Palace Of Fine Arts

Loved it. It was a nice walk, the area is beautiful and you have great opportunities for fantastic photos. Go check it out.

This is one of those most-​photographed places. There’s probably no earthly need for YET another shot but what the hell. To me it is where they shot a scene of The Rock, a movie with Nick Cage and Sean Connery where Sean Connery met his daughter played by Claire Forlani after escaping from the FBI, only to be found and taken back into custody.
The rotunda is all that’s left of the structures built for The Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915. Actually it isn’t even supposed to be here as everything built for the event was designed to be temporary and constructed of materials easily torn down a year later. Someone decided to rescue this one though, and what you see is a concrete duplicate of the original. Benches surrounding the lake where you can bring lunch and enjoy the view of the Palace and see the birds gathering by the lake.
Love bringing friends visiting from out of town because of it’s beauty it was built to resemble overgrown Roman ruins. Awesome place also a favorite backdrop for a wedding photoshoot. It’s easy to see why — lovely gardens, romantic fountain, and historic building makes this a popular place to go. It is near Crissy Field and beautiful Marina neighborhood surrounds this attraction. Five stars for me!

Whether its a clear sunny day or a starry night, the Palace of Fine Arts is a must-​visit place for tourists and locals alike. Its an ideal place for photos for any occasion — weddings, graduations, family picnics and get togethers, etc.
We came here since there was a dance show at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater (which is reviewed separately), and had some time afterwards to walk around the grounds before dinner. There is also a separate «Hunger Games» Exhibition inside the park grounds — wished we had time to stop bye!
As for parking, agree its tricky. I used one of the nearby pay lots ($ 1.50/hr) on 1040 Edie St. A 10 – 15 minute walk is all good just to avoid the stress from traffic around the palace.

Good place for photos! Don’t be stupid, don’t club those big steps that clearly don’t look like stairs.
Go to place for taking friends from out of town! Pretty close to Golden Gate Bridge as well, so swing by that way too!
I’ve walked here from the financial district… take an über/​lyft/​cab unless you like walking like I do. It was probably not a good idea to wear 3 inch chunky boots that day.

I know it is touristy but I love it here — it is free and usually quite peaceful.
Rebuilt in 1965, the Palace of Fine Arts is left over from the 1915 Panama-​Pacific Expo. You will often see engagement photos or wedding photos being taken here which always makes me giddy.
I bring a book and a picnic blanket and can sit here for hours… there is usually parking along the side and you can take a short stroll through the Palace but it really isn’t very big.
This is where I first learnt about geocaching as well!

I love this place. Beautiful. It can get a little crowded at times but it’s FREE! Great for a quick little walk or even to stop by while biking around the city.
I usually try to stop by when biking from the Ghiradelli/​pier 39 to the Golden Gate park/​bridge.
Parking is very limited and can be a pain.

Such a gorgeous place! If you are visiting San Francisco, add this to your plan to stop by– definitely a tourist must stop!
The architecture is just beautiful. The water lagoon surrounding it is calming, even when busy with visitors. This would be a great place for some awesome photos. The day we were here, a wedding photography session was going on.
Just strolling along the landmark, small water oasis surrounding it was just peaceful.
The few times I had been to SF, hadn’t gotten a chance to check this place out. So happy I was able to stop by during this visit.

If you’re visiting the Golden State Bridge you have to swing by here. It’s like less than 10 minutes away and it has free parking. But be careful where you leave your car, a homeowner told us that some people take advantage of the tourists and break into the cars.
Absolutely stunning, a must do when in SF. You can have a picnic, take pictures, take a date and just take in the view.

If you are visiting SF make sure to stop here! The view is beautiful! You can enjoy a nice picnic here before heading to the Golden Gate Bridge (5 – 10 min away). You can find parking near the residential areas across the street.
Awesome Place!

Always a great place to go when you have visitors, want to have a picnic on a nice day, or simply just to stroll around. Lots of people enjoying the same artwork as you, so be respectful to one another.
The craftsmanship of the Palace is beautiful. This is where the old Exploratorium used to be located. A few movies were filmed here too, for the movie buffs.
Swans, ducks, geese, turtles, fish in the pond. I’ve been to Rome and seen the old ruins. I’ve been to Paris to see the Arc of Triomphe. Of course, it doesn’t compare to those, but it’s nice to see great architecture in little ol’ San Francisco. There’s lots to marvel about in the city, and this place is surely one of them.
Street parking is plentiful in the neighborhoods. You can gawk at the beauty of the luxurious homes nearby too!

