Portola Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
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.
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 acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Chase Center
Catch an event at Chase Center during your trip to San Francisco. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.
Activities
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Our pick of the best Portola Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Nice hotel
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Great location, very pleasant staff, excellent free breakfast, comfortable beds and very clean. We would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Very nice customer service, hotel location was nice and clean.
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Very clean, nice staff, beautiful hotel and comfortable accomodations. We'll stay here again. 1 block from giants
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Comfort Inn by the Bay
Had an amazing stay! My group of 4 got 1 room for 1 night, parking is simple and much cheaper than surrounding hotels. There’s a lot of coffee spots and restaurants within walking distance. The free breakfast is a huge plus, it was yummy and I loved the window seating with street view. Staff was ...
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Kitchen has no cookware. Nice room tho
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Portola
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.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SF Armory 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.
Mission Bay
While you're in Mission Bay, take in top sights like Chase Center or Lefty O'Doul Bridge, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at UCSF/Chase Center Stop or Mission Rock Station.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
