Well known as a dreamy romantic city, San Francisco, California, is an elegant place with one of the world’s most marvelous bays. Its residents uphold sophisticated and civilized lifestyles and enjoy music, the arts, and good food. Located on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Franciso Bay, San Francisco is a place with many great land and water features that visitors will surely enjoy seeing, particularly the Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson, Mount Sutro, and the bay.
With classy architecture, complementary trees, and a sunny climate, the steep streets of San Francisco are one of the most famous places in the region to take photographs. Some of the popular activities here include sailing, cruising, visiting museums, romantic dinner dates, and taking tower tours. With so many things to offer, San Francisco is no doubt a favorite among tourists. If you are planning to visit the place anytime soon, here are some of the best places to enjoy your staycation in San Francisco.
Events to put on your calendar
Celebrate Portola neighborhood’s vibrant culture and community spirit at the annual Portola Festival. It showcases local art, music, food, and family-friendly activities from street fairs to live performances, the festival celebrates the diversity and creativity of the neighborhood, offering a memorable experience for all ages.
Discover film culture of San Francisco through its array of annual film festivals that showcase a wide range of genres and styles, attracting filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world. From independent to international films, each festival offers unique screenings and opportunities to explore the art of filmmaking.
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 October 28, 2025.
Explore more staycation options - travel within your comfort zone
If you’re looking for stays more tailored to your every need, here are some of our top recommendations:
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Staycation spots with popular facilities and experiences
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1. Hilton San Francisco Union Square (from USD 518)
Sitting at the heart of downtown San Francisco, the Hilton is near many of the popular tourist spots and business establishments you may want to visit. They offer modern and well-maintained rooms, all of which have their own flat-screen HDTV, an alarm clock with an MP3 player, a coffee machine, and a Peter Thomas Roth bathroom with all the toiletries you’ll need. They also offer a good variety of room choice for you to decide what better suits your current needs.
All guests of the hotel are welcome to enjoy the 2,800 square-foot (260 square-meter) health club and relaxing outdoor whirlpool. With its great location, the American Conservatory Theater, various shops, cafes, restaurants, as well as the San Franciso Museum of Modern Art, are only a few blocks away.
Hilton San Francisco Union Square This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 333 O'Farrell Street
361 meters (0.3 ft) from Union Square
2. Hotel Zephyr San Francisco (from USD 205)
Only 300m (984ft) away from Pier Fisherman’s Wharf, the Hotel Zephyr in San Francisco offers nautical-themed rooms with fishnet-covered light fixtures and porthole-style windows. The hotel features 24-hour reception, a mini market, a fitness center, game room, shared lounge, ticket service, and other fun activities that can be enjoyed on site or in the surrounding area. Every room has a private bathroom that comes with a hairdryer, free toiletries, either a bath or a shower, a fridge, desk, safety deposit box, and free Wi-Fi access.
Choose from a wide variety of room options where you can pick your preferred bed configuration, room space, view, balcony option, and other accessibility options available. If you like nautically-themed hotels or fishing in general, then the Zephyr Hotel is a great option which you will surely appreciate staying at on your vacation.
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 250 Beach Street
2.27 km (1.5 mi) from Union Square
3. San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square (from USD 459)
Great dining options, but expensive and limited breakfast choices; rooftop bar offers spectacular views.
Reasonable value for central location, but beware of hidden fees and high parking charges.
Perfect location for sightseeing, dining, and shopping, but area can be crowded and has some issues with cleanliness.
Modern, clean rooms with excellent views, but additional charges for WiFi and amenities.
Huge, luxurious, and located next to the Moscone Convention Center, the San Francisco Marriot Marquis Union Square is the perfect place for people who would like to enjoy their vacation in style. They feature a huge list of services and facilities that any guest has access to, including a health and wellness facility, cleaning service, business facilities, front desk services, and parking with electric vehicle charging.
There are plenty of room configurations to choose from, such as an Executive Suite good for two people and a Double Room with two double beds, which is a good family option. The building has an on-site convenience store, shared lounge/TV area, air conditioning, heating, VIP room facilities, and family rooms. Some of the popular places near the hotel are the American Conservatory Theater, Westfield San Francisco Center, Union Square, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and Oracle Park.
San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 780 Mission Street
396 meters (0.3 ft) from Union Square
4. Club Donatello (from USD 194)
Italian restaurant, complimentary tea and coffee, but limited breakfast options
Reasonably priced with some hidden charges like parking and security deposit
Centrally located near Union Square, close to public transportation, shopping, and dining options
Spacious rooms, rooftop lounge, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, club lounge with complimentary coffee and tea
A four-star luxury hotel in the middle of San Francisco, Club Donatello offers a fine stay and a good amount of entertainment for visitors. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a 50-inch HD LED TV, a Blu-Ray DVD player, a mini fridge, an in-room safe, and a mini bar. The hotel also has a club, known as Donatello’s Club 1500, located on the top floor of the building and offering panoramic views of the city. It also serves authentic northern Italian cuisine.