This place is beautiful!
The Size! The Craftsmanship!
The pillars and cathedral height ceilings will make you feel as though you have been transported back in time and far from SF. The overall detail is immaculate.
This is without-​a-​doubt a must see if you are near the Bay Area. If you like photography this place offers up some amazing shots and also provides a nice are to sit relax and even have a picnic.
Pictures do not do this place justice. You must see it in person to take in its full beauty and get the full effect.

Natural Beauty. This was a must on my list of places to visit in SF. Not only is the structure amazingly gorgeous, but it is such a nice area to sit and relax and escape the realities of adulthood and work.
HISTORY LESSON: A long time ago, there was talk about knocking the dome and pillars down because it had no geographic value (they wanted to build homes) but the millionaires at the time donated a ton of money to keep this alive because of it’s beauty and «peacefulness» and this continued for a few years that it finally became a historical landmark and tourist destination for San Francisco. Currently, anyone that wants to reserve this for conventions or any shows, they pay rent to the city.
A lot of residents not only come here for the peace & quiet but they also come here for prom pictures, wedding pictures, any event because it’s just absolutely breathtaking. I wish I could come here everyday. Very good to take a stroll & just appreciate the architectural genius of the place.
I highly HIGHLY recommend that you come here. Enjoy the peace, keep it clean & bring bread for the swans, ducks, turtles and fish to eat. They’re huge & like I said, it’s just the place to be!

Tourist must stop!
If you are in the San Francisco area visiting, live here or coming to live here this place is a must have for your bay area bucket list.
Free to the public to take pictures or tour around. This is one of the most popular venues for wedding photos, picnics and site seeing. i absolutely love this place and even the architecture makes you feel like you’re in another world.
Absolutely the picture of romance and essence of bay area culture and arts.

This place is absolutey gorgeous!!! Very European like. Its a great place to just walk around and enjoy the beauty of the sculptures and the fresh air. They even have little ice cream stands to get some yummy ice cream which makes everything more enjoyable. Its a great place to picnic on the lawn area and go on a nice jog. Bringing a camera along is a MUST! definitely recommend to check palace of fine arts out!

Alright this place is absolutely stunning.
I have yet to visit Rome and the European continent but to stand beneath the pillars built upon the styles of the ancients was a magnificent experience.
The architecture was so stunning, and the building itself was located in such a nice neighborhood and pond.
But best of all this place was free. It’s freeeeeeee! It means a lot to me since it seems like the entire city is trying to swindle money out of me.

Simply wow! I’ve been wanting to visit this place for so long. I’ve seen the rotunda in so many pictures and movies, it’s so beautiful in person. We were so lucky to find FREE street parking this past Saturday. We enjoyed our stroll around the park. There were definitely a lot of tourist, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
It’s just a very dreamy park and the architecture is even more amazing. I want to come back and just picnic here while I bask in the sun.

I’ve been here a long, long time ago for photos when my friend got married in San Francisco.
After high school, she had gone away to college at Stanford, then got a job in California, and met her then husband. Many years have passed and my friend is happier with her second husband and 2 children.
The Palace of Fine Arts remains the same despite life changes… It’s still magnificent, awesome, and full of grandeur. It has survived through all kinds of weather and the ups and downs of life. It will remain majestic and beautiful for many more years and bring back memories to tourists and create more memories for new visitors!
The next goal would be to come in the evening and during the nighttime with different lighting. The photos will also be beautiful! Maybe we can catch a close up or two of the swans and ducks! There’s free street parking and no admission fee! It’s so easy and convenient!

This has always been, hands down, my favorite spot in the city. If I am in the city I will make a point to come here just because. The Palace is amazing during the day time and equally breath taking at night. I am hard pressed to decide which time I enjoy coming to more.
Bring a picnic and just hang out on the lawn and take in the sights and people. Bring a camera. I have a million pics of this place and I still take more each time I come.
Do yourself a favor, though, look up the history of the Panama-​Pacific International Exposition. This will really put the Palace Of Fine Arts into perspective and give you a grander appreciation for the site, the Marina and San Francisco. There is a free exhibition in the Innovation Hangar that is a must see.

While on vacation in SF this past weekend I made it a point to stop by the Palace of Fine Arts. It was really amazing to see it up close in detail it’s so much larger than it looks in pictures. A lot of people come for weddings I can see why. It’s free just parking can be a pain sometimes.

