11 Best Hotels for Families in San Francisco (Where to Stay with Kids)
If you’re traveling to San Francisco with kids, where you stay can make a big difference in how smoothly the trip goes (and how many tantrums ensue—parents included).
đź“ŤDisclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a tiny commission if you click and purchase through them at no extra cost to you! Thank you for helping me do what I love
Choosing the right family-friendly hotel in San Francisco not only gives everyone space to relax after a long day of sightseeing, but also puts you close to the best attractions in San Francisco, you came to see, and will have amenities and room configurations that make traveling with kids easier.
The good news is that San Francisco has plenty of hotels that work well for families in every price range, from historic luxury icons to boutique properties to budget-friendly no-frills motels still close to the action.
Before jumping into my picks, I have noted some extra things to consider when choosing a hotel in San Francisco.
What to Look for in a Family-Friendly San Francisco Hotel
Family-Friendly Room Configurations
Most hotels offer rooms with two beds, but not all two-bed rooms are created equal.
If you’re sharing beds, queens are much more comfortable than doubles. Some hotels even have double king bedrooms, making sharing even easier.
Another thing to ask hotels about is connecting rooms—that is, rooms with an interior door that allows kids and parents to move between them without entering the hallway.
Extra living areas are also nice for families, giving adults or kids a place to watch TV, read, or play games without having to sit on the bed. A little extra room can help everyone relax a little before jumping on the next San Francisco tour.
Lastly, there are hotel suites, and some are sweeter than others.
They can be a little more expensive, but like an extra living area, a little breathing room once the kids fall asleep, or a small kitchen and dining area can help create a routine that some kids need.
So, when booking, look for hotels that offer:
- Two queen/king beds
- Family suites
- Connecting rooms
- Sofa beds or separate living areas
A Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
Travelers—especially those with kids—naturally want to stay somewhere safe and convenient, and there are San Francisco neighborhoods that are better suited for families.
For first-time visitors, I usually recommend choosing hotels in Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, Nob Hill, the Presidio, or Japantown. These areas have access to public transit,  are close to major attractions, or are in calmer areas with access to outdoor space.
Areas tourists should generally avoid (IMHO) when booking hotels in San Francisco include the Tenderloin, Civic Center (around City Hall), and the Mission
Beware of hotels that advertise being in Union Square but are actually in less desirable areas near Union Square. Always check the map before booking. A block or two off the square if fine.
San Francisco is small, so no matter where you stay, it’s never that far from anything you want to see and do, so pick the hotel that feels right for you and your family.
Outdoor Space
San Francisco is a city, but you’ll be surprised by how many San Francisco hotels offer outdoor space or are near it, letting kids find a fun playground or burn off some energy.
Keep in mind, outdoor space at hotels could mean:
- A private garden
- An interior courtyard
- A small balcony or patio
- Close proximity to a park/ greenspace/ recreation center
Even the tiniest legs need to let loose, and outdoor space can be a lifesaver when kids (and you) need a break after a long day of sightseeing.
Because it’s a city, not all hotels have this, but many are near some of the city’s great parks, such as the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and Transamerica Pyramid Park, so make sure to inquire about that or check a map.
Walkability
If you’re traveling with a stroller or a crew of little ones, you might benefit from staying within walking distance of major attractions and near public transportation.
The two most common areas for visitors are Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square, which are close to attractions and public transportation. But there are great family-friendly neighborhoods beyond those, too.
The Presidio, for example, is one of my favorite areas for families (and visitors in general) because of its wide open green spaces, playgrounds, restaurants, public art kids can climb on, and the FREE PresidioGO shuttle that connects the park to downtown San Francisco.
I also adore Sacramento Street, a chill area in Presidio Heights with sidewalks, cafes, restaurants, shops, and a locals-only vibe.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Small perks can make traveling with kids much easier, and are especially appreciated after long days of Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours, or on rainy days when getting outside is tough.
