Whether it’s a business lunch, after-hours camaraderie with colleagues, or just some independent sightseeing, there are plenty of things to do in San Francisco that will keep business travelers entertained after the meetings are adjourned. Here are some of our top picks & tips:

• Catch a Giant’s game – AT&T Park is a quintessential San Francisco experience. With sweeping Bay vistas from the top seats and uncommon ballpark food such as Dungeness crab sandwiches and a Caribbean jerk chicken bowl, San Franciscans’ love of food, their Bay and great pitching all come together in an all-star baseball experience.

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  Farmer’s Market street food is amazing! Photo credit: mastermaq cc

  Ferry Building Marketplace – This newly restored building on the waterfront is full of boutique shops, market stalls and artisanal food producers. The Farmer’s Market  (Saturdays 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Travel Maestro tip: The Thursday market features a range of artisanal street food, making it a fabulous lunch stop.

• Union Square Shopping – Get a bit of retail therapy at the major department stores in Union Square. Whether you need a new outfit until your luggage arrives (hey, we all know it happens!) or want to take home a bauble for your sweetie, this is the place to find any luxury brand your heart desires.
• Visit Chinatown – In the oldest Chinatown outside of Asia, visitors can shop for Chinese herbal medicines or a brightly colored dragon kite. See how fortune cookies are made and visit the Tin How Temple with its hundreds of red and gold lanterns.

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  California Academy of Sciences – Thursday night Nightlife programs let adults aged 21+ learn and network in an upscale evening adventure. Explore exotic animal exhibits, aquarium displays and planetarium shows while sipping creative cocktails. Each week has a theme from Fire & Ice to sustainable seafood and a live band or DJ.

• Yerba Buena Arts District – San Francisco boasts a wealth of museums, with the greatest concentration in this South of Market area. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA) is a cornerstone with multiple smaller museums within a small radius. See this complete San Francisco museum guide and a list of free museum days.

San Francisco Tips for the Business Traveler

As one of the world’s significant business and financial centers, San Francisco is stylish and cosmopolitan, so business travelers will want their attire to match the mood of the city. Business wear is expected to be formal and fashionable, so plan on wearing a smart suit. For evenings, smart casual is the norm, however, many restaurant and nightclubs have dress codes, so be sure to check when making reservations.

We don’t recommend a rental car in the city. Parking is in extremely short supply, and driving the steep hills can be challenging. Use taxis in the city or the very efficient MUNI public transportation system of trolleys, historic cable cars and busses. Travel Maestro tip: If you’ll ride more than twice per day, a 1- , 3- or 7-day unlimited-ride MUNI passport is more economical.

If business travel takes you to San Francisco, be sure to build in time to experience its stunning scenery, extraordinary dining and diverse cultural options. For more things to do in San Francisco for business travelers and travel arrangements for your trip, contact Covington Travel’s experienced travel advisors.