The Complete San Francisco Bachelor Party Guide and Itinerary

San Francisco may be known as the tech capital of the world, but this city offers much more than solely Silicon Valley. The Northern California city is a foodie paradise (and an easy drive away from Napa's wine country). A bustling tech town with a lively nightlife scene, the West Coast destination offers plenty to see from historic sites to waterfront views. Here's exactly what to do during a group getaway during a San Francisco bachelor party.

San Francisco Bachelor Party Planning in This Article:

• What Are Some San Francisco Bachelor Party Ideas?
• What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in San Francisco?
• Where Should I Stay in San Francisco for a Bachelor Party?
• San Francisco Bachelor Party Nightlife
• Expert San Francisco Travel Tips

What Are Some San Francisco Bachelor Party Ideas?

The Bay Area is a great place to explore for a bachelor party weekend. San Francisco not only boasts gorgeous weather almost every time of year, but it also has a ton to see and do for every type of groom.

For the Foodies

Whether you're seeking authentic flavors in San Francisco's iconic Chinatown, farm-to-table seasonal fare, Michelin-starred restaurants (there are a whopping 50 in the city!), or killer tacos from a food truck, this city has a bite for everyone. And let's not forget the growing craft brewery scene, as well as its location just a short drive to Napa Valley.

For the History Buff

You wouldn't have to go far to find some of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and its eponymous old prison, and Fisherman's Wharf right on the Bay.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

Sure, San Francisco is a city of glass and steel, but it also can boast some of the best outdoor retreats in the country, both ni and right outside the city: Consider Yosemite and Golden Gate Parks, as well as Muir Woods and Giant Sequoias, all of which are just a short day trip away.

What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in San Francisco?

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Make the most of a San Francisco bachelor party with our ultimate itinerary for the perfect three-day weekend that gets in a little of everything!

Day 1

Morning: This weekend should start with a breakfast at Sweet Maple, where locally sourced ingredients make up the ingredients of tasty dishes including Millionaire Bacon, Bay Bottom Omelettes with Dungeness crab, and strawberry Nutella crepes.

Afternoon: Get your bearings with a tour of San Francisco on the water. Bass Tub offers a super affordable, one-hour long tour of some of the best sites on a cruise along the Bay (note: they also offer deep sea fishing charters from San Fran, if that's more your speed). Along the cruise, you'll see Alcatraz, the historic ships of Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Point, Crissy Fields, and the Golden Gate Bridge, among other sites. Grab lunch afterward at Tacolicious where you'll find good bites and a happy hour that starts at 3 p.m. and includes $10 margaritas and plenty of crispy tacos.

Evening: After cleaning up, keep happy hour going at the Top of the Mark located on the 19th floor of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. The iconic spot offers amazing skyline views, a robust martini menu, and eight decades of history. Then you're off to dinner at House of Prime Rib, whose name basically says it all. This is a carnivore's kind of meal. Afterward, head to the Hi-Lo Club for cocktails and craft beers on your first night on the town.

Day 2

Morning: Start the day with an iconic San Francisco experience: A dim sum brunch! At Yank Sing, you'll find both traditional and contemporary dim sum dishes, including Mandarin dumplings, rice noodle soup with BBQ pork, steamed BBQ pork buns, and so much more.

Afternoon: Today, get a taste of San Francisco's craft brew scene on a Craft Beer Tour. This walking tour takes you to three breweries over the course of four hours, with tastings at each and a tour of some of the breweries. Upgrade your tour to include lunch at one of the breweries, and if you want, add a wine spot to the venue list.

Evening: Dinner tonight is a fun one. At Urban Putt your meal comes with a side of… mini golf! Menu items include everything from chicken and waffle skewers to crispy chicken sandwiches and thin-crust pizza, but the real thrill is the 14-hole high-tech mini golf course (and the bar, of course). Afterward, keep the party going with Temple Nightclub, a multi-level complex with live DJs, dancing, and Vegas-style bottle service and tables on offer.

Day 3

Morning: Today starts with brunch at Bacon Bacon in Ashbury Heights. As you might guess, the menu revolves around bacon, with dishes like The Breakfast Bowl, made with scrambled eggs, pulled pork, chopped bacon, cheddar, and avocado, or the Frederick, and English muffin sandwich loaded with maple bacon pork sausage, cheddar cheese, fried eggs, and, well, bacon.

Afternoon: Take advantage of the day to explore spots you've yet to see in San Francisco. This can include a visit to the lively Mission District, a foodie crawl in Chinatown, or a tour of Alcatraz Island. Or, consider getting outside with a visit to Golden Gate Park, where you'll find hiking trails and awesome views of the city's skyline. A great spot for lunch or happy hour is at Anina, which offers cocktails, draft beers, and punch bowls along with a small food menu of empanadas.

Evening: Grab dinner tonight at 25 Lusk, and snag a table on the rooftop if you can for views as epic as the menu. This celebrity-favorite spot offers bar bites like Bavarian-style pretzel bites, woodfired pizzas, and bratwurst on a pretzel bun, along with more upscale options like ahi tuna tartare and smoked rabbit stuffed shells. Don't forget to check out the extensive drink menu.

