Balboa Park Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Balboa Park
Popular places to visit
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
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.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
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 fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Things to do
San Francisco: Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco: Flyer Theater, 7D Ride & Laser Maze Combo
Yosemite National Park Valley Highlights Tour
Top hotels in Balboa Park
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Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025
Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025
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.
Castro District
Castro District is a destination travellers like for its bars, and you might hop aboard the metro at 17th St & Castro St Stop or Castro Station to explore sights like Castro Street.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. San Francisco Public Library 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.
Outer Sunset
When in Outer Sunset and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Ocean Beach or San Francisco Botanical Garden and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Judah St & 34th Ave Stop or Judah Street & Sunset Boulevard Station.
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 San Francisco Botanical Garden or Japanese Tea Garden and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Irving St & 9th Ave Stop or Irving St & 8th Ave Stop.