And trust me, there’s a lot to get to. So instead of dropping a giant overwhelming list on you and calling it a day, I’ve organized the best things to do in Copenhagen into easy little sections you can actually navigate.

We’ll hit up the postcard classics, eat our way around like foodies, track down the local gems most guides skip, and even squeeze in a day trip or two.

And since not everyone has unlimited PTO (I’m jelly if you do), knowing what to skip is just as important, so I’ll round out the best things to do in Copenhagen with the handful of overhyped spots I’d personally avoid so you can spend your limited (and let’s be honest, expensive) time where it actually counts.

Now let’s get into it

Read more on Copenhagen

• A First Timers Guide to the Best 2-Day Itinerary in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Where to Stay in Copenhagen: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors
• Inside 25hours Hotel Indre By: My Bold and Colorful Stay in Copenhagen

This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

20 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen At a Glance

Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting for First Timers?

Lol let’s be real. Would this blog post even exist if the answer was no? But seriously. The short answer is absolutely yes! Copenhagen is worth visiting especially because it’s one of those rare cities that’s compact, walkable, and packed so tightly that you can knock out most icons on foot.

It’s clean, it’s safe, and it’s full of colorful canal houses and the most delicious sprouted rye bread you’ll ever have.

If you want the full hour-by-hour breakdown of exactly what to do in Copenhagen and how to spend your time here, I’ve got you covered in my 2-day Copenhagen itinerary (because two days really is the sweet spot for a first visit).

But I’m guessing you’re here to cherry-pick the highlights so keep scrolling for my full list of the best things to do in Copenhagen, plus my honest take on what you can skip

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen

Before we get into my curated list of the best things to do in Copenhagen, let’s get some basic questions out of the way. Like what’s the best time to visit this city?

The short answer? Late spring and summer (roughly May through August) are your best bet for long sunny days, outdoor dining, and prime biking weather, though winter has its own cozy hygge magic, magical Christmas markets, and much cheaper flights.

I break down exactly what to expect in each season (and when I’d personally choose to go) in my full 2-day Copenhagen itinerary, so head there for the complete rundown.

How to Get Around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, so honestly the most local way to get around is to use your own two feet and/or just rent an E-bike for the day and pedal everywhere (the whole city is flat and basically built for it).

There’s also a clean, efficient metro and bus network for everything else, but I get into all the nitty-gritty details in my 2-day Copenhagen itinerary if you want the full breakdown.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen for First Timers

I’ll make this one quick. For your first visit, I’d recommend basing yourself in Indre By, aka the heart of the city, since it puts you within walking distance of most of the best things to do in Copenhagen.

But every neighborhood here has a totally different vibe, so I wrote an entire guide on where to stay in Copenhagen that breaks down the best areas (and my favorite hotels) depending on your travel style.

20 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen

Okay now for the good stuff. I’ve rounded up the 20 best things to do in Copenhagen and organized them so you’re not just staring at a giant list trying to figure out what’s actually worth your time.

To make figuring out what to do in Copenhagen easy, we’ll start with some of the quintessential Copenhagen classics (aka the touristy stuff to get it out of the way), then dig into the design side of things, eat our way around the city like proper foodies, get into the local underrated gems most guides skip over, and even fit in a day trip (or two) if you’ve got the extra time.

And because I think it’s just as helpful to know what not to do, I’m also going to tell you exactly what to SKIP. Aka the stuff that I personally thought was overhyped and overrated so you can spend your limited time on the good stuff instead. Let’s dive in!

Check out the Copenhagen Classics

First up: the classics. These are the iconic, postcard-famous spots that land on basically every Copenhagen list, and for good reason. Yes, they’re more touristy, and you’re probably going to be sharing some of these sights with other visitors, but they’re popular because they’re genuinely worth seeing.

And if this isn’t your first time stumbling upon my blog, you’ll know that I typically like to balance hidden gems with top-rated attractions, especially for a first-time visit to any city or country.

So yes, I’m putting these Copenhagen classics at the top so you can knock out the big-ticket sights early and not feel like you’re rushing later.

That said, I hope you definitely keep reading after this section! The hidden gems, the local spots, and the more unique things to do in Copenhagen are all coming up next. Think of these classics as your starting point, then keep scrolling for the gems!

Set sail on a Nyhavn canal cruise

Annnd for the first thing to do in Copenhagen, I’m taking you to the most photogenic part of the city…Nyhavn! I’d be shocked if you haven’t seen all the beautiful photos of the colorful canal houses by now. Nyhavn is hands-down the most famous spot in Copenhagen, and once you see those 17th-century townhouses lining the water in real life, you’ll immediately understand why it’s on every postcard.

Pro tip: if you’re really into photography like myself, then I suggest waking up early and going for a stroll along the harbour before the crowds fill up and before the locals are headed to work during rush hour. I’ve found that getting up early in any city is the best way to capture people-free photos (although the erase feature on iphone is pretty impressive these days).

Nyhavn used to be busy trading port and merchant harbor, but these days it’s the beating heart of Copenhagen. In the warmer months, you can hop on a classic Nyhavn canal cruise right from the harbor and see the whole city from the water. Time it for golden hour and trust me, it’s even prettier than the photos.

Tickets run under $35/person, and you can book directly via GetYourGuide or via Viator.

Ride the rides at Tivoli Gardens

I know I’m in my 30s but I’m a huge sucker for theme parks!!! Don’t worry I’m not a Disney adult – but I do love visiting all the Disneys when I travel. (I mean let’s be real, I’m mostly there for the food).

But I also love the feeling of being a kid again! Remember those days before you had to pay taxes and didn’t stress about work?

Well if you’re in Copenhagen, then you should set aside time to spend the day or night at Tivoli Gardens.

Tivoli Gardens is technically Denmark’s most popular attraction, pulling in more than 4 million visitors a year, and it’s one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world (it first opened back in 1843).

Fun fact: it’s said to have inspired Walt Disney’s theme parks. There are rides for all ages, plus pretty gardens, open-air concerts in summer, and Christmas markets in winter.

In 2026, Tivoli Gardens entry tickets start around $26 but if you plan to actually ride the rides (which you should because duh you’re at a theme park…) then the unlimited rides pass (~$30) is definitely the way to go. There’s also a food hall directly in the park filled with really good fast casual bites in case you or the kids are picky eaters.

Tivoli Gardens was hands down one of the best value-for-money theme parks I’ve ever been to in my life!

Climb the Round Tower for city views

If you’re friends with me or have been a longtime reader of the blog (thanks in advance), then you might already know that I’m a big sucker for a rooftop view. But surprisingly didn’t seek out any rooftop bars or restaurants during my visit to Copenhagen. I guess it’s just a coincidence that all the restaurants I ate at were either ground-level or even below ground haha.

Well it’s a good thing I was staying at 25Hours Hotel, literally 10 steps away from the Round Tower.

The Round Tower is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get rooftop views of Copenhagen without needing to spend $20 on a cocktail or a plate of food. And unlike most places where you have to climb a million flight of stairs, the Round Tower is more of a gradual descent up a spiral ramp up to the top. From there, you end up on the rooftop observation deck with panoramic views over all of Copenhagen.

Tickets are about $9 for adults and free for kids under 18, but note you can only pay at the door (no advance booking). There can be a short line at times, so I’d aim to go early in the day if you can.

Copenhagen Classics Booking Essentials

Dig Into Danish History and Design

Okay, now that you’ve knocked out the big classics, let’s get into the stuff that makes Denmark, well, Denmark. This is the part of the trip where you get to nerd out on history a little and obsess over some beautiful interior Scandinavian design that’ll make you want to rip out all of your house decor the minute you get home.

I’m a sucker for both the history AND the design side of things (the weight of my suitcase always pays the price, more on that below), so this next batch of the best things to do in Copenhagen is genuinely one of my favorites!

Shop for handmade Danish ceramics

I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this before, but I actually collect mugs from around the world when I travel. It started when I was a flight attendant, so about ten years ago at this point, and I kind of just never stopped.

My husband has actually begged me to stop because we barely have any room left in the kitchen for these mugs. So these days I’m a bit more thoughtful about what type of mug I’m actually purchasing and where it’s from.

Copenhagen was NOT one of those places that I was leaving without a mug though. And not just a mug…but also some new dishware and flower vases. (Thank goodness for being a United platinum member which means I get 3 free checked bags anytime I travel).

In case you didn’t know, Danish ceramics are world-famous for a reason. They’re minimalist, beautifully made, and built to actually last. For the best finds, you need to head to the following stores:

• Studio Arhoj, for playful handmade ceramics and glassware made on-site
• Lena Pedersen Glass & Ceramics, for handmade ceramics and glass from the maker’s own studio
• Lodewa Studio & Boutique, for handmade ceramics, clothing and natural cosmetics (plus pottery classes)
• Vildersbøll, for handmade ceramics in sculptural, stackable shapes and colors
• Søstrene Grene, for affordable Danish-design homewares, stationery and crafts

All of these stores sell one-of-a-kind housewares and ceramics that you won’t find anywhere else. Just be prepared to wrap your goods very carefully for your flight (I usually pack mine directly in my carry-on), because attempting to bring fragile kitchenware home in one piece is its own kind of sport.

Time-travel through the National Museum of Denmark

Quick question: did anyone else kind of assume Vikings were just a made-up thing from children’s books? No? Just me? Okay, well, good thing I visited the National Museum of Denmark to set myself straight.

Who knew that Denmark has a long, fascinating history, a lot of it Viking-related, and this museum walks you through the whole national story from the Viking Age all the way to modern-day Denmark. I usually buy all of my museum tickets in advance so I can skip the line in case there is one. The prices are usually the exact same as buying from the website.

Just be prepared for a really confusing museum floor layout at the National Museum of Denmark. I got lost many times just trying to find the exhibits on modern day Denmark. I eventually found it but just a heads-up that the signage was very confusing.

See the crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle

What’s a trip to Europe without at least one castle, am I right? Pretty sure I leave Europe every time having visited a minimum of at least 5 castles. But Rosenborg Castle earns its spot, because this is where you get to see an actual crown made entirely out of jewels. They were HEAVY on the security though which I guess makes sense especially after the Louvre was literally recently robbed.

When you see this crown, you might be wondering how the hell anyone wore this thing on their head for more than a few minutes at a time. It must’ve weighed a zillion pounds.

Dating back to the early 1600s, Rosenborg Castle is one of the prettiest buildings in Copenhagen and the official home of the Danish crown jewels and royal regalia, which are still used for royal events a few times a year. The surrounding King’s Garden is also a lovely spot for a stroll or a picnic in spring and summer.

Danish History Booking Essentials

Eat Like a Copenhagen Local

I feel like I’m pretty familiar with European food, but I’ll be honest, up until right before going to Copenhagen, I had no idea what type of food they ate or what they were known for. I thought okay well, they’re located up north, so maybe a lot of seafood?

Well I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Copenhagen is an absolute dream for food lovers. This is a place where you can spend $300 on a multi-course tasting menu one night and $4 on a life-changing cardamom bun the next morning, and both will be equally memorable.

So in this next section of the best things to do in Copenhagen, I’m walking you through how to eat your way around the city like a local, whether you’re splurging on a tasting menu, going on a self-guided bakery tour (see my part 1 above from Instagram, part 2 is below) or shared Danish pastry crawl, or actually learning how to bake your own masterpiece.

Splurge on a Copenhagen tasting menu

Aside from probably London or New York, Copenhagen is genuinely one of the best places in the world to do a tasting menu. The city is loaded with Michelin-starred restaurants (including the legendary Noma), and New Nordic cuisine is kind of their whole thing.

The only problem for me is that I’m not (yet) in the tax bracket where I can casually drop $800/person on dinner at Noma, so I decided to pop into VÆKST instead, a Michelin Guide spot built around a literal indoor greenhouse, to have a 3-course lunch with a glass of natural wine for around ~$60 USD. And it was incredible value for the experience.

I also had a chance to eat at Restaurant Barr on my first night in Copenhagen. The food was delicious, reasonably-priced, and had a rustic atmosphere on the inside. But I specifically requested a table outside because I wanted to hang along the waterfront, right as the sun was setting. And since it was August, there were so many people out and about! I literally still think about the bread to this day

And here are a few other Copenhagen tasting menus ranging from splurge-worthy to surprisingly affordable that I think are totally worth booking:

• Schønnemann ($$), for classic Danish smørrebrød, herring, schnapps, and old-school Copenhagen dining traditions
• Aamanns 1921 ($$), for elevated smørrebrød, modern Danish lunch dishes, and refined Nordic ingredients
• No. 2 ($$$), for approachable New Nordic cuisine, seasonal tasting menus, and waterfront views
• Restaurant Barr ($$$), for hearty Northern European cooking, excellent beer pairings, and rustic Scandinavian comfort food
• VÆKST ($$$), for vegetable-forward Nordic cooking, seasonal ingredients, and a greenhouse-inspired dining room
• Restaurant JATAK ($$$$), for contemporary Asian-Nordic tasting menus with precise technique and bold flavors
• Alouette ($$$$), for creative Michelin-starred tasting menus, hyper-seasonal ingredients, and inventive Nordic cooking
• Noma ($$$$), for world-renowned destination dining, groundbreaking New Nordic cuisine, and immersive multi-course tasting experiences

Eat your way through a Danish food tour

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you might already know that booking a food tour is usually a non-negotiable for me when visiting any new city. I’ve done them in Edinburgh, Singapore, Taipei, and a bunch of other places, because there’s no faster way to eat the best local stuff AND learn the history behind it from someone who actually lives there.

For Copenhagen, I’d point you straight to the city’s oldest and original food tour, which has been around since 2011. It includes 8+ tastings (many you can’t get anywhere else) including Michelin-standard cheese, flaky pastries, gourmet smørrebrød, sweet bites, and even complimentary cider or beer.

This is hands down the most full I’ve ever felt walking away from a food tour. So make sure you show up with an empty stomach, because this particular Copenhagen food tour is closer to two full meals than a few snacks. At least for me and my baby bird stomach that is.

Track down the best cardamom bun

For a lot of my Europe trips, I’ve mostly had to work part of the time and then take PTO part of the time. And because I usually work east coast hours when I travel, I find myself having a lot of free time in the morning until I start my workday in the afternoon.

Which means I get a loooot of time to go bakery and pastry hunting!

If you’ve looked at a few other blogs before stumbling upon mine, then you might’ve come across Juno the Bakery as a must-visit stop in Copenhagen for pastries. It’s a small, super popular bakery located in the Østerbro neighborhood known for its iconic cardamom buns and perfectly flaky croissants.

Except hot take – I didn’t find their cardamom buns nearly as good as Hart Bageri. I know all the haters might come after me for this but hey, that’s just my opinion. But you should be the ultimate judge.

Maybe it’s my subconscious San Francisco roots that have me favoring Hart Bageri since they were founded by British-born baker Richard Hart (former head baker at San Francisco’s Tartine Bakery) in collaboration with René Redzepi of the world-famous restaurant Noma.

And if cardamom buns aren’t your thing, here are a few other Copenhagen bakeries that I visited and loved:

• Hart Bageri, for legendary sourdough and the cult cardamom croissant, from former Tartine head baker Richard Hart and Noma’s René Redzepi, with grain milled on-site
• Juno the Bakery, for what many (except me) call the world’s best cardamom bun, plus exceptional almond croissants, baked all day so they’re warm and fresh in an out-of-the-way Østerbro spot
• Andersen & Maillard, for the iconic cube croissants and pastries paired with in-house-roasted specialty coffee, a pioneering bakery-roastery with locations in Nørrebro, Nordhavn, and the city center
• Buka, for buttery French- and Italian-leaning pastries, standout pistachio croissants, and house-made sourdough, with several handy locations around the center
• Sinne Gas Bakery, for a self-service, no-social-media neighborhood secret run by one self-taught baker, beloved for sourdough, brunsviger, and cardamom buns in a relaxed, trust-based setup
• Riviera, for Italian-accented seasonal baking with a twist (citrus-spiked cardamom and cinnamon rolls), from chef Chiara Barla of Apotek 57, in a beautifully designed Nansensgade space

Go on a Danish pastry crawl

Why settle for one bakery when you can hit several (five to be exact) in a single morning??? And not have to deal with any of the research, planning, or logistics to find the right one?

Well you’re in luck then! Because this 2 hour best-of Danish pastry tasting tour walks you through the city’s top spots with a local guide who actually knows their stuff. You get to taste your way through five different bakeries and pick up the history behind each treat.

And don’t worry it’s not the same repetitive pastry at each stop (although no one’s stopping you from buying a cardamom bun at each) – you’ll get to try a bunch of different Danish classics like a flaky Wienerbrød (laminated sweet pastry), a delicately crafted Kringle (puff pastry), a sweet Hindbærsnitter (raspberry bars), and more!

Pro tip: these tours fill up fast (turns out other people also like pastries who knew), so make sure to book your spot here before your vacation calories catch up with you.

Learn to bake your own Danish pastry

Who else is a fan of The Great British Baking Show?! Or I guess if you’re from the UK it’s just called Bake Off?!

Well my husband and I are huge fans of the show and everytime the show comes on I always think to myself “okay how hard can it really be to make puff pastry from scratch?”. Well, turns out it’s hard AF.

Which is exactly why I’d say to leave it to the pros and let them teach you in Copenhagen by booking yourself a Danish pastry baking class. I know it’s not England but I swear Danish pastries taste just as good, if not better.

During this hands-on Danish pastry baking class, you’ll spend the morning with a professional pastry chef in a small group, learning the proper techniques (turns out laminating dough is way harder than it looks) and making several Danish pastries from scratch. Then you get to taste everything you baked over coffee and tea, AND they send you home with the recipes so you can attempt them at home and finally have your own Bake Off moment.

Copenhagen Food & Drink Booking Essentials

Do as the Local Danes Do

Okay I promised you this blog post wouldn’t just be filled with tourist traps and top-rated attractions. Hopefully I’ve delivered on that so far! And if you feel like I haven’t – then tell me please. And make sure to keep reading as I think you’ll like this next section the best.