Look for hotels that offer things like:
- Cribs or pack-and-plays
- Mini refrigerators for snacks
- Kid menus
- Bike rentals
- Welcome gifts
- Laundry service
Price
I’m not going to lie— San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.
Hotels will likely be your biggest expense after airfare, so it’s worth balancing price, location, and comfort. A well-located hotel may cost a little more per room, but it can save you on transportation and parking, especially if you’re considering a car when in San Francisco.
Parking at hotels can be $65+ per day (often more). If you’re visiting San Francisco on a budget, this will quickly eat into it.
So, here are my top picks for the best hotels for families in San Francisco.
1. Fairmont San Francisco — Nob Hill
The historic Fairmont San Francisco is one of the city’s most iconic hotels. It’s certainly a splurge, but families who stay here enjoy spacious rooms, excellent service, and one of the best locations in the city.
Even if you don’t stay here, I highly recommend a tour of the landmark hotel. The SF City Guides Tour is free. I recently took it and learned so much about the hotel and its storied history.
The hotel sits atop Nob Hill, across from Grace Cathedral and right on the California Street cable car line, making it easy to explore San Francisco’s amazing attractions.
Kids will love the hotel’s legendary Tonga Room, a throwback tiki restaurant and bar in the hotel’s former pool, where a live band performs on a floating raft in the center of a lagoon (yes, it really used to be the hotel’s indoor pool). Children are welcome from 5:00–10:00 p.m.
Another favorite feature of this hotel is the rooftop garden, a quiet outdoor space near the Cirque Cafe where kids can stretch their legs beneath palm trees and listen to the cable cars clang on the street below.
Nearby attractions:
- Grace Cathedral
- Cable car rides
- FREE Cable Car Museum
- Chinatown
- Huntington Park playground
2. Hotel Zelos — SoMa / Market Street
Hotel Zelos is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown San Francisco/ SoMa with surprisingly large rooms, making it a solid option for families traveling with teens.
I recently stayed (see my review of Hotel Zelos) and was surprised by how large the rooms were for a downtown hotel.
Even the smallest rooms start at about 280 square feet, and the one-bedroom suites feature living areas with desks and space to spread out.
The hotel is walking distance to:
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA)
- Yerba Buena Gardens
- Children’s Creativity Museum
- Union Square shopping
- Cable Car access
- BART Station
On the 5th floor, the restaurant Dirty Habit has a hidden outdoor patio that works well for early dinners, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
3. Ritz-Carlton San Francisco — Nob Hill
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco offers a polished, family-friendly luxury stay in the heart of Nob Hill. Standard rooms with two queen beds comfortably accommodate families of four.
But families who want more breathing room can upgrade to one of the hotel’s larger suites, such as the Executive Suite or Club Level Suites, which include separate living areas, perfect when kids fall asleep earlier than parents.
Four-legged family members are also welcome.
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco offers thoughtful extras through its Ritz Kids program, including welcome packets with coloring books and scavenger hunts (you can arrange these with the concierge in advance).
Another plus is the kids’ menus in the hotel’s restaurants, meaning parents don’t have to skip a nice meal just to accommodate younger travelers.
Nearby attractions include:
- Grace Cathedral
- Huntington Park playground
- Cable car lines & musuem
- Chinatown
- Union Square shopping
4. Argonaut Hotel — Fisherman’s Wharf
The Argonaut Hotel is one of my top recommendations for first-time visitors to San Francisco, whether traveling with kids or not.
Located near Ghirardelli Square, the Hyde Street cable car turnaround, and the famous Buena Vista Café (known for their Irish Coffee), the location couldn’t be more convenient.
Set inside a historic brick warehouse, the hotel has a playful nautical theme that kids enjoy.
đź“ŤIt’s also close to some of San Francisco’s top attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Alcatraz boat tours, which keeps things simple and easy when traveling with little ones.
