The Meeting Planner's Guide to San Francisco's Neighborhoods

One of San Francisco’s hubs for culture, the Civic Center and Hayes Valley neighborhoods are home to renowned museums and theaters, grand public plazas and a variety of distinctive venues and meeting spaces. Attendees will be wowed by the magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture epitomized by City Hall and the War Memorial Opera House on Van Ness Avenue. Along with cultural cachet and convenient proximity to The Moscone Center and Union Square, Civic Center and Hayes Valley also boast several culinary hot spots and exciting retail for attendees to explore.  

Hotels

The LINE SF

The LINE Hotel San Francisco is located just steps away from the Powell Street BART, Muni and Central Subway Station. The hotel has 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space, split between two rooms. Events are catered by Executive Chef Joe Hou.

BEI San Francisco 

The BEI San Francisco is a new modern boutique hotel in Civic Center, and is in very close proximity to Union Square and Market Street. With a brand new roof top terrace and a variety of room selections, this hotel is a great place for a quick and convenient stay. 

Hotel Epik

Hotel Epik on vibrant Polk Street offers a modern-luxe setting that captures San Francisco’s independent spirit. Attendees will appreciate the high-tech amenities and enjoy perusing the local artwork on display, playing vintage games in the 1980s-themed arcade, and grabbing a caffeine fix from the oversized Nespresso machine in the lobby.

San Francisco Proper

The San Francisco Proper in the historic Flatiron building on Market Street has 131 guest rooms and suites, four food and beverage outlets (including 4,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge with a stunning views of the city), a boardroom and meeting rooms.

YOTEL

San Francisco’s YOTEL has large open areas specifically designed for co-working, social gatherings, and relaxing, along with a rooftop terrace with 360 views of the city.

Venues

The Regency Center

Immerse your attendees in the spectacular historic ambience of The Regency Center. This San Francisco landmark includes three separate venues, each with individual architectural characteristics and accompanying rooms, and can host up to 2,000 guests for events ranging from cocktail receptions and product launches to banquets and corporate meetings.

The Hibernia

With its Neoclassical build and prime corner location, The Hibernia sits prominently at the crossroads of the Civic Center neighborhood. This 40,000-square-foot venue is conveniently close to public transit and a number of hotels. The space within is flexible to your needs, able to host up to 1,500 guests. 

The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nationally-recognized facility that offers meeting space that gives back to the community. With rental space proceeds supporting their mission of advocacy for the blind, the Lighthouse's multi-purpose spaces are perfect for presentations and workshops, with views of the city.

Asian Art Museum

With its striking balance of Beaux-Arts opulence and clean, contemporary lines, the regal building that houses the Asian Art Museum is as captivating as the art inside. The Museum can accommodate a wide variety of events within five flexible event spaces, and the robust schedule of special exhibitions provides built-in entertainment.

Dining

Espetus Churrascaria

Espetus Churrascaria gives you the chance to experience the authentic flavors of Brazil and the unique service concept of rodizio (espeto corrido - continuous service). Attendees will have fun choosing from the parade of more than a dozen delectable grilled meats served tableside, as well as appetizers, gourmet salads, and hot side dishes.

Zuni Cafe

Treat attendees to an iconic San Francisco meal at Zuni Café, which has been sticking to what it knows best since 1979: an incredibly well-executed menu of local, sustainable food.

Absinthe

Attendees will get a taste of Hayes Valley and the liveliness of this trendy neighborhood. Serving traditional French Cuisine, the charming Absinthe has been a favorite among locals and visitors since 1998.

The Bird

For a quick and casual lunch between meetings, check out The Bird on Hayes Street. With a short menu, the star of the show is the fried chicken sandwhich.

Things to Do

Hayes Street

Hayes Street is a sunny stretch where attendees can get a taste of the city’s one-of-a-kind, trendy boutiques, including Azil Boutique for handmade jewelry, and Rand and Statler for a collection of upscale pieces.

Polk Street

Running parallel to Van Ness Avenue and catering to a diverse population, Polk Street is one of San Francisco’s oldest shopping districts. It’s packed with interesting galleries, vintage shops and book nooks to browse.

