The Palace of Fine Arts is an iconic fixture in San Francisco’s skyline. If you are planning a visit, most visitors can expect to spend around 30 minutes taking pictures or 1-2 hours if you want to explore the grounds and take in the scenery. The rotunda and gardens are open to the public and are free to enter.
The major attraction at the Palace of Fine Arts is the 162 ft tall open dome rotunda which is surrounded by an event center, theater and lagoon. The structures are a historical landmark that were originally built for the 1915 World’s Fair. The event center and theater is reserved for private events but can be booked on their official website.
The architecture and landscaping was designed to emulate Ancient Rome. Tall columns and detailed stone work make for a magical setting amongst the maze like pathways of the gardens.
This is a great stop on the way from San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Palace of Fine Arts is a short walk away from the Presidio and Crissy Field. If you are already planning a visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum or LucasFilm, this is a great stop to add to your itinerary.
