Civic Center, CA

San Francisco
Civic Center showing a monument, street scenes and a city
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.


Popular places to visit


Civic Center Hotel Deals

The Marker San Francisco
The Marker San Francisco
4 out of 5
501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$2,955 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
NT$2,955
per night
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"The hotel itself was very nice. Over priced restaurant and the amount of homeless people around the building was pretty bad."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

The Marker San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$4,006 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
NT$4,006
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,360 reviews)
"Great hotel and views! All employees were nice and make you feel welcome. Room service made the bed while we were gone exploring which is a plus. Only negative was that I wish I would have know that you have to pay to park which was $45/ day."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$3,972 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
NT$3,972
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,189 reviews)
"Breakfast was great!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
King George Hotel
King George Hotel
3 out of 5
334 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,042 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
NT$3,042
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,386 reviews)
Very good hotel
"Really great value for money. Perfect location for us. Easy access from BART station. Cable cars just around the corner. Pleasant walk to Fisherman’s Wharf. Room had everything you could need and a really comfy bed. Coffee and pastries included for breakfast which was great for early starts and long ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

King George Hotel
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
The price is NT$4,280 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$4,280
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,489 reviews)
"Staff was very helpful and always available. Loved the pool table area!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,365 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
NT$3,365
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,627 reviews)
"Staff were so warm and welcoming. Check-in/check-out process was quick and efficient. Hotel is a convenient 10 minute walk to Chinatown, Ferry Building and California cable car/transit access. Financial district is quiet on weekends so a big plus in my book!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Civic Center

Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(1,084 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(3,655 area reviews)

Oracle Park and Chase Center are top sights in South of Market, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Yerba Buena-Moscone Station or Fourth-Brannan Station to see more sights in the area.

South of Market
Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4/5(5,164 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Union Square
Western Addition showing a coastal town, heritage architecture and a house

Western Addition

4/5(453 area reviews)

Travelers love Western Addition for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Duboce Avenue & Noe Street Station or Duboce Ave & Church St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Alamo Square and Painted Ladies.

Western Addition
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(1,100 area reviews)

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill
Chinatown which includes street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(268 area reviews)

Chinatown Alleyways and Dragon's Gate are top sights in Chinatown, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Chinatown

Civic Center, CA