Civic Center Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Civic Center
Civic Center showing central business district, a monument and street scenes
Civic Center
Civic Center which includes an administrative building
Civic Center

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Civic Center Hotel Deals

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$450 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$450
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,710 reviews)
"Hotel is beautiful inside. Great overall vibe. Staff was very nice and likes the room decor."

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 2025

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$260 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$260
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,127 reviews)
"Clean, excellent bed, close to dining and bar areas, safe"

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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 NZ$320 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$320
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,469 reviews)
"The checkin process was the best as the staff was helpful in accomodation us with additional time at an excellent price."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is NZ$177 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$177
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,825 reviews)
"Just great service"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$341 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$341
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,605 reviews)
"Quick stay, but fun and very clean hotel with lots to do."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$212 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$212
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,751 reviews)
"We had a great experience at the Chancellor. The location was perfect for our activities and the amount of time we were there"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
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 neighbourhoods around Civic Center

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Downtown San Francisco

3/5(34 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 which includes skyline, a park and cbd

South of Market

3.5/5(101 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.

South of Market
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(249 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
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Western Addition

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Alamo Square and Painted Ladies are top sights in Western Addition, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Duboce Avenue & Noe Street Station or Duboce Ave & Church St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Western Addition
Nob Hill showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4/5(59 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
Chinatown showing street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(20 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown

Civic Center Travel Guide

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