In my opinion, these next few best things to do in Copenhagen make the city feel less like a checklist and more like a place you could really live. The Danes have really mastered the art of a good, simple life, and a lot of that happens outdoors, on a bike, in the harbor, or over a slow cup of roasted coffee.

So here are a few of my favorite local things you can do to slow down and soak up that famous Danish way of life.

Bike the city like a local

You really can’t talk about doing as the Danes do without talking about biking. Cycling isn’t just a tourist activity here, it’s how people actually commute, run errands, and get around every single day, and Copenhagen is built for it with bike lanes practically everywhere.

It reminded me a lot of Amsterdam 2.0 (which always blows my mind because as a native Californian, you will never see me outside once the temperature drops below 50°F, let alone biking the streets).

But that’s why I’m not Danish!

Want to know the best way to feel like a true local for a day? I’d highly recommend spending part of the day on two wheels.

If you like structure, then book this 3-hour guided bike tour and let a local lead you to the best spots while sharing the stories behind them. And don’t worry if English isn’t your first language. One of the best things about this guided bike tour with a Copenhagen local is that it can be booked in a ton of different languages including English, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, and more!

If you’d rather go solo, simply rent an E-bike for the day and cruise around at your own pace. Either way, just be sure to follow the bike-lane etiquette, because the locals take it seriously!

Take a dip at Islands Brygge Harbour Bath

One of the most local things you can do in Copenhagen is take a swim right in the harbour, and yes, the water really is clean enough (the city worked hard for decades to make that happen). I definitely can’t say the same for the Seine or the Hudson River in New York which is crazy because people will also swim there. You couldn’t pay me to even dip a bare toe in either of those bodies of water.

The Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is the most popular spot for it, a set of floating pools built right into the harbour where locals come to swim, sunbathe, and socialize all summer long. You’ll find multiple pools including shallow ones for kids, lifeguards keeping watch in the warmer months, and zero entry fee.

If you’re brave, it’s even open year-round for a freezing winter dip, but I’ll happily leave that to the folks that willingly do cold plunges.

Sip through Copenhagen’s coffee scene

If you love coffee even half as much as I do, you’re going to feel right at home in Copenhagen.

Coffee here isn’t just a quick caffeine fix, it’s a whole ritual, and the city is packed with thoughtful roasters and cozy cafes that are perfect for slowing down and people-watching.

The Coffee Collective is a great example, a local roastery known for sourcing its beans directly from farmers and turning out seriously good coffee.

And I can’t talk about Danish coffee without shouting out La Cabra, because I’m completely obsessed with their chai (I literally visit their Soho location in New York every time I’m in the city).

Paddle the canals on a kayak tour

So by now… based on my list of recommended things to do in Copenhagen, you’ve seen the city on foot, on a bike, and maybe even from a canal cruise, but what about a kayak?!

Well if you happen to be visiting during the summer months then you’re in luck! Because you can basically only kayak around the harbor during June-August. Unless you own your own kayak and want to hop in during the arctic months but that’s up to you.

There aren’t that many cities that allow you to kayak directly through them (most of them require a boat cruise or something) so it’s pretty cool that you can get right down to water level in Copenhagen, gliding past the colorful houses and under the bridges at your own pace.

I’ll admit that I’m pretty terrible at kayak-ing and I have carpal tunnel so my wrist doesn’t love this activity but thank goodness for my husband who really carried the team here.

So if you’re visiting in summer, I’d absolutely recommend making the most of it by booking this top-rated guided kayak tour that takes you all along Christianhavn’s canals and Copenhagen Harbor

Danish Local Gems Booking Essentials

Explore Copenhagen’s Coolest Corners

If you love color and photography even half as much as I do, you’re going to want to bookmark this section

I genuinely had no idea how colorful Copenhagen was until I got there, and some of my favorite moments were mostly just me wandering around aimlessly, 85th cardamom bun in hand, taking photos with no real destination.

And here’s the best part: these are some of the best things to do in Copenhagen that are totally FREE to visit (which is rare coming from me). So grab your camera (or just your phone), put on your walking shoes, and let’s go check out Copenhagen’s coolest corners.

Photograph the colorful houses of Olufsvej

Olufsvej is an adorably charming street known for its row of brightly colored houses, which come together to create the most cheerful, picturesque scene. Olufsvej very much reminds me of the Danish version of Notting Hill in London.

To get there from the city center, you can take the S-train to Nørreport Station, and from there it’s a short walk or a quick bike ride to the street.

Since I was visiting during summer, I actually walked all the way from Nyhavn, which took over an hour, but it was such an enjoyable stroll. And since it’s just a residential street, it won’t cost you a thing to wander around and take photos. Just be mindful that there are actual residents that live here so please be respectful.

Explore Freetown Christiania

If you read my 2-day Copenhagen itinerary, I mentioned that I split up my stay across two hotels during my visit. And I’m glad I did because I don’t think I would’ve spent as much time across the river if I hadn’t stayed at NH Collection Copenhagen.

NH Collection Copenhagen ended up being only ~7 blocks away from Freetown Christiania, the self-governing “freetown” that’s been doing its own thing on an old military base since the ’70s.

Here’s the part your older guidebooks won’t tell you though: the infamous Pusher Street (aka the open-air cannabis market it was once known for) was permanently dug up and dismantled by Christiania’s own residents back in 2024 after years of gang violence. So if you showed up expecting that version of Christiania, it’s gone, and honestly the place is better for it.

What’s left is the part that was always worth the visit anyway: ramshackle DIY houses, murals on every surface, little art workshops, cozy cafes, and an organic food spot or two. It’s calm, it’s creative, and it basically feels like a regular Copenhagen neighborhood now. And yes, it’s totally safe to wander in 2026, and photography is generally fine again too, which wasn’t always the case, so snap away.

One important thing to keep in mind: Christiania still runs on its own rules and a whole lot of community pride, so read the signs, be respectful, and don’t be the tourist who treats someone’s actual home like a theme park.

Wander the wavy lines of Superkilen

“I’m sorry what? Why are you putting a skate park on your list of best things to do in Copenhagen?”

Okay look that’s totally fair. Honestly, Superkilen wasn’t even on my radar until I stumbled upon it on my way to Mikkeller & Friends bar in Nørrebro. I was actually walking over from Juno the Bakery, and this just happened to be the route Google sent me on.

So I stopped to watch the skaters do kickflips and snap some photos of these wild, wavy lines. It ended up being one of my favorite little detours of the whole trip. Now, you might be wondering what exactly is Superkilen? Good question.

It’s is a free public park in Nørrebro, designed by the renowned Danish firm BIG and opened in 2012. The most famous part is the stretch of squiggly black-and-white lines that ripple across the pavement (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram without realizing where it was).

The park is also filled with everyday objects sourced from countries all around the world, a nod to the diverse community that calls this neighborhood home. It’s a quick, quirky, and totally free stop if you’re already exploring Nørrebro.

Take a Day Trip Out of the City

One of the best things to do in Copenhagen barely happens in Copenhagen at all, because the city’s location makes it so easy to get out and explore beyond it. Thanks to Denmark’s excellent train network (and one very famous bridge), some of the best day trips from Copenhagen will have you in another country or standing on top of dramatic sea cliffs in just a couple of hours.

So if you’ve got an extra day to spare, I’d highly recommend using it on one of these. Here are a couple of my favorite day trips that easily earn a spot among the best things to do in Copenhagen and beyond.

Hop over to Sweden for the day

Are you a country counter like me? Idk if that’s the official term, but it’s the phrase I’ve come up with to describe a person who keeps track of the number of countries they’ve visited by adding them to an official list.

I’ve done a ton of other day trips to other countries like Uruguay from Argentina, Slovakia from Austria, and so many more.

So why not do the same in Copenhagen where you can visit two countries with basically zero effort? Yes, I’m talking about taking a day trip over to Ikea’s homeland of Sweden.

The Swedish city of Malmö sits right across the Øresund Bridge from Copenhagen, and the train ride takes only around 40 minutes, which still kind of blows my mind. It’s a great way to see a different side of Scandinavia, wander a new city, and say you hit two countries in one trip.

You can go the DIY route by train, or make it really easy on yourself and book a guided day tour to Sweden that takes care of the planning for you. For day trips specifically, my recommendation is almost always go with a guided tour because all of the logistics are handled for you!

Escape to the cliffs of Møns Klint

If you’re craving a little nature break from the city, a day trip from Copenhagen to Møns Klint should also be at the top of your list. These stunning white chalk cliffs sit on the island of Møn, about a two-hour drive southeast of Copenhagen, and they rise more than 100 meters straight up over the bright turquoise waters of the Baltic Sea.

It’s about a two-hour drive from the city, so it’s a bit of a commitment, but trust me, the scenery is more than worth it (and a refreshing change of pace from all the cobblestones and canals).

Since getting there on your own can be a bit more tedious than a day trip to Sweden, I’d suggest booking a guided day trip to Møns Klint so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride and views along the way.

Copenhagen Day Trips Booking Essentials

What to Skip in Copenhagen

Congrats if you’ve made it through this hefty list of the best things to do in Copenhagen! But I also promised you a real perspective on all the stuff that’s NOT worth your limited vacation time.

I’m a big believer that knowing what to skip is just as valuable as knowing what to do (and probably more, because nobody ever writes about this part). So here are the top 3 things I’d personally skip in Copenhagen and exactly why.

Skip the Little Mermaid statue

I know, I know. It’s the photo, it’s on every postcard, it feels borderline illegal to visit Copenhagen and not see her…

But hear me out: she’s tiny. She’s a little bronze lady perched on a rock, and she’s surrounded by a crowd roughly 50x her size. If you just happen to pass her while on your way to somewhere else then sure. But I definitely wouldn’t go out of my way to check out this statue.

Skip the “I have to eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant” mindset

This one definitely might be a bit controversial. But I swear there’s this idea that to eat well in Copenhagen you need a starred restaurant and an $800 reservation you booked four months ago. But this just isn’t true.

And yes, I know I technically sent you to a couple of starred spots earlier for a splurge-worthy tasting menu so I’ll try not to be a hypocrite here while getting my point across.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t splurge on a Michelin-starred restaurant, all I’m saying is that you don’t need to in order to find really good food. Stars aside, Copenhagen is also stacked with Michelin Guide restaurants and incredible tasting menus that are every bit as good as the starred ones, often at a fraction of the price.

And then there’s the hundreds of restaurants who aren’t associated with Michelin at all that are just as delicious. Restaurants like Propaganda, Goldfinch, Olise, and more.

Like, my 3-course lunch at VÆKST cost me ~$60 and I still think about it. A star doesn’t make the food taste better, it just makes the table harder to get. This is one of the best food cities on the planet for unique, one-of-a-kind dishes, so please don’t let a missing star talk you out of an unforgettable meal!

Skip the hop-on-hop-off bus

If you’ve read any of my other international city itineraries, you’ll know that I (and my husband) actually love ourselves a good hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Because I love efficiency when I travel lol.

So I want to be clear that I’m not a hope-on-hop-off bus hater. I’ve done these in London, Edinburgh, Cartagena, and plenty of other cities where they actually make sense.

But Copenhagen isn’t one of them. The city is tiny, flat, and practically begging to be explored on foot or by bike. Crawling through it on a bus just isn’t necessary here so I definitely recommend renting an E-bike instead and pocketing the savings for a non-Michelin starred tasting menu later.

Things to Do in Copenhagen FAQ

To help you finalize your list of the best things to do in Copenhagen, here are some commonly asked questions for first time visitors to the city

What is Copenhagen best known for?

When people think about what to do in Copenhagen, it’s best known for its world-class food scene (it’s home to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants), its serious cycling culture, the colorful Nyhavn harbour, and that famous Danish concept of hygge. It’s also the birthplace of fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, which is why you’ll spot the Little Mermaid and a whole lot of storybook charm around the city.

How many days do you need in Copenhagen?

Two days is enough to hit all the major highlights, but three to four days gives you a much more relaxed pace plus time to dig into more of what to do in Copenhagen, from hidden gems to a day trip or two.

If you’re tight on time, my 2-day Copenhagen itinerary maps out exactly how to make the most of a short visit.

Are there free things to do in Copenhagen?

Plenty! Some of the best things to do in Copenhagen cost nothing at all, like wandering Nyhavn, photographing the colorful houses of Olufsvej, exploring Freetown Christiania, checking out the wavy lines of Superkilen, and swimming at the Islands Brygge Harbour Bath. You can even get a panoramic city view for free by climbing the tower at Christiansborg Palace, which is a great budget-friendly alternative to the Round Tower.

What currency is used in Copenhagen?

If you think that Denmark uses the Euro, then I’m sorry but you’re mistaken. The currency in Copenhagen and all of Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). The exchange rate hovers at around 6 Krone to the dollar and as you would expect, credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Denmark. 

What language do they speak in Copenhagen?

Danish is the official language in Denmark but English is widely spoken, especially in Copenhagen and even more so in tourist businesses such as hotels and restaurants.

Do I need to book things to do in Copenhagen in advance?

For the popular stuff, yes. Tours like the food tour, pastry crawl, kayak tour, and day trips tend to fill up fast, so I’d lock those in before your trip. A few things, like the Round Tower, are pay-at-the-door only, so just go early to beat any line.

Is Copenhagen safe to visit in 2026?

Yes! Copenhagen is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the world, and that hasn’t changed in 2026. Violent crime is exceedingly rare and even wandering around at night feels perfectly comfortable, though you’ll still want to take the usual precautions in busy tourist areas like keeping your valuables in a zipped pocket.

And if you want help picking a safe, well-located neighborhood to base yourself in, my guide on where to stay in Copenhagen breaks down the best areas for first-time visitors.

20 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen: Final Thoughts

And there you have it, my full roundup of the 20 best things to do in Copenhagen, plus the handful of things I’d skip so you can spend your time where it actually counts.

Whether you came for the postcard classics like Nyhavn and Tivoli, the incredible food scene, the local gems most guides skip over, or a day trip across the bridge to Sweden, I hope this list helps you build a trip you’ll be daydreaming about long after you’ve flown home.

I mean, I’m still here talking about cardamom buns long after my visit. So clearly I need help or the Danish pastries were just that memorable. Probably a mix of both tbh.

Still in planning mode? Make sure to check out my 2-day Copenhagen itinerary for an hour-by-hour game plan, and my guide on where to stay in Copenhagen to lock in the perfect home base for your trip.

What ended up being your favorite thing to do in Copenhagen? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting Other Parts of Denmark?

Check out my other travel guides on Denmark here.

Visiting Other Parts of Europe?

Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.

Looking for Travel Inspiration to Somewhere Else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!

The post 20 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen for First Timers (+ What to Skip) first appeared on Discover Over There • International Travel Blog.

Think of this whole post as the ultimate San Francisco city hall wedding recap from someone who just lived through it.

For some background: I’m a Bay Area native (shoutout to Walnut Creek) and I’ve called San Francisco home for over a decade. So I never thought in a million years that a San Francisco courthouse wedding would be on my bingo card – but it turned out to be the perfect ode to the city my (now) husband and I built our entire life in. We met here. Got engaged here. Adopted Bagel the beagle here. Bought our first house here. The whole thing.

It also just made sense logistically. My husband is South African, with a big chunk of my family flying in from Asia and Europe, and we didn’t love the idea of asking everyone to make their way to some random wedding venue elsewhere. We ultimately decided that bringing everyone to us was the easier call, because most of our guests were already staring down 12+ hour flights.

And as long as everyone was here anyway, why not show our closest friends and family our favorite places on earth? Aka a day trip to Napa, lunch in Marin, and the most important agenda item of all: meeting Bagel the beagle.

Unfortunately, with no wedding planner generously funded by my parents (a girl can dream), I planned this entire 2-day event myself. So this guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know to plan your own San Francisco city hall wedding.

I’ll basically be giving you the exact playbook for how to get married at San Francisco city hall without losing your mind in the process.

I’ll be walking you through all of it including the actual logistics of booking the ceremony, the tips and tricks I wish I’d known going in, how we hosted cocktail hour at the Fairmont San Francisco, our reception dinner at Original Joe’s, the afterparty at Left Door, and a full guide for hosting out-of-town guests in the city.

Now I know a San Francisco courthouse wedding isn’t your typical winery or beachfront in Mexico wedding but if you do it right, it’s hands down one of the most beautiful, grand, romantic, unexpectedly elegant ways you can possibly get married. So let’s get into it

Ps. all photos below were taken by our incredible wedding photographer @yourgirlmark – i go deep later on how we found her and why she’s worth every penny.

Read more on San Francisco

• The Perfect 3 Day San Francisco Travel Guide (w/ sample itinerary)
• A Local’s Guide to Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Boutique Hotels
• 12 Easy Day Trips from San Francisco
• The Essential Guide to San Francisco’s Polk Street

This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Why We Chose San Francisco City Hall for Our Wedding

I touched on some of the reasoning behind our San Francisco wedding earlier, and while logistics drove the majority of the decision, I also want to call out that the aesthetic and overall vibe of San Francisco city hall played a massive role too.

Unlike a lot of brides, I didn’t want an outdoor wedding. I always wanted something intimate, small, and mostly just for family and close friends. I also didn’t want a beach or oceanfront wedding which I know is pretty popular. I just couldn’t fathom putting on a full face of makeup just to sweat it off before the ceremony even started.

The words I kept coming back to for my wedding (and Pinterest board) were Vogue, editorial, elegant, and above all else: timeless.

And anyone who’s seen photos of a San Francisco courthouse wedding (which I assume is probably everyone reading this) knows the venue nails all of the above, despite technically being a very public government building.

So while convenience and travel logistics for family were the top reason, the actual beauty of the space made the decision a no-brainer.

I’d even go as far to argue that San Francisco city hall is one of the most magnificent beautiful public buildings in the country to get married in.

Our Wedding Morning at The Fairmont San Francisco

How many brides do you know who stayed at a hotel on their wedding day that’s a 2-block walk from their actual apartment? Probably not many! But that was me

We literally live in Nob Hill, down the street from the Fairmont San Francisco, which made the night before and morning of our San Francisco city hall wedding a lot easier logistically.

