Bay Area Sports Weekend | New Group Guides

San Francisco Sporting Weekend

Visiting Fan Base

We’re excited to have all Detroit Lions fans in San Francisco for the 2024 NFC Championship game this weekend! As you plan your trip to the Bay Area to support your team, partner with our private guides, your new teammates, to make your time in San Francisco fun and hassle-free.

Check out a sample itinerary below of the highlights we cover in this great city, and let us plan your time while you’re not rooting for your team at Levi’s Stadium. Give us a call and we can customize a special tour for you and your group! Spend time exploring Alcatraz, Muir Woods, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so much more. Even a custom tailgating experience!

Weekend Highlights

One-on-one travel consulting
A customized San Francisco introduction
Insider tips, tricks and safety information
Dine in San Francisco’s best restaurants
Explore the Bay Area without that “touristy” feeling
Begin and end in downtown San Francisco or San Jose
Hosting packages are for 1, 2 or 3 days

Included

A custom visit to San Francisco planned for your family or friends
Honest travel consulting to ensure an efficient weekend
Turnkey itinerary planning
Luxury, private transportation
Maps and guidance for San Francisco’s best neighborhoods
All logistics are handled by us — just fly in

Group’s Interests

Whether it’s standing below the Golden Gate Bridge to feel the salty spray on your cheeks or discovering the best tailgating spots for your home team, our Bay Area Sports Weekend offers an informative and personalized journey for you to truly soak up the best of the Bay.

Not Included

Each Bay Area Sports Weekend is designed to fit your desires and budget; what we include or don’t include is up to you. Are you particularly interested in shopping, history, safety, the best sports bars? One phone call and our guides can customize a private weekend for you, so you can focus on supporting your team.

*COVID-19 Policies : Our team is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment for all our guests and employees. Read our full list of preventative actions on our COVID-19 page.

Best Transportation

Ride in luxurious, private transportation while you explore San Francisco’s 7 x 7 miles of landmarks and other unique sights. We’ll visit Nob Hill, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and more, before heading to your sports arena or venue in private.

Bay Area Meals

Dine in the Bay Area’s top restaurants, from sampling clam chowder while overlooking the picturesque bay to feasting on fresh barbeque with a frosty beer in hand in Levi’s Stadium’s perfect tailgating weather. Our private guides will organize a foodie itinerary tailored to you.

Private Tour Guides

Our guides created our San Francisco Sports Weekend Away because we know many couples and families/friends would visit San Francisco if they had a trustworthy host to show them around. Nobody wants to get taken advantage of or be in danger while traveling.

We have decades of experience leading tours in North America and can offer our help, with our professional guides knowing exactly what it’s like to wear an opposing team’s jersey into enemy territory.

Choose Your Style

Your Sports Weekend Away

Game Time
Which team do you play?
Select from college teams or professional games.
Length
How long is your stay?
We custom design your itinerary to match your flight schedule.

Length
Hotel
Budget, Midrange, or Luxury
Choose the style that’s best for you.
Anywhere in the Bay Area
Starting Point
Begin from your hotel’s front door in San Francisco or San Jose.

Anywhere in the Bay Area

Next Steps

You know you want to support your home team as they go on the road – but what are your options? With your event venue, length of time in the Bay Area and approximate budget in mind, give us a call, fill out our Planning Form or check out our FAQ page for a better idea of what’s possible.

Only once we’re on the same page, knowing what’s viable and what’s not based on your event, can we begin to customize a Bay Area sporting weekend that’s right for you.

Discovery Session
Speak on the phone with a human, not a robot, to determine your best strategy. Where is your sporting event? At what time does your team play? In what part of the Bay will you rest your head at night? Our knowledgeable guides can quickly glance over your schedule to see where your mistakes lie and, with your permission, can adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Extras
Next, we’ll determine whether your weekend away is better suited with or without us. For most guests, we recommend beginning with a private San Francisco tour and expanding from there. Additional Extras can include Alcatraz, Muir Woods, exclusive restaurant reservations and more, and mostly depend on such variables as how long you plan to visit the Bay, your group size and desired budget.
Disclaimer for Our Retreats
We’ll provide a balanced view of San Francisco, both the world-renowned positives while diplomatically explaining our negatives, for a warm and comprehensive introduction to our hometown. But please be aware that road closures or city events may lead to adjustments in our routes, for which we apologize in advance.

In addition, our drivers are required to stay near our private vehicles at all times.

Lastly, your rate does not include accommodations, event tickets, meals or gratuity for your guide. While we aim to create an unforgettable experience, we also reserve the right to decline any extravagant, unsafe or otherwise unreasonable requests.

Have Questions?

See our frequently asked questions or contact one of our private guides today.

FAQ Contact Us

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Private Napa Valley Tour from San Francisco

Fly to San Francisco for a 49ers Game — Sample Itinerary

For 3 Days, 2 Nights

Flying into San Francisco for a sports game holds the promise of excitement, though not always the favorable kind. Consult with our private guides in advance to sidestep your potential hazards. We’ll help you select the optimal hotel, recommend the finest restaurants and provide insights into the city’s post-COVID layout upon your arrival. In other words, your Bay Area Sports Weekend will be meticulously tailored for you, allowing you to fly in stress-free and prepare to forge enduring memories in one of America’s most stunning and distinctive cities. Cap it off by cheering on your home team with confidence at your chosen game.

Below is a sample itinerary, which can be further customized based on your group size, event and special requests.

The Challenge

Game Plan

Nancy and Tim, avid Browns fans hailing from Ohio, were eager for a California getaway to catch an NFL game. They had a desire to visit San Francisco but were uncertain about the news reports they had seen online and, frankly, wondered if the issues, such as crime and homelessness, were as severe as the articles claimed. They also wanted to know if it was possible to fly in, explore San Francisco in a single day and then attend the 49ers vs. Browns game at Levi Stadium the next day. They reached out to us with their questions, and we had the answers.

Connect by Phone
The couple spoke to us by phone to understand exactly how they could tackle an NFL game (pun intended) in San Francisco efficiently. Our private guides, once hearing their situation, explained their options in a concise and clear manner.
Questions
But we needed more information first. For example, for our larger groups, we require a Planning Form to be filled out to see the big picture. But for Tim and Nancy, a couple, we only needed a short phone conversation to clarify their dates and desired style.
Game Plan
From there, once we understood their game plan – a well-rounded sports weekend in the Bay Area – our guides could then begin to create a memorable few days, including a private hosting package with luxury transportation services.

How We Planned

In our initial conversation, we took the time to listen and let Tim and Nancy express their thoughts, goals and, most crucially, how many days they wished to stay in California. With these specifics in hand, we began to craft a Bay Area experience around their NFL game. For example, their trip was a last-minute decision and they had concerns about the accommodations availability. We assured them it was possible for the time of year (November) and began to outline a sample itinerary for their weekend.

Hotel Location
Hotel locations vary based on your event, whether baseball, NBA, college games or any other sport. For Tim and Nancy and their NFL game, we suggested a Nob Hill hotel, The Fairmont, located in a quiet, homeless-free neighborhood in San Francisco.
Confirmation
We then confirmed the game tickets – Tim and Nancy wanted to handle that on their own – followed by a deposit and email confirmation sent for their weekend.

The Itinerary

Our eventual plan shaped up as follows: They’d arrive on a Friday and check into their hotel as suggested. We’d then provide them with a list of restaurants to choose from for their dinner that night. The following morning, on Saturday, we agreed on a luxury San Francisco tour, covering highlights of the city, including Chinatown, Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s history and more. This would be followed by the reason for their visit, the Browns vs. 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday – a turnkey NFL sports weekend in the Bay Area for a couple.

Travel Day

Arrive in San Francisco

Tim and Nancy arrived from Cleveland and made their way to their hotel. We decided together that a guide would not be needed for their first night as long as they were consulted properly beforehand. Our private guides also assured them that, with a good hotel location, exploring their nearby neighborhood on arrival would be easy, contrary to the negative publicity they may have seen online.

Land in San Francisco
The couple landed in San Francisco and made their way to Nob Hill. That evening, around 6 p.m., they safely strolled to North Beach, the Italian neighborhood, to relish an authentic, third-generation Italian dinner. To complete their night, they delighted in a leisurely ride back to their hotel on an uncrowded cable car, because on your first visit to San Francisco, that’s what you do.
Airport Pickups
Airport pickups are possible, although we only recommend them for guests flying in on short notice, when a private San Francisco tour is suggested directly from the airport. In the case of Tim and Nancy, who had the luxury of an entire weekend, we collectively decided that an airport pickup wasn’t required. If you find yourself unsure on planning the best itinerary or which airport to use — whether San Francisco, San Jose or Oakland — please contact us.

Day One

Private San Francisco Tour

Today was marked as the couple’s free day in San Francisco, the main reason they chose the Bay Area for their NFL away-game experience. And after breakfast, once they met with our private guide, we were on our way. Our plan was to explore the city in private, luxurious transportation until lunch, encompassing both iconic attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, and hidden gems including Swensen’s Ice Cream, followed by an afternoon of flexibility, one chosen with consideration for the couple’s uncertainty about their energy levels for the day. Their primary focus, naturally, was ensuring they had enough pep-in-their-step for their game the following day.

9:30 a.m.
Our journey commenced with a city tour, first unraveling San Francisco’s significant historical events, such as the Gold Rush and the 1906 earthquake and fires. We feel that establishing a historical base provides a solid foundation for guests, allowing the city’s neighborhoods, Chinatown, for instance, and landmarks such as the Palace of Fine Arts, to take on new significance. We encouraged the couple to ask questions as we explained how the city’s beauty and historical neighborhoods connect to its modern image.
11 a.m.
Our private tour then took us through Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach (Little Italy), The Marina, The Presidio and more original neighborhoods, with experiences at notable attractions, including Ghirardelli Square and Lombard Street (famed as the curviest street in the USA), followed by a visit to San Francisco’s top attraction — the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. The advantage of their private tour lay in our flexible plan, leaving out unnecessary attractions, giving the couple the opportunity to browse at length the sights they found most fascinating.
Alcatraz and Muir Woods
Alcatraz and Muir Woods both can be included in your sports weekend, although advanced notification is usually required for reservations. For last-minute planning, as in Tim and Nancy’s case, the attractions were sold out. Luckily for the couple, though, they had visited San Francisco several years ago and experienced these attractions then.

Lunch Agenda

At lunchtime, the couple had various meal options from which to choose. San Francisco restaurants, of course, run the gamut, from fresh Pacific Ocean seafood and Chinese dim sum to Peruvian cuisine and much more, each eatery with its own signature dishes or twists. But it was up to Tim and Nancy to choose the style they desired. For example, a deli sandwich to-go offers more time for hikes and sightseeing, whereas a sit-down restaurant with refreshing cocktails on the bay foments relaxation. Once speaking with our guide, and with no dietary restrictions in mind, the couple selected the lunch which suited their mood.

Evening Agenda

After our lunch in Sausalito, we ventured through the Marin Headlands, unveiling breathtaking views that blend the urban charm of San Francisco with the serenity of nature. Afterward, Tim and Nancy agreed it was time to return to the hotel, but they opted for the scenic route, passing more landmarks such as Seacliff (Robin Williams’ former neighborhood), Billionaire’s Row and Alamo Square, famed for the postcard view of the Victorian row houses, The Painted Ladies, as featured in the opening scenes of the ‘90s TV sitcom “Full House.”

3 p.m.
After crystal-clear viewpoints from all sides of the Golden Gate Bridge, our guide pointed out Point Reyes National Seashore (the location of the San Andreas fault-line, just off the coast of San Francisco), and even the Farallon Islands, usually only seen on fogless days. Fun fact: A deep-water canyon lies directly on the other side of the islands, where massive blue whales migrate – and their tongues are the same size as your SUV!
5 p.m.
We then dropped Tim and Nancy off at their hotel, and after a short rest on their plush pillowtop mattress, the couple walked to Chinatown for an upscale dinner. After only a few short hours of exploring, they felt at ease in San Francisco – comfortable and not overwhelmed, empowered and not handheld. We both agreed a guide was not needed this evening as they strolled to and from their Chinese Michelin-starred meal, only a few blocks away from their hotel.

