“It’s kind of wild that people don’t know about this. This is the best destination you’ve never heard of.”
That’s how Maggie Lang describes The San Francisco Peninsula. The chief sales and marketing officer for the region’s DMO said her team hears the phrase so often that they built an entire campaign around the idea.
Everyone knows San Francisco. Everyone knows San Jose and Silicon Valley. But few beyond those regions are aware of the idyllic stretch of land between the two. Once you’re in on the secret, though, it’s hard to imagine you didn’t know about sooner.
The same will be true for your attendees if you bring your next event to The Peninsula. Stretching more than 60 miles long and 15 miles wide, The San Francisco Peninsula is nestled between San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west and comprises 17 charming cities along with San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
You’ll find a little bit of everything here: luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay and Canyon Ranch; unique venues like the vibrant gardens at a Georgian mansion, Filoli, or Harley Farms, complete with private event space and goats; thousands of acres of protected land including towering redwoods; and an incredibly diverse dining scene.
Associations, corporate groups and incentive clients all come to The Peninsula, promising something for everyone, all while offering the excellent access to SFO and pioneering Silicon Valley and San Francisco often at a lower price point.
And, as spending time outdoors and connecting with nature continues to be a major trend in the meetings and events world, The Peninsula offers unforgettable ways to get outside. Go horseback riding on the beach, pick fresh food at a working farm, stroll along The San Francisco Bay Trail or sample the catch of the day from local fisherman. Lang’s personal favorite activity is kayaking at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, where seals are in abundance and visitors can buy Dungeness right off the many small crabbing boats.
“There's just something so like salt of the Earth of just being in that environment,” said Lang, who has lived all over the world. “It's one of my favorite places on the planet.”
[Related: Why San Francisco Is the OG Sustainable Destination]
Where to Stay in The San Francisco Peninsula
Convenience is exemplified at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, which has 789 rooms, ample meeting space and close access to SFO, The Peninsula’s diverse offerings and downtown San Francisco. Teambuilding favorite Topgolf Burlingame opened in December down the road, overlooking the Bay.
Where to Eat in The San Francisco Peninsula
No single ethnic group makes up a majority in The Peninsula, which means a rich mix of cultures gives way to an incredibly diverse dining scene. An exciting entrant is Amara in Belmont, which brings the cuisine of countries that span the southern Mediterranean and northern African shores.
Fun Activities in The San Francisco Peninsula
In Pescadero, two miles inland from the Pacific, bring groups to Harley Farms, a small-scale farmstead goat dairy, where groups up to 40 can enjoy a cheese reception, farm tour and three-course meal in the rustic Hay Loft—and meet the goat residents, of course!
Read more meeting and event news in California.
Taking Off is a column from the desk of Senior Content Director and resident destinations expert, Danielle LeBreck, which uncovers the destinations you haven't thought of for meetings or events, from under-the-radar locales to new neighborhoods you should know about. Read more Taking Off columns here.