Family perks include:
- Rooms with two queen beds
- Games and board games available to borrow
- Bike rentals nearby
- Walkable to waterfront attractions
đź“ŤCheck availability to stay within walking distance of Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other waterfront sights.
Nearby attractions:
- Pier 39 sea lions
- Musée Mécanique
- Hyde Street Pier
- Aquatic Park beach
- Alcatraz Tours
- Cable Car
5. Lodge at the Presidio — The Presidio
I can’t recommend the Presidio enough for families, especially if you want a quieter home base surrounded by nature and Golden Gate Bridge views. The Lodge at the Presidio puts you right in the middle of it all.
The hotel is located in a restored historic military barracks within the Presidio National Park and offers incredible access to this amazing location. I’ve written an extensive Things to Do in the Presidio Guide
đź“Ť Since there are only 42 rooms at the hotel, it’s smart to secure rooms early.
Just outside the front door is:
- The Main Post lawn (lots of room to run around)
- Presidio Tunnel Tops playground
- The Walt Disney Family Museum
- Crissy Field beach
- Presidio Bowl
It’s peaceful, scenic, and still well connected to downtown via the free PresidioGO shuttle, which connects the Presidio to downtown San Francisco.
6. LUMA Hotel — Mission Bay
The LUMA Hotel San Francisco is located in Mission Bay, one of the city’s newest and sunniest neighborhoods. Don’t let the “up-and-coming” label fool you. Mission Bay is clean, modern, and filled with parks and waterfront paths that families appreciate.
The hotel is walking distance to Oracle Park, so if you’re planning to catch a San Francisco Giants game, or even take a behind-the-scenes ballpark tour, this is an excellent home base.
Rooms are thoughtfully designed for modern travelers and include:
- Two queen beds
- Some configurations with two king beds (rare in any hotel room)
- USB charging ports throughout the room
- Plenty of space compared to older San Francisco hotels
đź“ŤThis is really the only hotel in Mission Bay, so if you’re going to a game or concert at Chase Center, browse availability early.
Kids will get a kick out of the hotel’s robot concierge, which delivers items to guest rooms.
Upstairs, there’s Cavaña, a rooftop terrace bar and restaurant with outdoor seating and views of the city skyline. It becomes more of an adult scene later at night, but it opens at 4 p.m., making it perfectly fine for families stopping by for bites and drinks. There’s even a photo booth, which kids love.
LUMA Hotel Nearby attractions:
- Oracle Park
- Stagecoach Greens mini golf
- Spark Social Food Truck Park
- Mission Creek waterfront park
The Central Subway line also connects Mission Bay directly to Union Square and Chinatown, making it easy to explore the city without a car.
7. Hotel del Sol — Marina District
This bright and cheery motel is one of my top choices for families. It’s not just colorful, comfortable, and affordable (by SF standards), it’s in the flat and walkable Marina District.
The room set-ups for families are fantastic, too, including a Jr. Suite with a sofa bed, and a family suite with a queen and two twins.
The executive suite is even better, with one king bed, a sofa-sleeper, and a kitchenette, making longer visits to San Francisco a breeze.
đź“ŚCheck availability on your preferred room now and let the vacation planning begin!
The amenities at Hotel del Sol are amazing too and include a daily complimentary breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., all-day coffee/ tea, on-site parking (for a fee), complimentary use of cruiser bikes (first-come, first-served), and complimentary luggage storage.
The pièce-de-resistance: the heated outdoor pool! This is especially wonderful in the fall, one of the warmest times of year in San Francisco.
Nearby attractions:
- Crissy Field
- Palace of Fine Arts
- The Presidio
- Family-friendly dining along Chestnut Street
- Union Street Shopping and Dining
8. Handlery Union Square Hotel — Union Square
Located in the heart of Union Square, the Handlery Hotel is a long-standing family-owned property that offers a nice combination of value, space, and location for families visiting San Francisco.
One of its biggest perks is the heated outdoor swimming pool (that’s right, you heard me), always a hit with kids any time of year.
