On a San Francisco Jeep Tour, Oracle Park is a perfect “wow” stop: skyline views, Bay Bridge angles, and a front-row look at one of the most iconic ballpark settings in the world.

Quick Snapshot

• Known for: San Francisco Giants baseball, McCovey Cove “Splash Hits,” waterfront promenade views
• Location: South Beach / China Basin (near Mission Bay and SoMa)
• Best photo moments: Bay Bridge backdrop, brick arches in right field, McCovey Cove boats on game days
• Jeep Tour vibe: Easy scenic drive-by + photo stop that feels 100% “City by the Bay”

The Many Names of Oracle Park

If you’ve heard locals call it different things, you’re not imagining it. The ballpark has gone through a few name eras:

• Pacific Bell Park (a.k.a. “Pac Bell Park”)
• SBC Park
• AT&T Park
• Oracle Park (since 2019)

McCovey Cove (a.k.a. Baseball’s Most Chaotic Little Bay)

McCovey Cove sits just beyond the right-field wall. When a Giants player hits a home run that lands directly in the water, it’s called a “Splash Hit.” Fans in kayaks and small boats literally race to be the first to grab the ball—because in San Francisco, even home runs come with a side of aquatic sport.

Did You Know?

• McCovey Cove is named for Willie McCovey, the Hall of Fame first baseman and Giants legend.
• First right-handed Splash Hit: Heliot Ramos made history on September 15, 2024 as the first right-handed hitter to splash one into the Cove.
• Pro move: On game days, walk the Portwalk along the Cove before first pitch—boats, buzz, and peak people-watching.

Iconic Ballpark Features to Look For

• The Right-Field Brick Wall + Arches: Classic Oracle Park look—brick, water, and those openings toward the Bay.
• “Triples Alley”: The deep right-center area that’s famous for turning would-be homers into extra-base adventures.
• China Basin Park (across the Cove): A super popular pre- and post-game gathering spot with waterfront views back toward the stadium.

How to Tour Oracle Park (Paid Tours + What You Actually See)

If you like behind-the-scenes stuff (dugouts! field views! trophies!), Oracle Park tours are one of the easiest “big wow” add-ons in San Francisco—no game ticket required for the daily tour.

Daily Public Tour (Behind-the-Scenes)

• Length: About 1 hour 30 minutes
• Typical stops: The field, a Major League dugout, the visitors’ indoor batting cage, the press box, and Giants memorabilia displays
• Prices (listed): Adults $35, Seniors (55+) $30, Kids (3–12) $27.50, Active US Military $30, 36 months & under FREE
• Tour times (listed): 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. daily year-round; additional 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. in summer months and certain holidays (not offered on day games)

Official tour page: Oracle Park Tours (San Francisco Giants)

Pregame Tour + VIP Pregame Tour (Game Day Upgrade)

If you already have game tickets, the pregame options are the “I want maximum baseball vibes” experience—warmups, premium vantage points, and extra access depending on the tour type. These options are typically limited and tied to game schedules, so check the official listing before you plan your day.

How to See a Giants Game for Free (Yes, Really)

Here’s the fun local trick: Oracle Park has a free public viewing area along the right-field side where you can watch part of the game from outside the stadium. It’s not “sit anywhere you want,” but it is a real, legit way to catch live baseball and feel the crowd roar—without buying a ticket.

• What it’s like: Stand-and-watch viewing through the right-field wall/arch area near McCovey Cove.
• Best time to do it: Mid-game when the energy is high and the Cove is buzzing.
• Local etiquette: Be cool, share space, and don’t block the view—everybody’s trying to live their “free baseball” dream.

What You Can See Outside Oracle Park (No Ticket Required)

Even on non-game days, the area around Oracle Park is one of the best waterfront walks in the city. If you want the vibe without committing to a full stadium visit, do this loop.

Must-Do Outside Stops

• Willie Mays Plaza: The main entrance area and a classic “welcome to Oracle Park” photo moment.
• McCovey Cove / Portwalk: Walk the waterline, look back at the ballpark, and watch for kayaks on game days.
• Lefty O’Doul Bridge: The drawbridge next to the stadium—bonus points for snapping a photo with the stadium and water together.
• China Basin Park: Across the Cove, this is a chill place to sit, snack, and look back at the stadium skyline-and-water combo.

Photo Tips (Because This Place Is Weirdly Photogenic)

• Bay Bridge shot: Stand along the waterfront near the Cove and frame the ballpark with the bridge in the background.
• Golden hour rule: Late afternoon light makes the brick and water pop—especially on clear days.
• Game-day energy shot: If there are boats in the Cove, aim for a wide-angle photo that captures the “stadium meets bay” scene.
• Jeep Tour moment: Ask your guide for a quick stop where you can get both ballpark angles and skyline—this area is perfect for “SF in one photo.”

