The 10 Best Family Hotels in San Francisco (2025)

San Francisco is a fun place for families. Sunlit beaches and watersports abound, not to mention some great sightseeing opportunities to be had, from the landmark Golden Gate Bridge to the historic isle of Alcatraz; there's also amazing restaurants, shops and the Aquarium of the Bay, plus rides on the iconic cable cars. In this collection of the best family hotels in San Francisco, we've selected hotels with a child-friendly atmosphere, from historic properties ideal for sightseeing expeditions, to top-notch luxury hotels with cinemas and spacious suites. Find out more by checking out our collection of the best family hotels in San Francisco.

For local exploring

• A redbrick, historic hotel – a former officers' quarters – nestled in the Presidio National Park a stone’s throw from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Inn at the Presidio is a wonderful stay for families. Offering spacious, stylish, light-filled rooms and suites, set in a lovely garden of oak and palm trees, it’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the sights of San Francisco, and it’s surrounded by a spiderweb of hiking trails. While there’s no restaurant, complimentary wine and cheese is served in the evening, and kids are given chocolate, puzzles, milk and cookies – the American dream!
• In a prime location near Fisherman's Wharf, Argonaut offers chic rooms with a distinctly nautical feel. All of the suites feature massive bathrooms with hot tubs and bay views, including some sleeping four. Use the hotel's bicycles to get around the city at your own pace or make use of great transport links nearby. 

• Situated in Union Square, Axiom Hotel is the perfect base for discovering the sights and wonders of the city with funky communal spaces plus vintage arcade games for the whole family to enjoy. Rooms are minimalist and contemporary with spacious bathrooms and walk-in showers - it has family rooms and is pet-friendly too. Turn Café offers casual breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

For a cool stay

• Looking out over the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel Zephyr is a cool, fun, laid-back place for families with young children. Firstly, the rooms have a nautical-chic feel, full of light, with S.O.S. bedspreads, faded old maps and seabirds splayed on pillows, along with private terraces affording stunning views. But that’s not all, kids will love the effortlessly cool games room, with its trendy undersea lighting.
• The Clancy is a funky art-filled hotel with a fun vibe in the centre of town. The rooms are slick and contemporary in shades of black and white – two queen rooms are ideal for families of four. Family pets are well catered for too – they will receive their own bed, bathrobe, local pet treats and their own menu in the Seven Square Taproom!
• For a sleek, modern option in the buzzing Mid Market district, The LINE San Francisco is a great choice. Rooms have an industrial vibe with many boasting epic city views from floor-to-ceiling windows; some offer a kitchenette equipped with a fridge, ideal for families wanting to self-cater. Plus it's pet-friendly with no extra charges so four-legged family members can come too.

For a luxury city break

• Perfect for a luxury family city break, the Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square is a plush all-suite hotel with gorgeous private terraces looking out over San Francisco Bay. With suites ranging from one to three beds, designed in a chic minimalist style, it’s ideal for family groups. There’s no restaurant per se, but in-suite fine-dining can be easily arranged. Explore the city on the hotel bicycles, and finish the day with a spot of wine tasting on the terrace!
• Four Seasons San Francisco is a delightfully pampering affair, right in the heart of Downtown San Francisco. Exclusive, grand and modern, the spacious suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms and gorgeous views of street life. Kids enjoy the stay as much as parents: while there’s access to the renowned Equinox Health Club, there’s also the Saturday movie night (held between June and September), the Steak and Seafood Restaurant, as well as the plentiful array of games on the Veranda Terrace.

For old-world glamour

• A landmark hotel exuding old-world grandeur, Fairmont San Francisco once saw the likes of Tony Bennett singing in the Venetian Room. A tourist destination in itself, it’s 5* luxury at its finest. The light, contemporary guestrooms are spacious, and the ornate private terraces (if you book one of the terrace suites), allow for beautiful views. Some of the rooms have beds for up to six people, making it a fine, grand stay for families, and the restaurant and spa top things off with a spoiling finish.

For top-notch luxury

• When you hear the name “Ritz Carlton” you think of star-studded glamour, old-world opulence and unbridled luxury. The Ritz Carlton San Francisco is no different. With classy interiors and a neoclassical facade, the child-friendly hotel is an elegant blend of the old and the new: the bright, spacious suites are plush and contemporary, coloured in blues, greys and whites, while the bar is a neon affair – much like a speakeasy – and the restaurant’s Michelin-star chef serves up sumptuous cuisine. 5* family-friendly luxury at its finest.

Still not sure?

• Check out all our recommended hotels in San Francisco,
• Expand your search to include all our California picks,
• Or contact a Guru for some expert advice.