San Francisco, affectionately dubbed ‘The Golden City’ and ‘The Paris of the West’, is one of the world's richest cultural and commercial hubs – making it perfect for corporate events.  Read on for the top corporate retreat locations near San Francisco.

When planning your corporate retreat, the destination is naturally one of the first decisions you’ll have to make. While it’s an exciting task, it can also feel pretty daunting, as you really want to find a destination that will inspire and is convenient to travel to– but is also fun to explore and bond with coworkers. 

That's why our team at Moniker loves San Francisco as a meeting and retreat destination. This vibrant city boasts an innovative corporate scene, world-class restaurants and museums, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you want to go kayaking in the bay, participate in a team-building challenge at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, or simply enjoy a team dinner in one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants, San Francisco has something to offer everyone. 

Plus, it’s home to some pretty incredible hotels. Today we’re sharing 10 tried-and-true corporate retreat locations near San Francisco to give you a bit of inspiration as you start planning.

Corporate Retreat Locations Near San Francisco

Another major perk of hosting your company retreat near San Francisco, though, is the sheer number of options in the Bay Area. With nine counties and 101 different cities, it’s easy to escape city life to a serene retreat teeming with inspiration.

Hayes Mansion | San Jose

Stylish, modern, with just the right dose of charm, Hayes Mansion in San Jose is a quintessential California estate. It’s a hidden gem that’s just about 45 minutes south of San Francisco. Enveloped by lush gardens and towering palm trees, the estate makes you feel worlds away from the tech rush of Silicon Valley - even though you’re right in the heart of it. 

While the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, when you step into one of the newly renovated guestrooms, you’re steeped in mid-century modern accents and luxury amenities. Favorite features of the hotel include the outdoor courtyard, complete with twinkling lights and firepits for evening group bonding that leads directly to their exquisitely designed on-site restaurant. 

Property Features: 

• 214 guest rooms, including 24 classic suites
• On-site restaurant and lounge
• 29 indoor and outdoor event spaces spanning 30,000 square feet
• On-site restaurant and lounge
• Outdoor pool
• AAA 3-Diamond rating

Chaminade Resort & Spa | Santa Cruz

The Chaminade is a secluded haven in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The property boasts breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and the surrounding forested hillsides. Since it’s in such an idyllic natural setting, it’s no surprise that you’ll stumble across an outdoor heated pool, miles of hiking trails peppered with local Redwoods, and an on-site spa. Teams also love the easy access to golf courses, local wineries, and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk – all great team-building options that allow the team to unplug and unwind. This is where the real bonding happens!

After a long day of sessions in the meeting space that presents breathtaking panoramic vistas of Monterey Bay, your team can relax in their bohemian-style guest rooms that exude the artistic essence of Santa Cruz.

Property Features: 

• 156 guest rooms in two-floor villas, including 24 classic suites
• On-site restaurant
• 12 event spaces spanning 12,000 square feet, plus flexible outdoor spaces great for team-building
• On-site restaurant and lounge
• Outdoor recreation activities including three miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, pickleball courts, bocce, and other lawn games 
• Fitness classes, including yoga, pilates, and Zumba
• An on-site spa 
• Two heated outdoor swimming pools and a Whirlpool 
• AAA 4-Diamond rating

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The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay | Half Moon Bay

Perched atop stunning coastal cliffs, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay brags the most impeccable panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and secluded beach below. The entire property is a chic coastal retreat, with complementary indoor/ outdoor meeting space featuring nautical décor, light pastel colors, and of course, views for days. A favorite activity after a long day of team building and meetings is relaxing on the lawn by the blazing fire pits.

One highlight for all attendees is usually the luxurious guest rooms that await. Each room treats guests to plush bedding, a cozy fireplace, and stunning ocean or garden views from a private balcony or patio. The meeting space is also one-of-a-kind, as the ballroom boasts the most space of any ballroom on the Northern California Coast, and half of the spaces have stunning ocean views.