Palace of Fine Arts is a lovely place to go and have a picnic lunch, a nice place to take family portraits or even just a nice place to relax and get away from the city life. There is plenty of Roman Greek inspired architecture to admire and a beautiful lake that doesn’t smell funny! I look forward to stopping here on our trips to the city. Parking can be tricky but hey, at least there is no charge for admission!
2016 Review #11

What I know of the Palace of Fine Arts, I know from the movie The Rock. So when the Big Bus Tour stopped here, I took advantage of the opportunity to take a look at this historic building and the park that surrounds it.
In all my travels, the closest thing that I’ve seen to a structure like this is Marble Arch in London and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The size of it, you just can’t believe the building from a distance or underneath the dome. It’s amazing.
And then is this huge lagoon, complete with swans and geese and ducks. Yep, even in January there was a good flock of the buggers being fed bread crumbs by a tourist.
Well worth the stop! What an amazing building!

You don’t have to go to a showing to appreciate this beautiful architecture! As the last remnant of the Panama Expo venues, Palace of Fine Arts is a historical landmark that is a fine example of Greco-​Roman structure in central San Francisco. It’s worth taking a drive there to admire and snap a photo of this beauty! Even on a rainy day, the beauty never ceased to awe me.
Street parking is often very limited but you will not need more than 30 minutes here.

The Palace of Fine Arts is such a beautiful historical landmark.
I would love to have time to walk more leisurely here another time, especially at night! I’ve seen many lovely, illuminating pictures of this place in the evening, but would love to experience the majestic lights and sights myself after sunset.
First time I walked here was in Fall of 2015. People such as families are happy being here and comfortable to ask me to take their pictures. I’m like a skillful photographer when somebody asks me to take their pics. So, I happily said yes to that family, and they were very thankful.
On another instance, a lady saw me walking alone beside the map and taking pictures of the glory all around me, then she asked me can she touch my hair and some complimenting words! Ai ya. I hesitantly said yes so I could go about my way and continue my exploration. She was another random admirer of my long luscious locks of strands of hair.
In the beginning, I asked a nice woman to take my picture with the lagoon and dome shaped structure behind me. Then, I walked towards my right along a pathway and lured by the cute birds. I saw swans and ducks. Seeing swans I walked quickly towards them since they swam away towards the other end of the lake and I was thinking oooooooo swans! Must get a picture. Luckily they were nearby enough and I was able to record a video too. ^_​^ I rarely see swans in my city.
Continuing my walk around the lake path further to the tall pillars, I saw more pretty landscape too including plants and beautiful flowers. Finally reaching the dome, I was in awe when I was able to be amongst the wide, vast Roman & Greek architectural structures. Underneath the dome was beautiful! Wow, just simply amazing! Such beautiful designs and cool color. I liked seeing the angels. Perhaps they are guardians… those sculptures with wings.
I tremendously admire the Beaux-​Arts architecture. The dome, rotunda, colonnades, and lagoon are all very nice.
Grandiose. Spectacular. In complete awe :)

This is somewhat of an interesting review, but my friend recommended checking this landmark out, so here goes.
The Palace of Fine Arts is more of an area of the city than an actual location. There are events being held and a theater area, but in my opinion, it is the perfect place to take a stroll through in the city. It is typically quiet, intimate, and a nice area to have a picnic and relax. It is quite beautiful on the outside and I have only had a chance to walk around the theater area once. Really enjoyed taking pictures around here!
I would recommend taking advantage of this beautiful architecture and the area surrounding it with friends, family, or a date. I guarantee you that it will be more fun than you realize. Whenever we pass by at night, the structure lights up and makes for one spectacular view.

I can’t believe it took me so long to review this, but the Palace of Fine Arts is one of my most favourite spots in San Francisco. It’s definitely a little under the radar when it comes to locations of San Francisco that tourists will name off from the top of their heads, but it should definitely receive a lot more attention that it has.
I came here once during the day and once during night, both scenes were fabulous! The day shot is beautiful, it feels like you’re in Europe for a second and a ton of people come here for their wedding pictures. The night view is magnificent as well, with beautiful golden lights shining on the structure of the building. Parking here at night is really easy to find as well!
COME HERE WHEN YOU VISIT SAN FRAN!

Saw Potted Potter here yesterday (side note, super fun show!). We were in Row O, seats 58 & 50 (I added a pic from our seats). Small, intimate theater setting, easy to see/​hear from basically anywhere. We had planned to wander the beautiful grounds after the show, but sadly, the weather didnt cooperate (although I won’t complain about rain) so we’ll be back to check the rest out some other time.
We lucked out with super close parking, and everyone inside (well, the 3 staff we actually saw) was friendly.

