About San Francisco
Founded in 1776, San Francisco was an important trading post and port as the newly born United States was fighting for independence. Founded by Spanish colonists and named for St. Francis de Assisi, the city has long been globally important and a gathering place for immigrants from around the world, particularly in Asia.
Rebuilding after a devastating earthquake and fire in 1906, San Francisco is a modern metropolis that has maintained much of its history, including historic Spanish missions and the country’s oldest and largest Chinatown.
The food scene is eclectic and features influences from many different cultures along with the city’s signature fresh seafood. San Francisco is also just a stone’s throw from California’s Wine Country, with many opportunities to try local and regional vintages.
San Francisco’s proximity to other major West Coast population centers like Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and Las Vegas makes it a great place for a reunion location. The international airport is an easy stop for visitors flying in from overseas and there are more than enough activities to satisfy visitors and locals alike.
Reunion Location Options in San Francisco
Once you’ve chosen your reunion location in San Francisco, there are many options for food, entertainment, décor, and other services to make your event special.
- Catering
Whether your reunion is for family or friends, there’s something special about gathering around a table full of food and catching up for lost time. San Francisco has an impressive food scene. If it sounds good, you can probably find it in the Bay Area. Fresh seafood, authentic Chinese or Hispanic specialties, European pastries, and home-cooked favorites are all on the menu, and many catering companies and restaurants also offer beverage service with the professional bar staff.
- Rental Agencies
If your San Francisco reunion location doesn’t come with furniture or equipment included, you’ll likely need to enlist a local rental agency to fill in the gaps. Rental agencies can provide the essentials such as tables, chairs, dinnerware, linens, and banquet service basics. Some companies also offer décor rentals like props, floral designs, draped fabrics, and more. If you need audiovisual equipment, you’ll find projectors and screens, sound equipment, computer networking items, and other essentials for multimedia displays.
- Entertainment
A great party deserves a little music, whether it is background music for ambiance, a featured performance, or a jam band to keep guests partying all night long. San Francisco has thousands of talented and professional performers in every genre, from rock ‘n’ roll cover bands to string quartets, solo musicians, and vocalists of all varieties. For younger guests, you can find costumed character actors, magicians, comedians, and other performers to keep kids engaged.
Reunion Location Companies in San Francisco
Whether you’ve been planning on a reunion for several months or the idea just occurred to you a couple of weeks ago, a professional event planner can take the reins and guide you through the process so you can enjoy a stress-free special event.
- Chloe Alise Special Events
After more than a decade of experience booking talent for festivals and events, founder Chloe Skelly opened her own event planning firm in 2020. Chloe Alise Special Events brings together talented planners with an eye for style and detail to make every type of event memorable. Planners will work with you to create a custom package of services specially tailored to your reunion with the goal of exceeding your expectations and providing a fun, stress-free experience.
- Madix and Co. Events
Owner and lead planner Kaella Madix has more than 10 years of experience with special event design and management in the San Francisco Bay Area. Madix prides herself on building a trusted network of preferred vendors to provide high-quality products and services for clients. The full-service firm offers a variety of services, including creative and artistic direction, budgeting, vendor coordination and communication, floor plan design, day-of management, and more.
- Laurie Arons Special Events
Owner Laurie Arons founded her special events company in 1994 and has since been part of more than 600 exclusive events in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not only does the company specialize in glamorous wedding services, but planners also work with clients to get a feel for their personality and event expectations before orchestrating a masterfully designed and memorable event.
Pros and Cons of Reunion Locations in San Francisco
San Francisco reunion locations are as unique as you and your family, and there are tons of local services. There are some advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind, though.
Advantages
- Fantastic food
San Francisco’s food scene has many global influences and is known for being fresh, plentiful, and often original.
- Public transportation
San Francisco’s public transit options are affordable and fairly easy to navigate, making a car non-essential for city travel.
- Weather
With the exception of a chilly winter by California standards, San Francisco is mild the majority of the year.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
The cost of living in San Francisco is significantly higher than the national average, so expect everything from dinner to hotels to cost more.
- Cold water
The Pacific Ocean is perfect for boating and fishing but is too cold to swim in without proper gear.
- Traffic
San Francisco roadways are frequently congested due to commuter traffic, and parking can be very difficult to find in some areas.
Famous Locations in San Francisco
- Aquarium of the Bay
Located on Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay is home to more than 20,000 marine animals from the deepest oceans to the tide pools lining the Pacific coastline. Visitors will have the opportunity to see several species of sharks, octopi, jellyfish, and countless numbers of colorful tropical fish. You’ll also be able to watch other water critters such as river and sea otters, turtles, and more. In addition, you can get up close and personal at the aquarium’s touch pools, full of sea stars, rays, and other shoreline residents.
- Fisherman’s Wharf
Now a major tourist attraction, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is the pinnacle of the city’s maritime legacy, including its important fishing economy. Now a one-stop experience for visitors, you’ll find a variety of dining establishments – many that offer tasty versions of today’s fresh catch – along with luxury hotels, entertainment options, and shopping opportunities. Fisherman’s Wharf is also the starting point for cruises and tours to Alcatraz, along with fishing boat charters.
- Lands’ End Lookout
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Lands’ End Lookout and Trail is located at the northwestern corner of the peninsula and offers unparalleled views of San Francisco and the surrounding area. It’s also one of the best places in the city to view the famous Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the bay.