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.
Pier 39
This waterfront location has a mix of thrilling rides and lively street entertainment, but watching the sea lions hanging out in the bay wins the day!
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic bridges in the world, walk the 2.7-kilometre marvel of engineering for the best views over the bay and the ocean beyond, fog permitting.
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 theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Park
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this beloved park in this oasis of calm away from the bustle of the city, yet right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Alcatraz Island
Take a trip to “The Rock”, home to the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned its reputation as a bleak and unforgiving place.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Our pick of the best Portola Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
The property was clean and staff friendly.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Everything was great
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Clean room, free breakfast far exceeded expectations, outdoor heated pool a bonus if traveling with kids, location amazing
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Yes gym was great.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Excellent location, cleanliness, and friendliness.
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Always a great option near the harbor. Affordable, no frills and a decent restaurant
Reviewed on 8 Apr 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. SOMA Pilipinas 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.
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
Alamo Square and Painted Ladies 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.
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.
