Location: San Francisco
Top Things to do in San Francisco
What to do and see in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Government Buildings
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
2. San Francisco City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,024 reviews
The dome of this venerable Government building is a replica of the one crowning St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Reviewed By duck8to - Montville, United States
It is one of the finest city halls I have ever seen. The original city hall was built in 1899 and was destroyed in the earthquake and fire of 1906. The present city hall was rebuilt between 1913-1916 it displays an impressive Beaux Arts architectural style. The massive dome in the rotunda is 307' tall some 40' higher then the rotunda in the Nation's Capitol. With a magnificent rotunda of marble and jaw dropping grand staircase this city hall with it's four floor is second to none. Today the San Francisco City Hall has been redesigned to adjust to a possible earthquake that shook it's foundation on October 17, 1989. The 7.1 earthquake moved the structure 4'' and repairs continued until 1999. A state of the art computer controlled LED lighting system was installed which is capable of producing a variety of light shows. If you are in San Francisco, It is a sight to behold. City hall has been the site of of many notable events. Joe D'Maggio married Marilyn Monroe at City Hall in January of 1954. Mascone and Milk were assassinated here in 1979 and the first same-sex marriage was performed here in 2004. It is a National Historic landmark. Docent tours were available pre-COVID-19 on Mon-Fri at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. The tours were 45 minutes long. Sign-up for the tours were at the kiosk Goodlet Place elevator lobby. Admission is free. If you do not want a docent tour, you can enter city hall on your own. I was there prior to COVID-19. Check their website for any COVID-19 rules.
3. Angel Island Immigration Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Historic station, designed to limit the number of Asian peoples entering California.
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
I'd read "Shanghai Girls" so wanted to visit the place so vividly depicted in the novel. Plus, I'd recently been to Ellis Island, where my family landed so long ago. The tour is sobering as it touches on the exclusion policies. Seeing depictions of barracks life and the foreign writing etched into the tired old wooden walls again made me realize how much people sacrificed for a better life. The setting on Angel Island is idyllic. Miles away from the chaos of the city, yet you can hear distant fog horns and train whistles. There is much to explore here, both historic and scenic. I'm very glad I spent the day here.
4. Veterans Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By TV2451
This stately building is an important part of the Civic Center area. The architecture is harmonious with City Hall and the old Opera House. The building itself includes a lovely theater that is used for many different functions, including concerts. It's surprisingly intimate.
5. Federal Reserve Bank BUILDING
6. Old United States Mint
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
This Greek Revival structure is a trooper of a building, having survived the 1906 earthquake.
7. Presidio Trust Headquarters
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
8. Custom House
9. San Francisco Federal Building
10. Federal Office Building
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 2 reviews