I’m here for he first time for a play my GF wanted to see. The place seems to be nice. Seats aren’t very new anymore, but comfy for what they look like.
We got cheaper tickets in the back (S/​33) but the view into the stage is great.
Small advice: don’t buy a hot tea before entering. They make you buy a cup for 3 bucks ;-)

I’m usually more of a fan of visiting natural wonders rather than man made architecture. But WOW… the palace of fine arts was jaw-​droppingly beautiful! The architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts formed a mutualistic relationship with the scenic lake, in which the man made structure accented the beauty of the surrounding nature, and vice versa. The two beautiful swans and ducks gliding through the blue water also enhanced my experience at the Palace of Fine Arts. The architecture was so impressive that I was willing to overlook the fact that it was a slight misnomer. It was more of a free standing structure than a palace in which you could wander inside of, but it was beautiful nevertheless.
On the grass surrounding the lake were people sunbathing, enjoying a good book, or having picnics. What a nice environment for family bonding, catching up with friends, or spending quality alone time with yourself!
This scenic landmark is also highly recommended as a backdrop for romantic engagement/​wedding/​friendship photos!

The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful spot to walk through! While strolling through the palace, there were many people taking engagement photos.
For the best picture, stand on the side of the lake closest to the street. This way, you’ll have the whole lake behind you along with the palace. Go at a time when lighting is in your favor. It’s beautiful close to sunset but the shadow tends to fall on you when trying to take a picture, which makes lighting an issue. I think that the morning would probably be best.
The grounds itself are larger than expected so I didn’t get to explore the whole area, but it was a peaceful area to walk around with friends!

I know, I know, such a tourist spot, but for good reason! Hear me out!
For all my years in NorCal, I have never ventured to PoFA. Even though it’s free, I tend to avoid tourist spots like Joan Rivers’s face avoids movement. Too many photoshoots, crowded, no parking. what a nightmare, right? But, I found a parking lot out by the Presidio Arts Center that’s worth the walk, since the Arts Center has a nice view itself and you can see the Golden Gate bridge beyond the freeway.
The Palace is so simple, yet so majestic. I couldn’t help but laugh at how I went to Europe in search for architecture like this, when there’s one right in our backyard! And imo, ours is even better, because PoFA has WATER. You can see so many different species at this bird refuge. Swans swimming alongside with last night’s dinner (ducks) and other fowl that look just as tasty. My eyes sure had a feast.
Skip the Exploratorium. it’s pretty small and spacious. I felt bad since it was funded by donations only, but with a great view outdoors, who wants to go indoors?! Except of course, for their popcorn, which you can purchase inside.
This place has it all. architecture, history, nature, wildlife, and popcorn! Being here makes you forget all about the concrete-​jungle surroundings. Speaking of concrete, you lazy mofo’s need to walk around on the concrete and not cross through the lawns! This tramples the grass and degrades the scenic view. Thank you. My Greenpeace duty has been done.

There really isn’t a lot to say except this place is beautiful!
Parking may be difficult to find here especially during the day. You can find parking along the streets or inside the small parking lot.
Great place to take some photos. When my friends and I came here for a photo shoot, there were people taking photos here for their wedding.
This is a definite place to stop by and take photos!

Built in 1915 for the SF World’s Fair — this place is a MUST VISIT! It is located between Fort Mason and the Presidio. Beautiful in both the day and night, it’s so much fun to either have a picnic or walk around the area!
If you’re interested in the historical elements, there are signs around the entire building explaining the exhibits, construction, architecture, and more. This place is a unique part of the San Francisco skyline, and a great spot to check out if you’ve never been here before.

The Palace of Fine Arts is located in a sneaky beaky location. The turn for it (Lyon St) is on Lombard and right before it becomes a highway again. Go and find street parking, and you can spend a good hour here just walking around taking pictures. There’s the main Palace, which is circular and is a great place to hide on a hot day, shielding you from the sun. It’s beautiful and reminds you of European architecture.
There is also a lake in the middle, and the surrounding parts is a park, where you can walk around and enjoy the ducks all around. You can bring your camera (must) and try and find the perfect angle, because it changes as the sun shadows change.
A great place to just relax and forget about the taxing items in life.

Of all the times I’ve visited San Francisco The Palace of Fine Arts failed to be on my radar until I saw the movie «The Five Year Engagement» starring Chris Pratt and Emily Blunt. In the movie, Chris Pratt’s wedding is held at this location, and until that time I had no idea this beautiful venue existed. I’m flabbergasted that it’s passed under my radar for so long.
On the weekend we visited there were many couples dressed in wedding attire taking photo’s, trying to be oblivious to the gawking crowds that passed. There were also a few couples taking engagement photos. Its safe to say that this is a spot that one would deem as romantic.
I expected that the Roman column’s would be cheesy and garish in the midst of the city but I found the space to be very beautiful and serene and it contributes nicely to the San Francisco architecture scene.

