About San Francisco
A global trading port for centuries, San Francisco is a modern, tech-centered city that has given new life to some of its most historic landmarks, such as Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
With an emphasis on technological innovation, San Francisco is a city of young professionals with an eclectic food scene influenced by immigrants from around the world. The late-night crowd will not be disappointed in the city’s trendy nightlife districts.
There are plenty of opportunities to experience both performance and visual art at San Francisco’s many museums and theaters – you’ll even be able to tour one of the world’s largest fortune cookie factories.
Outdoorsy folks can enjoy plenty of hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation opportunities in both San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, and sports fans can take in a professional baseball or football game.
San Francisco is ideally located in the midst of several West Coast population centers, such as Los Angeles, San Jose, Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle. With a major airport located within the city limits, your team will have no trouble gathering for a San Francisco retreat location.
Retreat Location Options in San Francisco
Whether you’re planning an afternoon of brainstorming or hosting a week-long organizational retreat location in San Francisco, the city has a variety of venues well-suited to the purpose. You’ll also find many local businesses available to provide whatever services you may need to make your event a success.
- Catering
It’s a proven fact that we all work better on a full stomach, and San Francisco catering companies and restaurants can deliver nearly anything your stomach desires for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Breakfast burritos, fresh salads and sandwiches, authentic Chinese dim sum, and freshly caught seafood can all be found on the menus of the fine catering companies in San Francisco.
- Printing Services
Team-building retreats often involve a special project to work on, and if you require several pages of handouts, charts, or other information, you might want to consider outsourcing the printing to a local print service. There are many printing services that can not only help you design professional-looking charts, graphs, stationery, or intake packets, but can also produce large-format print jobs such as signage, posters, or banners.
- Rental Agencies
If your San Francisco retreat location doesn’t come furnished with essentials such as tables, chairs, podiums, or audiovisual equipment, not to worry – there are several reputable rental agencies available to provide these items and more. These businesses can supply the basics, such as tables and chairs, linens, dinnerware, and banquet service if required. There are also firms that supply audiovisual equipment such as sound systems, microphones, projectors, screens, and lighting.
Retreat Location Companies in San Francisco
If organizing and managing a San Francisco retreat location seems like a stressful job in addition to your official job duties, you may want to consider hiring a professional event planner to handle the details from beginning to end. You’ll be guided through the process with attention paid to time and budget.
- Foxtail Catering and Events
Foxtail Catering has over a decade of experience feeding those in the San Francisco area and it has awards to show how great it is. No matter whether you need a plated meal for dozens or a buffet for hundreds, or even just some appetizers, Foxtail’s team can provide you with exactly what you need. These professional planners can help you take your organizational retreat to the next level by creating a smooth, efficient experience for both you and your guests, allowing you to focus on the tasks at hand.
- Wise Guys Events
Wise Guys Greg Snyder and Myles Nye are dedicated to the proposition that all work doesn’t have to mean no play. The fun-loving duo excels at setting up unique retreat and team-building experiences designed to foster a sense of camaraderie among a diverse staff and get colleagues on board with working together. Their games are purposely designed with your business or organization in mind, ensuring that your goals will be met, and your team will have a great time meeting them.
- Kennedy Events
Founded in 2000, the goal of partners Maggie Kennedy and Paige Buck is to produce polished, professional, and, most importantly, memorable corporate events. The firm offers several services for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events and is there to help manage the production from beginning to end. Services include budgeting, vendor procurement and coordination, time management, event design, presenter coordination, and more.
Pros and Cons of a Retreat Location in San Francisco
Its central location, mild climate, and sophistication make San Francisco a great choice for a retreat location. Like any city, there are pros and cons to keep in mind. Be sure you know what to expect before finalizing your San Francisco retreat location.
Advantages
- Activities
At the end of the day, retreat attendees will be able to find something that sparks their interest, from museums to fishing to fantastic fish dinners at a shoreline restaurant.
- Public transportation
Cars are necessary for city travel in San Francisco, thanks to an affordable and wide-ranging public transportation system.
- Plenty of tech
Technology is the name of the game in San Francisco, allowing you to take your retreat to the next level with help from local pros.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
San Francisco is in the top 20 most expensive cities in the world – some lists rank it among the top 10.
- Winter
Winter in San Francisco – and sometimes spring – are quite chilly by coastal California standards.
- Traffic
San Francisco roadways are frequently congested due to commuter traffic, and parking is a nightmare.
Famous Locations in San Francisco
- Pier 39
No matter how busy you are with your retreat, it would be a shame to leave San Francisco without visiting Pier 39. It is one of the most popular attractions in California and boasts over 50 shops, eateries, and attractions. You can go sailing, experience a 7D movie, see thousands of marine creatures at the aquarium, or try to escape from an escape room. But don’t forget to stop and see the sea lions, which can reach a number of almost a thousand during the winter.
- Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Although you’re not in Hollywood, take a little time to get up close and personal with some of your favorite celebrities – or their wax doppelgangers, anyway. At the San Francisco location, you’ll see lifelike statues of A-Listers like Morgan Freeman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jennifer Anniston, along with leaders like former President Barack Obama and Steve Jobs. There are several different sections dedicated to famous personalities, sports stars, and local inspirations.
- San Francisco Botanical Garden
With more than 55 acres and 8,000 different kinds of flora from all over the globe, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is a fantastic place to visit. Whether you are a plant lover or just want a nice place to take a walk, you will love this garden. With the year-round warm weather, something is always in bloom so you can see a variety of vibrant flowers, trees, and shrubs no matter where you walk.