There’s something undeniably magnetic about the City by the Bay. San Francisco enchants visitors with iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. From the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street—the world’s famously crooked street—to Golden Gate Park, Pier 39, the Legion of Honor, Coit Tower, and the historic cable cars, the city offers countless reasons to fall in love. A thriving culinary scene—San Francisco is home to many of California’s Michelin-starred restaurants—along with lively arts and music communities, further cement its reputation as a cultural capital.
Beyond leisure, San Francisco is a premier destination for business, conferences and meetings. According to the San Francisco Travel Association, the city welcomed 23.1 million visitors in 2023, a 5.2 percent increase from the previous year. Hotel room nights linked to Moscone Center conventions rose dramatically in 2023, reflecting renewed demand for in-person events. The city blends historic elegance with contemporary energy: landmark hotels like the InterContinental Mark Hopkins retain classic appeal with venues such as the Top of the Mark and the recently refreshed Peacock Court Ballroom, while an ongoing stream of new openings keeps the skyline and streets lively.
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“There is a revitalization happening in San Francisco right now. Meetings, events and overall tourism are steadily recovering following the pandemic; and new openings of event spaces, restaurants, bars and parks are pushing this revitalization forward,” said Cassandra Costello, executive vice president and chief policy and external affairs officer for SF Travel. The city recently became notable for earning advanced LEED Platinum certifications for both its convention center and airport, underscoring a commitment to sustainability. New cultural and event venues such as the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco and the Conservatory at One Sansome add fresh staging options for gatherings. With roughly 35,000 hotel rooms—more than half within walking distance of Moscone Center—and over 1,000 additional rooms expected to come online this year, San Francisco continues to expand its hospitality capacity. The culinary scene remains dynamic with additions like Z&Y Peking Duck, Il Parco in The Presidio with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay, and Alora along The Embarcadero.
The nine-hole, par-3 Golden Gate Park Golf Course, recognized as America’s first destination municipal short course, recently completed a thoughtful redesign and refreshed its clubhouse to welcome visitors and locals alike.
“San Francisco is the catalyst for universal progress. We are the future-makers who inspire the world to think differently. Businesses, conversations and events here matter because they have an outsized influence on how the world moves forward,” said Wade Rose, president of Advance San Francisco, an organization representing the city’s leading employers.
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SCENIC DRIVES
San Francisco is also an ideal starting point for memorable road trips. Napa Valley sits a little over 50 miles north—take Highway 101 across the Golden Gate Bridge for postcard views, then enjoy world-class wineries, hot-air balloon rides, renowned spas, and unique experiences such as mud baths. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a leisurely three-hour journey paired with a multi-course meal, while bike tours and boutique shopping add active and cultural options.
About 75 miles south, Santa Cruz rewards drivers who follow Highway 1 with dramatic coastal scenery. The route features seaside bluffs, accessible tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and scenic walking along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. Half Moon Bay’s downtown dining scene makes an inviting stop, and landmarks like Pigeon Point Lighthouse offer photogenic detours. Arriving in Santa Cruz, you’ll find a lively boardwalk, beach activities and amusement park attractions—ideal for both day trips and longer explorations.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, San Francisco’s mix of iconic attractions, evolving cultural venues and access to remarkable drives and nearby destinations makes it a compelling and versatile city to experience.