Balloon Alley San Francisco
Interactive murals
Depending on who you talk to, this teensy little alleyway can be called Balloon Alley or Umbrella Alley. I nearly missed it walking from Ghirardelli Square to Fishermans Wharf, but it's there, trust me. The overhead entrance is covered by colorful balloons that beckon you in. There are several interactive murals on the walls that are so colorful, you can't help but go up to them and submerge yourself in their artsy-ness. It's a beautiful work in progress.
Some artists involved in creating the murals are Maxfield Bala, Brian Huber, Jeremy Novy, Fnnch, Kate Tova, Yonmeister, Amillionair, GATS, and Luinova. But best (in my opinion) is a group effort called California Dreaming by 12 Bay Area muralists. All of these murals are Instagrammable, and you'll be the talk of your town when you go home and post where you've been. There is also the San Francisco, CA mural by Maxfield Bala, measuring 13 by 18 feet and features the city's most notable landmarks, which include the Golden Gate Bridge, City Hall, Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, the Ferry Building, a Cable Car, the famous Painted Ladies, Lombard Street, and The Palace of Fine Arts as well as many others.
If you want to do a little shopping while you're there, you can visit the swag shop, where you'll find t-shirts, hoodies, and stickers, all with original designs and only available there. It's a fun place to visit.
Go. You know you want to.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Graffiti Murals
Unbelievable
The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Ingleside Terraces Sundial
Largest in the US
The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Church of 8 Wheels
Holy rollers unite!
This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe
Hits the spot!
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
by
Nadine
Johnson
City Arts & Lectures
At the Nourse Theater
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Pug Sunday
Fun for dogs and humans
"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
by
Sasha
Sommer
Tikka Masala
No nonsense, just good food
"Tikka Masala" in San Francisco is the kind of restaurant where you can get food when you're drenched and they're already closed. It never disappoints...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Swensen's Ice Cream
Same corner since '48
"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Heading to San Francisco?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
