Best Galleries in San Francisco

Established in 1871, the San Francisco Art Institute is one of the pioneering art schools in America. Its galleries were designed to look like a converted monastery complete with a beautiful courtyard. Forty years hence, the rooftop deck was added from where you can see a great deal of the city, including Coit Tower and Twin Peaks. The Diego Rivera Gallery contains a mural by the man himself and a strong collection of students' work. The Walter McBean Gallery feature a myriad of contemporary creations by established and emerging artists.

If you're in the market for fine art, Franklin Bowles Galleries is the place to be. Located only a block from Ghiradelli Square, a stop by this gallery provides the perfect complement to all the carnal attractions of Fisherman's Wharf. Founded 30 years ago, Franklin Bowles now lays claim to an impressive collection of works by famous artists from Rembrandt to Picasso, from Claude-Lazar to Pierre-Marie Brisson. So if your stomach's full of chocolate, but you still want to give your eyes a treat, don't pass this one up.