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Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Francisco: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

1. San Francisco: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Hop aboard a sightseeing bus for a tour of the City by the Bay and delve into the fascinating history of San Francisco and its legendary landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. The hop-on-hop-off route stops at the main points of interest all around San Francisco.  Experience the diverse culture, beautiful parks, stunning architecture, and picturesque views from the top of an open-air sightseeing bus. Hop off anytime and create your customized itinerary at your leisure. Explore 3 routes depending on your ticket purchase and enjoy photo stops at the Golden Gate Bridge on each route. With the Classic (24-hour) ticket, enjoy the Hop-on Hop-off service at your leisure for a full day and try the bike rental offer and ride along San Francisco's stunning waterfront. The Premium (24-Hour) and Deluxe (48-hour) tickets allow you to venture out to see the daytime and evening views of San Francisco with the panoramic Night Tour. Additionally, the Deluxe (48-hour) ticket includes the option to choose from either a bike rental, or admission to the USS Pampanito. Take a deep dive into the history of a World War WWII submarine or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito. San Francisco City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise through the city on an open-top bus. Learn about the unique history of San Fransisco while passing through Chinatown, Union Square, Civic Center, and the Alamo Square.  Panoramic Night Tour Board the night bus to explore the dazzling city of San Francisco at nighttime. Climb the historic Nob Hill for a stunning close-up view of the magnificent Grace Cathedral. The Night Tour is included in the Premium (24-Hour) and Deluxe (48-Hour) Tickets. Then, make your way across the grand Bay Bridge for picturesque views of the city skyline from Treasure Island, the World Fair site in 1939. After heading back to the city, continue along the Embarcadero to view the glittering lights of the Port of San Francisco.

SF: Alcatraz Ticket w/ 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour

2. SF: Alcatraz Ticket w/ 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour

See the best of San Francisco with this combined hop-on-hop-off ticket and Alcatraz Island visit. Explore the island of Alcatraz and enjoy 2 days of sightseeing with insightful commentary from a live guide. Tour the famous prison that has played a role in jailhouse folklore and the historic evolution of the West Coast. Learn more about the 14 unsuccessful escape attempts by over 30 prisoners and their fates. Your Premium Big Bus hop-on-hop-off pass is a great way to see the sights of San Francisco. Listen to commentary by live English-speaking guides, or enjoy pre-recorded audio commentary in 10 languages. Your 2-day ticket includes a full day of unlimited hop-on-hop-off and a 1-hour panoramic night tour. Explore one of San Francisco's most fascinating neighborhoods on a fun and informative walking tour of Chinatown. The tours are offered daily, and you can ask an agent for locations and time schedules. Also included are a bonus 1-hour bike rental (with the purchase of a 1-hour rental) and Players Arcade Drink and Game Tokens. Hop-on, hop-off tour stops include: Stop 1: Corner of Jefferson & Mason StreetStop 2: Holiday Inn Northpoint b/w Jones & ColumbusStop 3: Washington Square - Columbus & Union StreetsStop 4: Embarcadero Center - Corner Clay & Battery StreetsStop 5: Ferry Building - Market St b/w Stuart & Spear StreetsStop 6: Union Square South - Geary St across from Macy’sStop 7: Hilton Hotel - Corner Mason & Ellis StreetsStop 8: Civic Center - Fulton St b/w Larkin & Hyde StreetsStop 9: Alamo Square - Corner Fell & Pierce StreetsStop 10: Haight Ashbury - Haight & Shrader StreetsStop 11: Golden Gate Park - Music Concourse Drive Golden Gate ParkStop 12: Golden Gate Bridge- North Vista PointStop 13: Palace of Fine Arts - Richardson & Francisco StreetStop 14: Marina Neighborhood - Lombard & Fillmore StreetsStop 15: Lombard Street Corridor - Lombard & Gough StreetsStop 16: Union Square North - Post & Powell StreetsStop 17: Chinatown Gate - Grant and Bush StreetsStop 18: Portsmouth Square - Kearny & Clay StreetsStop 19: Pier 35 Cruise Terminal - The EmbarcaderoStop 20: Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf (then return to Stop 1)

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour

3. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour

Zip around in a GPS-guided, talking GoCar, which will be your guide on an exciting loop of San Francisco's breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. GoCar allows you to experience the beauty of San Francisco and visit places tour buses cannot go – all at your own pace. Go off the beaten path through San Francisco's iconic parks on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Snap amazing photos along the Pacific Ocean and see the Golden Gate Bridge up close from above and below. You can even park and take a stroll along the span of the bridge if you choose. On the way back, explore the boutique shopping districts of Chestnut and Union Street, then fill the trunk with the latest fashions, or stop for a bite to eat. Finish your tour by winding your way up Russian Hill to take an exhilarating ride down notoriously crooked Lombard Street.