Property Features: 

• 261 guest rooms, including 22 suites, some of which have private fire pit terraces
• 18 coastal chic meeting spaces spanning 33,457 square feet
• Two on-property, par 72 championship golf courses, one of which has ocean vistas from each hole
• On-site spa, ESPA, with whirlpool, steam room, and sauna
• Indoor swimming pool with adults-only swim hours
• Six lighted tennis courts with private instruction available
• Coastal seaside running trails and sea kayaking
• A privileged location on the Pacific Ocean with a beach perfect for swimming and reflection
• A 24-hour fitness center 
• AAA 4-Diamond, Forbes 5-Star ratings

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Signia by Hilton | San Jose

Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, there’s no hotel on this list more central to the Silicon Valley hub. One of the largest properties in the area, the contemporary meeting space and public space were just renovated and revamped in 2022.

The hotel features a rooftop pool deck with a soon-to-open pool bar, three restaurants, a grab-and-go markets and all the modern day amenities you would expect from a 5-star Hilton hotel including Nespresso machines in every room, a state-of-the-art fitness center with instructor-led classes and Peloton equipment.

Property Features: 

• 805 guest rooms, including 78 expansive suites
• 22 flexible event spaces spanning 65,000 square feet
• A grab-and-go food market
• Two on-site bars/ restaurants with American and international cuisine
• Rooftop swimming pool with deck and a soon-to-open pool bar
• AAA 4-Diamond rating

Cavallo Point Lodge | Sausalito

Cavallo Point Lodge has perhaps the most unique location of all the corporate retreat locations near San Francisco that we’ve recommended. Why, you ask? Well, this stunning hotel sits just across the Golden Gate Bridge but feels a world apart. The property boasts a fascinating history, and thanks to its eco-friendly design, it's easy to see why the hotel has been awarded several accolades for its sustainability efforts (including a LEED Gold Certification).

There are two styles of guest rooms on the property. Sixty-eight are in the historic sector of the hotel, built in the early 1900s, while 76 are newly constructed contemporary spaces. Both feature cozy fireplaces, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's skyline, or the rolling Marin hills, and over 800 original works by local artists adorning the walls for even more California flair!

Property Features: 

• 142 guest rooms, including 73 expansive suites
• 19 flexible event spaces designed with connection in mind spanning 30,000 square feet
• Complimentary daily coffee, tea, and pastries for guests
• Two on-site restaurants
• Vintage electric bikes for local exploration
• On-site cooking school (anyone up for a little Chopped, team building-style?)
• A fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, including a Peloton bike, Hydrow rowing machine, and Precor cardio machines 

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Corporate Retreat Location Ideas in SF

Being one of the most walkable and commuter-friendly downtown areas  in the United States, teams love meeting right in the heart of San Francisco when they’re looking for an active and engaging retreat. 

Fairmont San Francisco

Nestled atop the vibrant hills of San Fran, the Fairmont Hotel is a timeless destination where old-world charm and modern indulgence converge. From the moment you enter the lobby, you’re met with grandiose marble pillars, a ceiling detailed with gold filagree that’s a work of art in itself, and rich, opulent seating areas that celebrate the hotel’s historic architecture while bringing it up to modern luxury standards. They also have a collection of beehives to support honey bee colony conservation efforts, and the honey produced is used on the hotel’s menus featuring local and sustainable cuisine.

The real highlight of the property, though? The incredible panoramic rooftop views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz. 

Property Features: 

• 606 guest rooms, including 62 elegant suites
• 20+ lavish event spaces spanning 72,000 square feet
• Two on-site restaurants (one of which is an entertaining tiki venue with family-style cuisine perfect for a team dinner)
• An on-site coffee shop
• Rooftop culinary gardens
• An indulgent spa and beauty bar
• A coffee shop
• Close proximity to golf and local attractions
• AAA 4-Diamond, Forbes 4-Star ratings

The Clift Royal Sonesta

The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel is a true urban oasis in the heart of Union Square that seamlessly fuses modern sophistication with art-deco flair. Originally built in the early 1900s to host the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, it’s a hub for history lovers and was quite literally designed to host meetings and events. It’s perfect for groups that have night owl networkers in attendance, as one of the hotel’s claims to fame is the historic Redwood Room, which is now the on-site bar. Over 100 years old, the floor-to-ceiling redwood paneling in the space was carved from a single tree and the bar from an 800-year-old redwood tree – hence the namesake. 

