Balboa Park Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Balboa Park
Things to do
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience
Top hotels in Balboa Park
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
"Really great hotel and amenities. The location was perfect for families staying near Pier 39. The hotel did nickel and dime for receiving a package at the hotel ($5 fee). Parking and resort fee was expensive on top of the room rate. They are strict about how many people per room for the breakfast ..."
Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. They made my stay exceptionally enjoyable. I would 10/10 recommend for anyone who’s looking for place that is in the middle of everything! I would definitely rebook again."
Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
"Bay view was excellent. Room was clean and spacious. Bed was very comfortable. It was quiet and we got a good nights sleep."
Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
"Staff was friendly. Breakfast place was way overpriced, but there was good breakfast places in the area. Rooms are tiny and cramped and could here the adjoining rooms talking cause the walls are thin."
Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026
Fairmont San Francisco
"The Fairmont Hotel is an elegant hotel with plenty of history. The Tonga Room was a real treat! The room was comfortable and the staff extremely friendly and welcoming!"
Reviewed on 11 Jul 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
"Clean room"
Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026
Where to stay in Balboa Park
Fisherman's Wharf
Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.
Union Square
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
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.
Nob Hill
Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from SF Masonic Auditorium to Cable Car Museum – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.