Are you starting to sense that logistics (and efficiency) are really important to me?

Ps. Nob Hill is hands down one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city to explore (which is why it gets so much love in my 3-day San Francisco itinerary) so if your guests are staying here, they’ll have plenty to do between events.

In case you’re not familiar, the Fairmont San Francisco is an absolutely iconic 5-star luxury hotel, which is very on-brand for me. And exactly the kind of hotel I write about constantly on this blog.

If you’ve been down the rabbit hole of my local’s guide to where to stay in San Francisco, you already know the Fairmont sits at the top of my list for a reason.

So naturally, this is where we’d spend the night before AND the night of the biggest day of our lives. I mean, let’s be real. Was there ever really another option? I’m thinking no.

Since we were also hosting cocktail hour there after the ceremony, we booked the Buckingham Suite for 2 nights (the night before and the night of) so we’d have plenty of time to set everything up. Plus, my husband and I wanted to sleep separately the night before too, so my best girlfriends and Bagel the beagle came to keep me company.

We ordered room service, did a couple face masks, and went to bed at a reasonable hour in anticipation of the big day!

Keep reading for why we picked the Fairmont, what the Buckingham Suite is actually like, and how getting ready at the Fairmont went

Why the Fairmont San Francisco

So aside from our apartment being very conveniently located two blocks away from the Fairmont…you’re probably wondering why we actually chose the Fairmont for our San Francisco wedding?

Well, there were really 3 main reasons:

One: I’m a boutique luxury 5-star hotel gal at heart, but I also have a real soft spot for hotels with historical significance (which is why The Francis House in Calistoga and the Marriott Mena House in Cairo are forever favorites of mine). And the Fairmont San Francisco, which opened in 1907, is full of history.

It was actually destroyed by a fire before it ever opened, then rebuilt by Julia Morgan (the first licensed female architect in California, and became the first major business to reopen after the disaster. Basically becoming a symbol of the city’s rebirth.

Two: I wanted the whole day to feel elegant, editorial, and quintessentially San Francisco. And what better place to do that than the iconic Fairmont hotel? I mean…this hotel is literally where the president stays when he visits. Not sure it can get more royal than that. I’m pretty sure a lot of celebrities (and the entire Golden State Warriors roster) stay here too, because the hotel is often blocked off when I’m walking Bagel near Huntington Park.

And then three: The Buckingham Suite. Holy moly. My husband and I reached out to the GM to go take a tour before booking and once we peeked inside, it was game over. The entire suite was total Mad Men vibes with classic wood paneling, built-in bookcases, a dry bar, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the whole city. Keep reading for more details on the epic suite itself!

Inside the Buckingham Suite

Yay! It’s finally time to take you INSIDE the magnificent Buckingham Suite. Like I said earlier, once I saw this suite I could immediately picture all of the fun wedding photos we’d be taking here. Including the champagne tower shots that I set up myself with store-bought Ikea glasses.

If you’re local, you might know that the presidential suite at the Fairmont gets a lot of attention but I’m here to showcase the Buckingham suite. Also, this might be a controversial take but I think the Buckingham suite is way better than the presidential suite. They’re both amazing but they just have completely different vibes.

Annnnd let’s be real. I’m pretty sure the presidential suite is like $20,000 a night so I couldn’t even showcase that if I wanted to.

Located on the 5th floor of the Fairmont San Francisco’s main building, the Buckingham Balcony Suite spans 800 square feet and features a king bed, a dry bar, built-in bookcases, and a decorative fireplace.

Its standout feature is a glass-enclosed balcony with views of the city skyline and the hotel’s rooftop garden.

We hosted cocktail hour after the ceremony in our suite and I just knew the balcony would be epic. More details and photos on this below!

In-room amenities included Le Labo bath products, plush terry robes, a smart HD television, and a dedicated VIP guest relations contact.

Getting ready at the Fairmont San Francisco

Since my husband and I weren’t staying together the night before, we also woke up separately on the morning of our San Francisco wedding. He got ready with his mom and best friend at our apartment while I got ready with my two best girlfriends and Bagel the beagle.

We ordered room service, had morning mimosas, played music, while hair and makeup came directly to the Fairmont.

My photographer (@yourgirlmark) and content creator (@mybigdaybestie) also showed up with plenty of time to spare so they could capture detail shots and some fun photos of Bagel and I before heading downstairs for our first look in the garden!

Where to Stay in San Francisco for a City Hall Wedding

Before I dive into the specifics of booking a city hall ceremony, you might be wondering where or how you’re going to host non-local guests. Choosing a hotel for a San Francisco wedding feels different than booking for a normal SF trip because suddenly you’re juggling photos, getting-ready space, vendor logistics, and a million out-of-town guests who keep asking “wait, is this neighborhood safe??”

The good news? City hall is in a kinda awkward spot (Civic Center, which is adjacent to areas I’d absolutely steer you away from in any other guide), but the upside is that almost all of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels are a 5-10 minute drive away in Nob Hill, Union Square, or along Market Street.

Below, I’m breaking down exactly where my husband and I stayed (and where we put our guests), plus a few backup picks depending on your vibe and budget

The Fairmont San Francisco (our pick)

If you’ve read any of my previous SF content (or anything from earlier in this blog post), then you already know I’m obsessed with The Fairmont San Francisco and why we chose it.

For a courthouse wedding specifically though, the Fairmont San Francisco is the dream. It’s a 7-minute drive down the hill to your ceremony, the lobby looks like a wedding photo set before you even point a camera at it, and the suites are massive.

If you book early enough (which you will likely need to because you’ll have to secure your San Francisco city hall ceremony date well in advance), standard rooms tend to start around $280-$330/night, which is honestly a steal for a 5-star Nob Hill stay. Check prices via Booking.com Check prices via Expedia

I get into exactly why Nob Hill always wins for me in my full breakdown of where to stay in San Francisco, but the short version is that it’s central, charming, and way safer than most areas downtown.

And call me biased because I live here but I also think Nob Hill is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in if you want the full SF experience. You’ll have cable cars rolling past your hotel, Grace Cathedral around the corner, and some of my favorite hidden Italian spots a short walk away.

Ps. If your guests want to wander, my full San Francisco hotel guide breaks down everything to do in Nob Hill, plus my 3-day San Francisco itinerary has all my favorite restaurants and hidden gems within walking distance.

Other iconic luxury hotels near San Francisco city hall

If the Fairmont is booked (it happens, especially during peak wedding season) or you just want options, the good news is Nob Hill and Union Square are stacked with iconic luxury stays that are all a short drive or rideshare from city hall.

I’ve personally stayed at or toured most of these and I go way deeper on each one in my guide to the best boutique hotels in San Francisco, so check that out if you want the full pros and cons before booking.

But these are the ones that our friends, family, and photographer actually ended up staying in:

• InterContinental Mark Hopkins, for classic Nob Hill sophistication with unbeatable city views, plus Top of the Mark which is the iconic rooftop lounge for sunset cocktails. This is where my photographer and her husband stayed for 4 nights and had no complaints!
  Book via Booking.com Book via Expedia
• The Huntington Hotel, for a completely renovated and absolutely stunning stay with sweeping views of Grace Cathedral and oversized suites that are perfect for getting ready. This hotel was actually closed during the pandemic and used to have one of the most iconic spas in the city so staying here for a San Francisco city hall wedding is a must if you prioritize wellness.Book via Booking.com Book via Expedia
• Beacon Grand, for a glamorous Art Deco stay (formerly the Sir Francis Drake) right on Union Square with a rooftop bar that has epic 360° views of the city. Great for a more central, walkable home base if your guests want to shop and eat between events.
  Book via Booking.com Book via Expedia
• Westin St. Francis, for a historic Union Square classic with the Chateau Montelena Tasting Room tucked directly inside (literally one of my favorite Napa wineries) with massive rooms and easy access to everything. A great choice for a low-key San Francisco city hall weddingBook via Booking.com Book via Expedia

Best boutique hotels for out-of-town guests

I get that luxury isn’t every guest’s vibe, and luckily there’s no shortage of hotels in San Francisco at every price range (which I break down in full detail in my other guide on where to stay in SF).

But here are a few of my top boutique picks that worked perfectly for our wedding weekend, again based on where our actual friends and family stayed. Most of them were within walking distance to The Fairmont and no more than a 10-minute Uber from city hall and North Beach area, where we had our reception:

• Nob Hill Hotel, for a budget-friendly, no-frills boutique stay literally around the corner from The Fairmont (and our apartment). This is actually where my frugal Asian dad stayed and he had zero complaints, which if you know Asian dads, is basically a five-star review. The rooms are clean and modern, there’s a delicious restaurant on the ground floor that only locals know about, and you’re right in the heart of Nob Hill without the luxury price tag. Book via Booking.com Book via Expedia
• Palihotel, for one of my all-time favorite boutique brands. Quirky, cozy, full of charm, and located right in Union Square. Great for guests who want something hip and design-forward without breaking the bank. Bonus: their new bar Bar Maritime is super cute for drinks before the ceremony!Book via Booking.com Book via Expedia
• Stanford Court, for a modern boutique pick atop Nob Hill with sleek design, easy cable-car access, and great city views. A few of my husbands friends stayed here and it was perfect because it was less than 1 block away from the Fairmont!Book via Booking.com Book via Expedia
• Hotel Kabuki, for a gorgeous, minimalist Japanese-inspired stay slightly further out in Japantown with spacious rooms. There’s also a fantastic bar and fun photobooth in the lobby which is honestly perfect for a San Francisco city hall wedding weekend. And Daeho, a famous Korean restaurant known for blow-torching melted mozzarella cheese right in front of you, is located right across the street!Book via Booking.com Book via Expedia

How to choose the right hotel block for your San Francisco city hall wedding

I’ll be honest, most San Francisco courthouse weddings are too small for a traditional hotel block (you typically need 10+ rooms per night to even qualify for a group rate). But I figured I might as well include some information about hotel blocks in San Francisco, especially if you have out-of-town guests.

Under 10 rooms needed: Skip the block. Ask the hotel for a “discounted link” or “group rate code” instead. No contract, no minimums, no financial liability if guests don’t book. The Fairmont, Mark Hopkins, and Westin St. Francis all do this. This is what I’d recommend for 99% of San Francisco city hall weddings.

~10-20 rooms needed: Ask for a courtesy block. Same deal but slightly better discount (usually 10-20% off), rooms are held for your group, and unbooked rooms release ~30 days out with zero penalty to you. This is the sweet spot.

20+ rooms needed: Now you’re in contracted block territory, where you commit to a minimum and pay for rooms your guests don’t fill. I personally wouldn’t do this for a San Francisco courthouse wedding because you’ll often have guests with a wide variety of budgets/taste. But if you’re hosting a bigger weekend, the discounts can be worth it.

My biggest tip though?

Pick hotels based on neighborhood, not just price.

Seriously, I cannot stress this enough, and if you want a no-nonsense neighborhood-by-neighborhood rundown, my San Francisco hotel guide walks through which areas are actually worth your guests’ money.

Nob Hill and Union Square are your best bets because they’re close to city hall, walkable to good restaurants, and your guests won’t be navigating sketchy areas at 11pm. I break down my favorite boutique stays in each of these neighborhoods in my full where to stay in San Francisco guide if you want specific picks. Skip anything in SOMA or Civic Center no matter how good the deal looks.

Trust me on this one

Best San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photo Locations

So I think most brides or couples will usually do a few getting-ready photos in the morning, maybe a first look, and then they’ll do the ceremony, followed by photos during cocktail hour. Or at least that’s what I’m pretty sure I’ve seen when I’ve gone to weddings?

My husband and I knew that we wanted to get the majority of photos out of the way, so that it didn’t take away from time with our guests.

We basically just had a really early start in the morning, did our first look downstairs in the garden of the Fairmont, and then left to go run around San Francisco and take photos for about three hours before getting to city hall a little bit earlier.

Keep reading for more details on how we actually chose our photographer (it was an agonizing process) and content creator, and the local spots that we went to for iconic San Francisco photos.

Choosing our San Francisco city hall wedding photographer

Ok so as I’ve mentioned roughly 47 times in this post, I’m a photographer myself, which means I was extremely picky about how I wanted the day to look. I literally AGONIZED over trying to find a photographer for our San Francisco city hall wedding.

I even posted on r/SanFranciscoWeddings to try and find an editorial/documentary photographer, and I’m pretty sure I interviewed and met with over 25 different photographers before landing on @yourgirlmark.

There are obviously so many great photographers in the Bay Area, but I kept running into the same two problems.

One: a lot of them were already booked, which felt crazy because it was a full year out (but I get it, it makes sense).

Two: a lot of their styles were a little bit too documentary for what I was going for. I know candid moments are really popular right now, but I wanted an editorial vibe more than anything. Which typically means relatively staged and posed, with a mix of candid and documentary sprinkled in.

And then there was the added challenge of finding someone who could actually shoot film the way I had it envisioned in my head.

I also originally put down a deposit on another girl, but then came to find out her entire portfolio was a styled photo shoot. She didn’t disclose any of this until I went deeper on her Instagram. Just be warned that some photographers will do styled shoots, which is pretty common in the industry, but they should ALWAYS disclose that it was a styled shoot and not a real wedding they photographed. Huge red flag if they don’t.

A friend eventually suggested I start looking at photographers who actually lived outside of San Francisco, and that’s how I stumbled onto @yourgirlmark. And honestly? She was everything we were looking for. Reasonably priced too imo, especially considering we had a ~$10,000 photo budget to work with, and she ended up shooting both day one and day two for us.

Another thing I did was hire a wedding content creator, which is a relatively new wedding vendor category. It feels like they’re becoming more common these days! For our small San Francisco microwedding, I just didn’t feel like I needed a full videography team and production, so a content creator just made sense.

I found @mybigdaybestie through Instagram and she captured beautiful iPhone photos/videos and delivered everything to us via Dropbox within 48 hours after the event.

I’m pretty active on social (duh), so it felt like a great way to get iPhone content that I could chop up and turn into Instagram and TikTok format too. Even if you’re not a content creator, I highly recommend hiring one because it’s a great way to capture speeches, little moments you might’ve missed, your wedding from a different perspective, and instant content delivered to you after the big day.

The best places to take wedding portraits in San Francisco

There’s a ton of resources online already about the best places to take photos in San Francisco so I won’t go too in-depth here. I actually used to host a photography experience on Airbnb though so I’m pretty familiar with all the best spots (and at what time to visit them).

I already knew I wanted to take photos at Legion of Honor, which is a famous art museum inside of Golden Gate Park. It feels like a mini Louvre with the iconic columns in front and the mini pyramid skylight made of glass. I mean… if we couldn’t have our wedding in Paris, why not bring Paris to us?

After Legion of Honor, we drove over to Fort Point National Historic Site, another one of my favorite locations that has the Golden Gate Bridge directly in the background. Then our last photo location was back at the Fairmont because we forgot something in the hotel and wanted to wait for the cable car on California Street.

Ps. both Legion of Honor and Fort Point are stops I always squeeze into my 3-day San Francisco itinerary for first-time visitors, so they double as great sightseeing spots even if you’re not getting married.

Huge shout out to our driver who was an absolute G. He literally held up traffic for us for a couple minutes so we could hop on the cable car and take some photos. Also a huge shout out to @yourgirlmark for her photoshop work because it was definitely not an empty train, I’ll tell you that much.

As you can see, we only went to a few locations in San Francisco but those were the ones that matched my specific vibe. If I had to recommend more San Francisco wedding photography spots, these would be my top three picks based on personal experience and having shot at all of these destinations before as a photographer myself:

1. Golden Gate Overlook – you can come here for a more over-the-top view of the Golden Gate Bridge, where people often shoot couples in between the trees to get a really pretty view of the bridge behind you.
2. Sutro Baths(especially at sunset)– one of my absolute favorite places to shoot in San Francisco. You just kind of have to time it well with golden hour, and it’s all the way at the very edge of the city. If you’ve read my 3-day San Francisco itinerary, you already know Sutro Baths at sunset is one of those views I’d send literally anyone visiting the city to go see. Unfortunately, we didn’t do it because we were shooting in the morning, and it would have been too far to get back to city hall on time.
3. Battery Spencer – another one of my all-time favorite locations, but again, factoring in time to get across the bridge and then parking can be really tough. You would definitely want to hire a driver for this one so they could drop you and your photographer off and then come back around. Also just keep in mind that this part is a little dusty, and there’s the concern of getting your dress dirty before the actual ceremony, which is why we ultimately decided to forego it.

Our Afternoon San Francisco City Hall Wedding Ceremony

Okay now the moment you’ve all been waiting for…all the details from our San Francisco city hall ceremony itself. Crazy how just writing this post alone is bringing me back to one of the most incredible days of our lives!

While there were definitely a few parts of the day I wasn’t crazy about (more on that later), I don’t regret a single thing.

Keep reading for all the details on our ceremony, my tips and tricks for getting married at San Francisco city hall, and what to keep in mind if you’re considering tying the knot here.

If you’ve been wondering how to get married at San Francisco city hall, the next few sections are basically going to answer every question you have.

Why San Francisco city hall is the most beautiful wedding venue

Anyone that’s seen photos of San Francisco city hall (which I’m guessing is you by this point) will automatically know how beautiful the inside is. Like I said earlier, I feel like indoor weddings are rare these days so if you’re on the fence about having an indoor ceremony, I’m hoping these photos will help you make up your mind.

Hopefully seeing a real San Francisco city hall wedding example like ours helps you visualize what your own day could look like.

San Francisco city hall opened in December 1915 and was designed by architect Arthur Brown Jr. in the Beaux-Arts style. Grand, ornate, and heavily inspired by classical French architecture. Its iconic dome was modeled after Paris’s Les Invalides and rises over 300 feet, making it 42 feet taller than the dome of the U.S. Capitol.

