire to get out, meet the city easily every bit there is a motorcoach stop very close to it.
They have a free breakfast, and they are pet friendly. They are a AAA approved hotel and they take limited free parking. It is only almost a x-minute walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. It is about a fifteen-infinitesimal walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 2755 Lombard Street
Lodge at the Presidio: If you desire to have an experience like no other when in San Francisco, you will want to stay here. This was originally congenital as barracks for soldiers dorsum in the late 1800s. Therefore, information technology has an all-brick exterior and has peachy views to defend the city from attackers.
Some of the amenities include a free breakfast, evening wine and cheese reception, an outdoor fire-pit, and much more. You can get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge when you lot stay hither. It is about a 15 to twenty-infinitesimal walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 105 Montgomery in the Presidio
Hotel del Sol: This 3-star hotel is a very cool identify if you want to get a bit retro and back to the 1950s and yet accept all the benefits of today'due south hotels. The rooms are very comfortable, the beds are soft, and you will not detect another hotel like this anywhere. Some of the fun features include hammocks, palm trees, and a heated outdoor pool in their courtyard.
They offer a costless breakfast (including catch-and-go if you are in a hurry), parking, and more. Sometimes they even have specials such as "Park for a penny" or other surprising deals. It is about a 10-minute bus 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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