Unless you're the bachelor/ette, you're more than likely dreading a weekend of getting wasted (and footing the big bill that usually comes along with these shindigs).
But maids of honor and best men, listen up: A bash celebrating your bestie can actually be fun.
In the end, it's all about making the bride or groom feel special—and when they're sure that all their peeps had a truly great time, they will. If you're planning a bachelor/ette party in the Bay Area, go for something ultra-unique that promises to be memorable.
The VIP Wine Tour
A private group tasting at Napa's Three Sticks Winery.
(Courtesy of Bin415)
If getting schnockered is on the agenda anyway, why not do so with a little class? Like a geek squad for wine, Bin 415 has a lineup of wine specialists and certified sommeliers who'll show you around at a curated selection of wineries where you'll get behind-the-scenes access to crush pads, wine caves, and vineyards. Choose from pre-designed tour packages in Napa or Sonoma—which include transportation in a Mercedes SUV, tastings, and lunch—or customize your tour exactly how you wish. // Bin 415 offers tours from San Francisco to Wine Country for groups of two to six people starting at $495 per person; reservations can be made at bin415.com.
The Scavenger Hunt
It may be the bride's day, but don't let that stop you from kicking her ass in an awesome scavenger hunt. Get a little competitive with bridal-themed photo challenges and personalized trivia put on by Let's Roam. You'll create a customized adventure that's part sightseeing tour, part mobile game, all SF photo op. Cap it off at a location of your choosing for a Know Your Bride quiz and drinks. (Dudes, you can totally get in on this, too.) // For more information, visitletsroam.com.
The Epic Spa Day
The cedar sauna has a view.
(Courtesy of Stanly Ranch)
Because lazing around half naked while sipping champs together makes for maximum bonding, spend the day with your pals at Auberge's Stanly Ranch where, in addition to the pool and spa, you can indulge in a circuit program including a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, cold plunge, salt therapy, saunas, and more. Spa treatments are all customized and are 30 percent off for locals on Wellness Wednesdays. To make a whole day of it, add on an art class, private wine tasting, a hike, or hot air balloon ride. Going all out? Spend a night in one of the guest rooms, suites, or villas. // Stanly Ranch, 200 Stanly Crossroad (Napa); reservations can be made at aubergeresorts.com.
The Immersive Foodie Event
What better way to celebrate than with a big, festive dinner? But first, learn something. Class Bento offers out-of-the-ordinary foodie experiences run by local cooks and guides that promise to expand your horizons beyond your typical, trendy SF restaurant. Book a night of Chinese cooking from scratch in the Richmond ($99/person); learn to make pasta with local ingredients ($118/person); or delve into the art of making chocolate while wine tasting ($120-$140/person). // See all SF events at classbento.com.
Tea Time
Gathering for tea is an activity that's easy to add to the agenda but still feels special, and San Francisco is home to several spots for a stylish tea time. The Palace Hotel's Garden Court is a popular spot to go pinkies up, plus you can add Champagne and caviar to your service. // In Japantown, the adorable Crown and Crumpet takes inspiration from a traditional English tea salon. // The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is an iconic destination for high tea under the antique stained-glass dome. Get a three-tiered tower of finger sandwiches and pastries, plus the option to add a glass of Henriot Brut. // For serious Barbie vibes, make a reservation for Son and Garden's Cherry Blossom Tea, a whimsical and highly Instagramable service offered on weekdays through July.
Yachting Adventures
Let Sausalito-based SF Bay Adventures drive the boat—you can take your pick of sailboats, motor yachts, and catamarans—while you kick it on the San Francisco Bay for a laid-back afternoon or a full-blown rager with up to 60 of your closest pals. Pricing for private sails varies based on the boat you choose; themed open-to-the-public sails—such as a morning eco-sail or the Friday night Bay Lights sail—are also available for smaller parties. // Pricing varies; reservations can be made at sfbayadventures.com.
The Staycation
A junior suite with two queen beds, living room, and plenty of space to get ready for a big night out.
(Courtesy of Clift Royal Sonesta)
Make home base for your bachelorette party as iconic as the bride when you check in with your group at The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco. This historic hotel holds all the secrets to a good time, including luxurious, modern suites and guest rooms; handcrafted cocktails at the famed Redwood Room; and photo ops in the big chair in the lobby. Book at least seven days in advance to save up to 15 percent on select rooms. Use the promo code SONAP or visit the website for more information and offers. // Reservations are available at sonesta.com.
The DIY Night
Have some laughs while you make stuff together. Workshop SF offers a range of DIY classes for making everything from paper marbling to leather working (make a journal, wallet, coaster, or belt), soy candle making to ceramics (you can make matching mugs!). Workshops can accommodate up to 25 people depending on the activity. The venue has a kitchen, refrigerator, counter space, a rolling ice chest, movable tables, a bathroom, plenty of seating, and of course work benches. // Workshop SF, 1310 Haight St. (Haight-Ashbury), workshopsf.org
The Wine Country Pool Party
(Courtesy of @coppolawine)
If lunching and sipping wine in lavish style poolside is your jam, then Francis Ford Coppola Winery is your venue. With advance reservations, you and your posse can rent out cabines (including pool passes, a private shower, and towels) where you can play board games and order lunch and wine from the Pool Café. Take a break from sunbathing and floating to do a private tour and tasting, and get in a game of bocce at one of the four courts. For something a bit more decadent, pop into Rustic to gorge on Italian fare. // Francis Ford Coppola Winery, 300 Via Archimedes (Geyserville), francisfordcoppolawinery.com
The Russian River Float
Beer-drinking bros will love this especially, but the ladies will like it, too. In the summer months, a trip to Russian River is a rite of passage for Bay Areans, and is a must if you've got a group of hoodlums looking for a good time on the cheap. Here's everything you need to know for an epic day on the river.
The Eco Escape
(Courtesy of @treebonesresort)
Known for infinitely photo-worthy campsites such as the Human Nest and the Twig Hut (starting at $195/night) as well as the drop-dead stunning autonomous tent (starting at $895/night), Treebones Resort promises experiences like none other, whether you opt for the luxe stay or the bare-bones retreat with sleeping bags. Treat your peeps to a weekend of zen including massage and private yoga classes with views of the coastline at Big Sur. Be sure to take a dip in the pool and hot tub as well. // Treebones, 71895 Hwy 1 (Big Sur); reservations can be made at treebonesresort.com.
Private Dining
San Francisco is home to a myriad of stunning restaurants, from the elegant Empress by Boon to the ultra stylish Villon at the Proper Hotel. Lesser known, however, are the private dining rooms peppering the city with intimate spaces as yummy as the fare. Leo's Oyster Bar has a tiki-themed back room to sip Champagne and nosh caviar, while Boulevard serves it up in a gilded Ken Fulk–designed space. Check out the city's loveliest private dining rooms.
