The 8 Best Resorts in San Francisco, CA | Hand-Picked for 2025
We researched all the options and found the best resorts in San Francisco CA that offer a full-service stay with the kind of experiences people typically associate with luxury beach or mountain resorts.
San Francisco isn’t really known for having sprawling resort properties in the traditional sense.
Still, we uncovered eight impressive properties, some right in SF, others about an hour north or south on the coast, and even a couple tucked into the lush hills of wine country in Napa Valley, that fit the bill when it comes to comfort, hospitality, food, and resort-style perks.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To compile this list of the best resorts San Francisco California has to offer, we analyzed thousands of guest reviews across platforms like Google Reviews, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We specifically looked for consistent praise around room design, food quality, wellness facilities, and overall atmosphere. Properties were selected based on their ability to deliver upscale resort experiences either in the city or within a comfortable driving distance with a max of about 60 minutes.
We prioritized properties with well-rated restaurants, attractive pools, spa services, and room options that cater to both couples and families.
The 8 Best San Francisco Resorts for 2025
8. The St. Regis San Francisco
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Just a block away from SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Gardens
- Features a 50-foot heated indoor infinity pool
- Includes the signature Remède Spa and butler service
The St. Regis San Francisco is, frankly, where modern sophistication kind of blends with personalized service in a really noticeable way.
This property is located in SoMa, which is more or less one of the most central areas in the city, so guests can reach top museums and restaurants within a short stroll.
The vibe here is very upscale but not stiff, offering a polished and quiet setting ideal for couples and solo travelers.
The rooms are bright, minimalist, and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and deeply plush beds, and the bathrooms include soaking tubs and separate rainfall showers.
One of the biggest perks is the butler service that actually comes standard with every suite, making daily routines feel a bit more effortless.
The heated pool and full-service Remède Spa offer a little serenity in the middle of downtown, which isn’t exactly easy to find in other resorts in San Francisco CA.
Families might feel slightly less catered to, but business travelers and couples will likely find the food, design, and calm energy just right.
7. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf – Most Affordable
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Just a 5-minute walk to Pier 39 and Alcatraz Ferry
- Features a spacious outdoor pool with loungers
- Complimentary buffet breakfast included in all rates
Alright, so Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf is really more of an upscale hotel with resort-like elements, but it makes this list because of its convenience, size, and value.
It’s one of the few resorts in San Francisco California offering both large-scale amenities and lower price points, which is a pretty rare combo in this area.
The location is practically unbeatable for first-timers, just a stone’s throw from all the touristy spots along the Embarcadero, including the Aquarium, Ghirardelli Square, and ferry terminals.
The resort features a nice-sized outdoor pool with fire pits, a fitness center, and multiple indoor lounges that actually give the place a more social vibe than expected.
Rooms are modern and well-appointed, with bright colors and contemporary decor that feels cheerful rather than basic.
Families appreciate the breakfast buffet and walkability, while solo travelers often mention how easy it is to use this place as a base for exploring the city.
Food-wise, the offerings are solid for the price, with a café-style restaurant and bar on-site that serves classic American fare and cocktails in the evening.
Overall, the Riu is one of the best resorts in San Francisco California for those on a budget, but who still want to enjoy a relaxed experience in SF.
6. Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located directly on Ghirardelli Square with bay views
- Spacious multi-bedroom residences with kitchens
- 24-hour butler and concierge services
Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square is actually one of the few San Francisco resorts offering a true residence-style setup without losing that luxury feeling.
Each unit is more like a high-end apartment than a standard hotel room, with fully equipped kitchens, large living rooms, and multiple bedrooms for larger groups or families.
As a matter of fact, it’s a fantastic pick for anyone staying in the city for more than a couple of nights and wanting that residential, home-away-from-home energy, just with a few more perks.
The bay views from the balconies are stunning, and being situated right on Ghirardelli Square means that shopping, dining, and even catching a cable car are all within a few steps.
It’s extremely family-friendly due to the amount of space, but also works great for couples who want something more private and upscale than a traditional hotel suite.
The concierge and butler services are included, and guests can have groceries stocked before arrival or arrange for private chefs and in-suite massages.
There’s no on-site pool, but you won’t really miss it if you’re mostly here for the convenience, views, and quality of the accommodations.
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Best-Seller
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific, just 50 minutes south
- Two championship golf courses on-site
- Full-service spa and oceanfront firepits
This one is technically outside the city limits, but The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay absolutely deserves a spot when talking about resorts in San Francisco CA.
It’s just under an hour’s drive down the coast and feels like a completely different world in the best possible way, coastal, scenic, peaceful.
This resort has that classic Northern California luxury vibe, with shingle-style architecture, rugged coastal views, and refined decor that’s warm but still elevated.
The rooms and suites feature marble baths, soaking tubs, fireplaces, and in some cases, oceanfront terraces that look out over dramatic cliffs.
Golfers have access to two top-tier courses, while others can book a massage at the on-site spa or relax with wine at the ocean-view terrace fire pits, which are easily one of the most photographed parts of the property.
The food scene here includes Navio, their signature seafood-forward restaurant that’s widely reviewed as one of the best in the Bay Area.
Families are welcome, and they even offer complimentary bicycles and lawn games for a more casual afternoon vibe.