The bar was voted one of the 20 most stunning hotel bars around the country by Food Network. It also serves up cocktails with honey made from its on-site beehives, similar to the Fairmont San Francisco!

Property Features: 

• 372 guest rooms, 100 of which are actually suites that many groups will use for hospitality
• 11 fully-equipped event spaces spanning nearly 13,000 square feet
• An on-site cafe and eatery known for their pastries
• A historic on-site bar open daily
• A fitness center with a Peloton bike, treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines
• AAA 4-Diamond, Forbes 4-Star ratings

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Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel is consistently ranked one of the top hotels in San Francisco by outlets like Conde Nast Traveler, AAA, Forbes, US News, and Fodor’s. Like a step back to the gilded age, you’re welcomed by a breathtaking atrium crowned with a glass dome that bathes the space in natural light. This is also the focal point and home to one of the on-site restaurants. When not basking in the beauty of the property itself, rest in one of the generously sized guest rooms that Forbes Travel Guide claims feel more like your own cozy apartment than your average hotel room. 

The hotel is the first premier luxury hotel and the largest in the world at the time of its inception in 1875. You can explore the property’s nearly 150-year history at a carefully curated museum on-site, Landmark 18.

Property Features: 

• 556 guest rooms, with 53 stylish suites
• 26 diverse event spaces spanning 45,000 square feet
• Two fine dining restaurants and complimentary coffee from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• A heated indoor pool with a glorious glass ceiling that blends indoor and outdoor seamlessly
• A well-equipped fitness center
• Six shops sharing everything from wine and chocolate to high-end fashion
• AAA 4-Diamond rating

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square is not just any hotel with a history - it’s a hotel that has made history. Built in 1904, the hotel has stood the test of time and played host to numerous noteworthy events and people. From US presidents to Hollywood icons like Shirley Temple, the Westin St. Francis has welcomed them all. But what’s most impressive is how the hotel has managed to preserve its rich history while still accommodating the needs of its modern-day guests. 

If your team is active, they can head to 24-hour fitness center or to the front desk to grab a RunWestin map that outlines the best running routes near the property.

Property Features: 

• 1,195 guest rooms, with 81 stately suites
• 35 historic yet luxe event spaces spanning 56,992 square feet
• Two on-site restaurants, one featuring Italian cuisine, the other featuring American cuisine
• A 1920s-inspired bar
• A tasting room showcasing varietals from Chateau Montelena
• WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio
• AAA 4-Diamond, Forbes 3-Star ratings

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W San Francisco

W Hotels worldwide are known for their sleek modern vibes and cutting-edge amenities, and the W San Francisco is no exception. This one is unique, though, in the fact that it’s the inaugural existing building in North America and the 11th globally to attain the esteemed LEED-EB Platinum certification. 

The guest rooms inspire creativity with their avant-garde design, geometric wall furnishings and accents, and pops of vibrant metallic hues that inspire creativity - perfect for an offsite or retreat.

Property Features: 

• 411 guest rooms, with 9 eclectic suites
• 15 bold event spaces spanning 17,246 square feet
• On-site bar and restaurant, as well as a private bar, just for exclusive events
• 24-hour FIT® gym
• AAA 4-Diamond rating

Are you beginning to sense a trend here? San Fran’s properties are all beautiful, historic, and filled with functional meeting space. But you don’t have to stay within the city limits to get an incredible company retreat venue experience…

Ask The Experts

We know it can feel overwhelming when sourcing corporate retreat locations near San Francisco, or anywhere for that matter. That’s why our Moniker team is here to help you every step of the way from finding the perfect hotel through to onsite exectution.

Want more unique company retreat location ideas in SF and beyond? Check out our previous blog posts for amazing retreat locations in California and the Bay Area, as well as Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Mexico, New York, Toronto, The UK, Utah, and Worldwide.