Guide to the Marina District San Francisco, Home of the Palace of Fine Arts

The San Francisco Bay Area has a unique charm, but the Marina District on the water is one of the San Francisco neighborhoods you should definitely include in your itinerary. Let’s take a look at what to expect from this neighborhood, how to get around, and the main things to see.

General Information and History of the Neighborhood

Located in the northern part of San Francisco, the Marina District is characterized by its waterfront, the splendid Palace of Fine Arts, and Chestnut Street, with its bars and restaurants.

In the nineteenth century the area was marshy, and early reclamation efforts were thwarted by the 1906 earthquake. After the earthquake, however, the entire area came to life since it was chosen as the area in which to set up the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

After the exposition the area was turned into a residential area, and in the 1930s the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the widening of Lombard Street led to more hotels and motels being built. The instability of the land became apparent with the 1989 earthquake and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the neighborhood. Following the rapid reconstruction, the Marina District has become one of the city’s most fascinating and vibrant neighborhoods.

Where it is Located and How to Get There

The Marina District is bordered on the east by Van Ness Avenue and Fort Mason, on the south by Cow Hollow along Lombard Street, and on the west by the Presidio. The district reaches the shore of the San Francisco Bay on the north side. Also in the northern section is Marina Green Park, a perfect place for scenic walks.

Reaching Marina District from the other neighborhoods is fairly easy both by car and public transportation, particularly if you travel by bus:

• Bus 22 drops you off along Fillmore Street
• Bus 30 makes many stops along Jefferson Street, Divisadero Street, and Broderick Street. With this bus, you can reach Fisherman’s Wharf in about ten minutes and Union Square in about 30 minutes. This bus also drops you off on Mason Street/ Yacht Road, one of the closest stops to the Palace of Fine Arts.
• The 28, 43 and 91 buses drop you off on Lombard Street in the southern part of the neighborhood.

Things to Do in Marina District

Palace of Fine Arts

This splendid monument was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific World’s Fair. Between 1964 and 1974 it was completely renovated and is now the only structure of the 915 Panama-Pacific World’s Fair that is still standing in the same location as it once was. In fact, there were originally ten buildings that represented the heart of the exposition.

Until 2013, the Palace of Fine Arts housed the Exploratorium, which you can now visit at Pier 15 in Embarcadero. Its 162-ft octagonal dome supported by Corinthian columns, the lake and surrounding green areas, as well as its proximity to the Presidio, make this oasis a must-see. Not to mention admission is free.

You can get some more information about this attraction by reading our article on the Palace of Fine Arts.

The Wave Organ

On a strip of land extending into San Francisco Bay, past the San Francisco Yacht Club and the Marina District lighthouse you’ll find the Wave Organ, a unique and particularly entertaining work of art. This stone organ on the water plays according to the movement of the waves.

Marina Green Park

With breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, Marina Green Park is a lovely waterfront park between the Presidio and Fort Mason. The houses built on Marina Boulevard are beautiful buildings constructed between 1920 and 1930. In front of the park there are two yacht clubs and the pier. This park is perfect for strolling while admiring the view, or for biking along the bay on the San Francisco Bay Trail.

Crissy Field

While Marina Green Park is the green heart of the Marina District, Crissy Field is a wonderful beach and also one of the largest in San Francisco. Crissy Field, which is part of Presidio Park, is one of San Francisco’s many free attractions, and here you can enjoy a day at the beach, take a walk along the trail that runs through it, or ride a bike.

There are, in fact, several agencies that rent bikes or arrange tours to explore this scenic area of San Francisco. The Crissy Field Trail is mostly flat, but if you feel like tackling an uphill trail with lots of steps and stunning views, I recommend the Battery East Trail, which connects Crissy Field with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fort Mason

Fort Mason is a former U.S. military base used during the Civil War and during World War II. Today it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and has become the perfect location for concerts, major events, a weekly market, and food and wine events. The fort area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the harbor area is considered a National Historic Landmark District.

In fact, the site consists of two main areas, the fort at the higher altitude, generally called Fort Mason, and the coastal area with its piers and harbor buildings, as well as the Fort Mason Center. Fort Mason is located between Marina Green Park to the west and the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park and Museum to the east.

Events

Here are the main events held in Marina District:

• Off the Grid: Friday nights at Fort Mason Center locals and tourists enjoy a wide selection of street food, from burgers to tacos, from asado to sushi, accompanied by live music. Generally, there are always around 40 different food trucks, and it is the perfect place to try something new. Good quality food, a nice atmosphere and average prices for San Francisco.
• Fort Mason Center Farmers’ Market: Every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. there is a farmers’ market at the Fort Mason Center that is absolutely not to be missed if you want to taste genuine local products sold by the more than 35 farmers in a pleasant, cheerful atmosphere.

Places to Eat in Marina District

Most Marina District restaurants are located along or near Chestnut Street, and you’ll find everything from classic fine dining to take-out. Nightlife, on the other hand, is concentrated between Fillmore and Divisadero where the many bars welcome a young and fun-loving crowd, especially on weekends.

Among the best places to eat in the Marina District, besides the food trucks at Off the Grid and the Sunday market stands at Fort Mason Center, I suggest:

• Pacific Catch: The color and flavor of the dishes will delight you. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere at this restaurant specializing in Hawaiian cuisine and seafood. The restaurant is located at 2027 Chestnut Street at the intersection with Fillmore Street.
• Roam Artisan Burger:  Located at 1785 Union Street, Roam Artisan Burger serves some of the best burgers in San Francisco with select prime meats and great sandwiches.
• Greens: This is the best choice for vegetarians and beyond. An elegant restaurant with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The prices are high but it is no surprise due to its location. The address is No. 2 Marina Boulevard.