Golden Gate Bridge: 3-Hour Sausalito Cycle Tour

4. Golden Gate Bridge: 3-Hour Sausalito Cycle Tour

Enjoy this 3-hour guided tour that departs from Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll be outfitted with a current model bike, front handlebar bag, lock, helmet, rear gear rack, and takeaway map, and then be ready to head out on tour! With your guide you’ll follow the San Francisco waterfront past Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the Marina, and the Presidio, through Crissy Field and to Fort Point. You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge on a wide bike path, and then proceed to Vista Point and on to Old Fort Baker. The cycling tour comes to an end in Sausalito where you’ll have time to enjoy the shops, the many art galleries, and the delicious food. You can return to San Francisco right after the tour ends, with the ferry, at your own cost, or choose to bike back. Alternatively, you can keep the bike until the shop’s closing hours and enjoy additional time exploring this fascinating area on your own. Note that the tour follows bike paths and the riding is mostly on flat terrain.

San Francisco: 2.5-Hour Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour

5. San Francisco: 2.5-Hour Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour

Explore San Francisco’s historic waterfront from the back of a self-balancing, eco-friendly Segway on this 2.5-hour tour, including a 30-minute training session on how to safely operate your Segway. Your fully narrated route features spectacular views of San Francisco Bay, including Fish Alley, Fisherman's Chapel, the World War II Liberty Ship, and Submarine Pampanito. Go behind the scenes to see where the fishing industry, fleet, and seafood processing are located, and catch the scent of the Dungeness crab stands in Fisherman's Wharf. Your route also includes a loop through North Beach San Francisco's Little Italy and Telegraph Hill. See the picturesque lanes, cafes, restaurants, and other highlights of the city during the tour.

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour

6. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour

Get lots of choices for sightseeing in San Fransisco in one go — access to the hop-on hop-off city tour route with English commentary, a special night tour, a ferry ride with tickets to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour of the notorious prison. Benefit from audio guides available in a variety of languages at Alcatraz Island. With open double-decker buses and an English guide on each one, you can see just about everything and learn just as much. Get to all the most famous spots in the city. Pick out the ones that interest you as 48 hours is enough time to go back and visit your favorites again. The Official City Loop highlights include: • The Palace of Fine Arts• North Vista Point where you can take photos of Golden Gate Bridge• Golden Gate Park where you can enjoy the Japanese Tea Gardens• Haight-Ashbury district• San Francisco Downtown, Chinatown• The Civic Center• The Embarcadero• Fisherman’s Wharf• Barbary Coast• The Financial District and the Ferry Building Take the Night Tour to cover many of the attractions from the other routes, but with a whole new perspective. It is not hop-on hop-off and departs from Fisherman’s Wharf in the evening all year round with additional departures during the summer months.

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

7. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Make your way around San Francisco with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Hop off to explore the city's best highlights or stay on the double decker to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city for two hours. Combine your ticket with a 1-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise to sail around the famous San Francisco Bay. Golden Gate Bay Cruise Arrive at Fisherman's Wharf and look for the red and white colors of the "Red & White Fleet" to find your boat. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach and take advantage of the bar onboard with drinks, snacks, and merchandise. Admire the famous swimming clubs of the Aquatic Park and the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier. Enjoy idyllic views of Crissy Field and The Presidio of San Francisco before the stunning image of the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. Cruise straight under the bridge as the sun shines and waves lap against the boat. Travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands to reach the shores of Sausalito, once home to the Flower Children. With Angel Island State Park to your left, finish your cruise outside the infamous Alcatraz prison. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Exchange your voucher at any of the bus stops and get ready to discover the city of San Francisco. Discover local parks and architecture as you listen to the digital commentary, available in 10 languages. The route of the hop-on hop-off bus includes stops at iconic landmarks from Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, and Little Italy. This flexible approach to sightseeing allows you to enjoy your day at your own pace.

