Balboa Park Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Balboa Park
Popular places to visit
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.
Alcatraz Island
Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Things to do
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Top hotels in Balboa Park
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
The first time I’ve felt comfortable in a hotel in SF
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Clean room. Considering the age of the hotel, it's in good condition. Staff EXTREMELY courteous, professional and helpful. I will stay again.
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast was amazing and very friendly staff.
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Everything was great. It was clean, modest breakfast but good. Plenty of excellent coffee shops a short walk away. I would stay here again, but not in the sky room. It was cramped for my taste
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
We had a wonderful time and the facility was beautiful. This is a minor issue for most but for me it is Major. The fragrance used in the facility is way too strong, especially near the elevators. I know many people like heavy fragrance and sense but for some of us with allergies it can be torture ...
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Hotel Julian is very nice and offered everything we needed. The front desk lady Angel is really an angel. She is so helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed our stay there. We will definitely come back if we visit SF again.
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Balboa Park
Noe Valley
Appreciated for its churches and architecture, you might consider exploring Noe Valley. Check out the variety of things to see and do like 22nd St Hill, and jump on the metro at Church St & Clipper St Stop or Church St & 24th St Stop to get around the city.
Bernal Heights
Appreciated for its bars and architecture, you might consider exploring Bernal Heights. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Esmeralda Slide Park, and jump on the metro at 30th St & Dolores St Stop or San Jose Ave & Randall St Stop to get around the city.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SOMA Pilipinas is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.
Sunset District
Consider exploring the beaches in Sunset District. If sightseeing is on the list, Ocean Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Judah Street & Sunset Boulevard Station or Judah St & 34th Ave Stop to see more of the area.
Golden Gate
If you're spending time in Golden Gate, check out sights like Blue Heron Lake or San Francisco Botanical Garden and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Irving St & 9th Ave Stop or Irving St & 8th Ave Stop.
Potrero Hill
The live music and architecture are just a few things visitors like about Potrero Hill. San Francisco Bay and Museum of Craft & Design are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at 20th Street Station or 23rd Street Station to get around the larger area.
