Brisbane

Travel Guide

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

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 savour 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 Centre 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 kilometres) 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-kilometre) drive south of San Francisco. This coastal city is great for visitors looking to find a base outside the larger metropolitan centres 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is €95 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€95
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,012 reviews)
"Easy check in, a little out dated but was a good stay. They have a restaurant bar which is very convenient"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is €128 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€128
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,623 reviews)
"vfgfvf"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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 €175 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€175
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,669 reviews)
"Loved the breakfast and great location."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,782 reviews)
"It was old and could use some fresh paint and carpets"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom

San Francisco
Stay at this guesthouse in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Oracle Park and Pier 39 are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
"Pretty typically for the city....main thing was it is clean, safe and close to Chinatown!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Oceanfront Beauty with views from every room

Oceanfront Beauty with views from every room

Stinson Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Stinson Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Muir Woods National Monument ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"Beachfront convenience. Comfortable and clean and kitchen was well-stocked. Property management was responsive to any questions."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Oceanfront Beauty with views from every room
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

Things to do