Bucket list experience:
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
© Joe Fletcher. Courtesy of SFMOMA
From its myriad of art museums to its on-the-rise-again street art, there’s no shortage of stand-out artwork in San Francisco.
Nearly everything about the city has an artistic edge. There’s the exquisite Art Deco beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the colourful heart sculptures – which debuted in 2004 – that still dot the streets in spots like the Lyon Street Steps and SOMA’s Moscone Center.
The city is home to several world-class art museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the De Young Museum for fine art.
For showcasing local artistic talent, there are top-quality independent art galleries and special events such as SF Open Studios, the spring Art Market and the DIY Renegade Craft Fair.
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Destination Guide >San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
Home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art on the planet, this Civic Center locale exhibits everything from future fantasy animations to Chinese jade carvings from more than 6,000 years ago.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
With no permanent collection, San Francisco’s CJM offers ever-changing exhibits highlighting the Jewish culture and its complexities. It’s housed in a historic Pacific Gas & Electric substation that’s been modernly redesigned with elements of Jewish symbolism.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
A highly regarded art collection showcasing American art from the 17th-21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, costumes and textiles.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
A Beaux Arts replica of Paris’ Legion of Honor Palace of all things, this art museum houses a collection of European and ancient art that spans over 6,000 years of artistic creation. The sister museum to the De Young.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
The city’s South of Market (SOMA) neighbourhood is the main art museum hub, with the SF Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, all within several easy-to-walk blocks.
Although spread out, the bulk of San Francisco’s art galleries are also located in SOMA, and between, Union Square and the Tenderloin. See the Art Collection website for comprehensive listings. The San Francisco Art Dealers Association is another good resource.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
The city’s iconic grand dame hotel, perched enviably atop Nob Hill, with easy access to cable cars, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
A high-gloss city hotel full of luxe creature comforts, including butlers at guests’ beck-and-call. The best of the top-end luxury hotels in San Francisco.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
Artsy, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind, the great value Hotel Triton stands in prime location between three distinct (and walkable) neighbourhoods: Chinatown, the Financial District, and Union Square.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
Beloved for its rock-star vibe and heated pool, this great value refurbished motor-lodge attracts a loyal clientele, despite its gritty Tenderloin surrounds.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.