Room configurations are plentiful here, and include:
- Queen–queen rooms
- Double-double rooms
- One-bedroom suites with sofa beds
- The San Francisco Suite, which includes a kitchenette and living room
- Family suites with two connected rooms accommodating up to five guests
đź“ŤUnion Square is a popular place to stay in San Francisco so it’s smart to look into rooms early
The onsite parking is $65/night, and the area is congested, so consider whether you need a car in San Francisco.
Nearby attractions:
- Union Square shopping
- Cable car turnaround
- Chinatown
- Museums
- San Francisco Magic Theater— a family-friendly magic show experience for kids 10+ (I’ve taken my nieces a few times!)
9. Laurel Inn — Presidio Heights
I recommend the Laurel Inn all the time, especially for travelers who want a quieter neighborhood experience while still staying close to San Francisco’s best attractions.
The boutique hotel sits just steps from charming Sacramento Street, known for its walkable atmosphere, cafés, boutiques, upscale restaurants, and even an old-timey movie theater. It’s a lovely area to stay with kids.
Some rooms include kitchenettes, which can be helpful for families who want to store snacks or prepare simple meals.
The 1 California bus stops right outside the hotel and runs directly downtown to the Financial District and Embarcadero.
Nearby attractions:
- Walkable neighborhood streets
- The Presidio
- Shops and restaurants
- Transportation
- Clement Street
For families who want a more neighborhood vibes, this is a great place to settle in.
10. Kimpton Hotel Enso — Japantown
I am a BIG fan of San Francisco Japantown (read my extensive guide ), and the Kimpton Hotel Enso is a wonderful choice for families who want a quieter neighborhood that still feels lively and interesting.
Japantown is so underrated in my opinion, and it’s compact, safe, and easy to explore on foot, which makes it especially convenient when traveling with kids.
One of the highlights of the hotel is its outdoor courtyard space, where families can relax and kids can burn off a little energy. The area often has outdoor games, like Corn Hole, and seating, creating a casual outdoor gathering spot.
Just across the street, you’ll find the Buchanan Street pedestrian promenade, which leads directly to the Japan Center, a cluster of three indoor shopping centers filled with ramen shops, mochi counters, Japanese bakeries, snack stalls, bookshops, and more.
On rainy San Francisco days, this indoor space is a lifesaver for families.
Kimpton hotels are also known for their welcoming service, and Hotel Enso offers two queen rooms and connecting rooms, making it easier for families to stay comfortably in one space.
Nearby attractions:
- Japan Center Mall food courts and snack shops
- Peace Plaza
- Kabuki Springs & Spa (for parents)
- Fillmore Street restaurants and cafés
- Alta Plaza Park playground (a short walk uphill)
- Hamilton Rec Center (with playground and indoor pool)
11. Harbor Court Hotel — Embarcadero Waterfront
For families who want to stay along San Francisco’s scenic waterfront, the Harbor Court Hotel is tough to beat.
The property sits within walking distance to the historic Ferry Building, making it easy to grab breakfast pastries, casual lunches, or quick snacks between sightseeing stops. Another nice perk for families is that guests have access to the adjacent Embarcadero YMCA, which includes a full fitness center and an indoor pool that kids always love.
The hotel’s double-double rooms sleep up to four guests. Or consider upgrading to one of the larger waterview suites for extra space.
📍If a water-view room or suite is important to you, it’s worth checking availability early.
Just outside the hotel, you’ll find the Embarcadero waterfront promenade, with its public art, Bay Bridge views, and the historic Ferry Building, great for dining with kids.
It’s also super easy to hop on public transportation or catch a ride share, including the driverless Waymo cars. They’re not as scary as you think!
Nearby attractions:
- Exploratorium (one of the best science museums in the U.S.)
- Ferry Building Marketplace food hall
- Embarcadero promenade
- Oracle Park
- Waterfront dining
- San Francisco Brunch & Dinner Cruises