Once you step inside (which you’ll need to before the ceremony to get your marriage license anyway), you’re immediately greeted by the sweeping marble staircase, gilded details, and soaring rotunda. Which makes it immediately apparent why San Francisco city hall is one of the most stunning (and most photographed) wedding venues in the country.

San Francisco city hall wedding permits, costs & timing

While there’s a million positives to getting married at San Francisco city hall…you also need to keep in mind that it’s a government building at the end of the day. Which means they’re pretty strict on certain things, specifically around the application process and using outside vendors.

The biggest thing to know about how to get married at San Francisco city hall is that the booking process moves a lot faster than people expect.

You don’t really have the option to be wishy-washy on your decision here because if you want a specific wedding date, you’ll need to act fast. Or say goodbye to your deposit forever.

City hall offers a few different wedding packages depending on your budget, guest count, and how much of the building you want to yourself which I break down in more detail below.

Your San Francisco city hall wedding cost is going to depend heavily on which package you choose, so it’s worth understanding all of your options upfront.

We had a pretty long engagement (about ~18 months) but we actually decided on the wedding date shortly after getting engaged because we knew how competitive it would be to get married in the following September. So I think it was around June or July of 2025 that we submitted a reservation request for September 2026 and opted for the one-hour wedding on a Friday from 3-4pm.

The San Francisco city hall one hour wedding slots tend to be the most competitive because they’re the most affordable, so I’d recommend deciding fast if that’s the route you want.

The whole process was kinda stressful ngl. So you basically submit a request and then someone else can actually challenge you for the time/day. And if they do that (which happened to us), you then get 48 business hours to get a money order and pay a 75% deposit ($750) to city hall. Otherwise you forfeit your original reservation.

This was literally the email I received on June 3rd. I remember getting it while at work being like what in the actual fuck.

Our proposed wedding date was our 5-year anniversary so I was pretty adamant on that particular date. I just never thought in a million years that someone would challenge us for the date with more than 14 months to go. So I immediately drove to Chase bank after work to get a money order and then stopped by city hall the next day.

It all worked out in the end but what I’m trying to say is to be prepared to put down a deposit and nail down a time/day as early as possible if you’re set on getting married at city hall.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each San Francisco courthouse wedding option:

The San Francisco city hall one hour wedding option is by far the most popular, but it’s worth seeing all three packages laid out side by side.

One-Hour Wedding ($1,200) – The most affordable and popular option for small ceremonies. This is what we chose! Available Monday through Friday only, with the earliest ceremony at 9:00 am and the latest at 3:00 pm. You’ll get private use of either the Mayor’s Balcony (seats up to 40) or a Fourth Floor Gallery (seats up to 60), with capacity for up to 100 guests total (additional guests stand for the ceremony). At least 4 weeks lead time is required to reserve. Check availability and book through the One-Hour Wedding page.

The San Francisco city hall wedding cost for this option is the lowest of the three packages, which is exactly why it’s the most popular choice for couples doing a small ceremony.

Two-Hour Wedding ($6,000) – For couples who want to exchange vows on the iconic Grand Staircase of the Rotunda. Offered on Saturdays only, with the earliest ceremony starting at 9:00 am and the latest at 12:00 noon. The package accommodates up to 200 guests and includes Natural Wood Folding chairs, insurance, and basic building services. The two-hour window includes load-in and load-out, and at least 3 months lead time is required. Check availability and book through the Two-Hour Wedding page.

Evening Wedding (custom pricing) – The full City Hall takeover for couples who want a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one place. Available on weekdays and weekends, though not on Tuesdays due to Board of Supervisors meetings. Load-in for the North Light Court begins at 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm for all other areas. Your event must conclude by midnight, with load-out wrapping by 2:00 am. For pricing and to book, contact the events office directly.

How to book: Start by checking the wedding availability calendar for open dates. Once you find one that works, you can submit a reservation request through the same booking page to place a complimentary hold (30 days for one-hour weddings, 90 days for two-hour). To officially confirm your date, you’ll need to sign a contract and submit a 75% deposit on the rental fee.

That’s basically the high-level overview of how to get married at San Francisco city hall, but the real magic is in the smaller logistical decisions you make along the way.

What our San Francisco city hall wedding looked like

Our wedding actually spanned two days (more on that later in this post), but our main wedding day, which included the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner reception, was just for family and our closest friends. We ended up with ~22 people total, which made the logistics soooo much easier since I basically planned the whole thing myself.

If you’re looking for a San Francisco city hall wedding example that involves a small guest count and a tightly planned day, this is pretty much exactly that.

We booked the 3pm Friday ceremony on the 4th floor and showed up to city hall around 1pm. Like I mentioned earlier, we wanted to knock out all of the photos beforehand, so we shot for a couple of hours, especially since certain spots like the grand staircase tend to have a wait.

If you’re reading this San Francisco city hall wedding recap to figure out the timing for your own day, I’d genuinely recommend showing up earlier than you think you need to.

We got lucky and only had to wait for one couple before we had the staircase to ourselves.

For the one-hour ceremony slot, city hall is pretty strict about certain things like music. We chose a violinist and cellist from Corelli Strings which was on their approved vendor list, and I walked down the aisle to a violin rendition of “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, which was honestly so sick.

The San Francisco city hall one hour wedding does come with a bunch of small restrictions, so it’s worth reading through the fine print of your contract carefully.

One of my favorite moments though was my best friend walking Bagel the beagle down the aisle. We forced her into a cute little pink dress from Amazon and it was the most adorable thing ever.

Ps. I don’t actually think city hall technically allows dogs, but we were allowed to bring her in, so from what I’ve heard it just depends on who’s working that day.

The whole ceremony lasted less than 30 minutes (exactly what we wanted), and afterward we took group and family photos in that gorgeous afternoon light on the 4th floor. Then we handed out Uber vouchers to send everyone back to the Fairmont for cocktail hour.

Best photo spots inside San Francisco city hall

One of the best things about getting married at San Francisco city hall is that it doubles as one of the most iconic photo venues in the city. The grand architecture, marble columns, and dreamy natural light make it a photographer’s playground.

Almost every San Francisco city hall wedding example I saw online featured the same handful of photo spots, but there are honestly so many more angles to play with.

And as a photographer myself, I have some pretty high standards.

You definitely need to know where to go though to get all of the best photos so here are the top San Francisco city hall photo spots I’d recommend:

• Grand Staircase: The most iconic shot in the building, but expect a wait. Shoot it from the Mayor’s Balcony (if open) or angled from the 3rd floor for the best perspective.
• Third Floor Windows: Perfect for stunning silhouettes, bridal portraits, and a moodier, more dramatic feel.
• Inside the Elevators: A fun, playful spot that breaks up all the grandeur with something a little more unexpected.
• 4th Floor Balcony: Where our ceremony took place, and the afternoon light here is absolutely unreal. If you’re getting married in winter, you’re in luck because the last ceremony of the day tends to fall right at golden hour.

Tips for a San Francisco city hall wedding

I’m not gonna pretend planning a San Francisco city hall wedding is some massive undertaking (it’s not, which is literally why we chose to go this route) but there are definitely a few things I genuinely wish someone had told me before our big day.

Figuring out how to get married at San Francisco city hall is honestly the easy part, but the little details around the day are what trip most couples up.

So here are my biggest tips after planning and living through the day myself:

1. Don’t let the permit process stress you out. Try to stay flexible on your date and time, since slots open up all the time when people cancel. That said, plan as early as you can to give yourself the best shot at your ideal slot.

Flexibility is especially important if you’re set on a San Francisco city hall one hour wedding because those time slots fill up the fastest of any package.

2. Remember, it’s a government building. Our ceremony was actually SO LOUD. Kids screaming, people walking through, the whole thing. Our guests could barely hear our vows and my Type A self was screaming inside, but it was fine in the end. My husband and I could hear each other and that’s all that really mattered. But I really wish someone had told us just hoooow badly sound travels inside.

I actually think the Mayor’s Balcony is 10x worse so I personally would never get married there. You don’t really have a choice when you sign up for a time slot though, I’m pretty sure you just get what you get but totally worth asking anyway.

If noise is a dealbreaker for you, aim for an earlier ceremony.

3. Don’t forget your marriage license. You’ll need to make an appointment in advance to get it, and once you do, you have 90 days to get married in California. The best part? Right after your ceremony, you can walk straight back downstairs and turn it in though which is what we did!

My last tip: don’t stress. Things will go wrong. Something probably won’t be perfect. Just roll with the punches and enjoy the day. Easier said than done I know!

Hosting Cocktail Hour at the Fairmont San Francisco

After the ceremony, we got everyone Ubers back to the Fairmont San Francisco where we had drinks and light bites waiting.

My husband and I? We actually took a Waymo with my dad and mother in law because neither of them had ever seen or ridden in a robot car before. Riding a Waymo is honestly one of those quintessentially SF things to do that I’m always telling visitors to try (it even made it into my 3-day San Francisco itinerary as a must-do). Literally so San Francisco of us. My dad had the time of his life filming the whole ride lol.

Why the Buckingham Suite is perfect for cocktail hour

Ok so I know I already talked a lot about why I chose the Buckingham suite, and it was mostly because I knew I wanted the photos to be a certain way. But after thinking it through and actually seeing the place, we were like, “Oh my God, should we just have our cocktail hour here?”

I mean, we were only going to have about 20 people, so the question was, could we even fit everyone in this suite?

Turns out we definitely could, and we knew it was going to be the right choice for us because our wedding was pretty low key anyway.

And so we ended up DIY’ing the whole thing in the Buckingham suite, and it turned out perfect.

How we set it up (our DIY approach)

The way we set it up was basically this: my girlfriends and I spent the night in the suite the night before the wedding, and I had hauled over a lot of stuff from the apartment. Decor, champagne bottles, champagne glasses (I even did an Ikea run because I knew I wanted to do a champagne tower in the suite), a bunch of alcohol from BevMo, plus sooooooo much wine from all our Napa trips.

We also brought over a ton of white claws, high noons, aperol, whiskey, and anything else that was just lying around the house.

I also ordered some cute dog napkins off Etsy, picked up floral paper plates and cutlery, and grabbed a few other custom decor pieces to dress up the suite for cocktail hour. My best friend’s mom was also bringing over some flowers she had picked up from Trader Joe’s.

For food, I pre-ordered a 6 ft grazing board from Brie’s Grazing Boards so guests could snack between the ceremony and dinner. Honestly though? I’m not sure I would recommend her as a vendor.

She was really hard to communicate with and just hard to work with overall, which was a bummer because the grazing board itself was beautiful and genuinely delicious. It looked super aesthetic, we had way more than enough food, and her team coordinated with the Fairmont to come set up in the suite while we were having the ceremony.

But the upfront communication was just not it, and I didn’t enjoy the experience.

Overall, the setup felt pretty minimal, which is exactly what we wanted. We kept the decor light, DIY’d all of the alcohol, and used the dry bar that was already in the hotel. All we asked the Fairmont for was bags of ice and some glassware, which they happily brought up.

All of our guests and us ended up hanging out in the suite for about two to three hours before heading out to dinner!

How many guests the Buckingham Suite comfortably fits

I’ll be honest. I actually have no idea how many people can realistically fit in the Buckingham Suite, but I do know that we had 22 guests total on our wedding day.

Because the suite is essentially three big spaces (the main bedroom, the living area, and the outdoor patio), it felt really spacious. It definitely felt like we could have squeezed in more people if we wanted to, and there was more than enough seating both inside and outside.

My parents and a lot of the older guests sat throughout cocktail hour, while most of our friends were up and moving around, either out on the terrace, hanging by the bar, or just mingling in the general area.

So if I had to guess, I’d say anything over 30 would probably start to feel a little cramped? But with 22 people, there was more than enough room to spread out, have a real conversation, and not feel like you were on top of each other at all.

And bagel the beagle also had plenty of space to roam around and eat food off the floor before she tucked herself into the king-sized bed!

Our Evening Dinner Reception at Original Joe’s

After about 2-3 hours of drinking, snacking on the grazing board, and taking more photos than we could count, we finally made our way to North Beach for our dinner reception at Original Joe’s!

Picking the right spot for our San Francisco city hall wedding reception was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire planning process.

Obviously, we wanted to keep the theme of iconic San Francisco locations going throughout the entire day, and Original Joe’s is definitely one of those. It originally opened in 1937 and has been serving up classic Italian-American dishes ever since.

It’s actually one of my Top 3 restaurants in the entire city (yes, it made the cut in my 3-day San Francisco itinerary too) so it felt like the most fitting place to celebrate with our closest people.

And I am absolutely obsessed with their spicy rigatoni pasta, so I just knew we had to have it on our wedding day.

Why Original Joe’s is perfect for a small wedding reception

Okay so out of all the restaurants in San Francisco, you’re probably wondering why we chose Original Joe’s for our wedding reception?

If you’re trying to plan a small, intimate San Francisco city hall wedding reception, an iconic local restaurant is honestly such an underrated move.

Well, if you’re a local, you’ll already know that Original Joe’s is an absolutely iconic San Francisco dinner spot. It’s a common go-to for out-of-town visitors or family visiting who want a real SF experience and some really great Italian food.

And for private dining options, there’s actually three different rooms to choose from:

1. The Salesian room, which fits about 30 seated, and this is actually where we held our reception because of the dark green tufted walls, the neon Joe’s sign, and the seating capacity. I just had this photo in my head of how the photos would look from this room, and I knew I was going to absolutely love it.
2. The Tony Bennett room, which has aqua tiles and deco mermaids, which is really pretty, just not the vibe I was going for, and that one fits up to 32 seated.
3. The Parkside room, which is the biggest room that they have and it overlooks Washington Square Park and fits up to about 50 seated.

For the Salesian room specifically, I loved the “boardroom” style table. You could also rearrange it into 3 circular tables of 10, but with only 22 guests – I felt like having one long table was more aesthetically pleasing.

I really wanted our San Francisco city hall wedding reception to feel like an extension of the ceremony, not a totally separate event with different energy.

The room was big enough anyways for everyone to get up and walk around which is what we all did!

Our private dining setup at Original Joe’s

Now onto our specific San Francisco wedding dinner setup!

For the decor, we actually DIY’d every bit of it. Or, my best friend and her mom did at least. They both left cocktail hour early to set the whole thing up and I genuinely can’t describe how grateful I was for this. It was the sweetest thing ever and I basically started crying once we actually saw the room for the first time.

The long boardroom style table was lined with tiny amber bud vases from Amazon, filled with fresh flowers pulled straight from my bridal bouquet by Bloom Gallery and peonies from Trader Joe’s.

My best friend and her mom honestly nailed the exact color scheme I had in my head: just the right pop of color from orange and pink blooms.

We also added the cutest little vintage touch lamps from Amazon and some nude table runners to tie it all together. Basically, if you need it for a wedding, Amazon has it.

Every guest also had a handwritten card waiting at their seat when they walked in, each one hand-painted by me with little watercolor oranges.

And then for the food!

The Original Joe’s private dining menu comes in three formats: Classic, Exclusive, and Family Style, and within each, you get to hand-pick your appetizers, first course, mains, and dessert. We went with the Exclusive package and honestly had so much fun building it out.

We started guests off with prosciutto & burrata and mini crab cake bites, then a first course of either caesar salad or New England clam chowder. Mains were the 8oz filet mignon, pan roasted half chicken, seafood risotto, or the famous spicy rigatoni pasta!

The filet and the pasta were BY FAR the most popular picks. I actually don’t think a single person ordered the chicken haha.

And the dessert? INCREDIBLE. Especially after starving myself all week leading up to the big day. The mini warm butter cake and house made tiramisu were the perfect ending to the meal.

We also had cocktails and wine being poured all night and Moët flowing throughout, which obviously made everything more festive.

Our San Francisco Wedding After-Party at Left Door

After dinner wrapped up, my husband and I headed back to the Fairmont and went straight to bed. We still had a second wedding event on Saturday, so we wanted to try and get a decent night’s sleep, knowing that we would have to basically do this all over again for our “celebration of marriage” party happening the next night!

Why we hosted an after-party the next night

I don’t really know what to call it, because technically our wedding day was small, intimate, and already over. But we still wanted to celebrate with our friends, and a lot of them were local, so we wanted to throw something without calling it a full-blown wedding.

We went through a ton of different iterations of:

• “Why don’t we just rent a bar?“
• “Should we actually rent out a venue?“
• “Should we maybe do something else in the city?“
• “Maybe host a trip up to Napa with our friends?“

In the end, we decided to basically just rent out a space and have one big party. It was three hours, and people could come and go as they please, and then people wouldn’t feel pressure to travel from out of town to attend a “not-real” wedding.

We ended up having a lot more friends and family show up than expected, but it made things that much more fun!

And most people don’t think to add a second day to their San Francisco city hall wedding example, but it ended up being one of the best decisions we made all weekend.

Why we chose Left Door for our after-party

I’m not sure if you can tell by now, but the photos from our wedding weekend were super important to me. I kept joking that this wasn’t actually our wedding day and it was more just a “staged photo shoot, and there just happens to be a wedding happening”.

People thought I was kidding, but if you know me, you’ll definitely know that I wasn’t kidding at all

And before you come at me, I don’t really care. As a photographer myself, and as someone who had a very specific vision of what they wanted their day to be like, I was pretty adamant on finding locations and venues for this weekend that all felt cohesive and really matched my editorial, elegant, vogue-esque vibe.

And so that’s how we landed on Left Door as the final venue!

Why Left Door? Well, continuing on the list of historic locations and venues in San Francisco, you’d actually be surprised to find out that there is a bar called Bus Stop Bar that’s really well known in the city. It’s located in my favorite neighborhood – the Marina District and has been open for over a hundred years. 124 years to be exact. The Marina is one of those neighborhoods I always tell people to wander through if they want a more local feel, and it’s a big reason it has its own section in my 3-day San Francisco itinerary.

And I actually used to manage a girl on my sales team whose parents met at this exact bar. And surprisingly, also have another friend who met her now husband at this bar during COVID, when the world was supposed to be shut down.

So yeah, Bus Stop is a pretty iconic bar in SF.

