A San Francisco Bachelorette Party City Guide to Plan Your Weekend

It should be no surprise that the City by the Bay is the ultimate girls' getaway. For starters, on a San Francisco bachelorette party you will be just a short drive away from Napa Valley and it's amazing wineries and vineyards. And that's just the beginning: You'll also find a waterfront city ripe for exploring, one of the world's top food scenes, and plenty of surprising outdoor places to explore. We've rounded up the top San Francisco bachelorette party ideas, hotels, restaurants and activities so you can organize the best bach bash ever.

San Francisco Bachelorette Party Planning in this Article:

• San Francisco Bachelorette Party Ideas and Themes
• San Francisco Bachelorette Party Itinerary and Activities
• Places to Stay in San Francisco for a Bachelorette Party
• San Francisco Bachelorette Party Nightlife
• Expert San Francisco Travel Tips

San Francisco Bachelorette Party Ideas and Themes

San Francisco is a perfect spot to throw a bachelorette party. Why? This Bay Area city has a ton to offer: An ever-expanding food scene, historic and cinematic landmarks, close distance to wine country, and plenty of nightlife, just to name a few things. Pick the bachelorette party theme that fits your bride best—and don't forget to outfit the bride squad in top-notch gear from The Knot Shop to match your theme.

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For the Wine Lover

Just over an hour from Napa and Sonoma, San Francisco is the perfect spot to station yourself for a weekend that includes a day trip to the beautiful scenery and tastings available in wine country.

For the History Buff

If your bride loves a city rich in history, this is the place for her: Sights abound, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman's Wharf.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

You may not think of the great outdoors when it comes to San Francisco, but the city is the perfect launching spot for day trips to Yosemite, Golden Gate Park, Muir Woods, Giant Sequoias, and plenty of coastal drives to explore. All of this for the daytime, and a city nightlife to come back to!

For the Foodie

San Francisco has long been on the forefront of the food scene, with a robust and authentic Chinatown, 59 Michelin-starred restaurants, including the beloved French Laundry, and tucked away delicious eateries, plus a food truck scene.

San Francisco Bachelorette Party Itinerary and Activities

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There's plenty to do in the city of San Francisco, including quick and easy excursions to the surrounding fun. Here's the ultimate three-day itinerary to help you plan the best San Francisco bachelorette party:

Day 1

Morning: Check in to your hotel or VRBO, then head to Tartine Bakery, a San Francisco staple that serves freshly made breakfast pastries and baked goods on a seasonal menu, alongside coffee, fresh juices, and teas.

Afternoon: Take the afternoon to do a self-guided tour of the city. This should include a walk down the steep and curvy Lombard Street, a cable car ride (perfect for a great selfie snap) and a visit to the legendary Chinatown, where you should sample from delicious restaurants such as Dim Sum Bistro and Z&Y Restaurant. If she's a movie and TV buff, get the bride to the Full House house and the house from Mrs. Doubtfire. Also check out Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and Pier 39 if you can fit it all in. Don't forget a stop at Golden Gate Park where you can take group pics in front of the Golden Gate Bridge (consider booking a professional through Flytographer for the perfect shot).

Evening: Head to the warehouse district for your first night and start with drinks at the Rumpus Room, with classic, innovative, and blended cocktails on the menu. Then it's off to dinner at Lazy Bear, a pop-up turned permanent spot serving communal plates of New American dishes, all seasonally and locally sourced (tickets for dinner are required so book far in advance). Keep things light tonight with drinks at the San Francisco Brewing Co. beer garden if the weather is nice, or go the other way and dance the night away at Audio where you can book table service.

Day 2

Morning: Start the day early with a good breakfast (you'll need the fuel) at Sweet Maple, where you can dine on locally-sourced and organic dishes including Millionaire Bacon, Bay Bottom Omelettes with Dungeness crab, and strawberry Nutella crepes.

Afternoon: Spend the day in Napa and Sonoma on a full-day wine-tasting tour. From the seat of a limo, limo van, or limo bus, you'll see California's beautiful scenery on the hour-and-a-half drive to wine country, plus visit four wineries like the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and Madonna Estate. Plus, your tour includes an olive oil tasting at the Olive Press, and a winery picnic lunch.

Evening: You've had a busy day, so keep things easy for dinner. Farmhouse Kitchen offers great Thai food in a casual setting that's perfect for larger groups. If you're still up for going out, grab cocktails or punchbowls at Pacific Cocktail Haven or Anina, where you can sit in their back patio and sip on elevated cocktails, beer, and wine and enjoy the California mild weather.

Day 3

Morning: Start the day on the Bay, with a two-hour champagne brunch cruise that gives you a great view of the city, live music, and plenty of good food to eat.

Afternoon: You can tour more of the city today, including Haight-Ashbury and Alcatraz Island, or consider pampering your bride and your bachelorette party crew with a spa day. Onsen offers a bathhouse experience, or treat yourself to traditional spa treatments and a relaxing afternoon on the rooftop deck of International Orange day spa.

Evening: It's your last night in the city. Take advantage of the food scene with a dinner at the elegant Octavia, where you can have a private dining experience or share plates of risotto, seared scallops, and mozzarella and asparagus. For your last night out, grab cocktails at Trick Dog, a warehouse turned cocktail bar, or Benjamin Cooper in Union Square, which serves up "adventurous cocktails."

San Francisco Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt

Create some friendly competition by turning your itinerary into a game with a San Francisco scavenger hunt. Distribute a list of activities with points awarded for each completed task and ask participants to provide proof with pictures. Download an editable template to customize the list and include local attractions and sights. Don't forget to give the winner a prize such as a fun souvenir or t-shirt.

