Plan your visit to Civic Center, San Francisco
See historic San Francisco government buildings, study ancient artifacts and visit renowned performing arts institutions in this cultural district.
San Francisco’s Civic Center contains many of the city’s cultural institutions and historic buildings. Survey the grand City Hall, built in the early 20th century and regarded as the centerpiece of the district. Other attractions include an art museum displaying works from Asia’s diverse cultures and an enchanting theater that stages world-class musical productions.
As its name implies, this neighborhood is home to several notable government institutions, such as San Francisco’s Supreme Court of California, the San Francisco Public Library and the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Explore the district’s two main plazas, the Civic Center Plaza and the United Nations Plaza. Civic Center Plaza is a great place to view some of the area’s imposing classical-style architecture, while the United Nations Plaza hosts a popular semiweekly farmers market.
Book tickets for musical performances at the Orpheum Theater on Civic Center’s southern border. Inside, high, white vaulted ceilings give the theater a cathedral-like appearance.
Tour San Francisco City Hall, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Civic Center. This impressive structure was completed in 1915 after an earthquake destroyed the original building in 1906. The magnificent dome is said to have been inspired by Mansart’s Baroque dome of the Val-de-Grâce church in Paris. Find other landmarks, including the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, just a short walk from here.
Bordering the Civic Center Plaza to the east is the acclaimed Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, which features more than 18,000 artworks in its permanent collection. Some pieces are more than 6,000 years old while more than 1,000 works date from the last 55 years, making this one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the western world. Examine ancient religious sculptures, military artifacts, paintings and other objects.
Civic Center is located about 14 miles (23 kilometers) from San Francisco International Airport. Find several large parking lots in the area. Stay in nearby luxury hotels and less expensive self-catered apartments.
Enjoy culture and grandiose architecture in San Francisco’s Civic Center.
San Francisco City Hall - After visiting San Francisco City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Orpheum Theatre - You can get tickets for a performance at Orpheum Theatre during your trip to San Francisco. Experience the acclaimed art scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
Civic Center Plaza - Find out about the history of San Francisco when you take a trip to Civic Center Plaza. Experience the fascinating museums and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.
United Nations Plaza - After visiting United Nations Plaza, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in San Francisco. Discover the entertainment choices and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium - You can get tickets for a performance at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium during your trip to San Francisco. Discover the entertainment choices and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Asian Art Museum of San Francisco - You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Asian Art Museum of San Francisco in San Francisco. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.
Louise Davies Symphony Hall - You can get tickets for a performance at Louise Davies Symphony Hall during your stay in San Francisco. Take in the acclaimed art scene and beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.
War Memorial Opera House - You can get tickets for a performance at War Memorial Opera House during your stay in San Francisco. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this vibrant area.
Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages - Epic San Francisco Experience! Begin with a thrilling guided bus tour across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, offering stunning views of the bay. Or grab a 40-minute bike rental to cruise the vibrant streets, waterfront, or even across the bridge itself.
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission - The California Academy of Sciences, based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, is home to an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum–all under one living roof! Inside one of the greenest museums in the world, visitors can find captivating experiences including nearly 60,000 live animals, with new exhibits added every year.
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise - Choose between a day tour or a special night tour of Alcatraz. The night tour includes a narrated cruise at sunset, cell door demonstrations, and talks from expert historians. Both tours include an audio guide available in multiple languages to delve into the prison's history and infamous escape attempts.
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours) - As day turns to dusk, immerse yourself in an unforgettable San Francisco experience aboard our evening cruises, perfect for admiring the Bay Area’s most iconic sights.
GoCar San Francisco Tour - Discover San Francisco in the Most Unique Way – with a GPS-Guided Storytelling Car Tour! Experience the ultimate San Francisco sightseeing adventure with the first-ever GPS-guided storytelling car.
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour - Discover San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito with the option to add tickets to Alcatraz! Join a small group tour that covers four iconic experiences in a single day: explore San Francisco’s historic neighborhoods, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll beneath the Red Woods of Muir Woods National Monument, and enjoy a drive through Sausalito.
de Young Museum General Admission Ticket - Explore one of San Francisco’s most distinguished art collections at the de Young Museum, situated in lovely Golden Gate Park. Wander through the museum’s spectacular permanent displays of paintings, sculpture and artifacts from the Americas, Africa and Oceania, and upgrade to include the audio tour and access to the top-tier Special Exhibitions.
San Francisco Night Tour - This live narrated 60–90 minute tour takes you around the most vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from an open-top Double Decker bus, cross the sparkling Bay Bridge, and see the San Francisco skyline at twilight from Treasure Island.
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