15 Famous Buildings In San Francisco, California - Updated 2024

1. Haas-Lilienthal House

Completed in 1886, Haas-Lilienthal House stands as one of the several houses that exuded a unique Victorian-style design, with fixtures and decor that reflect the trends of that time. Today, it survives as one of the oldest houses in San Francisco, having been well-preserved by the owner’s family despite the catastrophic earthquake that befell the city.

Several historic acknowledgments have been given to the Haas-Lilienthal House for its impressive resiliency. From the local San Francisco Architectural Heritage organization to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the structure is highly recognized for its contributions to the history of Jewish immigrants on America’s West Coast.

Haas-Lilienthal House

Address: 2007 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Website: Haas-Lilienthal House

Opening hours: Wed, Sat, Sun: 12pm - 3pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Thu, & Fri)

Price: 10 USD

2. Transamerica Pyramid

This building in Downtown San Francisco has cemented its “icon” status thanks to its architectural designs that are ahead of its time. The Transamerica Pyramid shines through as a modern-day wonder, displayed above other high-rise buildings that grace the city’s bustling Financial District.

You’ll take notice of this imposing structure wherever you are in San Francisco, whether you’re on a hilly street or looking up from the downtown grounds. The building has served its purpose quite well, having been occupied by several businesses since its grand opening in 1972. The Pyramid has also recently wrapped up its 50th-year celebrations, marking yet another important milestone.

Transamerica Pyramid

Address: 600 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

Website: Transamerica Pyramid

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

3. Phelan Building

Phelan Building, located in the city’s Financial District, is a San Francisco Designated Landmark. The original Phelan building was badly damaged in 1906 after an earthquake and a fire, and its reconstruction was completed two years later. Today, it’s mostly used for offices. While it only stands 11 stories tall, it’s quite a prominent landmark on Market Street and worth stopping by for a photo.

Phelan Building

Address: 760 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

4. Misión San Francisco de Asís

Misión San Francisco de Asís was founded in 1776 and is known for being the oldest intact building in the city. This famous Mission was named after St. Francis of Assisi and is worth a stopover during your day tour in San Francisco, especially if you’re a visiting Catholic. As a historic structure, the building itself holds many designations besides being a San Francisco Designated Landmark. It’s also listed under the US National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark.

Misión San Francisco de Asís

Address: 3321 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Website: Misión San Francisco de Asís

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

5. The Castro Theatre

While you’ll find many movie theaters in San Francisco, not all of them are listed as a San Francisco Designated Landmark. The Castro Theater is a movie house with an impressive seating capacity of 1,400. While it was once a retail store, it re-opened as a theater in 1922, which means it doesn’t look just like any other modern movie house. You can expect a grand stage, classic red curtains, and an old-fashioned signage outside declaring the show of the hour.

The Castro Theatre

Address: 429 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Website: The Castro Theatre

6. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

Art and culture always go hand in hand and the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre located in the Marina District of San Francisco, California is one such classic example. The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre was opened in 1915 during Panama–Pacific International Exposition. Now, it’s one of the most romantic places in San Francisco. The palace has a Beaux-Arts architecture which makes it appear as golden ruins of Roman buildings, which is worth cherishing. This famous building is a popular attraction in the city due to its immense beauty and marvellous architecture.

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

Address: 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

Website: Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

7. St. Mary's Cathedral

Opened in the year 1971, St. Mary’s Cathedral also known as Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is another famous building in San Francisco as it the primary as well as the metropolitan church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese Community of San Francisco. This 58-metre church has a very modern and classy architecture making it an astonishing beauty.

St. Mary's Cathedral

Address: 1111 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Website: St. Mary’s Cathedral

8. Painted Ladies

If you are a photo fanatic, then this place is for you. Built between 1892 and 1896, “Painted Ladies,” also known as Postcard Row, is a group of Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings located at 710–720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square park right in the heart of San Francisco. These famous architectural structures best highlight the Bay Area city’s historic yet eccentric appeal.

