A hilly city in Northern California, San Francisco is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. It is famous for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, vibrant Victorian houses, and stunning skyscrapers. The most distinctive high-rise building in the Financial District is the Transamerica Pyramid. Also, you’ll find in the bay the famous Alcatraz Island, which is where the former notorious prison is located. Another exciting thing about San Francisco is each neighborhood here offers exciting and refreshing nightlife. Visitors of this city will also find a number of boutique hotels and hotels near nightlife available after a night of fun. In case you don’t know anything about it, then you have to read on, and discover our list of areas in San Francisco with the best nightlife
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. North Beach (from USD 112)
Reasonable pricing for the excellent location in North Beach area of San Francisco.
Contactless check-in, clean rooms, and easy access to public transportation.
Conveniently located near Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, and various restaurants and cafes.
Numerous dining options nearby, though breakfast service may be limited due to COVID-19.
North Beach is a buzzy neighborhood, adjacent to Chinatown and the financial district, which features Italian heritage. It is famous for being one of the most sought-after areas for partygoers for its thriving and very busy night scene. The streets here are often packed with people going in and out of bars, clubs, pubs, retro restaurants, and more. If you want more of the mature scene, you better go to Broadway for adult-oriented shows. If it’s Italian cuisine you’re after, make your way over to the Columbus Avenue that is dotted with numerous authentic Italian and European restaurants. And, for a more youthful scene, head to the Grant Avenue, home to the bohemian hangouts with live music and laid-back vibe.
Washington Square Inn
Address: 1660 Stockton Street
1.49 km (1.0 mi) from Union Square
2. SoMa (from USD 418)
SoMa or South of Market is the warehouse filled district of San Francisco, where you’ll find numerous museums, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts, which is very famous for its extensive collection of arts from different times. Apart from warehouses and museums, you’ll find lots of dining choices and high-energy nightclubs. One example is the DNA Lounge, where they play a mix of live music and DJ beats that range from pop to punk to rockabilly, and more. Other clubs you shouldn’t miss include the Cat Club, Oasis, Mezzanine, and more.
The St. Regis San Francisco
Address: 125 3rd St
573 meters (0.4 ft) from Union Square
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3. Mission (from USD 275)
Reasonable pricing for a charming B&B in a prime location.
Impeccably clean, unique decor, and a beautiful garden with a wine temple.
Perfectly situated in a charming neighborhood within walking distance to popular attractions, restaurants, and great dining options.
Superb breakfast with a good range of options, including homemade egg and veggie frittata, French toast, and a spread with bread, cheeses, salami, smoked fish, and fruit.
If you’re into arts as well as into partying hard after twilight, then the Mission District is a must-visit area of San Francisco. This neighborhood has Latino roots and feature a hipster vibe, which you can see in its colorful mural-lined streets like in the Clarion Alley. You’ll also find here lots of taquerias, tattoo parlors, and gourmet ice-cream parlors. Aside from those, Mission District also boasts of eclectic live music clubs, craft cocktail lounges, pubs, dive bars, and more. One of the best dive bars you’ll find in San Francisco is here, the 500, with its neon sign, graffiti-filled bathrooms walls, cheap drinks, jukebox, you’ll surely have a wonderful time drinking and appreciating the simplicity of it all. It will also take you back in time for it is home to a few of the last phone booths in the city.
Noe's Nest Bed and Breakfast
Address: 1257 Guerrero street
4.31 km (2.7 mi) from Union Square
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Nob Hill (from USD 521)
Home to the swankiest hotels in San Francisco, Nob Hill features numerous beautiful and charming attractions like the ornate, gothic-styled Cathedral of Grace and the stunning Huntington Park. Aside from beautiful structures, this district also features streets filled with restaurants and nightspots, including the Top of the Mark Lounge, which has an uninterrupted view of the city. Also, you should stop by the Big 4, a luxurious bar in the Scarlet Huntington Hotel, where you can attend late-night music parties. The bar also features green leather seating and dark woodwork, and walls adorned by memorabilia, which will take you back in time.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Address: 600 Stockton at California Street
423 meters (0.3 ft) from Union Square
5. Pacific Heights (from USD 342)
One of the opulent residential enclaves in San Francisco, Pacific Heights feature architecturally significant homes, including the 1886 Haas-Lilienthal house, a great example of Queen Anne style architecture, which is open for public viewing. Other important sites you’ll see here include two grassy hilltop parks, Lafayette and Alta Plaza, and the Lyon Street Stairs, which will give you a 360-degree view of San Francisco. One of the best areas for nightlife here is Fillmore Street, which is a hub of lively bars, restaurants, clubs, and more.