All guests of the hotel will have access to a gym, a 24-hour business center, and on-site parking. Club Donatello offers luxury suites with king-sized beds, sofa beds, and a great view of San Francisco. If you are looking for a memorable place to stay on your vacation, then Club Donatello is for sure a great place to stay.
The Donatello Hotel
Address: 501 Post Street
225 meters (0.2 ft) from Union Square
5. Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel (from USD 270)
The Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel is a family-friendly place that features an outdoor pool, as well a 42-inch flat-screen TV in all of the rooms they offer. Guests are welcome to join in the hotel’s tours and gatherings that include an outdoor firepit and wine and bay tours. Breakfast is served in the Sol Breakfast Cafe, while lunch and dinner are at the Link@Sheraton Cafe. If you prefer eating outside the hotel, there are also various cafes and restaurants nearby that offer seafood supplied by the harbor. Near the hotel is the Cannery Shopping Center, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Ghirardelli Square.
Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 2500 Mason Street
2.19 km (1.4 mi) from Union Square
6. Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square (from USD 446)
Just a few steps from Chinatown, the Grand Hyatt Hotel is rated as the best value hotel in San Francisco, as well as one of the top-rated locations in the entirety of San Francisco. Enjoy the spacious, modern rooms with a flat-screen cable TV, phone with MP3/iPod docking capabilities, a mini fridge, coffee machine, and designer bath amenities.
The Grand Hyatt offers a good variety of room options for you to suit your accommodation needs. The hotel serves American cuisine and cocktails available at the OneUP Restaurant and Lounge. Some of the popular places near the hotel are the Montgomery Street BART station, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz Island.
Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 345 Stockton Street
146 meters (480.5 ft) from Union Square
Weekend getaways from San Francisco
If you’d like to get away from the city for a bit instead, there are plenty of incredible spots nearby. Spend your weekend relaxing in any of the destinations below.
7. Healdsburg (from USD 309)
If you want to explore California in style, Healdsburg would be a perfect weekend destination. From redwood forests, world-class wineries, extraordinary dining experiences to lush valleys, delightful views of the Russian River and Lake Sonoma, this place has it all. Located in the neighborhood of Healdsburg Avenue, guests can plan a wonderful stay at the H2hotel featuring a solar-heated creekside pool. Guests can also interact with other visitors by the indoor fireplace in the lounge area or experience a beauty treatment at the on-site spa. Safari West is only 11.9 miles (19.2 km) from here, where you can explore the wildlife preserve and see the cape buffalo, Watusi cattle, antelope, hyenas, zebras and primates. San Francisco can be reached in 1 hour 13 minutes by car from here, covering a distance of about 69.3 miles (111.7 km).
H2hotel
Address: 219 Healdsburg Avenue
99.87 km (62.1 mi) from Union Square
8. Yountville (from USD 450)
Extensive and sumptuous breakfast with a variety of options, including champagne breakfast.
Higher-end pricing reflects prime Yountville location and luxurious amenities.
Ideal location in the heart of Yountville, walking distance to restaurants and wineries.
Spacious rooms, beautiful pool area, fire pits, bocce ball, and complimentary breakfast.
Located near the Napa River and the Mayacamas Mountain, this charming town is the ideal weekend getaway from San Francisco. Yountville is just a 65-minute drive from San Francisco and attracts several people. It is 56.4 miles (90.97 km) away from San Francisco and hosts many exciting events and festivals throughout the year. The lovely town also has several quaint eateries and shops. Visitors planning to stay in this amazing destination can spend a night at the Napa Valley Lodge, where they can take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub after a tiresome day. Guests can spend a day in the Madison Street locality, where they can engage in activities like volleyball, tennis, basketball and bocce.
Napa Valley Lodge
Address: 2230 Madison Street
68.92 km (42.9 mi) from Union Square
9. Gualala (from USD 179)
Limited dining options in the town, no full breakfast provided, but a detailed guide to nearby dining options and a complimentary to-go breakfast bag during COVID times.
Reasonable pricing for a beachfront location, but some guests found it a bit high for the amenities provided.
Conveniently located in the heart of the town, right on the water with easy access to restaurants, shops, and a scenic bluff trail.
Pet-friendly, apartment-style rooms, outdoor seating with ocean view, and a fire pit/barbecue area.
Located in the coastal region of California, this calm and beautiful weekend destination is situated 115 miles (185.48 km) from San Francisco. You can drive down to Gualala from San Francisco in 2 hours 30 minutes. Gualala is replete with giant redwood trees and beaches. The Surf Motel is a beachfront accommodation here, where guests are offered a hot breakfast every morning. If you are in the mood to sit back and relax, head to the sun terrace or enjoy barbecue facilities in the garden area. Guests can take a stroll in the South Highway One neighborhood, where they can enjoy various activities like snorkeling, golfing, kayaking, fishing, diving, whale and seal watching.
