Balloon Alley San Francisco

Interactive murals

Kathleen from San Francisco

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 o...
""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.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

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$

5

Nov 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

William Stout Books

Architecture & design

"William Stout Books" in SF is a bookstore that specializes in architecture and design books - a true candy store for the serious building porn fan...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Byron

Beach

Dec 6, 2025

San Francisco Brewing Co.

Nice place to relax

Good beer, starters, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts. Where do I start? "San Francisco Brewing Co." on Fisherman's Wharf has it all...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Dec 6, 2025

Kara's Cupcakes

Cupcake bakery to die for

"Kara's Cupcakes" in SF's Marina will soothe your sweet tooth like little else can. You'll want to gobble up everything with a big glass of milk...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Dec 6, 2025

Tunnels in Golden Gate Park

Love in the park

When walking in the Tunnels in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, keep your eyes peeled for the human element residing in the city and its surprises...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Dec 6, 2025

Mrs. Doubtfire House

'90s film gem

The "Mrs. Doubtfire House" in San Francisco is yes, the one from the 1993 movie. It reminds me of my discovery of Robin Williams...

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Dec 6, 2025

Cafe Zoetrope

A director's haven

"Cafe Zoetrope" in San Francisco isn't just in a beautiful building that used to house Francis Ford Coppola's production company; it's a fun place to dine!

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Dec 6, 2025

Devil's Teeth Bakery Company

Devilish eats

"Devil's Teeth Bakery Company" in San Francisco makes the best breakfast sandwiches in town, hands down. It's the simple pleasures that matter!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Dec 6, 2025

Radhaus

German eats

"Radhaus" in San Francisco promises an indulgent experience with German food and German-inspired dishes. This is so much more than a beer garden, however.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Dec 6, 2025

Mollusk Surf Shop

Surfer vibes and fun apparel

"Mollusk Surf Shop" in SF makes you want to wear the threads they sell for the rest of your life. Such relaxed and comfortable style!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Dec 6, 2025

The Sword and the Rose

Metaphysical supply shop

"The Sword and the Rose" in San Francisco is a shop that's out of a fairy tale -- it's really a full-on magic store for all your magical supply needs!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Dec 6, 2025

Toyose

Korean food in a garage

"Toyose" in San Francisco is a Korean restaurant in a garage! Curious yet? It's very intimate and the portions are very generous.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Dec 5, 2025

Papalote Mexican Grill

Toda la familia

"Papalote Mexican Grill" is proof that in San Francisco we take our burritos seriously. As my taste matures, it's become my favorite restaurant for it.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nadine

Johnson

Dec 5, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

San Francisco app Home
San Francisco app Home
San Francisco app Map
San Francisco app Home

Heading to San Francisco?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

158 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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
64
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters