Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Step into Franklin Bowles Galleries, and you’re not just walking through an art space—you’re stepping into a living heartbeat of San Francisco’s creative soul. Every painting here whispers stories, raw and real, capturing moments in time that only true art can reveal. Stand before a canvas, and suddenly, you understand: beauty isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
This historic iconic property sits at the crossroads of 3 cable car lines, just minutes from Union Square. Since its grand 1926 opening, it has maintained timeless elegance with uniquely lavish suites. Don’t miss the legendary 100-Martini menu at Top of the Mark rooftop lounge with panoramic city views. Perfect for business trips (with full-service business center), weddings, or pet-friendly getaways – every detail whispers luxury.
This hotel is the perfect blend of family-friendly and business-savvy! Located near Fisherman's Wharf, it's just a short walk to Ghirardelli Square and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. With childcare services and a game room, kids will have a blast while adults unwind with massages and facials. Don't miss the free evening reception to mingle with other guests, or relax at the bar after a busy day. The rooms are luxurious, featuring designer toiletries and Italian Frette linens—pure comfort!
Everything you need to know about Franklin Bowles Galleries
Near Franklin Bowles Galleries, consider staying at Hotel Zephyr, a stylish boutique hotel just a 5-minute walk away, featuring curated art collections and a scenic rooftop terrace. For luxury, The Fairmont San Francisco offers an iconic location with panoramic views of the city skyline and exceptional service. Both properties provide easy access to art galleries, museums, and downtown shopping districts.
From SFO Airport, take the BART subway to Powell Street Station, then transfer to local Muni buses or walk about 15 minutes to reach Franklin Bowles Galleries. Alternatively, use Uber or Lyft—a 20-minute ride via the Bay Bridge offering scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco. Download the Muni Mobile App for real-time transit updates and optimal routing.
Beyond exploring contemporary exhibitions at Franklin Bowles Galleries, visit SFMOMA (10-minute drive), home to cutting-edge global art. Stroll through Yerba Buena Gardens, featuring outdoor sculptures and live performances. Photography enthusiasts should head to the Embarcadero Waterfront for stunning shots of Fisherman’s Wharf and reflections of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Staying in the San Francisco Arts District offers immersive access to galleries, public art installations, and vibrant street culture. Nearby Civic Center and Japantown provide diverse dining and cultural festivals. The area is well-connected via the Muni metro system, enabling easy travel to North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, and other iconic neighborhoods. Ideal for travelers seeking cultural depth and urban sophistication.
Yes, Franklin Bowles Galleries hosts free guided tours led by professional curators, providing deep insights into the conceptual and historical context behind each artwork. Tours typically run on weekends at 11 AM—reservations recommended via their official website. Some exhibitions also feature multilingual audio guides in English, Chinese, and Spanish. Additionally, quarterly artist talk events allow visitors direct interaction with creators.
Near Franklin Bowles Galleries, visit the California Palace of Legion of Honor, featuring interactive children’s exhibits and expansive gardens perfect for family outings. Fort Mason Center offers children’s theater and hands-on art workshops, especially active on weekends. For relaxation, head to Crissy Field, where families can stroll along the waterfront, picnic, and enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
Stay at The Fairmont San Francisco, a luxury hotel just minutes from Franklin Bowles Galleries in Union Square. The hotel features rotating contemporary art exhibitions and curated gallery spaces, offering guests an immersive cultural experience. Rooms blend classic elegance with modern design, some with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. Complimentary art tours are available, guiding visitors through the history and significance of local galleries, including Franklin Bowles.
From Franklin Bowles Galleries, walk 5 minutes to Union Square, where you can catch the Muni Metro (M Ocean View or N Judah lines) to key sites like Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, and Lombard Street. Most routes take 15–25 minutes and connect through downtown transit hubs. Use the Clipper Card or SFMTA App for seamless travel planning. Bike-sharing stations nearby allow easy rides along Market Street or Embarcadero, ideal for leisurely exploration.
Beyond visiting the gallery, explore weekend outdoor art markets hosted by the San Francisco Art Institute in Union Square, featuring original paintings, sculptures, and limited-edition prints by local artists. Nearby, jazz lounges on Grant Avenue offer live performances paired with artisan pastries—perfect for soaking in the city’s creative vibe. For deeper insight, book a guided tour at Franklin Bowles Galleries to uncover the artistic narratives and collecting history behind each exhibition.
See what other travelers say about Franklin Bowles Galleries
The room was comfortably sized and well laid out, even with slightly older furnishings—still felt elegant and timeless. I appreciated the classic charm of the hotel, which gives it a unique character compared to newer properties. Located just steps from downtown San Francisco, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring the city—walking distance to shops, restaurants, and attractions. The staff were warm and professional throughout my stay, making the experience feel personal and welcoming. Despite its vintage appeal, the hotel maintains high standards in cleanliness and comfort. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a refined, historic vibe without the premium price tag. Definitely recommend for travelers who value atmosphere and location.