Gualala Surf Inn on the ocean bluff
Address: 39170 South Highway One PO Box 695
146.56 km (91.1 mi) from Union Square
10. Napa (from USD 185)
Napa is located along the banks of the Napa River, bustling with upscale lodgings, park and river walks, tasting rooms and celebrity-chef restaurants. Only 49.3 miles (79.5 km) away from San Francisco, you can take a car ride for about an hour to experience the various attractions at this luxurious destination. Andaz Napa - a concept by Hyatt - is a stylish and modern accommodation in the neighborhood of First Street, where guests can relax in the spacious rooms featuring black-out drapes, en-suite bathrooms, white and comfortable bedding, and light grey walls. Napa Valley Opera House is only 400 meters (1312 feet) away from here, where you can enjoy multiple theatrical events. If you are not in the mood to eat dinner at the on-site restaurant, take a short walk to the Morimoto Restaurant offering Japanese cuisine.
Andaz Napa - a concept by Hyatt
Address: 1450 First Street
57.61 km (35.8 mi) from Union Square
11. Cupertino (from USD 335)
Nestled amid the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, this highly-educated city hosts many events and festivals like the Diwali Festival of Lights, Moon Festival, Tournament of Bands and the Cherry Blossom Festival. Guests planning a weekend destination trip from San Francisco can reach here within 45 minutes by car, covering a distance of 43.4 miles (70 km). Hilton Garden Inn Cupertino is a well-furnished rental in North Wolfe Road, featuring a business center, a fitness center and an in-house restaurant serving American cuisine. Families with children can pay a visit to the Great America Theme Park, which is only a 14-minute drive from here. It is an amusement park where you can be a part of the thrill rides, action zone, Celebration Plaza, Planet Snoopy, and many others.
Hilton Garden Inn Cupertino
Address: 10741 North Wolfe Road
61.25 km (38.1 mi) from Union Square
12. Monterey (from USD 119)
Monterey is a notable weekend getaway, located only 115 miles (185.5 km) from San Francisco. You can easily spend a day here and return, as it takes only a 1 hour 50-minute car ride to commute. Monterey has several popular tourist haunts such as the Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located in Foam Street, Cannery Row Inn is a boutique-style hotel with free parking available on the premises for travelers arriving with cars. Del Monte Beach is less than two miles from this rental, where you can unwind.
Cannery Row Inn
Address: 200 Foam Street
138.53 km (86.1 mi) from Union Square
13. Sausalito (from USD 309)
Sausalito is a tourist hotspot in the Marin County region, just 10.3 miles (16.6 km) from San Francisco. Tourism is an integral part of this city and its unique location – it is close to the Golden Gate Bridge – draws thousands of tourists throughout the year. Travelers can take a 21-minute ride from San Francisco to reach the Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa, which is located in the Bridgeway neighborhood. This waterfront property offers a free Wi-Fi connection, which helps you locate nearby hotspots. Alcatraz Island is 3.8 miles (6.2 km) from here, where you can visit to explore the various facilities including – a military prison, a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a federal prison.
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
Address: 801 Bridgeway
10.03 km (6.3 mi) from Union Square
14. Little River (from USD 200)
Little River is a small town located along the coast of Pacific Ocean and at an approximate distance of 152 miles (245.2 km) from San Francisco. If you are traveling by car, it might take a little less than three hours to reach this weekend destination. Guests can opt to enjoy a comfortable stay in the Little River Inn, which is situated in the neighborhood of North Highway 1. Sports lovers can spend some time at the on-site tennis courts or in the golf course, while kids can keep themselves entertained in the games and entertainment rooms. There are multiple restaurants in the locality and you can choose among Wild Fish, Ravens’ Restaurant, Cafe Beaujolais or North Coast Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill restaurants. Sea Glass Museum is a short drive from here, where you can look at the exquisite collection of colored sea glasses.
Little River Inn
Address: 7901 North Highway 1
204.15 km (126.9 mi) from Union Square
15. Sonoma (from USD 983)
Sonoma is a wine county located in the northern fringes of San Francisco. This popular tourist destination is home to many eateries and wineries. Visitors can opt between a cruise trip along the Pacific coastline or enjoy hiking amidst the towering redwoods. MacArthur Place Inn & Spa is a luxurious accommodation in the East MacArthur Street, with an on-site library, massage service center, beautiful gardens and a fine dining restaurant called Saddles Steakhouse. If you are not in the mood to just sit back and relax, take a short walk to reach the Sonoma Plaza, which is a National Historic Landmark. San Francisco is only 44.3 miles (71.45 km) from here, which is just a 56-minute car ride.
MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa
Address: 29 E MacArthur St, Macarthur, Sonoma (CA), United States, 95476
55.38 km (34.5 mi) from Union Square
San Francisco - A city worth your time
San Francisco, California, is a place filled with many marvelous sights, amazing talents, stunning architecture, and festive events. Any person who has the means to visit the place, without any doubt, should visit it. Be inspired, take some time and, most of all, make some amazing memories here!
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