Fun Facts to Drop Casually (Like You Totally Knew This Already)

• Oracle Park opened in 2000 and has been the Giants’ home ballpark ever since.
• It’s famous as a “pitcher’s park”—the deep outfield and bay air can make home runs feel like a personal challenge.
• Home runs into McCovey Cove are tracked as “Splash Hits”—and kayakers treat them like a competitive sport.
• The right-field foul pole is famously close compared with many MLB parks—part of why the Cove is in play at all.
• The ballpark has hosted plenty beyond baseball, including football and major concerts—because San Francisco loves a multi-purpose icon.

Getting Here (It’s Surprisingly Easy)

• Muni Metro + buses: Easy connections from downtown
• Caltrain: Great if you’re coming from the Peninsula/South Bay
• Ferry options: On some days/events, ferries are a fun way to roll in like you’re arriving for a playoff game

Nearby Attractions to Pair with Oracle Park on a Jeep Route

• Mission Bay + Chase Center – Next-door neighbor energy. Giants ballpark views + Warriors arena buzz is the easiest sports double feature in SF.
• South of Market (SoMa) – The quick pivot for skyline, museums, and modern SF grit—perfect if your route is connecting downtown highlights to the waterfront.
• Ferry Building + The Embarcadero – Keep it scenic: waterfront cruise north, snack stops, and that classic “SF bayfront” vibe.
• Dogpatch – Industrial-chic SF with art warehouses and parks—an easy pairing if you want more local flavor near the ballpark.
• Mission District + Murals – Swap sports for color: street art, culture, and some of the best eating in the city.

See Oracle Park on a San Francisco Jeep Tour

Oracle Park is one of those stops that delivers whether there’s a game or not—big Bay views, iconic architecture, and that unmistakable San Francisco waterfront energy. Add it to your private San Francisco Jeep Tour route and we’ll pair it with nearby neighborhoods for the perfect “sports + skyline + Bay breeze” loop.

Want a custom route? Tell us what you’re into—baseball history, waterfront views, hidden neighborhoods, or all of the above—and we’ll build the perfect day.

20 Fun Facts & Did You Know? — Oracle Park & McCovey Cove

• Water-homer magic: Oracle Park is one of the only MLB stadiums where a home run can land in the Bay—those are official “Splash Hits.”
• McCovey Cove’s real name: The water beyond right field is technically China Basin. “McCovey Cove” is the beloved nickname.
• Kayak chaos is real: On game days, kayakers treat Splash Hits like a competitive sport—first grab wins bragging rights.
• Barry Bonds = Splash Hit king: Bonds has more Splash Hits than any other Giant.
• A righty finally did it: On September 15, 2024, Heliot Ramos became the first right-handed Giant to hit a Splash Hit into the Cove.
• Free game viewing exists: You can watch parts of a Giants game from a free public viewing area near the right-field wall—no ticket required.
• That wall height is intentional: The right-field wall is 24 feet tall, a nod to Willie Mays’ #24.
• Locals still call it “Pac Bell”: Oracle Park has had multiple names, but many San Franciscans refuse to stop saying the older ones.
• Pitcher’s park reputation: Deep outfield dimensions + Bay air often make home runs harder here than at many other parks.
• The old-school scoreboard: The out-of-town scoreboard is hand-operated and updated manually during games.
• Triples Alley used to be deeper: Before renovations, it reached 421 feet—one of baseball’s longest outfield stretches.
• Center-field renovations changed the feel: Between late 2019 and mid 2020, the center-field area was updated, bullpens moved, and dimensions adjusted.
• The Coke Bottle “fizzes”: The giant Coca-Cola bottle behind left field lights up and celebrates Giants home runs.
• That giant glove is basically unhittable: The oversized glove is about 501 feet from home plate—no one’s ever homered into it.
• Candlestick lives on: You can find seats from old Candlestick Park displayed near one of the entrances.
• Yes, there were Splash Hit dogs: At one point, trained dogs were used to retrieve home run balls from the water.
• Lefty O’Doul Bridge predates the park: The drawbridge next to the stadium was there long before Oracle Park existed.
• It’s not just for baseball: The stadium has hosted football, soccer, rugby, Monster Jam, Supercross, and major concerts.
• Willie Mays gets the full entrance moment: The statue at the main entrance is framed by 24 palm trees, matching his number.
• No ticket? Still worth it: Plenty of locals come just to walk the waterfront, take photos, and soak up the Bay views around the ballpark.

Perfect conversation starters for your Jeep Tour guide… or for casually impressing friends like you totally knew this already.