Seriously one of the most beautiful tourist spot to take pictures at while visiting SF. This was one of our pit stop while attempting to hit all the tourist attractions in one day. We found free street parking quickly and walked on over to the amazing view of architectural structures.
It really does make for a nice back drop to add to the memory book. We took about half an hour walking around the whole thing and soaking it its beauty, taking all the pictures we could. Pictures really doesn’t do any justice but the experience of being there is all the worthwhile.
There’s also a great lawn in front to hang out and have a picnic or just leisurely spend the day there with friends, family or your significant other. There are benches as well to sit and admire the view even with the swans, birds, and turtles lurking in the pond. We watched an artist in front capturing the beauty of the landscape.
It was a sunny warm day as well when we went so it was a nice walk around the palace grounds. It’s FREE so definitely recommended for all to see especially for those who love history and architect. I could even imagine how gorgeous it would look at night, wish I was able to have seen it during the evening time.

Absolutely gorgeous architecture!
This stop was one of the more memorable places with the history and design. I was told it was the most popular places for wedding photos. When you arrive here you can see why.
The rotunda itself is beautiful but you’ll notice the paneled columns around it with the weeping women sculptured on top. It really is an amazing piece of art.
There is a fabulous lagoon in the front with a pretty water feature. Swans, ducks and other wildlife were enjoying their home making it serene.
I was lucky to stop here and appreciate it. It’s surely is a piece of fine art.

Gorgeous architectural work… I wish I could come here during the daytime to admire it more!
The only two times I’ve been here were at night. And even though it’s great to see it lit up, I still haven’t gotten the opportunity to admire it with full sunlight — and I’m sure it is way more beautiful.
There are swans in the body of water in front of it (so cute!) and plenty of parking all around the structure… whether it is free during the daytime, I’m unsure, but I know in the evenings it feels like you have unlimited access.
Since SF is such a distance from home and the hassle of driving in the city makes me less inclined to return, I’ll catch this beauty during the day whenever I have a reason to come back!

Der Palace of Fine Arts ist zunächst einmal aufgrund seiner aussergewöhnlichen, neoklassizistischen Architektur bemerkenswert. Diese passte bereits 1915 nicht unbedingt in die Zeit, sehr wohl aber in die unmittelbare Umgebung:
Das Gebäude wertet die im «Mission-/Arts-&Crafts-Stil» gehaltenen Wohnhäuser des Marina-​Districts optisch auf, und der umgebende Park mit See ist ein beliebtes Ausflugsziel für Picknicker. Er ist vom Wind der Bay gut geschützt und bietet trotzdem Aussicht auf Wasser, Golden Gate Bridge und die schönen Villen von Pacific Heights.
Der Palace beherbergt neben Ausstellungsräumen für Kunst (wechselnde Wanderausstellungen, oft aber auch leer) eine buchbare Event-​Stage, die man mieten kann (ca. 1000 Sitze). Firmen wie nVidia oder HP stellen presse und Meinungsführern hier oft neue, bahnbrechende Produkte vor.
Zur Zeit residiert hier auch noch das «Exploratorium» (
), ein wunderbares «Hands-On”-Wissenschaftsmuseum, in dem Kinder ung Jugendliche interaktiv physikalische und chemische Phänomene erleben können. Dieses wird allerdings in absehbarer Zukunft ein eigenes Gebäude bekommen (
).

What now appears as gigantic roman ruins (a bit out of place in an American town) was built in 1915. It was the American Pavilion at the Panama Pacific International Exposition. At the time it was all wood and plaster meant to be torn down after the event but it was so impressive that it stayed and is here to stay in an idealistic surrounding of water, palm trees and birds. A very peaceful place, quiet and fresh particularly enjoyable in summer.

Ein Muss für San Francisco-​Besucher. Einheimische sagen einem ja tatsächlich «Fisherman’s Wharf» muss man nicht gesehen haben. Genausowenig wie Alcatraz… Aber den «Palace of Fine Arts» sollte man in jedem Fall besichtigen. Ist schon ein schöner Anblick. Und wenn man auf dem Wege zur Golden Gate Bridge ist, dann kann man ja einmal kurz Halt machen.
Im übrigen gibt es hier nicht nur die monumentalen Zierbauten zu bestaunen, sondern auch ein «richtiges» Museum. Eines zum Anfassen: Im «Exploratorium» auf demselben Gelände kann man Wissenschafts– und Kustausstellungen im Wortsinne hautnah erleben.