After dinner on the roof, head to Pacific Cocktail Haven for craft cocktails or the speakeasy Bourbon and Branch. Or make your way to The Occidental Cigar Club, where you can enjoy spirits, wine, and beer with a good cigar. A great way to end your weekend.

Where Should I Stay in San Francisco for a Bachelor Party?

VRBO

While you can easily walk specific neighborhoods of San Francisco, the city itself can be spread out if you're planning to visit some of the outskirts, but Ubers are reliable here. Just be warned: San Fran is an expensive city, and your stay will cost you a good portion of your bachelor party budget.

Best San Francisco Bachelor Hotels

The InterContinental San Francisco: Ideal for those looking for a downtown option, this InterConinental property comes with a spa (if treatments are more your thing), an acclaimed restaurant, and a downtown location.

San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf: This option is another upscale choice for those who want to be downtown. Located on the historic Fisherman's Wharf, you'll have easy access to water taxis, boat tours, Pier 39, and Alcatraz Island.

The Hilton San Francisco Financial District: The Hilton in SF is a more affordable option that offers modern rooms, a rooftop with city views, and a convenient location.

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.

Best San Francisco Bachelor Party Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a San Francisco bachelor party, so check out TripAdvisor, VRBO, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hopper Homes. Pro tip: 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.

Triple-Unit Property in Knob Hill: Options can be limited for larger groups who want to stay downtown. If, however, you have the right budget, this Knob Hill rental makes sense for parties of up to 12.

North Beach Apartment: This rental is a good option for small groups (up to six) within walking distance of some sights. The apartment also has a rooftop deck with a fire pit for taking in the city and enjoying drinks at home.

Modern Home: If the group is fine with being placed beyond the downtown area, this rental is located just 15 minutes from Mission, downtown, and Union Square. With eight bedrooms that can sleep up to 15, this large group house is perfect for space and location.

San Francisco Bachelor Party Nightlife

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America's capital of Chinese cuisine, bachelors will feast on dumplings, noodles, and rice rolls all over town, and there's plenty of American and international fare to keep the rest happy. As for drinks, San Frans's all-inclusive watering holes span beer gardens, rooftop terraces, and dive bars.

Best San Francisco Bachelor Restaurants

Empress by Boon: If you're looking to score a table at the hottest restaurant of the moment, then Empress by Boon is your shining trophy. The upscale Cantonese restaurant is helmed by Malaysian-born, Michelin-starred Chef Hoo Chee Boon, opening in 2021 to critical acclaim. A fair prix fixe menu is available at $98 per person (with optional wine pairing add-on), ready to take the boys on an unforgettable journey of scallop caviar rolls and soft shell crab.

Eclipse Kitchen & Bar: Eclipse is perfect for a group of lads who want the comfort of trusted American classics, in an elevated California-chic boudoir. You'll find staples here like steaks, burgers, and clam chowder on the menu, plus international comforts like vegetable curries and fish tacos. Situated within the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, a full bar and big sofas mean plenty of space to gather around for toasts before or after the main meal.

Palette Tea House: Because San Francisco cooks up some of the best Asian cuisines in the nation, y'all are wise to skip traditional brunch and do the Chinese version instead. This Fisherman's Wharf dim sum house steams parceled treats for the ultimate feast. If wagyu beef potstickers, jumbo scallop siu mai, and lobster dumplings sound good to you, those tastebuds will do cartwheels.

Best San Francisco Bachelor Party Bars

Fort Point Beer: One for a casual afternoon in California's breezy sunshine, Four Point Beer's Ferry Building location has a quaint beer garden designed for hours-long enjoyment and passer-by-watching. Settle on a fresh draft and simply perch out by the arches with your chill crew. You can also get packs to go.

Charmaine's: Perhaps you all came to SF to dress up? If so, then the rooftop at Charmaine's is the place to be seen in your best gear. This bar atop the Proper Hotel mixes European-style seduction with a laid-back California vibe. As for drinks, their cocktails are not to be missed: our favorite is the Mr. Mistoffeles made with bourbon, Martini Ambrato, and dubonnet.

Jolene's: Named after its co-owner, rather than the Dolly Parton man-pinching minx, Jolene turns up the party in a laid-back style. Come as you are, whoever you are in this colorful and eclectic queer bar that's awash with live bands, drag, burlesque, and more, most nights of the week. But no matter what day it is, know that the dancefloor is simply irresistible.

Expert San Francisco Travel Tips

For bachelors not driving from nearby West Coast cities, San Francisco International Airport is the point of disembarkment. The best way to get into the city is via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), which takes around 30 minutes. There is no need for a car, as public transit is excellent in town, whether bus, ferry, train, or the famous San Francisco cable car. The weather in NoCal is pretty pleasant year-round, but the best time to visit is in spring and fall when you'll take advantage of better prices. Remember California has strict liquor laws and most close around 2 a.m., so don't start the party too late.

—Allyson Johnson contributed to this article.