Brisbane Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Brisbane showing central business district and a city
Brisbane featuring a city
Brisbane
Brisbane featuring a river or creek and a city
Brisbane which includes a city and central business district

Beautiful outdoor areas and trekking trails are some of the features of this small city that provides easy access to its busy neighbour San Francisco.

Enjoy hiking, sightseeing and other outdoor activities in Brisbane. Just a short drive from San Francisco, this picturesque city has a relaxing small-town atmosphere. Shop for freshly baked goods and organic produce at a farmers market, swim at a community pool and savor a wholesome meal at a local restaurant.

Bordering Brisbane to the west is the 2,400-acre (970-hectare) San Bruno Mountain State Park, which is known for its hiking trails and natural beauty. Follow paths through the park to discover spectacular vistas of the San Francisco skyline and the San FranciscoBay Area.

Visit the Brisbane Community Swim Center to exercise or just splash about in the water. This heated pool hosts swimming lessons and water aerobics too. Also worth exploring is Community Park, a central public space with picnic tables, a pretty gazebo and a playground. Shop for locally harvested honey, olive oils and balsamic vinaigrettes at the weekly farmers market, which is held in the park on Thursday afternoons.

Quarry Road Park is another lovely outdoor area featuring trees and many native plant species. Discover the Crocker Park Recreational Trail, a scenic loop route that stretches for more than 2 miles (4 kilometers) around town. This trail is suitable for cycling, jogging and walking.

Drive to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area from Brisbane in less than 15 minutes. This waterside park is excellent for fishing, windsurfing and bird-watching. Bring a picnic and look for hawks, pelicans and egrets, which can be seen throughout the year.

Brisbane is in the northern part of San Mateo County, about an 8-mile (13-kilometer) drive south of San Francisco. This coastal city is great for visitors looking to find a base outside the larger metropolitan centers of Northern California. Stay in affordable inns, lodges and hotels.

With vast nature areas and near-limitless opportunities for recreational activities, Brisbane is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Where to stay in Brisbane

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Downtown Brisbane

While Downtown Brisbane isn't home to many top sights, Cow Palace and San Bruno Mountain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Downtown Brisbane
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Uptown Brisbane

While Uptown Brisbane may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cow Palace and San Bruno Mountain.

Uptown Brisbane
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,615 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,615
₹13,670 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,309 reviews)
"I liked the secure parking garage. The area felt pretty safe."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,947 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹11,947
₹17,602 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,557 reviews)
Good location
"The location was great, close to Fisherman's Wharf and downtown attractions. Our room was close to the elevator, convenient. Parking was very low (we just fit in a standard SUV). Security was courteous and very attentive. All areas were well kept, very clean. We had to search to find the fitness ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ₹11,615 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹11,615
₹13,671 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,465 reviews)
"Just keep in mind that you have to pay separately the parking per each day"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites

Coral Reef Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,762 reviews)
"Everything could use a fresh paint job otherwise kept up nicely."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Kasa The Addison San Francisco

Kasa The Addison San Francisco

4 out of 5
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, memory foam beds and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Pier 39 and Presidio of ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Great amenities and good location
"The location is great, but very expensive. We like having a kitchen and laundry facility. There is no fan provided, so be prepared in warmer months. The bathroom door is frosted glass and does not reach the ceiling."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Kasa The Addison San Francisco
4Beds Private Unit Near BeachWalk Golf

4Beds Private Unit Near BeachWalk Golf

2 out of 5
159 Clarendon Rd, Pacifica, CA
Stay at this apartment in Pacifica. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Rockaway Beach and Pacifica State Beach are located nearby.
4Beds Private Unit Near BeachWalk Golf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Brisbane

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 17%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 83%
3 - Okay
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Cities near Brisbane