Places to Stay in San Francisco for a Bachelorette Party

View from San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf; Photo courtesy of Marriott

San Francisco is easy to navigate, with plenty in walking distance to top hotels, and easy Uber and cab access. You'll have no shortage of places to stay, but always check TripAdvisor for ratings before you book anything. Here are some of our recommendations:

Best San Francisco Bachelorette Party Hotels

There are plenty of other hotels for your San Francisco bachelorette party, depending on your budget and the neighborhood where your crew wants to stay. Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf: Located in San Francisco's historic Fisherman's Wharf, this is a luxe option with easy access to Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island.

Hilton San Francisco Union Square: This sleek hotel is good for a mid-range budget and features a rooftop bar and pool.

Hotel G: Set in a building from 1909, this budget-friendly option is contemporary and has the Benjamin Cooper bar (see above) in its lobby.

Best San Francisco Bachelorette Party Airbnbs & Vrbos

There are plenty of housing options for a San Francisco bachelorette party, so check out the best vacation rental sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure San Francisco hotel day passes on ResortPass.

Modern Luxury Home & Garden/Vrbo

Modern Luxury Home (Richmond District): Located right beside the Presidio of San Francisco and Golden Gate Park, this gorgeous four-bedroom, two-bathroom home can accommodate up to 12 guests. It's conveniently located near all kinds of San Francisco attractions, making it an excellent vantage point for exploring the city and the surrounding area. It's around $340 per night.

Great for Groups (Central San Mateo): This San Francisco VRBO is fabulous for large bachelorette parties of up to 20 guests. It has eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a relaxing backyard and a spacious patio you can use to soak up the sun. Located within walking distance of downtown San Mateo, you'll have easy access to plenty of dining and entertainment. On average, this stay costs around $1,090 per night.

The Beautiful Balmy Alley House (Mission District): If you're planning a smaller bachelorette party in San Francisco, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom home can sleep up to six guests. It's within walking distance from trendy shops, restaurants, parks and other attractions like the Chase Center and Oracle Park. On average, this VRBO costs around $520 per night.

Casablanca Grand Edwardian View Home (City Center): For a truly luxurious and unique San Francisco experience, this beautiful historic home ought to do the trick. For $1,800 per night, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom VRBO can sleep up to eight guests. It's steps away from Golden Gate Park and close to plenty of fab restaurants, museums and shops.

Golden Gate Park from Sophisticated Home (Outer Sunset District): With a beautiful setting, this equally beautiful, light, and airy home can sleep up to 8 and is in walking distance to Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach, and just 20 minutes to downtown.

Spacious and Vibrant Top Floor Home (Glen Park): Sleep up to 10 in this three-bedroom home near Glen Park and close to the public transportation BART system.

The Gateway City to San Francisco (Dale City): Larger groups may have to stay a bit outside the city, but the trade-offs include luxury, renovated houses like this 5-bedroom that can sleep up to 15 in Dale City, just a 20-minute drive into downtown.

San Francisco Bachelorette Party Nightlife

While visiting San Francisco, there are a wide range of restaurants and bars to choose from serving everything from fresh oysters and seafood to tropical cocktails and spiked punch. Here are some of our favorite places to visit while in town.

Best San Francisco Bachelorette Restaurants

Brenda's French Soul Food: Check out Brenda's French Soul Food for everything from po' boys and beignets, to fresh oysters in a variety of ways. You can even get an oyster flight, trying each kind they offer like the Tchoupitoulas oysters with cayenne butter, garlic, and herbs or the Orleans oysters with Blackened Voodoo bbq sauce. Indulge in some southern classics like the Chicken & Andouille Gumbo or the Shrimp & Grits with Spicy Tomato- Bacon Gravy.

State Bird Provisions: The menu at State Bird Provisions is constantly evolving, serving shareable plates. With everything from sourdough-sauerkraut pecorino & ricotta pancakes to rich, duck liver mousse, they have a wide variety of dim sum on the menu.

Sotto Mare: If you're looking for a place to get seafood and classic Italian dishes, Sotto Mare is the perfect spot. They have enticing pasta dishes, in addition to menu items featuring seafood like crab cioppino and fresh chowders.

Best San Francisco Bachelorette Party Bars

Charmaine's Rooftop Bar & Lounge: Charmaine's is the perfect cocktail lounge to celebrate your bachelorette, taking in beautiful views from the rooftop. Sip on a craft cocktail while enjoying the warm summer night outside.

Novela: Spend the evening slowly trying every punch at Novela. They make a variety of spiked punches, with options like the Strawberry Mezcal Punch with aloe vera, grapefruit, strawberry, and lime, the Mango Rum Punch with mango, clementines, lime, and lychee, or the House Punch made with maraschino, grapefruit, lemon, Earl Grey, Dickel Rye, Bushmills, Ardbeg, and Pimm's.

Smuggler's Cove: If the bride is a rum drinker, be sure to visit Smuggler's Cove to get your fill of rum in a variety of cocktails. The nautical bar has a selection of craft cocktails in addition to over 700 different kinds of rum.

Expert San Francisco Travel Tips

There are nonstop 6-6 ½ hour flights to San Francisco from NYC on Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, American, and Alaska and from LA in about an 1 ½ hours with Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, United, and American. Plan to visit San Francisco between September and November if possible for pleasant weather and lighter crowds. The best way to get around San Francisco is by walking or by taking advantage of the public transportation offered like cable cars and buses.