San Francisco Self-Guided Bike Rental

8. San Francisco Self-Guided Bike Rental

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and Tiburon. The most popular route will begin at Fisherman’s Wharf by the Powell/ Hyde cable car turnaround. Cruise along the car free national park bike path on a mostly flat bike ride through the Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the marina and Presidio National Park to the base of the bridge, where historic Fort Point is located. You’ll cross the bridge on the sidewalk with stunning views of the city and bay. Then just a 10 minute downhill ride will take you into the charming bayside town of Sausalito. Once there, most people choose to grab a bite to eat, relax, shop and enjoy Sausalito’s famously wonderful weather. From there, the ride will only get better. Cruise by a funky houseboat community through the marshlands and into historic Old Mill Park in Mill Valley, where you will be able to see California’s famous Redwood trees at the base of Mount Tamalpais. Continue along a gorgeous waterfront bike path to the quaint fishing town of Tiburon, where you’ll find more great bayside restaurants and shops. From Tiburon or Sausalito, you will be able to hop on the ferry with your bike and come right back to San Francisco.

San Francisco Bay: Adventure Boat Tour

9. San Francisco Bay: Adventure Boat Tour

Travel along the San Francisco Bay in a small group on a boat tour. Travel faster and go farther out into the bay than most other boat tours. You will be as close as possible to the sights and wildlife, in a personal setting.  Depart from the world famous Pier 39. You will be outfitted with weather appropriate gear to keep you warm and dry from the occasional splash. Take in the historic waterfront from a new angle. Make a quick visit to the world famous Pier 39 sea lions, where you can see them eye to eye. There is no need for binoculars on this trip because you will see everything up close. Listen to the narration from your expert captain and learn something new about this historic area. See the waterfront in a way that is unlike any other experience on the bay. Take photos, make memories, and enjoy one of the finest ways to see it all up close. This small group boat tour is limited to 12 guests which provides an intimate family-friendly experience, perfect for adults, seniors, youth, and children ages 5 and older. You will get an opportunity to get up close to the world famous Alcatraz prison, once-home to some of the most notable criminal masterminds. Learn about some incredible points of interest, such as Coit Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Presidio, the Ferry Building, Treasure Island, and other historic landmarks.

San Francisco: Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour

10. San Francisco: Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour

Experience the best of the San Francisco bay with this combination tour package. This half-day adventure begins with a guided bicycle tour through San Francisco, beginning at the picturesque Aquatic Park in Fisherman’s Wharf. Take a peek at the famous sea lions before heading down the National Park bike path through Fort Mason, the Marina, and the Presidio. From there, you’ll cycle across the iconic Golden Gate bridge and into Sausalito, a charming bayside town known for its quirky architecture and stunning waterfront views. After all the biking, you'll sate your appetite with the included $20 restaurant voucher, good for any food or beverages at a local hotspot known for their spit-roasted chickens and award-winning burgers. Wet your whistle with a house-made soda or your choice of local beers and wines. The guided portion of the tour ends here, but your all-day bike rental allows you to keep exploring at your leisure. Once you’re done criss-crossing through Sausalito, hop back on a scenic ferry ride to San Francisco, taking in the views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. With recommendations from your guide, continue your venture through San Francisco, and return your bike when you’re ready.

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What people are saying about Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 2,308 reviews

Ferry had flexible return times to explore at your own pace which was nice. Very interesting tour and definitely a must do in SF. Self guided Audio tour was excellent. The National Park Ranger Matt gave an excellent presentation and was very knowledgeable. The island was interesting to explore, and the history of the island is quite incredible and we learned many new facts. In certain areas of the prison you could easily get goosebumps! Dress for weather although we had great timing and boarded the return ferry just as heavy rain hit. It was sunny during our tour. Interesting was the smell of fresh herbs and shrubs growing, which seemed out of character for a cold rock! We spent about 3 hours in total on this tour. Worth the money!

Adam is absolutely the best. It was just my girlfriend and I on the tour and we were struggling but Adam was extremely patient and kind to us both. Would recommend him above all others! And I highly recommend going with an electric bike especially for hills.

This was so worth it! Being able to get off at any stop and then get back on was amazing. Really helped us see the city and have a great time.

It was excellent and I felt very comfortable, as I travelled solo. I strongly recommend buying the one day extra ticket for 15 dollars

A must to get a feel on what to do in San Francisco