Palace of Fine Arts

Travel along the bay between Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge and you'll likely stumble upon the grandiose and antiquated Palace of Fine Arts. The early 20th-century construction was built to resemble an old Roman structure. Originally slated for destruction, the palace was renovated -- and largely rebuilt -- in the 1950s. Today, the palace remains one of the most recognizable and popular tourist landmarks in the city, drawing curious and awestruck tourists alike. Although recent travelers admit there is little to do here, they praise the serene ambience. “Children will love to feed the ducks and swans, couples will love to wander the path around the pond, others will love watching the variety of wildlife…” writes one TripAdvisor user.

You probably won’t spend much of your day here, but it’s worth a stopgap before you stroll along the Marina for picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge.