Balboa Park Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Balboa Park
Popular places to visit
Golden Gate Bridge
This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers all the fun of a traditional pier with rides, street performances and entertainment courtesy of a colony of resident sea lions!
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 shops in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Park
This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Lombard Street
Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.
Activities
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Our pick of the best Balboa Park Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Fast, easy check in. Very convenient having a restaurant located inside the hotel
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
The room and hotel was clean. The staff was friendly. The hotel was a great location. Couldn’t ask for anything else.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Fairmont San Francisco
There was noise from both other rooms and hotel personal working at the corridors. Also, waiting at Laurel Court as a hotel restaurant because of a lot of people visiting the hotel really doesn’t make sense. Room TV is small and very old for long stays. Thank you.
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
I had an amazing stay here. The hotel is super quiet and peaceful, which made it really relaxing. The views by the water are absolutely beautiful — perfect for morning walks or just enjoying the scenery. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the overall vibe was calm and refreshing. If you’re ...
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
All
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Balboa Park
Excelsior
Though Excelsior may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cow Palace and San Bruno Mountain State 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. 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.
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.
Balboa Park Travel Guide
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