But it’s actually a dive bar, where the owners own the entire building. They spent a couple years renovating the upstairs of it and turned it into this glamorous speakeasy-esque bar and lounge that sits right above Bus Stop Bar, now called Left Door.

Once you walk in, you’ll immediately know why I chose this place. There’s floral wallpaper everywhere, vintage decor, large tufted couches, velvet chairs, different themed rooms, and more. The place just oozed a vibe of elegance and charm with a menu that serves caviar, wagyu bites, oysters, and more.

Their capacity was also around 80 people, which was perfect, and it allowed for enough seating and standing space to accommodate a few of our more elderly family members.

I am going to talk about in the next section why I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Left Door as a venue, but I want to shout out Jay and the entire hospitality team, before I do so. We were extremely well taken care of on the night of the event, and Jay went above and beyond to make sure that all of our guests had drinks in their hands at all times and there was plenty of food on the table.

She single-handedly made the experience really memorable and really fantastic for us!

Why I wouldn’t recommend Left Door as a venue

While everything mostly went well, there were definitely a few things that I did not enjoy as someone that was communicating with the events team (specifically) at Left Door. Honestly, I would probably not recommend you host an event here unless they fix some of these things.

And again, I think this is completely separate from the actual staff and bartenders working in the bar vs behind the scenes.

First, communication was just extremely poor overall. It was like pulling teeth getting a hold of the events lead. I had to DM them on Instagram several times and follow up via email just to get a response on pretty urgent or critical matters.

I honestly probably would have chosen a different venue, but like I said before, I knew I wanted photos in Left Door specifically. It’s hard to find a place in San Francisco that has the level of decor and specifically wallpaper that I was looking for, so I felt like I was kind of stuck.

The second thing was the failed DJ situation. I had booked the DJ and this venue probably nine months in advance. We had already made a deposit of half of the minimum fee, which was around $18,000, so we had already paid about $9,000.

They told us that the DJ would be included in that and that we could use their house DJ, which was totally fine because we basically just had a playlist that we wanted to have played and then do a couple of speeches.

Well, with about a month out from the actual day, they told us that the DJ fee had randomly increased to about double, which was ridiculous because we literally made the deposit and signed everything well in advance.

And then they also told us that the DJ had his own vibe and wanted to play his own thing and wouldn’t accommodate really any requests of ours.

So we went out and found a different DJ (@djduaaaa) who, like I said, was fantastic. He was amazing to work with, and he was relatively affordable too, but again this just put a really bad taste in our mouth, especially as we were spending close to $20,000 for basically three hours of rental.

The last thing was the lack of communication around the minimum spend. We were totally fine with paying the minimum, especially at a markup, because we knew it was a Saturday night during prime hours and they had to make the money back in food and drink fees.

The most annoying thing was that, towards the end of the night, we asked multiple times, “How close are we to hitting the minimum?” No one could tell us.

We obviously wanted to know if we were over or under. If we were over, we wanted to know for obvious reasons. But if we were under, we wanted to know so that we could try to make it up by ordering rounds of shots or bringing some bottles of wine to take home with us. Because again, we basically paid for this.

But of course no one could tell us, whether it was my husband, myself, or my mom that asked. They were just being super cagey about pricing the whole entire time and just said, “We can’t really check right now, but you can follow up with the events team after.”

They basically just felt really unorganized, and it was kind of sketchy that no one could tell us how much money we had spent up until that point.

About a week later, while we’re on our honeymoon in Bora Bora, we end up getting the final invoice and it looks like we were actually $3,000 under our minimum. Which was just super frustrating and annoying, because again, had we known this, we would’ve tried to make this up with the remaining time, right?

I understand being over but to be $3,000 under your minimum and to not have anyone tell you is pretty sketchy to me.

So I reached back out to them via email and asked if there was anything they could do to make this right. They basically said, “Yeah, we’ll host you for a free meal and some drinks.”

We went back to Left Door when we got back, and they basically gave us a free round of food/drinks and a nice bottle of Dom Perignon to take home, which all in all was probably like $500 total?

So yeah, not exactly full compensation or really doing right by the customer, in my opinion.

I think it’s a beautiful venue and totally great for photos, but definitely would not recommend throwing a party here or dealing with their events team in any way until they get their shit together.

The Ultimate San Francisco Weekend Guide for Out-of-Town Wedding Guests

I’ll keep this section brief because I have a ton of travel guides on San Francisco already but it’s still worth hi-lighting here because if you’re planning a San Francisco wedding, chances are you’ll have at least a few guests flying in early or staying the weekend.

And since you’ll already be neck-deep in your own wedding logistics, the last thing you want is to play tour guide on top of everything else.

So just send them my 3-day San Francisco itinerary, which has all my non-touristy favorites and a sample itinerary that’s been personally tested and approved (by me)

And if anyone needs help figuring out where to actually book a room, point them to my local’s guide to where to stay in San Francisco so you don’t end up answering “is this neighborhood okay?” texts at midnight.

The best San Francisco neighborhoods to explore

One of the best parts about San Francisco is that the whole city is only 7×7 miles, which means your guests can hop between neighborhoods without much effort.

But every neighborhood has its own personality, so it’s worth knowing where to send them.

I break it all down in my local’s guide to where to stay in San Francisco, and if anyone is curious about my personal favorite stretch of Russian Hill, my essential guide to Polk Street has all my favorite restaurants, wine bars, and hidden gems within walking distance.

Iconic things to do in San Francisco

Look, I love this city, but you do NOT need to drag your guests to Alcatraz or Pier 39. (Okay actually, the night tour at Alcatraz is worth doing but Pier 39 definitely is not).

So instead, send them to my local-approved list of must-dos like biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Battery Spencer, climbing Coit Tower, hunting for the heart rock at Sutro Baths during sunset, and having a picnic at Alamo Square. The full list (plus my sample 3-day itinerary) is over in my 3-day San Francisco itinerary.

Day trips from San Francisco worth taking

One of the best things about San Francisco is how easy it is to leave it. Whether your guests want to do a wine tasting in Napa, a day trip to Bodega Bay, or a hike up Mount Tam, I’ve put together a full guide on the 12 easiest day trips from San Francisco, sorted by distance so they can pick based on how far they’re willing to drive.

Our Real San Francisco City Hall Wedding Cost: Full Budget Breakdown

I’m honestly impressed if you’ve made it this far. Thanks for continuing to relive my wedding day with me. Now you’re probably wondering what it actually costs to have a San Francisco city hall wedding like we did?

No San Francisco city hall wedding recap is really complete without breaking down what the whole thing actually cost you in the end.

“Courthouse wedding” might sound like a low-cost kind of vibe (which is totally possible btw), but that’s not really what we were optimizing for.

Also the words “low-cost” and “San Francisco” don’t exactly go hand-in-hand with each other.

As you know, we got married at San Francisco city hall on September 26, 2025 with about ~22 guests, and below is every single line item from the weekend, with vendor names, dollar amounts, and personal commentary from me.

So if you’re planning a San Francisco city hall wedding and trying to figure out what to budget, this is the receipts-included version

I’m sharing the full San Francisco city hall wedding cost breakdown because I genuinely couldn’t find this level of transparency anywhere when I was planning.

San Francisco city hall wedding ceremony cost: ~$1,580

The actual ceremony cost was pretty straightforward: $1,150 for the city hall permit (one-hour ceremony, 4th Floor North Gallery) and ~$430 for a black SUV Escalade to handle transportation for the day. I wanted a limo but my husband said that he didn’t want it to feel like senior prom

The escalade took us from the Fairmont in the morning to the Golden Gate Bridge and Legion of Honor for photos, then dropped us at city hall for the ceremony.

Hotel & accommodations cost: ~$5,170

Our biggest accommodations expense was the Buckingham Suite at the Fairmont San Francisco for 2 nights at $3,500. We chose the suite specifically because we wanted enough space to get ready, take photos, and host cocktail hour all in one place.

Brie Grazing Boards also delivered an incredible spread of meats, cheeses, and fruit to the room for ~$670, and we put another ~$1,000 toward decor (candles, linens, little touches) to dress the space up (which we also used for the dinner set up).

Photography cost for a San Francisco city hall wedding: ~$9,175

Photography was the biggest non-venue spend, and I have no regrets about either of these.

@yourgirlmark was our wedding photographer for ~$7,500 and covered everything from getting ready at the Fairmont, to Golden Gate Bridge photos, to the ceremony, to dinner at Original Joe’s, and a few hours of the after-party the next day.

I also hired @mybigdaybestie as our wedding content creator for ~$1,175, who captured 10+ hours of iphone video content across both days.

Photography was the one area I refused to cut my budget on, and I’m so glad I found both of these girls – they made both days effortless, and I walked away with digital, film, and so much content.

San Francisco wedding reception cost at Original Joe’s: ~$4,385

We hosted our wedding-night dinner at Original Joe’s North Beach in their private Salesian Room upstairs, and the total for about 20 guests came out to roughly $4,385 (including a 30% deposit paid upfront).

Honestly, for a San Francisco city hall wedding reception with this kind of vibe and food quality, that price point felt totally reasonable.

The minimum spend was technically only $3,000 but we went over primarily due to alcohol costs.

It was a 4-course menu which is exactly what you want after a long ceremony day. If you’re doing a small city hall wedding, this is one of the best-value private dining rooms in San Francisco.

After-party cost at Left Door: ~$18,435

Left Door was easily our biggest line item at ~$17,934 for a full private buyout on Saturday night from 7 to 10 pm, which covered food, drinks, and the space. We also paid $500 for our own DJ (@djduaaaa) who absolutely delivered the bangersssz. Doing the wedding as two events (an intimate Friday dinner plus a Saturday party) let us keep the actual ceremony small without sacrificing getting to rage on day two.

If you can swing it, I really recommend this format.

After after-party karaoke at Pandora: ~$4,700

My husband and I both love karaoke (mostly my husband), so we originally planned for 10-15 close friends to join us at Pandora Karaoke after Left Door wrapped.

Instead, nearly everyone wanted to come, so we ended up with around ~30 people piled into the biggest room Pandora had. There were drinks flowing the entire night and we stayed singing at the top of our lungs until closing.

Highly recommend Pandora if you want a karaoke spot in SF that can actually fit a wedding-sized group.

Our real San Francisco city hall wedding cost: ~$54,700

In total, our San Francisco city hall wedding weekend cost around ~$54,700. That includes everything from the venues and vendors to my bridal attire ($1,500 Jenny Yoo dress, $1,000 alterations, $1,200 Alexandra Grecco veil, $300 vintage Miu Miu shoes from a shop in Vienna), our $2,000 custom Glanta wedding rings from Japan, plus another ~$1,245 for hair, makeup, and lashes from @houseofglampro.

Obviously your San Francisco city hall wedding cost is going to look totally different depending on the vendors you choose and how big you want to go with the rest of the weekend.

What’s crazy is that this is still a “small wedding” by SF standards and the total came in well below what a traditional 100+ person wedding would have cost. Overall, we were genuinely happy with how almost everything turned out (Left Door situation aside), and we managed to pull it off without going into debt over a one-day celebration.

If you want to slash your San Francisco city hall wedding cost further, you could easily skip the after-party or downsize the reception and still walk away with an incredible day.

If I had to do anything differently, I’d probably pick a different after-party venue…but honestly, the photos came out incredible, the food was amazing, and our DJ was so good that it more than made up for the rougher moments.

So it’s hard to say I’d actually change much. The best part? Everything was local, so we got to crash in our own bed at the end of the night.

Our Real San Francisco City Hall Wedding: Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on our real San Francisco city hall wedding recap! If you made it all the way to the end, thank you so much for letting me relive one of the best weekends of my life with you

Having our entire family in one place (we had people fly in from Taiwan, South Africa, Italy, and more) was the moment that still gives me chills, especially because Bagel got to be there for most of it too.

@yourgirlmark exceeded every single expectation I had, my bridal bouquet from Bloom Gallery was honestly perfect down to the last petal, and my best friend and her mom setting up our entire dinner reception at Original Joe’s was hands down the sweetest thing anyone could’ve done for us.

Was everything perfect? Of course not. The ceremony itself was actually my least favorite part, mostly because of how LOUD it was inside city hall. It’s a public government building at the end of the day, so kids were screaming, tourists were walking through, and you genuinely can’t hear much.

But my husband could hear me, I could hear him, and at the end of the day that’s all that really mattered.

We also gave everyone Uber vouchers to get between venues, and a few of them randomly stopped working which caused some minor confusion. Not a huge deal with only 22 guests, but definitely something I’d flag for anyone considering doing the same.

My biggest piece of advice for any bride trying to figure out how to get married at San Francisco city hall? Decide on a date as early as possible and remember that this is still a public government building, so time of day and day of week matters way more than you’d think.

If you came to this post trying to figure out how to get married at San Francisco city hall, I hope this gave you a real, unfiltered look at what the day actually looks like (and what the real San Francisco city hall wedding cost ends up being).

It’s not the “traditional” wedding route, but if you do it right, it’s honestly one of the most beautiful, intimate, and quintessentially SF ways you can possibly tie the knot.

Did you end up getting married at San Francisco city hall? Let me know in the comments below!

Still Researching Hotels in San Francisco?

Check out my local’s guide to the best boutique hotels and neighborhoods in San Francisco!

Visiting Other Parts of California?

Check out my other travel guides on California here.

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Check out all my international travel guides here!

The post Inside Our San Francisco City Hall Wedding: The Fairmont, Original Joe’s, and More first appeared on Discover Over There • International Travel Blog.

Do you base yourself in lively downtown Napa for the nightlife, settle into charming Yountville for Michelin starred dining, or head up to Calistoga where things slow down a bit? Well that’s what I personally love so much about Napa, there’s a different design-forward boutique hotel to choose from for every kind of weekend you’re trying to have.

After waaaay too many Napa weekends to count, I’ve narrowed it down to the best boutique hotels in Napa Valley that are actually worth booking. The kind that feel intentional, well designed, and make your trip feel elevated without trying too hard.

So this is my local’s guide on where to stay in Napa Valley, featuring all of the best boutique hotels, broken down in a way that makes planning your next quick escape ridiculously easy whether you’re visiting for the first time or it’s your 98th trip like me.

I’ve spent hours researching and have stayed in a bunch of these hotels myself, so this guide is rooted in both firsthand experience and thoughtful planning. I’ve narrowed it down to a handful of key areas that each offer something a little different, from walkable downtown energy to slower, more tucked away wine country vibes.

And if you’re planning a Napa trip of your own, definitely check out my 3-day itinerary for first timers to map out the rest of your weekend. Now let’s get into it

Read more on Napa Valley

• A Fun 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary You’ll Love (Perfect for First-Timers)
• The 11 Best Dog-friendly Wineries in Napa Valley
• The Francis House Review: A Dreamy Wine Country Weekend in Calistoga
• The Setting Inn Review: A Cozy Escape in the Heart of Napa
• Planning a Napa Valley Bachelorette? Steal My Exact Weekend Itinerary

This site contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Best Napa Valley Hotels at a Glance

These are my top picks for the best hotels in Napa Valley, hand-selected from countless weekend trips across every corner of the valley:

• GoodSpring Motel, for a retro-meets-modern budget-friendly base just off Highway 29
• Archer Hotel, for a chic boutique stay with a buzzy rooftop bar in walkable downtown Napa
• The Setting Inn, for an adults-only vineyard hideaway with Bouchon pastries between Napa and Yountville
• North Block, for a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard escape steps from French Laundry in Yountville
• Le Petit Pali, for European-meets-California cottage charm on a quiet vineyard lane in St. Helena
• The Francis House, for a 1-key Michelin stay in a restored 1886 French Second Empire stone estate in Calistoga
• Solage Auberge Collection, for laid-back wine country sophistication with a 20,000 sq ft bathhouse and Michelin-starred Solbar in Calistoga
• Four Seasons Napa Valley, for ultimate five-star indulgence set within a working organic vineyard in Calistoga

Quick Breakdown of Napa Valley Neighborhoods

Before we get into the specifics of where to stay in Napa Valley, it’s worth taking a second to understand the valley itself, because this part actually shapes a lot of your decision. You might assume “Napa” is just one single destination, but that’s not actually the case.

As someone who grew up in the Bay Area, I honestly didn’t even realize this myself until we started coming up to wine country more often, and it completely changed how I think about where to stay in Napa Valley.

When people casually say “Napa Valley,” they’re usually not referring to just the town of Napa (aka Downtown Napa). The valley actually stretches roughly ~30 miles, starting from Downtown Napa in the south and reaching all the way up to Calistoga in the north.

In between, you’ll find a string of charming little towns like Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena, and each one has its own personality, pace, and overall vibe (more on this later).

That’s why figuring out where to stay in Napa Valley can feel a little more layered than just booking a hotel in “Napa.”

The town you pick really does shape your entire trip, from how much driving you’ll do, to which wineries are closest, to what your evenings look like.

So before we dive into specific hotels, here’s a quick TLDR of each main town to help you start narrowing down where to stay in Napa Valley based on the kind of trip you’re after

How to Choose Where to Stay in Napa Valley

• Downtown Napa: This area is lively and walkable, with a ton of restaurants, tasting rooms and nightlife. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and if you don’t have a car since everything is very walkable. The Napa Valley Wine Train also boards from downtown Napa and the riverfront is a beautiful place to go for a stroll in the evenings.
• Oak Knoll District: Slightly more rural, but perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more romantic or relaxed area to stay in Napa.
• Yountville: One of my personal favorites in the valley, with a charming European feel, world-class restaurants, and some of the best boutique hotels in Napa. It’s a bit pricier than other towns but the walkability and food scene make it 100% worth it.
• St. Helena: A quintessential Napa Valley town with that classic small-town wine country charm, lined with boutique shops, tasting rooms and great restaurants along its iconic main street. Central location makes it easy to access wineries up and down the valley.
• Calistoga: A charming small town at the northern tip of the valley, famous for its spa hotels and natural geothermal hot springs. Perfect if you want to combine wine tasting with serious pampering, just plan for slightly longer drive times to the more southern wineries.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley: Downtown Napa

Okay now that you’ve gotten the lay of the land from a local (aka me), we can finally jump into the specifics of staying in each part of Napa Valley. Starting with Downtown Napa!

Downtown Napa is easily the heart of Napa city, with more restaurants, bars, tasting rooms and boutique shops to enjoy than most towns and cities in the area. It’s best if you plan to eat (and drink) out a lot, or if you’re planning a celebratory trip like a couple’s trip or bachelorette party.

Spoiler alert – yes, I had my bachelorette in Napa Valley because where else would I have chosen? You can see all the details here if you’re interested!

If you’re figuring out where to stay in Napa Valley without a car and/or relying on Uber, then staying in Downtown Napa probably makes the most sense, with plenty of walkable wine tasting rooms. There’s a ton of other places to visit too such as the Oxbow Public Market and the Napa Riverfront, which is a lovely place for an early morning jog (or a hungover walk).

The trade-off of staying in Downtown Napa is that you’ll experience more of a town vibe than a “wine country” one. Which really just means that your hotel probably won’t have vineyard views but that’s about the only downside.

Downtown Napa is still an excellent home base for exploring the rest of wine country. While the rolling vineyards are just a quick drive away rather than right outside your window, you get the best of both worlds: easy access to tastings during the day and a lively, walkable downtown with excellent restaurants and bars come evening.

Where to stay in Downtown Napa: my top boutique hotel picks

• GoodSpring Motel ($) – A recently renovated retro-style motel with minimal but cozy vibes, ideal for travelers who want a cute and affordable base within walking distance to Napa’s food and wine scene.
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• River Terrace Inn ($$) – A serene riverside stay with spacious rooms and a peaceful setting just outside the bustle, great for travelers wanting a mix of calm and convenience. We love staying here because the outdoor restaurant overlooks the river and there’s a small walking trail behind the hotel.
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• Archer Hotel Napa ($$$) – A polished, upscale hotel featuring chic rooms, a rooftop bar, and a central location for those who want to stay in the middle of the action. This is usually my top pick for a Napa trip with the girlies since it’s super central and close to all the bars/restaurants.
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• Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley ($$$) – A refined, design-forward resort that blends indoor-outdoor living with Napa’s wine country vibe, featuring spacious suites, spa-style bathrooms, private patios with fire pits, and thoughtful details like wine fridges and espresso setups for a more elevated stay.
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• Silverado Resort ($$$) – Where I had my bachelorette! A classic, sprawling Napa resort set in the Silverado Trail area, featuring condo-style suites, two championship golf courses, multiple pools, tennis courts, and a full-service spa. A great option for travelers who want a more laid-back, self-contained stay with plenty of amenities. Worth noting that Silverado is located just outside of downtown Napa.
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• Grand Reserve at The Meritage ($$$) – Another one of our go-tos purely for convenience because they have multiple restaurants, pools, and a grocery store onsite! The Meritage is a resort-style property with spacious suites, a full-service spa, on-site tasting rooms, and vineyard views, a strong pick for travelers who want everything in one place. Worth noting that The Meritage is located just outside of downtown Napa.
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• Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection ($$$$) – A sprawling, ultra-luxury resort set on hundreds of acres, known for its indoor-outdoor cottages, private terraces with fire pits and outdoor showers, and a strong wellness focus with a full-service spa, fitness programming, and multiple on-site dining experiences. Stanly Ranch is also located just outside of downtown Napa.
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Things to consider before staying in Downtown Napa

I think the biggest thing to keep in mind when deciding to stay in Downtown Napa is your winery itinerary. Try to keep your tasting rooms within a 15-20 minute drive of your hotel, because nothing kills the vibe of a wine country trip faster than spending half of it in the car.

You’ll also want to book your Napa Valley hotel in advance, since this area fills up quickly with tourists, especially on weekends and during harvest season. If you’re coming from the Bay Area, I would actually give you the opposite advice which is to wait last minute. You’d be shocked at how many hotels in this area get deeply discounted last minute (sometimes 50% off or more) since they’d rather fill the room than leave it empty.

And just keep in mind that you’ll be staying in town rather than out among the vineyards. If you’re picturing rolling hills and grapevines outside your window, you’ll want to set expectations accordingly. Downtown Napa is more walkable urban charm than picturesque wine country.

Things to do in Downtown Napa

I know I focus a lot on wine but I’m definitely here to tell you that there’s so much more to Napa than just wine. Take it from someone who had to endure 9 long months of being pregnant but still visited Napa every month because I love the vibe of this place. Also – who knew grape juice tastings from Castello di Amorosa could be so delicious?

But seriously – Downtown Napa is so much more than just wineries. You can soar over the vineyards in a hot air balloon, bike the Vine Trail, shop your way through Oxbow Public Market, browse the antique stores along First Street, and so much more.

For the full rundown of my favorite things to do in Napa, check out my complete 3-day Napa Valley itinerary!

Where to stay in Napa Valley: my personal take on Downtown Napa

Downtown Napa is usually where I send friends and family that are visiting the area for the first-time. If it’s your first trip to wine country, you don’t want to think too hard about logistics, and you actually want to go out out after dinner – then I definitely recommend staying here.

It feels like I’ve stayed at all the main hotels at this point but I especially like The Archer Hotel for its location, outdoor rooftop, and modern design.

There’s also The Westin Verasa Napa which doesn’t get a lot of attention but the rooms are really spacious and you’re steps away from Model Bakery which has the MOOOOOSTTTT delicious homemade English muffins you’ll ever have in your life.

We especially like staying here because there’s a massive park and grassy area right outside so it’s easy for Bagel the beagle to come along.

Just a heads up that if you’re visiting in winter, mornings can get pretty chilly. We made the mistake of lining up for English muffins one morning and poor Bagel was shivering because we didn’t bring a coat for her and there’s usually a line out the door for these freakin muffins!!! Totally worth it though.

And don’t worry we gave her plenty of muffin to make up for her being cold.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley: Yountville

You might’ve heard the term The French Laundry tossed around a few times, but what about Yountville? Well now you have! Yountville is technically only home to around ~3,500 people but don’t let its small size fool you.

Yountville is basically the food capital of Napa Valley. You’ve got multiple Michelin-starred spots, but honestly some of my favorite meals here aren’t even on that list including places like Ciccio, Bottega, even Restoration Hardware (yes, the furniture store). Worth mentioning that RH Yountville was actually where we had lunch during my Napa Valley bachelorette and it was amazing. They have this huge outdoor section where they even have chandeliers dangling from the roof!

Just a heads up they only serve beer and wine though! My poor maid of honor only drinks cocktails so that was a bummer…for her.

The whole town feels like a little slice of Europe dropped into California. It’s mostly boutique hotels, tree-lined streets, and old-world charm, which makes it stand out when you’re deciding where to stay in Napa Valley.

Honestly, I think Yountville is the perfect compromise between Downtown Napa and the more rural pockets like Oak Knoll. You still have everything you need, but it actually feels like wine country. Washington Street is super walkable and way more low-key than downtown, and you’re perfectly positioned to head up to Calistoga or back down to Napa depending on your plans.

Ps. Traveling to Napa with your fur baby? Yountville is home to some of the best dog-friendly wineries in Napa Valley, such as Chandon and The Yount Room. Bagel the beagle and I have visited a lot of wineries together, so I rounded up all our faves in this guide to dog-friendly wineries in Napa Valley .

Where to stay in Yountville: my top boutique hotel picks

• Napa Valley Railway Inn ($) – A cozy and unique stay set in restored train cars, offering a charming and low-key experience right in the heart of Yountville for travelers who want something a little different without the higher price tag. Check prices via ExpediaCheck prices via Hotels.com
• Napa Valley Lodge ($$) – A relaxed wine country stay with spacious rooms, fireplaces, and a laid-back pool area, great for travelers figuring out where to stay in Napa Valley who want comfort and a central location without going fully luxury. Check prices via ExpediaCheck prices via Booking.com
• Maison Fleurie ($$) – A French-inspired boutique hotel with a peaceful courtyard and old-world details, great for travelers looking for a romantic and transportive stay in Yountville.
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• Hotel Yountville ($$$) – A warm and upscale retreat with stone fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and a spa-like feel, suited for those deciding where to stay in Napa Valley and wanting a polished wine country experience with a bit more privacy. Check prices via ExpediaCheck prices via Booking.com
• The Estate Yountville ($$$) – A spacious property that blends modern amenities with vineyard surroundings, offering a full-service experience with multiple dining options and room to unwind.
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• North Block Hotel ($$$$) – A stylish boutique hotel with a more contemporary feel, known for its elevated restaurant and curated design, great for travelers looking at where to stay in Napa Valley and wanting something a bit more refined and intimate.
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• Bardessono Hotel and Spa ($$$$) – A high-end, design-forward stay focused on wellness and sustainability, featuring sleek suites, private spa amenities, and a serene atmosphere for those looking to fully relax in luxury.
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Things to consider before staying in Yountville

There’s really only a couple things I’d take into consideration before staying in Yountville, and it mostly comes down to nightlife (or lack thereof) and budget.

The first is nightlife. Yountville (and St. Helena) both get pretty quiet after dinner. Which I personally love. But I also know that’s not everyone’s vibe.

The crowd in Yountville skews a bit older, mostly 50s and 60s, so if you’re hoping to grab late-night drinks or bounce between bars, this isn’t really the spot for it. I’m in my 30s and honestly feel like one of the youngest people in town whenever I visit lol.

If nightlife is non-negotiable, I’d point you back toward Downtown Napa or even Calistoga – which at least has a dive bar (shoutout to Susie’s Bar) open late.

The other thing is cost. There’s just not as much hotel supply here as Downtown Napa, and pretty much everything in Yountville is boutique luxury in the 3 to 5-star range. So if budget is a main concern, you’re probably gonna want to look elsewhere.

Things to do in Yountville

Yountville is known for having a slower pace of life than Downtown Napa which is honestly a big part of its charm.

Outside of hitting up the nearby wineries, some of my favorite ways to spend the day include starting off with coffee and fresh pastries from Bouchon Bakery and then wandering through the Yountville Art Walk, a collection of 35 large-scale works from local and world-renowned artists scattered throughout downtown.

The Napa Valley Museum Yountville is also worth a stop, and if you’re not much of a drinker (or just want a break), the non-alcoholic tasting at The Yount Room is genuinely great.

After that, I usually love taking advantage of a lazy pool day before getting ready for dinner because honestly, the dinner scene is where Yountville really shines. My three personal favorite restaurants in Yountville are Bistro Jeanty, Clementine, and RH Yountville!

For the full rundown of my favorite things to do in Yountville, check out my complete 3-day Napa Valley itinerary!

Where to stay in Napa Valley: my personal take on Yountville

Yountville is a wonderful place to stay and I honestly didn’t start staying here until the recent years. Mostly because I couldn’t afford to until I hit my 30s. (I can’t wait to see what my 40s and 50s will bring me hotel wise lol)

Before staying in Yountville though, I do want to set expectations because I think a lot of people book here without realizing what they’re signing up for.

The crowd is older. Like, noticeably older. My husband and I are in our 30s and we’re consistently one of the youngest people at dinner – which I actually love, but if you’re coming with a group of friends in your 20s expecting energy and bar hopping, you’ll be disappointed by 9pm when the whole town shuts down.

The perfect example was during my Napa Valley bachelorette. We had dinner in Yountville and were finished eating around 8pm. I knew it was going to be sleepy after but my friend wanted to grab one more drink before heading back to Silverado. And yep, it was really hard to find a bar to grab a drink so we popped into the liquor store called Ranch Market Too, picked up a couple bottles of wine and some high noons, and headed back to our villa!

Where to Stay in Napa Valley: St. Helena

Now let’s continue making our way up through the valley! With our next stop being St. Helena! (Pronounced Huh-leeee-nah).

In my opinion, St. Helena feels really similar to Yountville, and honestly the two are so close it almost doesn’t matter which you pick. It’s about a 15 minute drive between them along Highway 29.

St. Helena is a bit bigger, a little more laid-back, and just ever so slightly more affordable. The food scene isn’t quite at Yountville’s level, but you do get a few more options overall.

Hotels here are still mostly boutique, and one of the best parts is how walkable everything is. You’ve got tasting rooms right in town, plus easy access to wineries and vineyards just minutes away. Similar to Yountville and Downtown Napa, there’s also a main street filled with boutique shops and local stores.

I’ll be honest, we don’t tend to stay in St. Helena as often as we do the other parts of Napa. But that’s mostly just because I prefer the hotels a lot more near Downtown or in Calistoga. Although that might be changing since Le Petit Pali recently opened (more details below).

But one of my favorite things about staying in St. Helena is just how central it is. You’re basically right in the heart of Napa Valley, making it a perfect home base for anyone who wants the flexibility to explore without being tied to one specific area.

Where to stay in St. Helena: my top boutique hotel picks

• Wydown Hotel ($) – A clean and simple boutique stay right on Main Street, offering a central location and easy access to tasting rooms and shops for travelers who want something straightforward and walkable.
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• Southbridge Napa Valley ($$) – A comfortable and convenient option with access to a nearby spa and pool, great for travelers who want a relaxed stay with a few added perks without going all in on luxury.
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• Le Petit Pali ($$$) – A charming and playful boutique hotel with colorful interiors and thoughtful touches, ideal for travelers who want something stylish and a little more personality-driven.
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• Harvest Inn ($$$) – A classic wine country property surrounded by vineyards, known for its peaceful setting and spacious rooms that feel grounded in the Napa landscape.
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• Alila Napa Valley ($$$$) – A refined adults-only retreat with sleek rooms and vineyard views, offering a more elevated and intimate experience for those looking to unwind in a quieter setting.
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• Auberge du Soleil ($$$$) – A high-end hillside escape known for its panoramic views, exceptional dining, and polished service, making it a go-to for a more indulgent Napa Valley stay.
  Check prices via ExpediaCheck prices via Hotels.com

Things to consider before staying in St. Helena

I think the only things to consider before staying in St. Helena are the things I mentioned above for Yountville since they’re both really similar in size and overall vibes. The biggest things are still nightlife and cost.

St. Helena also winds down pretty early. Most restaurants close after dinner and there really aren’t any spots for late-night drinks, so if you’re picturing bar hopping or nightcaps, this probably isn’t the place. It’s much more of a daytime wine tasting and dinner destination.

Cost-wise, you’re still in that boutique, California wine country pricing range. Hotels here aren’t cheap, and while it can be slightly more affordable than Yountville, it’s not a huge difference.

Pro tip: As a meticulous planner, Napa Valley is one of the few places that I’ll leave to booking last minute. Or sometimes I’ll even play hooky from work on a Monday just so I can get that sweet Sunday night hotel pricing. I’ve gotten hotel rooms that were originally $900+ for less than $300/night playing this game.

But again, I recognize that I’m only an hour drive away so that’s not always possible for everyone but if your heart isn’t set on a specific hotel, then I highly recommend playing the waiting game.

Things to do in St. Helena

When it comes to things to do in St. Helena, I’d say it’s pretty similar to the things to do in Yountville. So mostly wine tasting, browsing the shops along Main Street, and finding good places to eat. For literary fans, there’s also a small museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish author known for classics like Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

There’s no shortage of online guides ranking St. Helena’s restaurants, so I’ll spare you another list. What I will share is my favorite local St. Helena restaurant secret: Brasswood Bar + Kitchen has an off-menu item that only regulars know to order. It’s called “The Cheese” and it’s probably the best thing you’ll ever eat. It’s just freshly melted mozzarella on top of bread, with rosemary, olive oil, and fresh salt + pepper on top. I know it sounds simple AF but it seriously tastes like heaven!!!

For the full rundown of my favorite things to do in St. Helena, check out my complete 3-day Napa Valley itinerary!

Where to stay in Napa Valley: my personal take on St. Helena

I’ll be honest with you…when deciding where to stay in Napa Valley, St. Helena is the part I stay in least often, and it’s not because there’s anything wrong with it. The hotel selection just hasn’t historically excited me the way Calistoga’s spa resorts or Yountville’s boutique stays have.

That said, things might be shifting now that Le Petit Pali has opened. If you know me, you already know I’m a sucker for mid-century design, retro furniture, and floral wallpaper – and I’ve stayed at both the Carmel and LA locations and loved them both.

Now this one comes with a vineyard view? It’s going to be hard to beat. I’m hoping to make it up there in the coming months to see it for myself!

So maybe you’ll be more excited about the hotel scene in St. Helena than I am, but what I can tell you for sure is that ordering “The Cheese” from Brasswood is hands down one of the highlights of staying in this central part of the valley.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley: Calistoga

Annnnd last but not least…we’ve made it to the tippy top of Napa Valley and one of my personal favorite parts of wine country: Calistoga!

It’s such a shame that a lot of people skip Calistoga (usually a time constraint thing), so I’m hoping this post convinces you to squeeze it into your Napa itinerary because it really is something special.

And yes, I know I say that about everywhere, but this time I actually mean it. We also had our babymoon in Calistoga so it really holds a special place in my heart

Calistoga also offers something totally different when it comes to where to stay in Napa Valley. It’s famous for its volcanic ash mud baths and geothermal hot springs, as well as its wineries. You won’t find the Michelin-star restaurants of Yountville or the nightlife of Napa itself, but you will find the perfect base for relaxation and an unforgettable spa break. 

The pace of life in Calistoga is slow and quiet, and it’s by far the most laid back destination in this article. The town is still surrounded by world-class wineries like Chateau Montelena and Sterling Vineyards and accommodation is dominated by wellness resorts with onsite spas. Prices on Napa Valley hotels here are generally a bit lower than the more central areas.

The one tradeoff is being farther from Downtown Napa, which is why I’m begging you to look at a map before booking anything. People always assume Napa is a cute little walkable town. And it’s not. It’s huge, the wineries are spread all over, and driving between them can take 30+ minutes especially on weekends. Don’t learn this the hard way!

Where to stay in Calistoga: my top boutique hotel picks

• Calistoga Inn ($) – A budget-friendly historic inn with simple, no-frills rooms above a buzzy on-site restaurant and brewery. This is a great budget pick for travelers who prioritize location and vibes over luxury.
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• Mount View Hotel & Spa ($$) – A historic boutique hotel with an old-school glam vibe, full-service spa, and pool, located right in the heart of downtown Calistoga on Lincoln Ave. Ideal for travelers deciding where to stay in Napa Valley who want charm and a central location.
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• Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs ($$) – A retro mid-century motel that’s been a Calistoga icon since the 1950s, recently revamped with funky decor, mineral pools, and the original mud baths still going strong. Ideal for travelers who want vintage charm and Instagram worthy shots without dropping resort money.
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• The Francis House ($$$) – A beautifully restored luxury mansion blending minimalist design with historic charm, offering an intimate and elevated stay for those looking to unwind in a quiet, refined setting in Calistoga. Check out my full review of The Francis House here.
  Check prices via ExpediaCheck prices via Booking.com
• Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection ($$$$) – A stylish and wellness-focused resort with private bungalow-style studios, geothermal pools, and spa experiences, ideal for travelers craving luxury with a laid-back, rejuvenating vibe in charming Calistoga.
  Check prices via ExpediaCheck prices via Hotels.com
• Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley ($$$$) – A refined and luxurious resort set within a working vineyard, offering spacious rooms, fine dining, and top-tier service, perfect for those seeking an upscale stay with easy access to wine tasting and scenic views.
  Check prices via ExpediaCheck prices via Booking.com

Things to consider before staying in Calistoga

Similar to staying in Downtown Napa, you probably just want to be mindful of your winery itinerary when booking a stay in Calistoga as it sits at the northern tip of Napa Valley.

Also if you’re sensitive to heat, Calistoga can easily get into the triple digits in the middle of summer. Which is great for spa days and relaxing at the pool imo but I know some people don’t do well with that type of weather.

However, please don’t let either of these things deter you from spending time in Calistoga. The town itself is really charming, the people are all so friendly, there’s a ton of underrated tasting rooms, and it’s not everyday that you can find a French chateau (aka The Francis House) right in the heart of downtown.

Things to do in Calistoga

One of the most surprising things about Calistoga is just how much there is to do. Beyond the usual winery visits, boutique shopping, and great restaurants, did you know there’s a geyser (Old Faithful Geyser of California) that erupts every 15–30 minutes? So random I know.

You can also hike or bike through Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or take on the scenic ~8 mile Oat Hill Mine Trail! one of my personal favorites. My husband and I love kicking off the morning with a hike there with our dog before heading out for wine tasting.

Fun fact: it’s also where my best friend got proposed to, so trust me when I say it’s seriously stunning (and dog-friendly).

I’ll be honest thought, we’ve never hiked the full ~8 mile trail. We usually hike about a couple miles in and then turn around because we’re eager to go drink. So kudos to you if you end up hiking the whole thing!

And if you’re a fan of history, there’s also the Sharpsteen Museum to learn about the area’s past. And if you’re not afraid of heights, a hot air balloon ride over the valley is an unforgettable way to see it all from above!

For the full rundown of my favorite things to do in Calistoga, check out my complete 3-day Napa Valley itinerary!

Where to stay in Napa Valley: my personal take on Calistoga

When it comes to where to stay in Napa Valley, Calistoga is the trip I recommend most often to repeat Napa visitors who’ve already done the standard circuit, and it’s also where we did our babymoon – so I’m very biased to this part of the valley. Which means I also know for a fact you can do Napa Valley dead sober and still have an amazing time!

Calistoga is also where I first met Dina and Richard, the previous owners of The Francis House, and felt like I got an inside glimpse into the history of their restored French Chateau. Check out my full review of The Francis House here.

I think what I love most about this part of town is that you can kick back with a beer around the fire at Calistoga Inn or you can head to the Four Seasons up the road for a Michelin-starred tasting menu.

I love how easy it is to bounce between down-to-earth vibes and luxury without ever feeling like you have to choose just one. It’s this mix of both that makes Calistoga feel way more interesting than people expect.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first time deciding where to stay in Napa Valley, I almost always recommend Downtown Napa. It just makes everything easier. You’ve got a ton of restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops all within walking distance, so you’re not overthinking logistics on your first trip.

It’s also a great home base for exploring the rest of the valley. You can head out for winery tastings during the day and come back to a lively, walkable downtown in the evening, which is exactly the balance most first-timers are looking for.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley for Couples

This one’s a hard one because everywhere in Napa can be for couples! But if you’re looking for something a bit more romantic, then I’d usually point you toward Yountville or Calistoga depending on the vibe you’re going for.

Yountville leans more polished and romantic with incredible restaurants, walkable streets, and boutique hotels that feel really intentional. Calistoga, on the other hand, is slower, quieter, and a little more tucked away.

If privacy is a top priority, then hotels like The Setting Inn are perfect for a more secluded, intimate stay surrounded by vineyards. The last time my husband and I stayed there during winter, we barely left the hotel except for our scheduled tastings.

We ended up just drinking wine by the fireplace, doordash’ed Thai food from down the street, snuggled with Bagel the beagle, and played Monopoly deal. And it’s still one of our best Napa trips to date. Because basically anywhere in wine country is romantic!

Where to Stay in Napa Valley Without a Car

Where to stay in Napa Valley without a car can be tricky because the valley isn’t exactly built for getting around without one. Everything is pretty spread out and public transportation is limited, so it can feel a little tricky if you’re car-free. That said, Downtown Napa makes it a lot easier. You’ve got plenty of restaurants, tasting rooms, and hotels all within walking distance, and it’s easy to rely on rideshares like Uber when you want to venture out to wineries.

Another big perk? The Napa Valley Wine Train departs right from Downtown Napa. It’s actually one of the easiest ways to get that classic Napa experience without driving. The train takes you through the valley toward St. Helena, with stops at wineries along the way and optional gourmet meals depending on the package you book.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley on a Budget

Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat things when it comes to where to stay in Napa Valley on a budget. All of California (and Napa Valley in particular) isn’t a budget-friendly destination. I can’t tell you how many times we have friends and family visiting from Italy, South Africa, etc and they almost pass away when they hear how much tastings cost these days in USD.

And most of them don’t even come with a cave or cellar tour like they do in other countries. But hey, that’s the price of being in America.

Regardless though, cost alone shouldn’t prohibit you from visiting one of my favorite places in the world. I just wanted you to know what to expect as you’re figuring out where to stay in Napa Valley.

If you’re looking to be a little more mindful with your spend, Downtown Napa is usually the easiest place to base yourself. It tends to have more mid-range hotel options compared to the higher-end boutique stays scattered around the valley, and you can walk to a ton of great restaurants which helps cut down on extra transport costs.

Just keep in mind that getting out to the vineyards will still require a car, Uber, or private transport.

If you want to stretch your budget even further, timing makes a big difference.

Visiting during the winter or even midweek during peak season can noticeably bring prices down. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve scored some AMAZING hotel deals just by booking a Sunday night vs a Friday or Saturday night. Like, it should be criminal what The Archer Hotel charges mid-week vs on a weekend.

And instead of dining out for every single meal, you can mix things up with casual bites or picnic-style lunches from spots like Gott’s Roadside or Oxbow Public Market. It’s an easy way to keep things flexible while still eating really well.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley Accommodation FAQs

To help you plan where to stay in Napa Valley for your getaway, here are some commonly asked questions about accommodations in wine country

Where should first-time visitors stay in Napa Valley?

First-timers should stay in Downtown Napa when deciding where to stay in Napa Valley. It’s the most walkable area in the valley, with restaurants, tasting rooms, boutique shops, and the Napa Valley Wine Train all within a few blocks of each other. You won’t need to think about logistics, you can walk to dinner, and Uber to wineries during the day.

The Archer Hotel and The Westin Verasa Napa are my top picks for the best hotels in Napa Valley for first-timers. The Archer because it’s about as central as you can get in Downtown Napa and it’s right next door to Napastak, which is technically a wine bar but they serve the best iced lattes in the morning. And The Westin Verasa because of the huge grassy park right out front for our beloved beagle to roll around in.

How many days do you need in Napa Valley?

Three days is the sweet spot for a Napa Valley trip. Two days feels rushed once you factor in driving between towns, and four-plus days is overkill unless you’re splitting your time between multiple regions. With three days, you can do 2-3 winery tastings per day, hit one nice dinner, fit in a spa morning or hike, and still have time to actually relax. I break the whole thing down in this fun 3-Day Napa Valley itinerary for first-timers!

What’s the best town in Napa Valley for foodies?

Yountville, hands down. It’s a town of ~3,500 people with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, including The French Laundry, plus standouts like Bistro Jeanty, Clementine, Bouchon Bakery, and RH Yountville. It’s compact, walkable, and the entire downtown is essentially a dining destination. If your trip is built around dinner reservations rather than tasting flights, Yountville is the obvious base.

There’s a reason I picked Clementine for one of my bachelorette dinners, and why I hosted all my girls at RH Yountville for lunch during our winery day. The vibe is just that good. Even if I paid $50 for steak and eggs… worth it. Your girl needed protein for the big day

Do you need a car to visit Napa Valley?

Technically no, and you don’t want to be driving while drinking. So while you might not technically be renting a car, just know that you might still be sitting in one to get from place to place since Napa Valley stretches about 30 miles from Downtown Napa to Calistoga, which is something to keep in mind when planning where to stay in Napa Valley.

If you don’t want to rent a car, my advice is to pre-book your Ubers in advance. Most wineries have a ~15 minute grace period and they’re used to people being late in the valley but you should still try to avoid this if you can. Because some wineries WILL give your reservation away if you’re more than 30 minutes late and/or don’t call ahead!

When should you book a hotel in Napa Valley?

Book 3-4 months ahead for weekends, harvest season (August–October), or any holiday. Napa valley hotels book up fast and prices climb the closer you get.

The exception: if you live within driving distance of the Bay Area, last-minute Sunday-night bookings can drop 50% or more. Midweek stays during winter are also significantly cheaper than weekend stays in summer.

Where should you stay in Napa Valley on a budget?

Downtown Napa has the most mid-range hotel options and lets you walk to restaurants, which cuts Uber and dining costs. Goodspring Motel is a recently renovated retro motel and one of the few genuinely budget-friendly stays in walkable Downtown Napa. In Calistoga, Calistoga Inn offers simple rooms above a brewery for travelers who care more about location than amenities.

The single biggest cost-saver? Visiting midweek.

Is Napa Valley family-friendly with kids?

This is a great question and I’m about to find out in the coming months so I’ll have more to report back in July after our first is born! But having gone up to Napa a ton with friends and toddlers (and many times as a kid myself), I can confidently say that Napa Valley is more family-friendly than people expect when you’re thinking about where to stay in Napa Valley with kids.

Several wineries welcome kids (Sterling Vineyards, Etude, Beringer, and more), the Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa is an easy lunch stop, and resorts like The Meritage, Silverado Resort, Carneros Resort, Solage, and Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley all have pools and family-oriented amenities.

Calistoga is especially good for families thanks to Safari West (a 400-acre wildlife preserve), Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, and easier-paced days that don’t revolve around tasting rooms.

Are there dog-friendly hotels and wineries in Napa Valley?

Have I not talked about Bagel the beagle enough that you’re still needing to ask this?? Just kidding but yes! Napa Valley is genuinely one of the most dog-friendly wine regions in California.

Plenty of hotels welcome pupparoos, and a surprising number of wineries let dogs hang out during tastings – including Chandon, Trefethen, Alpha Omega,

We bring Bagel the beagle on almost every Napa trip and have rounded up the full list in my 11 best dog-friendly wineries in Napa Valley guide.

Napa vs. Sonoma: which is better to visit?

I knew you were gonna ask this question. And I think the answer really depends on what type of vibe you’re after. When deciding between Napa vs. Sonoma, go with Napa if wine and food are the main events and Sonoma if you want a more laid-back, rustic vibe.

Napa has the more concentrated, world-renowned wine scene (and personally, I think the wines are better but that’s because I love nothing more than a deep, dark, bold Napa Cab). Sonoma is bigger, more spread out, and leans casual. I view Napa as the elegant, refined older sister and Sonoma as the 3rd child.

The good news? They’re right next to each other, so you can easily split a long weekend between both if you can’t decide.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley: Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on my local’s guide to where to stay in Napa Valley! What did you think? I hope this post made narrowing down where to stay way less overwhelming, especially since the valley is bigger than most people realize.

I really tried to break where to stay in Napa Valley down in a way that helps you pick a base based on the trip you’re actually trying to have. Whether that’s lively walkable energy in Downtown Napa, Michelin-level dining in Yountville, central wine country charm in St. Helena, or slower spa days up in Calistoga – there’s truly a perfect fit for everyone.

If you only take one thing away from this post, please look at a map before booking. I cannot stress this enough. The hotel that looks “right in Napa” on Google might actually be a 40 minute drive from the wineries you’re trying to visit, and nothing kills a wine country weekend faster than spending half of it stuck in the car.

And if you’re still piecing together the rest of your trip, definitely check out my 3-day Napa Valley itinerary for first-timers to map out exactly what to do once you’ve picked your home base. I also have a full review of The Francis House in Calistoga and The Setting Inn if you want a deeper dive into two of my personal favorite stays in the valley.

Did you end up booking one of the boutique hotels from this guide? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting Other Parts of Napa Valley?

Check out my other travel guides on California wine country here.

Visiting Other Parts of California?

Check out my other travel guides on California here.

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The post A Local’s Guide to Where to Stay in Napa Valley: Best Boutique Hotels first appeared on Discover Over There • International Travel Blog.

Complete with a sample Bodega Bay weekend itinerary below that’s been tested, vetted, and approved by yours truly (and my adorable dog – bagel the beagle)

Read more on Northern California

• The Perfect 3 Day San Francisco Travel Guide (w/ sample itinerary)
• 12 Easy Day Trips to Take from San Francisco
• The Perfect Half Moon Bay Weekend Getaway Guide
• A Fun 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary You’ll Love (Perfect for First-Timers)

This site contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Bodega Bay at a Glance

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best accommodation for your Bodega Bay, California weekend itinerary:

• Bodega Bay Inn ($) – A simple, no-frills stay with cozy rooms and a convenient location near the harbor, ideal for travelers looking for an affordable base to explore Bodega Bay without sacrificing comfort.
• Hotel Dega ($$) – A charming boutique-style stay with thoughtfully designed rooms and a relaxed coastal vibe, offering a stylish yet approachable option for those wanting something a bit more elevated than a traditional inn.
• Dragon’s Nest (Vacation Rental) ($$$) – A newly remodeled ocean-view home with a bright open layout, large decks, and easy access to Doran Beach, perfect for families or groups looking for a relaxing coastal stay in Bodega Bay. This is always my top pick when traveling with another couple or our doggo! Seriously such a hidden gem.
• Sonoma Coast Villa ($$$) – A peaceful, Mediterranean-inspired retreat tucked just inland, featuring spacious rooms, a heated pool, and complimentary breakfast, perfect for travelers looking for a quiet escape with a touch of resort feel.
• The Inn at the Tides ($$$) – A well-known waterfront property with classic coastal charm, offering bay-view rooms, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to the shoreline, great for a laid-back stay with scenic surroundings.
• The Lodge at Bodega Bay ($$$$) – A luxury coastal retreat perched above the cliffs, featuring beautifully designed rooms, spa amenities, and panoramic ocean views, ideal for travelers seeking a more refined, design-forward stay along the Sonoma Coast.

How Do You Get to Bodega Bay, California?

Getting to Bodega Bay is pretty straightforward, which is what makes it such a popular stop on a California road trip or an easy weekend escape from San Francisco (or the greater Bay Area).

Just a heads up: you’ll definitely need a car for your Bodega Bay weekend getaway, both to get there and to explore once you arrive.

To get to Bodega Bay, most folks will fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK), both of which are roughly ~1.5-2 hours away by car. From there, renting a car is the best option since public transportation to Bodega Bay is pretty much nonexistent.

Stopping in San Francisco for a few nights? Check out my perfect 3 Day San Francisco travel guide (w/ sample itinerary)

If you’re already in the city of San Francisco and departing from there, plan for about a ~1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on traffic. The most common route takes you north over the Golden Gate Bridge and up Highway 101 before cutting west toward the coast.

It’s a pretty drive once you leave the city, especially as you get closer to Sonoma County. If you’re coming from other parts of the Bay Area, your drive time might very but it’s still very doable for your Bodega Bay weekend trip (even with a Friday afternoon departure).

I think the most it’s ever taken us was a little over 2 hours and that was because we left on Friday at 4pm. (Thank goodness for the ability to work remote these days).

For those driving up from Southern California (Santa Barbara, LA, OC, etc) expect a longer haul of around ~7-9 hours depending on your starting point and traffic. Highway 101 is the fastest and most direct route, but if you have extra time and want to turn the journey into part of the experience, taking Highway 1 along the coast is incredibly scenic and well worth it.

Once you arrive for your Bodega Bay weekend trip, everything feels refreshingly small and relaxed. Kinda similar vibes to Half Moon Bay, another quaint coastal California town.

Bodega Bay itself is spread out along the coastline, but getting around is easy. You can drive between the beaches, restaurants, hiking trails, and hotels – all under 15 min!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Bodega Bay, California?

Oh Northern California. You sure are beautiful but your weather is…slightly unpredictable. It rarely rains so I’m mostly just talking about the marine layer that tends to hang over Bodega

But please don’t let that stop you from planning a trip to Northern California. Even though it’s chillier here than our southern counterpart, I still think Norcal is amazing because we still get quite a bit of sun!

If you’re curious about the weather in Bodega Bay…I’d say it’s actually relatively similar to San Francisco. Aka it’s always kind of a gamble with weather in this part of town which means you shouldn’t let the time of year stop you from visiting or putting together a Bodega Bay weekend itinerary.

Buuuuut if weather is a big factor for you, early fall is probably your best bet. From August through October, Bodega Bay usually sees its warmest and clearest days, with highs around 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) and fewer foggy mornings compared to early summer.

Spring is another great time to visit if you don’t mind cooler temperatures. Expect highs around 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C), greener coastal hills, wildflowers, and fewer crowds before peak summer hits.

Winter brings dramatic coastal scenery, big waves, and prime storm-watching energy. It’s also the coolest and wettest season, with daytime temps hovering around 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C) and colder evenings.

No matter when you go though, a Bodega Bay weekend is a “always dress in layers” kind of destination!

What Are the Best Hotels and Accommodation in Bodega Bay, California?

I swear I take living in California for granted sometimes. It’s only when I sit down to write about places like Half Moon Bay, Napa, or Guerneville that I’m reminded just how many beautiful, design-forward boutique stays we have within easy reach.

I think all of Northern California’s coastline is wildly underrated, but once the fog lifts and the sun hits the cliffs, then the whole area really lights up especially on a clear Bodega Bay weekend.

One thing to keep in mind is that Bodega Bay is small. Like “wait stop. did we already pass it?” small.

Which means there aren’t a ton of hotels to choose from but that’s why I love it here. (Especially if you get analysis paralysis like myself).

The places to stay in Bodega Bay are cozy, thoughtful, and full of character. Think low-key boutique hotels, oceanfront inns, and a bunch of family-friendly coastal vacation rentals.

It’s the kind of destination where the views do most of the heavy lifting, and you don’t need anything over-the-top to make it feel special.

For someone who’s visited more times than I can count, here’s a short but highly curated list of my favorite places to stay in Bodega Bay

• Bodega Bay Inn ($) – A comfortable, no-frills inn with cozy rooms and a convenient location near the harbor, making it a great affordable home base for your Bodega Bay weekend exploring the surrounding coast.
• Bodega Harbor Inn ($) – A budget-friendly option with simple, cozy rooms and lovely harbor views, ideal for travelers who want a relaxed stay near the water without spending too much.
• Hotel Dega ($$) – A stylish boutique stay with thoughtfully designed rooms and a laid-back coastal atmosphere, perfect for a Bodega Bay weekend if you want something more unique and design-forward than a traditional inn.
• Dragon’s Nest (Vacation Rental) ($$$) – A beautifully remodeled ocean-view home with an open layout, spacious decks, and close access to Doran Beach, great for families, groups, or anyone wanting a peaceful coastal getaway. This is always my top pick when traveling with another couple or our dog. Seriously such a hidden gem.
• Sonoma Coast Villa ($$$) – A quiet, Mediterranean-style retreat located just inland, offering spacious rooms, a heated pool, and complimentary breakfast, perfect for a relaxing Bodega Bay weekend with a small resort feel.
• The Inn at the Tides ($$$) – A classic waterfront property with coastal charm, featuring bay-view rooms, an on-site restaurant, and easy shoreline access, perfect for a scenic and easygoing Bodega Bay stay.
• The Lodge at Bodega Bay ($$$$) – A luxury coastal escape set on the cliffs above the ocean, with beautifully designed rooms, spa amenities, and sweeping views, perfect for an upscale and relaxing Bodega Bay weekend.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Bodega Bay, California?

For such a small coastal town, Bodega Bay has some seriously good seafood and a handful of spots we always end up at every time we visit. I’m a sucker for fresh crab, crispy fries, clam chowder with a view, and casual restaurants where you can show up in yoga pants any time of the day.

Which is why you won’t find Michelin star restaurants in Bodega Bay (honestly that’s part of the charm), but the food is fresh, comforting, and very coastal California.

So here are my top 3 favorite places to eat and drink every time we visit Bodega Bay

#1: Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf

595 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923

Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf is a waterfront seafood restaurant located right on the harbor with views of the fishing boats and bay. The menu focuses on fresh local seafood like oysters, Dungeness crab, and classic seafood dishes, along with Southern-inspired specialties and craft cocktails! They also have a great dog-friendly patio that gets plenty of sun.

My favorite part about traveling around the California coast is the sheer amount of fresh seafood. I went a little crazy last time I was at Rocker’s and ordered the creole fishermen’s stew which came with perfectly toasted garlic bread and a side of chips. It was soooo good.

They definitely don’t skimp on the amount of seafood they give. I got 5 massive prawns, a ton of clams and mussels (they were ALL open too), and huge pieces of fresh white fish.

I was too stuffed but definitely can’t wait to go back and try more of their menu. Maybe next time I’ll be able to save room for some of their delicious soft-serve too.

#2: The Birds Cafe

1407 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923

The Birds Cafe is a casual seafood and coffee spot overlooking the bay, named after Alfred Hitchcock’s famous movie The Birds, which was filmed right here in Bodega Bay in the 1960s! The cafe was opened by two local sisters and pays tribute to the town’s movie history, so it’s a fun place to grab fish tacos, clam chowder, or a coffee while taking in the views. It’s a great relaxed lunch stop after exploring the coastline.

Surprise surprise. What did I order at The Birds Cafe? You guessed it. The fish and chips!! Which were 10/10. I swear you can’t ever go wrong with this order along the coast. The pieces were HUGE and just the right amount of breading. They were also very generous with the vinegar which I poured alllll over my fries with salt.

#3: Fishetarian Fish Market

599 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923

Fishetarian Fish Market is a casual, shore-to-table seafood spot in Bodega Bay known for serving fresh, locally caught fish in classic, no-frills dishes. Opened in 2012 by Shane and Dana Lucas, the focus here is on healthy seafood choices that locals and visitors genuinely love. From fish tacos and clam chowder to their cult-favorite fish and chips, it’s earned a reputation as one of the best seafood stops in Sonoma County.

Now what do I personally always get when I visit? Yep you guessed it! The OG fresh rock cod fish and chips. You can choose two or three pieces, and trust me when I say the two-piece option is already more than enough unless you’re starving. My favorite part about Fishetarian is that they’re pretty laid-back, dog-friendly, serve delicious beers, and you can unbeatable ocean views from right outside.

One visit here and you’ll quickly understand why this place has been a fan favorite for over a decade!

What Are the Best Things to Do in Bodega Bay, California?

Okay enough blabbing about hotels and food (although those are two of my favorite things). You’ve got your place to stay and your belly is full.

Now what the heck is there to actually do during a Bodega Bay weekend?

Luckily, quite a lot for such a small coastal town. Bodega Bay has everything from coastal hikes and quiet beaches to scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and even a few filming locations from The Birds!

Keep reading for all the best things to do from a local’s perspective and how to plan the perfect Bodega Bay weekend here

#1: Hike the Scenic Coastal Trails in Sonoma Coast State Park

One of my favorite parts about living in California is the sheer amount of hiking trails we have here. You can literally pull off anywhere along the highway and find yourself on a random path to the coast.

There’s a ton of trails in Sonoma Coast State Park that range from easy to advanced. My #1 recommendation is the Bodega Head Trail as it’s a relaxing ~1.7mi roundtrip loop with epic views.

The trail only takes about ~an hour and it’s mostly flat and very beginner-friendly. So it’s perfect if you want a quick nature fix before grabbing fish n chips in Bodega Bay!

Just a heads up that the Bodega Head Trail IS NOT dog-friendly though It’s a nature reserve so a lot of the area is protected which sucks because we travel a lot with our dog.

So if you’re bringing fido – make sure to check out one of my favorite dog-friendly trails – The Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail.

The Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail is an easy, flat trail along the harbor that’s very dog-friendly and perfect for a relaxed coastal walk. The path loops through marshland and around two ponds with beautiful bay views, and you can even connect to Doran Beach via a small bridge.

If the Bodega Head trail feels too windy or exposed, this is a great alternative for a scenic but much easier walk!

And if you happen to be staying at Hotel Dega, the trail head is only a ~5 minute walk away from the hotel which bagel and I loved!

#2: Take Advantage of the Wind and Fly a Kite

Flying a kite is actually one of the most popular and classic things to do in Bodega Bay because it’s almost always windy along the coast. Doran Beach is one of the best spots for this since it’s wide, flat, and open with plenty of space, and the steady ocean breeze makes it really easy to get a kite up in the air.

Even if you don’t bring one, you can always pick one up from the Candy and Kites store next to The Birds Cafe.

It’s a simple but very Bodega Bay activity and a fun way to spend an hour between meals or before sunset

#3: Go Wine Tasting at Sonoma Coast Vineyards

You might not immediately think “wine tasting” when you’re in Bodega Bay, but fun fact: Bodega Bay is actually in Sonoma County, which is one of the most famous wine regions in the world.

Sonoma is known for its laid-back wine country vibes, incredible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and beautiful vineyards that stretch across rolling hills.

One easy spot to check out while you’re here is Sonoma Coast Vineyards.

It’s a cute little relaxed tasting room right in Bodega Bay where you can try wines made from grapes grown along the rugged Sonoma Coast.

It can be kind of hard to grab ubers departing from Bodega Bay so we always love coming here for wine without needing to plan transportation inland.

And if you’re planning a bigger wine country trip, definitely check out my guide to the best 3-day Napa Valley itinerary for more wineries, restaurants, and places to stay.

#4: End the Day With a Sunset Picnic at Doran Beach

One of my favorite ways to wrap up a day in Bodega Bay is heading down to Doran Beach for sunset.

It’s a long, wide stretch of sand that sits right inside the bay, which means the water is usually calmer and the sunsets here can be seriously incredible.

I’ve legit almost cried watching the skies turn cotton candy pink, with the sailboats in the distance, while listening to the sound of the waves

And if you’re staying at the vacation rental we love on Heron Drive, it’s super easy to get there. You can drive over in about 3–4 minutes by heading toward Doran Park Road and parking inside the beach park (FYI: parking cost $7 per vehicle).

Or, if the weather’s nice, you can walk down from Heron Drive through the neighborhood paths that lead straight toward the beach.

Make sure to grab a bottle of wine, some snacks, and a blanket, and you’ve got the perfect low-key way to end the day on the Sonoma Coast!

#5: Tee Off With Ocean Views at The Links at Bodega Harbour

If you’re staying in Bodega Harbour like we usually do, you’re in luck because the golf course is literally right on the property. The Links at Bodega Harbour sits along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, and honestly the views alone make it worth playing a round.

It’s a true Scottish-style links course with rolling fairways, coastal rough, and nearly 100 bunkers!

The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The back nine originally opened in 1978, and the front nine was added in 1987 to complete the full 18 holes. A major renovation in 2008 upgraded the greens to bentgrass and rebuilt more than 90 bunkers, which helped bring the course to the great shape it’s in today.

Rounds are usually around ~$89, which is honestly a pretty good deal considering every hole comes with ocean views. And after your round, I recommend heading up to the clubhouse for a drink or a bite at the Bluewater Lounge

#6: Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Spa Day

I’m a point in my life where a spa day has become a necessity for me when I travel. (Keep in mind I’m 35 so I feel like this is acceptable).

25-year old me couldn’t fathoms spending money on a massage when it could buy me 10 tequila shots instead.

But hey – that’s part of growing up

I think every coastal California vacation should include a spa day and it’s definitely no different in Bodega Bay. The best part about treating yourself to a spa day here is that there aren’t actually a ton of options to choose from. Which is good! Because then you’re not overwhelmed by analysis paralysis like you might be in Napa or Hawaii.

Here are my top three picks for a relaxing spa day in Bodega Bay, ranked in order of my favorites

• Sonoma Coast Villa – Tucked into the hills just outside Bodega Bay, Sonoma Coast Villa feels more like a quiet countryside retreat than a typical spa. It’s a peaceful spot known for its garden setting, small-boutique feel, and relaxing treatments that pair perfectly with a slow Sonoma Coast afternoon. Head to their website directly here for more info.
• Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary – Osmosis is one of the most unique spa experiences in Sonoma County thanks to its Japanese cedar enzyme bath, which gently heats your body using fermented cedar and rice bran. Add in the tranquil Japanese gardens and outdoor meditation spaces and it feels more like a wellness sanctuary than a traditional spa. Head to their website directly here for more info.
• The Lodge At Bodega Bay – If you want a spa day with a view, The Lodge at Bodega Bay delivers. Their spa sits right above the coastline, so you’re basically relaxing while looking out over the Pacific, which makes the whole experience feel very Sonoma Coast. Head to their website directly here for more info.

#7: Stroll Through the Bodega Bay Farmers Market (on Sundays)

Who doesn’t love free samples and fresh produce?

If you’re in Bodega Bay on a Sunday, the local Bodega Bay Community Farmers Market is a fun little stop. It’s a small community market with local produce, fresh baked goods, handmade crafts, and plenty of food vendors if you want to grab a casual bite.

The market runs May through October on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., located behind the Bodega Bay Community Center.

What Is the Perfect Bodega Bay Weekend Itinerary?

Check out my sample Bodega Bay itinerary (based on my husband and I’s typical weekend staycations):

Day 1 of your Bodega Bay Weekend Itinerary

• Depart San Francisco late morning
• Grab lunch at Fishetarian Fish Market
• Check into Hotel Dega or The Dragon’s Nest
• Hike the Bodega Head Trail in Sonoma Coast State Park
  • [dog-friendly option] Walk the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail
• Wine tasting at Sonoma Coast Vineyards
• Dinner at Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf
• Pick up snacks and a bottle of wine from Diekmann’s Bay Store
• Sunset picnic at Doran Beach

Day 2 of your Bodega Bay Weekend Itinerary

• Breakfast and coffee at The Birds Cafe
• Sunrise walk along Doran Beach
• Spa day at The Lodge at Bodega Bay or Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
• Late lunch at Spud Point Crab Company
• Drive back to San Francisco in the afternoon

Bodega Bay, California FAQ

To help you plan your Bodega Bay weekend itinerary, here are some commonly asked questions for first time visitors to Bodega Bay

What is Bodega Bay known for?

Bodega Bay is known for its rugged Northern California coastline, fresh seafood (especially Dungeness crab and clam chowder), scenic coastal hikes like Bodega Head, and as a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds, all of which make their way onto almost every Bodega Bay itinerary. It’s a popular weekend getaway from San Francisco for coastal walks, wildlife and birdwatching, beaches like Doran Beach, and relaxing oceanfront stays.

When is the best time to visit Bodega Bay?

The best time to visit is from late spring through early fall, when the weather is typically warmer and skies are clearer along the Sonoma Coast, making it the perfect time to plan a Bodega Bay itinerary. Summer brings the most sunshine, while spring and fall are great for fewer crowds and whale watching during migration season.

How many days do you need in Bodega Bay?

A weekend duh!!!! But seriously..two to three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Bodega Bay.

A weekend gives you more than enough time to hike along the Sonoma Coast, relax at Doran Beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and catch a sunset over the Pacific. The town is small, so you can see a lot without feeling rushed.

How far is Bodega Bay from San Francisco?

Bodega Bay is about 70 miles north of San Francisco and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach by car. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by rugged coastal cliffs, scenic ocean views, and one of the most relaxing beach towns on the Sonoma Coast.

What are the best things to do in Bodega Bay?

Some of the best things to do in Bodega Bay include hiking coastal trails like Bodega Head and the Kortum Trail, relaxing at Doran Beach, sailing or kayaking in the bay, and enjoying fresh seafood at Fishetarian Fish Market, all of which you can easily fit into this Bodega Bay itinerary. Many visitors also explore nearby wineries in Sonoma County.

Where should you stay in Bodega Bay for a weekend?

My personal favorite places to stay in Bodega Bay are The Dragon’s Nest (vacation rental), Hotel Dega (mid-priced cute boutique hotel), and The Lodge at Bodega Bay (luxury splurge)! All of which fit well into a Bodega Bay itinerary.

For a weekend trip, many visitors choose to stay in oceanview vacation rentals around Bodega Harbour (like The Dragon’s Nest) or near Doran Beach. These areas offer easy access to coastal trails, beaches, and restaurants, which makes planning a Bodega Bay itinerary very easy. Boutique inns and oceanfront lodges are also popular for travelers looking for a relaxing Sonoma Coast getaway.

Are there wineries near Bodega Bay?

Yes! Bodega Bay sits within Sonoma County, one of the most famous wine regions in California. While most vineyards are located slightly inland, it’s easy to combine a coastal trip with wine tasting in areas like the Russian River Valley. There are also tasting rooms near the coast, including Sonoma Coast Vineyards.

Is Bodega Bay worth visiting?

Double yes! Bodega Bay is definitely worth visiting, especially if you love scenic coastal towns and outdoor activities. The area offers beautiful ocean views, hiking along the Sonoma Coast, fresh seafood restaurants, and peaceful beaches. And because it’s close to San Francisco, it’s one of the best weekend getaways in Northern California!

The Perfect Bodega Bay Weekend Getaway: Final Thoughts

Who says you need a long vacation to fully unplug???

With the right Bodega Bay weekend itinerary (like the one you just read), it’s surprisingly easy to pack in scenic coastal hikes, fresh seafood, ocean views, and a little wine country all in just a couple of days.

From hiking all of the scenic trails in Sonoma Coast State Park, to watching the sunset at Doran Beach, to squeezing in a round of golf or a relaxing spa day, there are so many things to do in Bodega Bay that fit perfectly into a short weekend escape from San Francisco!

My Bodega Bay weekend itinerary is proof that you don’t need a big trip to feel refreshed, especially when the town is small, scenic, and incredibly easy to explore.

And only less than 2 hours from a major city!

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for another Sonoma Coast getaway, the best way to experience Bodega Bay is by mixing a little bit of nature with plenty of delicious wine, crispy fish n chips, and slooooow moments by the ocean.

I hope my guide helped highlight some of my favorite activities and things to do in Bodega Bay to help you plan your next coastal California weekend trip.

Did you end up exploring Bodega Bay for the weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

Looking for More Weekend or Day Trip Ideas from San Francisco?

Check out my post on the Top 12 Easy Day Trips to Take from San Francisco!

Visiting Other Parts of California Wine Country?

Check out my other travel guides on Napa and Sonoma wine country here.

Visiting Other Parts of California?

Check out my other travel guides on California here.

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The post A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Bodega Bay Weekend Getaway first appeared on Discover Over There • International Travel Blog.