The Business Traveler’s Guide to San Francisco

With so many industries and companies making San Francisco their headquarters, this city is a popular destination for business meetings. That's good news for executives who want plenty to do, eat and see with (or without) clients when work is over. Enjoy the relaxed northern California vibes when traveling for business with these insider tips.

Stay in the Heart of the City

San Francisco offers plenty of unique, luxurious hotels for business travelers who expect the best amenities and the most convenient locations. Check out some of these top spots in the heart of the city that provide an excellent night's sleep and easy access to the city's best attractions.

Fairmont San Francisco

Situated at the top of Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco is one of the top luxury hotels in the city – and the country. With its grand lobby, tastefully historic décor and close proximity to Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf, the hotel never disappoints.

Hotel Nikko

With fine dining, an expansive health club and a glass-enclosed pool, Hotel Nikko has everything you need to enjoy the city between meetings. Just steps from Union Square, it offers signature Subarashii Yume pillow-top mattresses, which means ‘great dreams’" in Japanese.
 

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Thanks to a $16 million renovation, Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf boasts a beautiful, modern design and is only a short walk from some of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Grab a bite in Little Italy or take the cable car from this luxury boutique hotel for a night out.
 

Get Around with Ease

When visiting San Francisco on business, it's smart to rent a car during your stay. The cable cars are fun, but the hills make the trip a little slow. When you have your own vehicle, you can drive anywhere you want, including Lombard Street, the most crooked street in America with eight hairpin turns in one block.

Rent a Car

Hertz offers numerous locations to rent a car while staying in San Francisco, making it easy to get around. You can pick up your car at San Francisco International Airport, the JW Marriott, the Fairmont San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, the Westin St. Francis Hotel and many other locations. 

Ride the Cable Car

For a novel city excursion on an afternoon off, hop on one of the three cable car lines that traverse San Francisco's Downtown area. Check a map to see where you're headed and have small bills ready to pay the conductor.

Say Yes to a Working Lunch

One thing California is known for is its fresh, healthy and inspired cuisine – and San Francisco's restaurants certainly don't disappoint. Get to know your clients better over lunch at one of the city's tastiest spots.

Kokkari Estiatorio

It can be challenging to get dinner reservations for this upscale, authentic Greek restaurant, so if you can’t get one in advance, try their lunch menu instead. Kokkari Estiatorio is known for its Greek salads, sweet lamb, grilled octopus and stuffed calamari, as well as its philosophy of philoxenia, which is the art of making a stranger a friend. Sounds like a good plan for your business too.
 

Hog Island Oyster Company

Located in the Ferry Building Marketplace, Hog Island Oyster Company is often busy and doesn't take reservations, but the line moves quickly and it's always worth the wait. Try the oysters from their private farm, located not far from the city.

Brenda's French Soul Food

For something different, swing by Brenda's French Soul Food for a po'boy, bowl of gumbo or a muffuletta. The vibe is spicy, easygoing and fun, which is sure to add a colorful experience your clients won't forget. Be sure to mention the watermelon pickles when you follow up the next day.

Enjoy Fine Dining

Splurge after a day of hard work with some of the finest dining you can find in the nation. San Francisco is a food lover's paradise and a great place to let your hair down after a long day of meetings. Consider these memorable spots for mouthwatering meetings.

Saison

If you love your entrée cooked over an open wood fire, Saison is the place for you. With no set menu, the only limitation to your meal is your (and the chef's) imagination. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as tables fill up fast.

Benu

If money is no object, Benu's tasting menu is worth it for an amazing culinary experience. Plan on spending three hours enjoying a sampling of seafood, vegetables, meats and sweets. If you've enjoyed the tasting menu before, don't worry – the restaurant will gladly plan a new menu for you.

Firefly

Sustainability and health are priorities at Firefly Restaurant, located in the Noe Valley. Vegetarians can enjoy options such as cauliflower flatbread and fried green tomatoes, while meat lovers can indulge in fried chicken or red chili braised beef short ribs.

Find After-Hours Fun

When the meetings finally come to an end, you can find endless things to fill up your days and nights in San Francisco. Whether you love the outdoors or unique shops, you won't be bored.
 

Muir Woods

If you haven't taken a walk through a redwood forest, you're in for a treat with Muir Woods. This old-growth park has been federally protected since 1908, and you can choose between an easy stroll or challenging hike. Be sure to reserve a parking space or shuttle service in advance of your arrival.

Savor the Bay Bridge Lights

Taking a walk along the Embarcadero is a great way to enjoy the beautiful nighttime vista of the Bay Lights of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. You can even climb the Hill's Coit Tower for a bird's eye view.

Experience Alcatraz at Night

Think the island prison is creepy during the day? Imagine hearing the echoes at night. Take a cruise to Alcatraz to tour the old prison after the sun sets – it may help remind you that your office isn't so bad after all.

There's a reason so many business leaders head to San Francisco. Get inspiration to maximize your business trip by visiting our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram today.