It’s very, very popular, especially on weekends, so it’s best to book early if you want a room with that uninterrupted ocean view.
4. Carneros Resort and Spa
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located in Napa Valley, about 60 minutes north of SF
- Features a hilltop adults-only pool with vineyard views
- Standalone cottage-style accommodations with private patios
Set on the rolling farmland between Napa and Sonoma, Carneros Resort and Spa is where countryside charm and upscale service blend together nicely.
Though technically outside city limits, this resort still qualifies as one of the best resorts in San Francisco proximity-wise, since it’s just over an hour’s drive and totally worth the trip.
The resort is made up of private cottages that feel like your own mini house, each one with outdoor showers, patios, fire pits, and tall white fences that add to the exclusivity.
The resort’s design combines rustic and modern in a way that feels refreshing rather than forced, picture reclaimed wood, sharp lines, and a warm palette.
The on-site spa, FARM restaurant, and adults-only pool set at the top of the hill create multiple zones of relaxation, and the vineyard views are exactly what you want from a Napa Valley escape.
It’s suitable for both romantic getaways and low-key family vacations, though it does feel more adult-centric in terms of atmosphere and activity options.
The food here is a standout, organic produce, locally sourced proteins, and a wine list that’s basically a guided tour of the region’s top vineyards.
3. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Attached to Equinox Sports Club with 25-yard lap pool
- Located just blocks from Union Square and Market Street
- Features seasonal menus at MKT Restaurant
The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, located near Yerba Buena Gardens, is the kind of resort-style hotel where classic service and city energy live side by side.
It’s actually connected to the Equinox Sports Club, giving guests access to a seriously large gym, indoor pool, and spa area, all things you don’t typically get in many resorts in San Francisco.
The rooms feature soft gray tones and modern furnishings that are both calming and sleek.
Big windows flood the rooms with light, and views vary from cityscapes to partial bay looks depending on the floor and room category.
Families, couples, and solo travelers all seem to fit in well here thanks to flexible room types and a professional, yet warm, environment.
The in-house MKT restaurant is known for seasonal dishes, and their Sunday brunch pulls in both locals and travelers alike.
It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to stay in the thick of downtown action but still have access to wellness amenities and resort comforts.
2. 1 Hotel San Francisco – Top Value Pick
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Overlooks the Embarcadero waterfront, right near the Ferry Building
- Features Bamford Wellness Spa and a rooftop herb garden
- Built with reclaimed woods, organic cottons, and eco-conscious finishes
1 Hotel San Francisco sits right on the Embarcadero and is arguably one of the most thoughtfully designed resorts in San Francisco California for eco-conscious travelers who still want comfort and style.
The atmosphere is that earthy-luxury blend, organic finishes, soft neutral tones, and just the right amount of greenery in every corner without it feeling forced.
Rooms are outfitted with natural textures like reclaimed woods, stone sinks, and plant-dyed fabrics that add depth without feeling overdone, and most come with filtered water taps and yoga mats to keep things healthy and low-impact.
Many rooms have partial Bay Bridge views, and you’re only a few blocks from the Ferry Building’s bustling farmers market and gourmet food vendors.
The Bamford Wellness Spa is definitely one of the highlights, offering tailored treatments with a sustainable product line.
Even the fitness center gets a nod for its high-end equipment and sunlight-filled space, which makes a quick workout feel much more inviting.
Guests rave about the in-house restaurant, Terrene, for its hyper-seasonal menus, organic cocktails, and views of the water, it’s also very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly without alienating meat eaters.
It’s great for couples and solo travelers, though small families will still feel comfortable thanks to the friendly service and customizable room setups.
If you’re looking for San Francisco resorts that combine good value, great design, and location, this spot is a strong contender without blowing your budget.
1. The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection – Top Overall
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Just about 60 minutes north of SF in historic Sonoma
- Features 10-acre property with spa, heated pool, and cottages
- Close to Sonoma Plaza, wineries, and cycling trails
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort is the top pick on this list not just for its location and amenities, but because it truly captures the kind of experience people often expect when they hear the word resort.
It’s basically a polished countryside retreat sitting on 10 acres of landscaped grounds, only a short walk or bike ride from downtown Sonoma.
The setting is very calm and almost storybook-like, vineyard breezes, tall oaks, and Mediterranean-style buildings make the property feel special even before you check in.
Rooms range from spacious standard units to private garden cottages with fire pits, outdoor soaking tubs, and modern-rustic interiors that strike the right balance between comfort and elegance.
The pool area is a standout with a heated saline pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas that never seem overly packed, even on weekends.
The on-site Raindance Spa has a solid reputation for its skilled therapists and use of wine-country botanicals in most treatments, which adds a local touch to the pampering experience.
The resort’s restaurant, Wit & Wisdom by Michael Mina, is probably one of the best reasons to stick around the property rather than venture out for dinner.
The menu leans into wood-fired cooking, creative small plates, and a deep California wine list that’s very well-curated.
It’s great for romantic weekends, family getaways, or even small group trips, the vibe is welcoming and quietly luxurious without trying too hard.
While technically outside the city, we think it is the best resort in San Francisco California because it offers a complete experience with spa, pool, great food, and scenery all bundled into one destination.
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