San Francisco

Why San Francisco for Your Next Meeting or Event?

San Francisco has the infrastructure to meet every event planner’s needs, here with the Moscone Center being the center of the meetings district. Unique to the City by the Bay is its foundational history, its steep hills that are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, its gorgeous bridges and architecture, and its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.

Waterfront attractions and an extensive culinary and cultural scene give groups plenty to experience between events. From the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to museums, parks and the surrounding wine country, exciting experiences are within easy reach of downtown.

Source a San Francisco Hotel

Transportation in and Around the Area

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): The 13th-busiest airport in the United States is 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco; transfer cost by taxi, $45-$65; by shuttle, $17. Lyft, Uber, Sitbaq and Wingz Airport apps operate here.
• San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK): The area's second airport is about 30 miles from San Francisco. Lyft, Uber, Sitbaq and Wingz Airport apps operate here, and OAK trains depart every 5 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
• BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) fares are based on distance traveled; round-trip from SFO to downtown San Francisco is $22.30 ($11.15 one-way).
• SamTrans Buses: The San Mateo County Transit Agency runs public-transit buses between SFO and downtown San Francisco for $2-$5 one-way

The Moscone Center expansion in 2019 added another 170,000 square feet of flexible meeting space to the venue, and there are hundreds of hotels and meetings venues throughout the city.

Meeting Hotels

• San Francisco Marriott Marquis: Adjacent to the Moscone Center, the Marriott features 1,500 rooms and more than 133,000 square feet of event space, including the 39,621-square-foot Yerba Buena Ballroom.
• The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square: With 1,195 rooms, this property offers more than 52,000 square feet of meeting space across ballrooms, meeting rooms and event venues.
• Hyatt Regency San Francisco: This 821-room hotel has more than 72,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 17,064-square-foot ballroom.
• Grand Hyatt San Francisco: Near Union Square, the 668-room Grand Hyatt has more than 52,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 7,056-square-foot ballroom and spaces on the 36th floor with city views.
• Fairmont San Francisco: At the top of Nob Hill, this 592-room Fairmont features more than 72,000 square feet of meeting space, including an 11,356-square-foot ballroom.
• Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott: With 556 rooms, the Palace features 43,838 square feet of meeting space, including the ornate, glass-domed Garden Court restaurant and an 8,964-square-foot ballroom.
• InterContinental San Francisco: Near Moscone Center, this 556-room property has more than 45,000 square feet of event space, including the 6,800-square-foot Grand Ballroom.
• The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco: Set in a landmark Nob Hill building, the Ritz-Carlton offers 336 guest rooms and 21,116 square feet of meeting space, including a 9,360-square-foot ballroom.
• The St. Regis San Francisco: In the Yerba Buena district, this 260-room hotel offers 22,257 square feet of meeting space, including a 4,640-square-foot ballroom.

• Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive museum at Pier 15 with more than 650 hands-on exhibits, as well as event spaces that overlook San Francisco Bay.
• Cruise the Bay aboard a private catamaran with Adventure Cat Sailing Charters, taking in views of Alcatraz, the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Go on a Whales of The Bay whale watching cruise with the Pacific Whale Foundation, departing from Pier 43 ½ at Fisherman's Wharf. 
• Take a ferry ride to Alcatraz for a tour of the former federal penitentiary, including its historic cell blocks.
• Explore the city’s neighborhoods, such as the Mission, North Beach and Chinatown, with Avital Food Tours, which offers private experiences and team-building options.
• Go behind the scenes at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, on a private tour, including access to areas such as the field and the dugout.
• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach on Let’s Roam’s 2-mile scavenger hunt, where teams uncover local history and landmarks while competing in challenges and trivia.
• Explore the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma with a day trip featuring vineyard visits, tastings and scenic views of Northern California.