San Francisco Family Hotels – Tips and Recommendations
- The San Francisco Bay Area is a wonderful destination for families with children, however, it’s not always easy to find family-friendly (and affordable) accommodation. Most hotels have rather business guests in mind. There is so much to see and do for children in San Francisco and surroundings that this shouldn’t hold you back from exploring it all.
- We recommend booking your holidays through Booking.com. It’s one of the trusted hotel booking sites out there, and the one with the best deals. Note: we do earn a small commission when you book through them. We display prices usually for a family with two adults and one child, to make pricing more realistic. The actual price you pay might be higher or lower of course based on your family size.
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The 10 Best Hotels for Families in San Francisco and the Bay Area
Hotel Del Sol, SF – Marina, mid-range
The Marina district is a good choice in San Francisco as it is close to the Bay and tourist attractions, has lots of restaurants, playgrounds, and is very family-friendly. Playfully themed rooms make it a hip destination for couples as well as for families with kids. The hotel has a nice outdoor pool, surrounded by palm trees, hammocks, and bright lounge furnishings. Pool toys, and available free snacks make it a great choice for families. As being part of the Joie de Vivre chain, it is a certified San Francisco green business.
Hotel Zephyr, SF – Fisherman’s Wharf, mid-range
Close to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, this hotel has a huge outdoor play area for kids and adults. Nautical-themed rooms, a fitness center, and some cool interior make this a great choice for family travel. The Camper has snacks and drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, however, the hotel is close to many great restaurants around Fisherman’s Wharf. There is a shared lounge, a games room, and a ticket service for attractions nearby.
Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel, SF – Fisherman’s Wharf, luxury
Eco-friendly hotel with beautiful views over the San Francisco Bay Area. Close to a small beach, and the happening Fisherman’s Wharf, this is an excellent choice for a family vacation in San Francisco. The on-site restaurant Blue Mermaid serves fresh seafood and homemade chowder in a casual historic setting. There is also a bull bar and a fitness center. At check-in, kids can pick out a toy from the treasure chest.
Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, mid-range
Across the Golden Gate Bridge, this historic resort is located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. If you have a car, this is a great location to be a bit away from the masses in San Francisco, relax in the park or at the beach, and enjoy the amazing views across San Francisco. There is an on-site spa and restaurant which we recommend even if you don’t stay here. On certain days there is live music at the bar and cooking classes. Cavallo Point Lodge is a pet-friendly resort. Try to do a guided kayaking tour under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Acqua Hotel, Mill Valley, mid-range
Also across the Golden Gate Bridge, but in Mill Valley right next to highway 101, this boutique-style hotel has a very nice terrace towards the Bay, modern rooms, and a free evening wine reception. You will need a car to get into downtown San Francisco, however, it’s an excellent location if you want to stay in short distance to the city with free parking and lots of outdoor activities right at your doorstep. Marin County is our preferred choice for hiking, cycling, and many other activities in Northern California.
Handlery Union Square Hotel, SF – Union Square, mid-range
Very close to Union Square, this affordable hotel has a heated outdoor pool and gives you access to an on-site sauna and a fitness center one block away. Union Square is a great choice if you want to stay as downtown as possible, close to shopping, sights, and the famous cable cars. The on-site restaurant, Daily Grill, features American cuisine, and a full bar, however, the hotel is also close to many other restaurants.
Best Western Corte Madera Inn, Corte Madera, budget
Across the Golden Gate Bridge in Corte Madera, CA, this Best Western hotel has a great seasonal outdoor pool, and lots of on-site activities like table tennis, putting green, basketball, and hot tubs. The Village at Corte Madera Shopping Center is nearby and downtown San Francisco is about 30min by car away. It’s a great choice for families if you don’t want to stay in downtown San Francisco, but enjoy some California sunshine with pool and access to lots of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking, or relaxing at the beaches.
Luxury hotels in San Francisco
We have intentionally not focused on luxury hotel chains in downtown San Francisco, and rather suggested some choices above that fit any budget. There are some amazing hotels around Nob Hill, Union Square, South of Market (SoMa), and in the Financial District. They are not cheap. Here are the recommended ones, specifically for families with children:
Great location right on Market Street, close to public transport, Union Square, cable cars. Features a beautiful kid-friendly pool.
Loews Regency, SF – Financial District
Very modern, amazing panorama views out of two towers connected by glass-enclosed sky bridges. Rooftop lounge, spa, 24-hour fitness.
One of the leading hotels in San Francisco. Outstanding food, service, and treatments like the jet lag reviver. Marble bathrooms, 24-hour fitness.
