The modernization of the Geneva Car Barn. Photo courtesy of Community Arts Stabilization Trust.

The San Francisco Bay Area boasts several hundred historical sites, making it entirely possible to pass by these gems unnoticed while out and about. San Francisco alone has almost 300 (and counting)! These office buildings, places of worship, private homes, and yes, even rail yards like the Geneva Car Barn, played an important role in establishing the area and its growth. Some of these historical sites like the missions reflect on a complicated past, while others demonstrate the power of commerce and the ingenuity of design. We put together a rather eclectic list of places to visit, all BARTable and all worthy of their designation.

San Francisco

The original Mission. Photo courtesy of Mission Dolores.

Mission Dolores | 16th St Mission

Visit Misión San Francisco de Asís, more commonly known as Mission Dolores, and you can bear witness to the oldest building in all of San Francisco, a church still in operation that is also a public museum. Founded in 1776, the Mission’s two main attractions are its Basilica and cemetery, both of which have supported centuries of history on their grounds. Along with being San Francisco’s namesake and oldest structure, it is also the oldest original intact Mission in all of California. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk 9 minutes to 3321 16th St.

Elixir's interior. Photo courtesy of Elixir Saloon.

Elixir Saloon | 16th St Mission

There’s evidence that this historic saloon was serving customers from at least 1858, making it the second-oldest continually operating bar in the city. Its location a block away from Mission Dolores made it a popular spot to convene. The walls of the bar are lined with history and memorabilia, so grab a drink and step back in time. Take BART to 16th St Mission and walk six minutes to 3100 16th St.

San Francisco Historical Society | Montgomery St

Located in the heart of the Financial District, this museum is full of great San Francisco Gold Rush artifacts. The building is also designated by the state and the city as a historical landmark. It was built on the land where the first US Branch Mint of the West operated, prior to the 1906 earthquake. The nonprofit's mission is to honor the city’s history while exploring the present, and walking tours and educational events, in addition to the production of two periodicals, support this. Take BART to Montgomery St and walk nine minutes to 608 Commercial St.

The unassuming exterior of the Morris Building. Photo courtesy of the SF Examiner.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Morris Building | Powell St

This iconic American architect gifted the city one of his architectural gems: a mid-twentieth century brick building with a smaller version of his famous spiral ramp that he designed for New York’s Guggenheim Museum. Wright’s philosophy on design and his pursuit of organic architecture is evident throughout the building, most prominently with the nautilus shell-like skylight. If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, you’ve probably already admired the space. If not, brush up on one of our country’s most famous architects and then visit and be amazed. Take BART to Powell St and walk five minutes to 140 Maiden Lane.

East Bay

The USS Potomac docked at Jack London Square. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

USS Potomac | 12th St/Oakland City Center

Docked at the east end of Jack London Square is the USS Potomac, the retired presidential yacht of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Originally built in 1934 as the coast guard cutter, Electra, it was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1936 and renamed. It was refurbished after severe degradation and redesigned to replicate its look during the FDR era. It is open for dockside tours ($10 per person) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11am-2pm. The yacht is also available for rent for private water tours. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and walk 15 minutes to 540 Water St.

The entrance to the Pardee House. Photo courtesy of the Napa Valley Register.

Pardee House Museum | 12th St/Oakland City Center

Enoch Pardee came to California during the Gold Rush. His findings and fortune allowed him to establish roots in Oakland and build the home that is now used as a museum and event space. He built his legacy on an optometry practice and later became a local and state politician. His son, George Cooper Pardee, became the state’s 21st governor in 1903. The home is the centerpiece of Oakland’s Preservation Park Historic District and is not far from the city’s original City Hall. Book a reservation for tea and take a tour of this historic estate. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and walk seven minutes to 672 11th St.

Flowers bloom at the Shinn House and gardens. Photo courtesy of Michelle R. on Yelp.

Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum | Fremont

Fremont’s historic Victorian Farm Style home and garden is operated by the city of Fremont with support from the Friends of Heirloom Flowers at Shinn Park. It’s a popular place to take a break, explore the grounds and gardens and attend a weekly tour. The home, built in 1876, was owned by James and Lucy Shinn. The garden was one of the first commercial gardens in the state. During the ‘80s a portion of the garden was gifted and dedicated to Koomi George Kato, an influential Fremont resident. Occasionally, the garden club hosts plant sales and volunteer opportunities. Take BART to Fremont and walk 18 minutes to 1251 Peralta Blvd.

Peralta Hacienda Historical House and Museum. Photo courtesy of East Bay Express.

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park | Fruitvale

This six-acre park sits within the vibrant Fruitvale District community. It’s this community that it serves with art and culture exhibits, school-age programming, and outdoor events. The site is considered the birthplace of Oakland, at one time part of the Peralta family estate. The 1870 Italianate Victorian Farmhouse is the focal point of the park and serves as a museum and educational space for Oakland's public schools. Take a tour of the home and learn about the Peralta family and the greater story of land grabs, native Californios, and the annexation of California. Take BART to Fruitvale and walk 22 minutes to 2465 34th St.

Which historic sites are on your bucket list?

We want to hear your recommendations! Let us know on social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay.