Best San Francisco Staycation Spots: Where To Eat, Drink & Relax

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — It's always fun to vacation in a far-off place, but who says that you can't have just as delightful a time in your very own backyard? After all, San Francisco is filled to the brim with luxurious hotels, historical landmarks and some of the best cuisine on the West Coast.

So instead of shelling out tons of cash to travel the globe, consider strolling around Golden Gate Park or indulging in a delectable Italian dinner at Cotogna in Jackson Square. If it's been a while since you spent a day relaxing at a luxurious spa like Onsen or treated yourself to an overnight stay at an upscale hotel like Hotel Drisco, it's time to change that!

That's why we've rounded up some of the most enticing attractions and destinations that are sure to make your San Francisco staycation a success. Some might be new spots, while others are likely old favorites to revisit.

From rustic farmhouse eateries and tropical oyster bars to luxurious Asian bath houses and chic shopping venues, here's everything to add to your staycation checklist in San Francisco.

Enjoy Some Delectable Dining

Indulging in first-rate cuisine should be a top priority on your staycation to-do list. Luckily, there's no shortage of mouthwatering meals during breakfast, lunch and dinner in San Francisco. From brunching at cozy, comfort-food restaurant Plow to enjoying premium sushi at Kusakabe, your appetites will not be disappointed. And if you're hoping for a sweet treat, look no further than b. patisserie's scrumptious pastries.

Plow — farm-to-table brunch spot serving comfort food in a friendly, rustic atmosphere

Cotogna — popular eatery serving rustic Italian cuisine, such as spit-roasted or grilled meats and fish, wood-oven pizzas and house-made pastas, located in Jackson Square

Kusakabe — high end sushi restaurant in a zen space, serving sushi, sake, wine and beer

Rich Table — farmhouse-inspired restaurant with an open kitchen, serving Californian fare from local ingredients, located in Hayes Valley

Californios — Mexican restaurant located in San Francisco's Mission District with inventive tasting menus and small-batch wines served in a cozy, luxe interior

Octavia — elegant Hayes Valley establishment with a refined, intimate ambiance offering exquisite American dishes

b. patisserie — refined, modern space serving Parisian and Viennese-style pastries, sandwiches and coffee

Indulge In Crafty Cocktails

Whether you're looking for a nightcap or a night out, there are plenty of good times to be had in San Francisco. Check out Interval, the laid-back, sophisticated Fort Mason bar, or Pacific Cocktail Haven, the lively neighborhood cocktail spot offering tropical libations served in punch bowls.

Interval — eccentric watering hole located in Fort Mason with a library-esque vibe that doubles as a cafe and event space during the day

Trick Dog — trendy hangout spot offering an array of inventive cocktails and eclectic small plates

El Techo de Lolinda — vibrant restaurant with a rooftop patio serving Latin American street food and cocktails, located in the Mission District

Leo's Oyster Bar — glamorous seafood and oyster bar with a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge located in the Financial District

Pacific Cocktail Haven — lively Union Square neighborhood bar offering elevated cocktails, punch bowls, beer and wine

Explore The Wonders Of San Francisco

The Bay Area encompasses a thriving bounty of arts, culture and nature spaces that will excite you no matter how long you've lived here! Get lost in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, have a picnic in San Francisco's treasured Golden Gate Park or hop on a cruise and visit the notorious Alcatraz Island. Whatever you choose, you're in for a treat.

Golden Gate Park — one of San Francisco’s greatest treasures where you'll discover gardens, playgrounds, lakes, picnic groves, trails and monuments, as well as cultural events and activities

The San Francisco Ballet — one of the country’s most prestigious schools of ballet with its own orchestra, offering classical, contemporary, artistic, etc. shows and theatrical productions

de Young Museum — fine arts museum located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park that integrates art, architecture and the natural landscape

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — modern art museum and thriving cultural center housing a remarkable collection of painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, and media arts

Alcatraz Island — former Civil War fort, military prison and notorious federal penitentiary, now open to the public with ferry rides, boat cruises and daily tours

Fisherman's Wharf — neighborhood and popular tourist attraction that encompasses the northern waterfront area of San Francisco. Known for its souvenir shops, stalls selling crab and clam chowder and colony of sea lions

California Academy of Sciences — research institute, aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural museum of history, located in Golden Gate Park.

The Exploratorium — public learning laboratory that explores the world through science, art and human perception.

Treat Yourself To A 5-Star Stay

One way to kick your staycation up a notch is by booking a room in one of the city's most luxurious and sophisticated hotels. Whether you step back in time and choose the elegant Taj Campton Place Hotel, or you're looking for a hilltop hideaway like the luxurious Hotel Drisco, these first-class experiences will certainly be worth your while.

San Francisco Proper Hotel — luxury boutique hotel in the Mid–Market district with city views, a refined restaurant, a chic rooftop lounge, a fitness room and meeting spaces.

Palace Hotel — turn-of-the-century hotel located in the Financial District with several restaurants, bars, amenities and nearby attractions

Taj Campton Place Hotel — prominent landmark hotel dating from the early 1900s located in Union Square within walking distance of several Bay Area attractions

Hotel Drisco — upscale hotel, hilltop hideaway in the Pacific Heights neighborhood with welcoming atmosphere and included amenities

The InterContinental San Francisco — elegant hotel located in Nob Hill with farm-to-table dining and a 19th-floor lounge

Shop 'Til You Drop

What's a staycation without a little retail therapy? You deserve to treat yourself, and San Francisco has plenty of boutiques, markets and shopping districts for your shopping pleasure. Head to Fillmore Street for a day of high end shopping and dining, or stop by The Human Condition, a lifestyle shop selling all things chic and stylish.

The Human Condition — lifestyle shop selling home goods, home fragrance, self-care, jewelry and more, located in the Mission District.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market — certified farmers market selling fresh farm products, and artisan and prepared foods.

Union Square Shopping District— famed hub for luxury retail, dining and nightlife.

Fillmore Street— street filled with boutiques featuring chic California styles, as well as high-end cafes and restaurants.

Indulge And Relax

Relaxing is the most important part of your staycation, and there are plenty of spots to get pampered in San Francisco. Head to Onsen where you can unwind with a massage and take a dip in their communal bath house before grabbing a traditional Japanese meal while you're there. Or, treat yourself to a facial or manicure at Parisienne-themed Burke Williams.

Onsen — Japanese-inspired communal bath house with massage and acupuncture services, as well as sake, tea and traditional Japanese cuisine

Nob Hill Spa — tranquil retreat at the Huntington Hotel offering personalized service, rejuvenating treatments and captivating San Francisco skyline views

Remede Spa — modern spa offering timeless luxury and treatments with indoor saltwater infinity pool, relaxation lounges, cedar wood saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms and relaxing whirlpools.

Kabuki Springs & Spa — relaxed day spa that offers standard and Asian treatments, as well as Japanese-style communal baths

Burke Williams — “Parisienne Fantasy” themed spa located in the Westfield Shopping Centre with luxurious massage rooms, facial rooms, nail care chairs and a world famous wet room