SF Pride Parade

During the last weekend of June, the whole city of San Francisco explodes into a rainbow burst of excitement for Pride. Hundreds of thousands of people line the streets for the annual parade down Market Street, making it the largest LGBTQ celebration in the country. A two-day festival takes place in front of City Hall at Civic Center Plaza. 

SFJAZZ Festival

Also in June, SFJAZZ hosts the San Francisco Jazz Festival. This globally renowned event features more than 40 shows over 13 days at various venues around Hayes Valley, any of which would be an exciting experience for meeting attendees.

While San Francisco's Mission Bay, Dogpatch, and Potrero Hill are very close to one another, these three neighborhoods each have a personality of their own. On the eastern side of the city with easy access to the waterfront, Mission Bay is a trendy location anchored by the Chase Center, the home of the Golden State Warriors. Just south of Mission Bay lies the artsy Dogpatch, which is bordered by picturesque Potrero Hill to the west. Meeting planners can host an array of unconventional events in these unique San Francisco neighborhoods, all of which are well-serviced by Muni and BART.

LUMA Hotel

Right in Mission Bay and across the cove from Oracle Park, LUMA Hotel will give attendees a unique San Francisco experience right on the water. The hotel is well equipped for meeting and groups, providing over 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space across multiple rooms and venues. The hotel also hosts multiple restaurants and a coffee bar that serves Sightglass coffee and food from Craftsman and Wolves.

Hotel VIA

A chic, boutique, SoMa hotel closes to Mission Bay, Hotel VIA will impress your guests with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay from its exclusive Rooftop at VIA, an ideal space for small and intimate parties. Renting the rooftop for your private event will give you access to club and view seating, private cabanas, fire pits, heat lamps, and bars. San Francisco Muni lines stop right across the street, and a short walk will take attendees to the Moscone Convention Center and the Financial District.

Dining

Neighbor Bakehouse

If you and your attendees need a quick coffee or snack break, there’s no better spot than Neighbor Bakehouse. Famous for their everything bagel croissant, their artisan baked goods are just what you will need to put some pep in your step.

The Ramp

The Ramp is a San Francisco classic that sits right on the waterfront, and tends to be sunny more often than not. Serving traditional sea food dishes and colorful cocktails, this spot is one that is sure to be loved by attendees.

Miller and Lux

Located in Thrive City, the center of Warriors' fandom in San Francisco, Miller and Lux is a top-notch steakhouse from celebrity chef Tyler Florence. This elevated experience is perfect for treating your most valuable attendees.

Things to Do and See

Minnesota Street Project

This is a neat spot to purchase collectible artwork from local Bay Area artists. Each purchase supports affordable spaces for artists, art galleries, and arts nonprofits.

Venues

The Masonic

If you're planning a particularly grand affair, consider The Masonic. This gem of mid-century modernist architecture offers more than 74,000 square feet of flexible event space and excellent event support services. Along with being a venue for various musical events, The Masonic offers a unique setting for banquets, receptions, tradeshows, exhibitions and business meetings, accommodating up to 4,000 guests.

Dining

Top of the Mark

Up on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, the legendary Top of the Mark sky lounge is a spectacular setting for a party. Since 1939, the Top of the Mark has entertained dignitaries, movie stars and other celebrities who have traveled far and wide to enjoy a cocktail accompanied by an unbeatable view. Guests can mix, mingle and take in a near 360-degree view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf.

Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar

Looking for something a little more exotic? Take attendees on a trip to paradise at the Fairmont San Francisco's signature restaurant, The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar. This Nob Hill classic has delighted guests with its tropical décor, decadent libations and Polynesian-fusion cuisine since 1945. Guests can feast on a memorable meal while enjoying live entertainment on the floating stage of the restaurant's man-made lagoon.

Parallel 37

At The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, the hotel's flagship restaurant Parallel 37 embraces the vibrancy of San Francisco with a farm-to-table menu and a wine list showcasing Bay Area vintages. For an exclusive party, the restaurant offers a Chef's Table with a multi-course tasting menu, the Private Dining Room for up to 20 guests, or a full restaurant buyout for parties of up to 80 seated/120 standing.