Staying at Kimpton Hotel Enso was an absolute delight from the moment I arrived. The room was immaculate—spotless, well-organized, and thoughtfully designed with a perfect balance of comfort and style. What truly stood out, though, was how clean the streets surrounding the hotel were. Walking through the neighborhood felt refreshing and surprisingly pristine, especially compared to other parts of San Francisco where litter is more common. Even as I walked further away from the area, I noticed trash accumulating, but right around this Japanese district? Not a single piece of litter in sight. It’s clear the community takes pride in maintaining such a clean, welcoming environment. Whether you're exploring on foot or just relaxing nearby, the sense of cleanliness and care really enhances the overall experience. A standout gem in the city with exceptional attention to detail—definitely worth returning to.
Hotel Triton in San Francisco offers a fantastic stay overall—great location, clean rooms, and friendly staff. While the breakfast is quite simple, it's sufficient and satisfying for a quick start to the day. What really stands out is the excellent value for money, fast Wi-Fi, and the convenient access to public transit. The entire experience felt seamless and comfortable, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. I’d definitely recommend this hotel and plan to return on my next visit to the city.
This Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco truly delivers an exceptional experience—10 out of 10 is well deserved. The location is fantastic, nestled right in the heart of the Financial District with excellent safety and low exposure to homelessness, making it feel secure and welcoming. It's a comfortable 10-minute walk to the nearest transit station, and even with two large suitcases each, we didn’t feel exhausted—more like enjoying a leisurely stroll. The proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown is a major plus; we spent hours exploring both areas, sampling incredible local eats along the way. The staff at the front desk went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful with recommendations and check-in support. Inside the hotel, you’ll find a laundry room, a small but functional fitness center, and coffee makers both in the lobby and in every room—perfect for that morning pick-me-up. While the rooms aren’t huge, they’re spotless, well-maintained, and surprisingly fresh despite the slightly dated photos online. Overall, the value for money is outstanding. For the price, this is one of the best stays I’ve had in San Francisco—comfortable, convenient, and full of character.
Staying at The Cartwright Hotel in Union Square was an absolutely delightful experience. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from shopping, dining, and all the vibrant energy of downtown San Francisco. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in a breeze. While the room is on the smaller side, it’s well-designed with smart use of space, and everything you need is thoughtfully included. The bed was super comfortable, and the room was quiet and clean—perfect for a good night’s sleep. With excellent service, a prime location, and great value, this hotel truly stands out. I’d definitely book here again on my next visit to San Francisco.
Absolutely loved my stay at Cathedral Hill Hotel! The location is perfect—just a short walk from downtown San Francisco, with easy access to public transit and plenty of great dining options nearby. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a welcoming atmosphere. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit. My room was spacious, comfortable, and quiet—great for a good night's sleep. I especially appreciated the delicious breakfast spread with fresh local treats like homemade pancakes and freshly squeezed juice. It’s rare to find such a high-quality experience at this price point. I’ll definitely be returning next time I’m in town.
I was generally satisfied with my stay, though I did encounter a minor issue upon arrival. My first room had a strong smell of smoke, which was disappointing since the hotel claims all rooms are non-smoking. When I brought this up to the front desk staff, they initially denied it was possible—until I insisted on either a room change or a refund. They quickly accommodated me and moved me to a different room, which smelled perfectly fine. While the initial experience wasn’t ideal, I appreciate that the team responded promptly and made things right. A little more attention to checking room conditions before check-in could prevent such issues in the future. Overall, the motel offers good value for money, and its location near Lombard Street makes it convenient for exploring downtown San Francisco—especially if you're using public transit.
The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.
We stayed in Glasgow for a few days and stopped by this hotel for breakfast—had no expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised. The menu options were somewhat limited, but the warm welcome and excellent service from Thomas made all the difference. He went above and beyond to make our morning special. It’s a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.
On Friday, April 21st at 10:15 AM, a guest from another building at the hotel climbed over the fence between units 179 and 173, entered our private driveway area, then climbed over our fence and left toward Wiese Street, heading toward 16th Street. We immediately called 911. The situation was alarming and unsettling. While police responded promptly, the incident raised serious concerns about property security and safety protocols. It's important to note that making assumptions based on someone's background is not only inappropriate but also harmful. As guests, we expect the hotel to maintain a secure environment for all. We hope management will take immediate action to improve fencing, surveillance, and overall safety measures to prevent future incidents.
Explore more amazing destinations