Balloon Alley San Francisco

Interactive murals

Kathleen from San Francisco

""Balloon Alley" (or Umbrella Alley) in San Francisco is easy to miss - come see the interactive Instagrammable murals from up close. Fun place to visit!"

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.

Art & culture

Shopping

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

San Francisco Spotter Kathleen

About me Born on an American Army base in Germany, I came to the states when I was six months old and my parents were stationed back home at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, where I spent my entire childhood. Little did I know that the military lifestyle was going to become what inspired me to become an artist. I have been a photographer for most of my life. Whether I knew it or not is another story. I picked up my first camera at the age of eight and became - much to the chagrin of my strict parents - the family voyeur. Often my dad would tell me that what I was doing was ...

About this spot

757

Balloon Alley:

US$

Website

Social

Sep 19, 2025

Our San Francisco City Guide

Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

Pier Market

Another great one!

"Pier Market" in San Francisco's Pier 39 specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood. You should try the Mixed Grill and the lobster with drawn butter...

Restaurants

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 13, 2025

Blazing Saddles

Bike rental shop

"Blazing Saddles" is the most extensive bike rental establishment in San Francisco. Are YOU ready to bike the bridge? If so, you should come here...

Art & culture

Relaxing

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 13, 2025

Hole in the Wall Coffee

Don’t miss it

"Hole in the Wall Coffee" in San Francisco is in the beautiful neighborhood of Telegraph Hill/North Beach. Its name says it all, really...

Coffee & tea

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 13, 2025

Stow Lake

Paddle the afternoon away

I never hear anyone going to "Stow Lake" in San Francisco, yet it's one of the neatest little nooks in town! Time just seems to slip by there...

Relaxing

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 13, 2025

Tantrum

Darling shop for kids

I can tell you, if I was a child now and went into "Tantrum" in SF, I would freak out with genuine joy! So many playful gifts, books and party supplies!

Shopping

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 13, 2025

Sightglass Coffee

Kick back with quality coffee

"Sightglass Coffee" was one of the first coffee shops I visited in SF and remains one of my favorites. It's a neighborhood spot for friends to connect...

Coffee & tea