Osso Steakhouse

A superlative steakhouse, Osso offers an expertly curated menu of meats. Accentuated by Art Deco design touches, Osso offers two private rooms to book. The semi-private wine room can seat up to 12 people, while the completely private dining room can accommodate parties from 10 to 60.

Things to Do

Huntington Park

Guests can take a stroll through Huntington Park, where the Huntington mansion once stood. This flowered square was renovated in 1984 and its centerpiece is a copy of Rome’s Fontana delle Tartarughe (Fountain of the Turtles) by Taddeo Landini (1585), gifted by the Crocker family.

Cable Car Museum

One of the most notable features of Nob Hill—and a must-do for attendees—is the cable cars. To learn about their history and how they work, attendees can visit the one-of-a-kind Cable Car Museum, just two blocks downhill from the Fairmont Hotel. The mezzanine gallery is open to the public for free from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, where visitors can observe the improbable machinery that keeps the city’s motor-less museum-pieces in motion.

Grace Cathedral

On California Street is Grace Cathedral, the largest Gothic structure in the West. Of the cathedral’s many splendors, none is more arresting than its cast of the gilded bronze doors created by Lorenzo Ghiberti for the Baptistery in Florence, featuring 10 rectangular reliefs depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

For decades, the Presidio served as a U.S. Army fort before becoming the beautiful national park it is today. The Presidio brings a wealth of options for any meeting planner looking to host smaller groups in San Francisco. What's even better is that all of these locations are within walking distance from each other and are well serviced by the free PresidiGo shuttle. There's no better way to welcome attendees to San Francisco than at one of its most historic landmarks.

Hotels 

Inn at the Presidio

This boutique hotel is at the heart of the Presidio, giving attendees easy access to explore the 1,500-acre park by foot. The Inn at the Presidio's main building has 22 rooms, while its detached Victorian-style home, the Funston House, features four private bedrooms for a more intimate guest experience. The Funston House has a dining room and a living room that can accommodate nearly any business need. The surrounding lush greenery offers a high-end, resort feel in the city.

Lodge at the Presidio

This 42-room boutique hotel is a sister property of the Inn at the Presidio, and offers a contemporary basecamp feel. The Lodge is just steps away from the Presidio's recreational activities and is a prime location to see unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Its calm and quiet atmosphere is an easy escape from the bustling nature of the city, making it a great location to host a meeting.

Venues

Presidio Officers Club

The Presidio Officers Club has been a gathering space since the late 1700s and continues to be top-of-mind for meetings and events of all kinds. This venue offers three unique meeting spaces: the Ortega Ballroom, the Hardie Courtyard, and Moraga Hall. The Ortega Ballroom is a grand second-floor ballroom with sweeping views of the Presidio and San Francisco Bay, accommodating up to 250 guests. Moraga Hall is popular for its Spanish colonial architecture, living room space, and fireplace setting, fitting up to 200 guests. The Hardie Courtyard is perfect if you are looking to host a pre-event gathering or small reception, with a capacity of 47 guests.

Golden Gate Club

Welcome your attendees with picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Presidio forest. Built in 1949, the Golden Gate Club was once the enlisted men's service club. Since then, it has been a popular venue for all kinds of social gatherings and meetings. The Golden Gate Club features a large ballroom with several breakout rooms and a courtyard for outdoor receptions.

Dining

Presidio Social Club

Host your meeting in style at the Presidio Social Club, where modern cuisine and historic charm collide. This vintage military barracks has transformed into an urban eatery, best for casual gatherings and California comfort food. Enjoy the indoor private dining room or get comfortable on the heated outdoor patio, seating anywhere between 40 and 80 guests.

Sessions at the Presidio

This modern gastropub is perfect for company happy hours and session-style beers. Choose between Sessions' Private Dining room (seating up to 24 guests, or 30 standing) or the Skywalker Room (seating 60 guests, or 120 standing). Its floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge will leave a lasting impression of San Francisco's natural beauty. 

