While many brides may dream of a bachelorette getaway involving a luxurious hotel, pampering spa treatments, and Michelin-starred dinners, the reality is that many people — both brides and bridesmaids — have schedules and finances that require staying closer to home or a making it a one-day affair. But that doesn't mean you have to limit the fun. Here are some of the best unique bachelorette party ideas in and around San Francisco. Do one or combine several for a fun day perfect for celebrating your favorite bride-to-be.
Work Up a Sweat
Bond with your girls while you get in shape for the wedding. Take a sexy private pole-dancing class or try a high-energy workout at the House of Air, a trampoline-filled playground that offers workout classes, open jumping time, and even trampoline dodgeball. For something totally different, run away to the circus —or rather, to the Circus Center and learn to soar on San Francisco's only permanent flying trapeze.
Paint a Picture
There's a reason Wine and Canvas puts the "wine" first. These relaxed painting classes are more about sipping wine and unleashing your creativity than they are about serious art study. The three-hour events are just enough time to create a masterpiece, and private events are available.
Plan a Pool Day
At most San Francisco spas, a treatment gets you access to the pool, but if you want true fun in the sun away from the city, head to Sonoma. Reserve a cabin at Francis Ford Coppola and you get even more for your money: a private shower, 4 towels, up to 4 Sofia Mini singles, and a deck of playing cards. At the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, a single-day pool package includes a sparkling wine reception, 60-minute spa treatment, pool and cottage room access, lunch, and a wine tasting at Gary Farrell Winery.
Learn to Cook
San Franciscans love good food, so why not improve your home cooking game with a hand-on cooking class? SF Cooking and the Cheese School both offer classes; those at the Cheese School are, of course, more focused on cheese and range from classes on making mozzarella and burrata to seminars on pairing cheese with beer and wine. If wine is more your thing, you can even play winemaker for a day with The Right Blend's private wine blending sessions. Learn to identity different flavors and aromas in wine and pair wine with your favorite foods and then make your own perfect blend.
Get Outside
You don't have to go far to feel removed from the city; spend a day kayaking in Half Moon Bay, go for a hike in the Redwoods in Big Basin State Park, or explore the coast near Point Reyes. If you can make it an overnight, pack a tent or rent a campervan for a night of adventure in the great outdoors.
Play Tourist
If some of your 'maids are coming in from afar — or if it's been a while since you've explored the best of San Francisco — why not make it a day of local exploration? Make memories and cement the bonds of friendship while you see the city's iconic sights such as Alcatraz, Lombard Street, and the Ferry Building. Take a food tour, hop on a Segway, book a brunch bay cruise, or rent bikes and roll across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.
Capture the Moments
No matter what you do for your special day, a fun way to commemorate the adventure is to document it with a professional photographer. Flytographer has photographers stationed around the world so it's easy to find and hire a pro to capture shots of you and your crew looking fabulous. Read real brides' reviews here!