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
Address: 444 Presidio Avenue
3.45 km (2.2 mi) from Union Square
6. Embarcadero (from USD 299)
Reasonable pricing for a prime location near Embarcadero and Ferry Building.
Complimentary wine hour, bike rentals, and access to YMCA lap pool.
Conveniently situated near Chase Center and popular attractions, with easy access to transportation.
Limited but complimentary breakfast, with nearby dining options.
Boasting numerous waterfront attractions, Embarcadero is home to 1898 Ferry building with an iconic clock tower, which is perhaps the major destination for foodies. It features lots of dining options that range from hole-in-the-wall shops to gourmet restaurants, like the Slanted Doors, and farmer’s market. Also, you’ll find lots of ferries that offer tours to Alcatraz Island. As for its night scene, this neighborhood is the best place to have a glass or more of wine. One example is the Barrel, which offers 50 selections of wine and features a speakeasy lounge that is open until late. If you’re looking for more, you should visit the Barbarossa Lounge and the Hidden Vine.
Harbor Court Hotel
Address: 165 Steuart Street
1.44 km (0.9 mi) from Union Square
7. Downtown (from USD 139)
Great value for the location; reasonable pricing for amenities
Spacious rooms; free breakfast and coffee; water dispenser; clean and modern
Central location near Union Square; convenient for shopping and dining; safe area
Complimentary breakfast with variety; nearby dining options; coffee and pastries available
At the heart of San Francisco, the downtown offers numerous sights, delectable food scene, vibrant nightlife, and never-ending shopping options. It is dominated by towering and stunning skyscrapers, which house big companies and local businesses. But apart from having the financial district, it also boasts numerous party venues, rooftop bars, pub, speakeasies, and more. If you’re a fan of upbeat music and love going to dance clubs, then the Union Square is a must-visit spot for you. For live Jazz music, from Mondays to Saturdays nights, there is the Burritt Room + Tavern; and for a complete cabaret experience, you better go to the Feinstein’s at the Nicco.
Inn at Union Square
Address: 440 Post Street
147 meters (481.1 ft) from Union Square
8. Sausalito (from USD 309)
A city in Marin County, Sausalito is located across the Golden Gate Strait and is famous for the Richardson Bay houseboat enclaves, which are built by WWII artist squatters. If this city is stunning in the morning with its bay views, it is equally interesting at night with its numerous party venues, dance clubs, lounges, dive bars, and more. One of the best night spots for singles is the Sausalito SeaHorse, where you can hear live music, including Brazilian music and other styles of music; every night there’s a different genre played. It also has special nights, where you can dance salsa. Additionally, they also conduct dance group classes.
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
Address: 801 Bridgeway
10.03 km (6.3 mi) from Union Square
9. Fisherman's Wharf (from USD 689)
The most touristy area in all of San Francisco, the Fisherman’s Wharf offers never-ending shop of souvenirs, and stalls selling crab and clam chowders, postcards of the bays featuring Alcatraz and the Golden Gate. Also, you’ll find here the Ghirardelli Square, which features boutiques and eateries. The busyness of the place doesn’t stop at the day, it continues throughout the night with its wide selection of night spots to visit, which includes lounges with live music, themed bars, dance club, and late-night eats. Bar hopping is one of the famous activities during the night here, for there are 10 bars within a 15-minute walk. So start your night by visiting either of these three: PIER 39’s secret Tiki bar, Luau Lounge and Gold Dust Lounge, which offers an extensive array of drinks, good food and live music. And finally, end your night with an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe.
Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
Address: 900 N Point Street
2.34 km (1.5 mi) from Union Square
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10. Potrero Hill (from USD 101)
A family-friendly neighborhood in San Francisco, Potrero Hill features a stunning view of the bay and the city skyline. It also features a mix of condos, classic Victorian houses, and sports facilities. If its dining option and nightlife you’re looking for, better visit the eastern edge side of the neighborhood, and be amazed by the hip bars, clubs, lounges, and more, which runs along the waterfront. For the best live music according to the rolling stone magazine, there’s the Bottom of the Hill, which is a quirky bar that offers live music, ranging from pop to punk, rock, and more, plus it also features a modest dance floor. Other nightspots that may interest you include the Mighty, Cafe Cocomo, and Thee Parkside.
Signature San Francisco
Address: 259 7th Street
1.18 km (0.8 mi) from Union Square
No sleeping in San Francisco
San Francisco is one busy city that won’t make you run out of things to do, come daylight or nighttime. In the morning, you’ll be running around visiting famous sites, and in the evening, you’ll be partying until you drop, with its numerous karaoke bars, rooftop lounges, speakeasies, dance club, live music venues, and more. Check out our list of the areas in San Francisco with the best night scenes.
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