Palace of Fine Arts

Located in close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts is included in many city sightseeing tours. In addition to traditional walking or minivan group tours, try a self-guided bike excursion or a group cycling tour that visits the grounds. If visiting independently, stop briefly for pictures, or plan ahead and pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. The nearby Presidio, Marina District, and Crissy Field waterfront are popular, walkable destinations to check out as well.

• The Palace of Fine Arts is a must-visit for history buffs and photographers.

• There is no fee to visit the landmark.

• Bring layers, as its close proximity to the water can make for cooler weather.

• The flat paths are easily walkable, and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

The best way to get to the Palace of Fine Arts is by car or public transportation. There’s a small on-site parking lot and free street parking in the neighborhood, and Muni buses 30, 43, 28, and 29 stop nearby. It’s also a quick walk from the Presidio or Golden Gate Bridge.

The Palace of Fine Arts is open all day all year, but is best enjoyed during daylight hours. The rotunda is lit at night, but it’s difficult to see and explore the surrounding lagoon area. If visiting on a rainy day, bring an umbrella, as the rotunda is the only covered area.

On a nice day, the Palace of Fine Arts is the perfect backdrop for a picnic. Pick up food at one of the many restaurants on nearby Chestnut or Union streets in the Marina district. Enjoy a walk through the quaint neighborhood to the palace and pick a lovely spot near the lagoon or rotunda.

Just about. The Palace of Fine Arts grounds, where the palace and rotunda lie next to a small lagoon in a Marina District neighborhood park, are open daily from 5am to 12am. The exhibition space and events hall behind the palace typically require admission tickets to visit.

Parking in the lot behind the Palace of Fine Arts is $1.90 per hour and $9.50 per day—a good deal in San Francisco. There's limited free parking along Palace Drive and a smaller lot near the entrance. More free parking is available across Marina Boulevard in the Little Marina Green Picnic Area.

You only need a little time at the Palace of Fine Arts. It sits on a cozy public park with a small lagoon and requires no more than 30 minutes to an hour to explore. Catching a performance in the Palace of Fine Arts Theater adds several hours to your visit.

Yes, you can have a picnic at the Palace of Fine Arts. The palace is in a cozy public park with a small lagoon, a romantic setting for a picnic. While there aren't picnic tables, you can lay on the grass or sit on a bench and watch swans in the lagoon.

Yes, you can take photos at the Palace of Fine Arts. With Greco-Roman-style columns and a dome facing a small lagoon with swans, the palace is one of the most photographed attractions in San Francisco. It's so photogenic that it has also been featured in many films and TV shows.

Yes, the Palace of Fine Arts has accessible public restrooms towards the back of the building. There are also additional public restrooms across Marina Boulevard in the Little Marina Green, near the Crissy Field Parking Lot, and next to the Outpost Playground on Mason Street.