Things to Do

Presidio Bowling Center

Who says corporate outings can't involve a game or two? The Presidio Bowling Center has 12 lanes of fun and friendly competition, and a walk-up bar and grill serving over 50 beers, 19 wines by the bottle, and finger foods. You can host an event at the Presidio Bowling Center for up to 200 guests.

Walt Disney Family Museum

This might just be the happiest place in San Francisco for your next corporate reception! Its charming lobbies, theaters, and galleries are surrounded by Walt Disney's amazing collection of awards and honors. Meetings can be customized to include any or all of the event spaces within the museum. Catering is by Wolfgang Puck.

The Clubhouse at the Presidio Golf Course

You don't have to be a member of a country club to enjoy an event on a golf course. The combination of the Presidio Golf Course scenery and its elegant facilities makes The Clubhouse a fantastic venue to host your next meeting or reception. After all, a round of golf is always a great idea.

Presidio Main Post Lawn

The Presidio Main Post Lawn is one of its main draws. Throughout the year there is a variety of activities that take place. You also have the option to rent out several fields surrounding the Main Post lawn to host large outdoor group activities.

Hiking & Biking

Take in the Presidio's natural beauty by foot or by bike. There are numerous Presidio trails to explore. Witness breathtaking views of the Marin headlands. Take your attendees on guided art hike to see the impressive collection of Andy Goldsworthy's outdoor installations, the largest collection of his art on public view in North America. The Presidio's surrounding areas make it easy to merge business and relaxation.

Presidio Tunnel Tops

Opened in the summer of 2022, the Presidio Tunnel Tops is the Presidio’s newest feature and has one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. With playgrounds for children, tables and benches and sprawling lawns, your attendees can relax and wind down at the Tunnel Tops.

Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco and surrounded by world-class restaurants, luxurious hotels, and amazing shopping, Union Square is an excellent neighborhood for meeting and convention attendees to enjoy both work and play. Newly renovated venues are in full supply and promise to usher events and attendees into the future, while well-known local eateries and can’t-miss entertainment continue to provide a taste of the city’s history.

Hotels in Union Square

Hotel Nikko

Hotel Nikko is a luxury hotel with an independent boutique feel, offering 532 guest rooms, 22 suites and 25,000 square feet of meeting space. After a day of networking, your attendees can take advantage of the 10,000-square-foot health club with a workout or relax in the steam rooms and dry saunas.

Beacon Grand Hotel

A reimagined hotel that was once the Sir Francis Drake, the Beacon Grand opened its doors in 2022 and is a paragon of modernity while still celebrating its rich legacy. With a whopping 17,000 square feet of meeting space and a selection of new dining and bar options, including the reimagined Starlight Room, attendees are sure to be impressed by the Beacon Grand.

Hotel G

If you’re looking for a hotel that will make your attendees feel at home, head to Hotel G, where amenities like Samsung Smart TVs, Tivoli clock radios, Mascioni bedding, Nespresso makers and more are in abundance. Located next to San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, Hotel G also provides convenient access to some of the city’s most popular points of interest.

Warwick Hotel

At the Warwick Hotel, located two blocks west of Union Square, old world charm meets modern convenience. The 74 rooms and 16 suites boast original architecture, hand-carved headboards and antique armoires, while also including high-tech amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs.

The Westin St. Francis

Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, The Westin St. Francis in Union Square is the perfect place to host your distinguished event or meeting. Attendees will ride one of five glass elevators to Westin’s Golden Gate Room, which boasts a stunning view and has been called “the most spectacular special event venue in Northern California.”

Grand Hyatt

For one of the best rooftop spaces, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco can’t be beat. The hotel is home to many venues with enough space for events and meetings of all kinds, but its rooftop venue is particularly special. Surrounded by wall-to-wall glass windows, it offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city.

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

One of the largest and most convention-friendly hotels in the neighborhood is the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, offering 130,000 square feet of event space, as well as state-of-the-art sound, lighting and A/V capabilities. Their experienced, on-site Certified Meeting Planners will ensure your event is both memorable and flawless by assisting with guest rooms, dining options and technology services. For a party or happy hour, the Hilton’s 46th-floor Cityscape Bar & Lounge serves signature cocktails, California wines and a selection of small plates set against amazing unobstructed 360-degree views of the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.