Civic Center, CA

San Francisco
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

Things to do


Civic Center Hotel Deals

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 ¥19,320 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
¥19,320
¥22,741 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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! (3,249 reviews)
"It’s a great spot in SF!!!"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥15,543 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
¥15,543
¥18,294 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,030 reviews)
"I have always been happy with CQ Hotels. Decent properties, good service and affordable"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥17,151 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
¥17,151
¥20,186 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (641 reviews)
"Views /staff"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Fairmont San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco
5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥29,976 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
¥29,976
¥41,530 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Book a stay at this spa hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,111 reviews)
"Hotel is beautiful and located in a nice area. The rooms are fantastic, clean and elegant. The lobby is beautiful but there is no option for drink or food. Another limitation - there is only one restaurant, limited food options if you are looking for a gluten free options, closes at 9PM. They also ..."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Fairmont San Francisco
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
4.5 out of 5
335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥26,951 per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
¥26,951
¥36,267 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,881 reviews)
"Would not have booked if I’d known workers on strike. Former Union Member here."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Handlery Union Square Hotel
3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥21,132 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
¥21,132
¥24,870 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,173 reviews)
Convenient location
"Great location, kind staff"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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)

Serving as San Francisco's central business district, this area boasts Northern California's two tallest buildings, the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid. Explore shopping malls like the Embarcadero Center and enjoy parks such as Sue Biermann Park, all easily accessible via Muni bus and rail lines.

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

South of Market

3.5/5(3,655 area reviews)

San Francisco Bay and Oracle Park 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)

Major tourist destination in downtown San Francisco, Union Square boasts shopping, hotels, and theaters. Explore department stores, boutiques, and galleries, or catch a performance at various theaters. Enjoy the Dewey Monument and stunning views from nearby hotels. Easily accessible via cable car lines, buses, and subway systems.

Union Square
Japantown

Japantown

Japantown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Konko Church of San Francisco or Peace Pagoda.

Japantown
Alamo Square showing heritage architecture, a house and a coastal town

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)

Luxury hotels, historic mansions, and Michelin-starred restaurants abound in this upscale area. Explore Union Square shopping district, Grace Cathedral, and the SF Masonic Auditorium for a taste of culture and history.

Nob Hill

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