Painted Ladies

Address: Steiner St & Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Website: Painted Ladies

9. San Francisco City Hall

In San Francisco, this iconic building is a must-visit if you really wish to see classical architecture in the USA. San Francisco City Hall is one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture that one can ever come across. This marvellous architecture makes City Hall, one of the most famous buildings in San Francisco. The city hall was originally completed in the year 1899 after careful planning and construction of 27 years. But due to the earthquake in 1906, the City hall shattered and fell into pieces. Later in 1999, the city hall was reopened with its beauty and glory intact.

San Francisco City Hall

Address: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Website: San Francisco City Hall

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

10. de Young Museum

Established on 24th March 1895, M. H. de Young Memorial Museum often known as de Young Museum is a home of over 1000 paintings, 3000 decorative art objects and 800 sculptures from American origin dating back to 17th century to 21st century. You will also find a huge variety of costumes, art forms, textiles and international contemporary art pieces from the Pacific, Africa and America. The Museum is the result of California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894.

de Young Museum

Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Website: de Young Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 5:15pm (closed on Mon)

11. Conservatory of Flowers

Conservatory of Flowers is one of the oldest buildings in the famous Golden Gate Park and also one of the top places to visit. Buillt in 1878, Conservatory of Flowers is an ultimate gift of nature preserved very nicely. The garden is an astonishing beauty as it is a home of rare and exotic plants. The architecture of this garden highly resembles with a Victorian greenhouse.

Conservatory of Flowers

Address: 100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Website: Conservatory of Flowers

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

12. Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral is a stunning piece of famous architecture found in Nob hill region of San Francisco. The place is a must-visit for history enthusiasts majorly because of its rich past going deep into the history of San Francisco. The Cathedral walls are filled with exclusive pieces of arts expressing the stories associated with God and his children. The Grace Cathedral looks best when visited at dusk. This great combination of immense beauty and history makes Grace Cathedral, one of the most famous buildings in San Francisco.

Grace Cathedral

Address: 1100 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Website: Grace Cathedral

13. Coit Tower

Built between 1932 and 1933, Coit Tower, also known as the Coit Memorial Tower, is a 210-foot (64 m) long monument tower built in memory of volunteer firemen who lost their lives in five major fires in San Francisco. Among the coolest buildings that have ever graced the city’s streets, the Coit Tower is a great piece of art built with unpainted reinforced concrete.

The interior of the tower has murals striking great resemblance with agricultural, business and life of people in California. The tower is designed by architects Arthur Brown, Jr. and Henry Howard. The Coit Tower is an inseparable part of the list of famous buildings in San Francisco.

Coit Tower

Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

14. Hobart Building

Hobart Building is a classic example of neoclassical architecture completed in the year 1914 by well-known architect Willis Polk. The most special feature about this building is its versatility, contemporary looks and modern functionality. The operable windows is another rare site among downtown buildings found in the place. The building when built was one of the second tallest buildings in San Francisco with 21 floors at its disposal.

Hobart Building

Address: 582–592 Market Street, near Montgomery and 2nd Streets, Financial District, San Francisco, California, USA

Website: Hobart Building

15. The Sentinel Building

The Sentinel Building also is known as a Columbus Tower or Coppola’s Cupola is one of the famous buildings in San Francisco completed in the year,1907. The building is used for multiple purposes ranging from a film studio, American Zoetrope to cafes built on the ground floor. The building is designed by Salfield and Kohlberg. The special feature of this building is its white tiles and tarnished copper which gives it a unique look altogether.

The Sentinel Building

Address: 916 Kearny St # 920, Columbus Financial District, San Francisco, CA 94133-5107

Bring in the fun

These architectural buildings in San Francisco are rich in history and culture. You may not see everything in one visit to the city, therefore, you are compelled to visit this place again and again. The above-mentioned famous buildings in San Francisco are worth checking out, so be sure to add them to your itinerary. Have a look at some art galleries and department stores in San Francisco as well!