Portola Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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 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!
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.
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.
Alcatraz Island
Home to the world’s most notorious prison, tour this famous landmark to understand why it gained its reputation as such a cold and unforgiving place.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour
Our pick of the best Portola Hotel Deals
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
The eggs were over cooked
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Very good for business trips
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Amenities were great and location was the best. The hotel staff were courteous and the coffee option in the lobby was the best. Everything about this hotel is a flying star.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
We stayed at the Holiday Inn for 4 nights. The location is great - we walked to most places we wanted to see, including catching an evening movie at a theater a few blocks away. The hotel is clean, has an adequate gym, and staff are helpful. Our room had a great view of the city, and had a refrigerator ...
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Everything was great
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
The actual bar at this location was bad, no beer on tap, rooms were clean but felt really old compared to the rest of the building
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Portola
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.
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.
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.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
South Park
Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
Western Addition
Painted Ladies and The Fillmore are top sights in Western Addition, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Duboce Avenue & Noe Street Station or Duboce Ave & Church St Stop to see more sights in the area.