Day Two

Game Day

On game day, our private guide met with Tim and Nancy, both proudly decked out in their Browns gear, for the big game. During our journey to San Jose, a significant distance from the former Candlestick Park (approximately two hours from San Francisco), we took the opportunity to share the interesting facts about the region. For example, Silicon Valley is where Googleplex and the Facebook (now Meta) offices are located – and did you know the internet was invented in California?

10 a.m.
As we made our way to the stadium, we showed the couple Stanford University’s campus, along with Sandhill Road, a famous promenade and home to the most important cluster of Venture capitalist firms in the world, (and at one time, during the dot.com boom, some of the most expensive real estate on earth), where Microsoft, Amazon, Airbnb, Netflix, TiVo, Instagram, Draft Kings and many more startups received their Series A funding.
San Francisco or San Jose?
Where is the best place to stay for a Levi’s Stadium game? One option is to follow this itinerary you’re reading now: stay in San Francisco and drive to Levi’s Stadium for the day. But another is to choose a hotel in San Jose and venture to San Francisco for a day. Regardless of which direction you take, we recommend speaking with our guides beforehand, just to confirm you are making the right decision for your specific venue.

Best Levi’s Stadium Tailgating

Upon our arrival at the stadium, enemy territory for the couple, with 49ers memorabilia everywhere, our guide began to explain the venue’s layout to Tim and Nancy, providing valuable insight into 49ers tailgating. We shared details about prime fan hangouts, crowd dynamics and the ideal time to enter the stadium. Tim and Nancy then took a leisurely stroll around to mingle with fans, happy to be in the sunny Santa Clara weather, considerably more pleasant than in Cleveland in autumn months, and even happier to find other Browns tailgaters.

11:30 a.m.
We supplied sunscreen, koozies and insider tips on the best tailgating experience, and Tim and Nancy displayed their Browns jerseys proudly as they strolled past family barbeques, heated cornhole games and passionate 49ers fans waving their team flags.
1 p.m.
The couple then entered the 70,000-seat, open-air stadium — voted Sports Facility of the Year and home to the largest lower bowl in the NFL — to cheer on their beloved team. We suggested the couple try the garlic fries, a classic San Francisco snack served at many Bay Area sporting venues.

Browns Are the Browns

In the end, the game didn’t turn out in favor of our new friends, with the 49ers embarrassing the Browns with a 31-3 beatdown. However, Nancy and Tim cheerfully noted that, as die-hard Browns fans, they were accustomed to setbacks. Rather, they expressed gratitude for the ease of their visit to San Francisco with the opportunity to cheer on their team in a new city, regardless of a win or loss.

4 p.m.
The couple returned to our meeting location after the game for their private ride home in our luxury Mercedes SUV.
5 p.m.
Feeling hungry and not in the mood for a fine dining restaurant, they asked if we knew of any classic sandwich spots on the way home. Luckily our guide did, and they grabbed some quick hoagies to satiate their hunger pangs.
6 p.m.
Tim and Nancy then chose to stay at the Grand Hyatt that night due to an early morning flight from SFO, and when dropping them off at the hotel’s front door, we all agreed that despite the Browns’ loss, their weekend provided a unique insight into San Francisco – one that was the opposite of much of what is currently described online. Our guide thanked the couple for their support and wished them a safe and smooth journey home.

A Quick Recap

Bay Area Sports Weekend Getaway

2 Guests

3 days, 2 nights

Hotel Stay

Extras: 49er Game Tickets

A Final Note On San Francisco

Tim and Nancy sought a weekend away in San Francisco to cheer on their favorite NFL team. And with the Browns and 49ers only playing once every few years, they knew this would be their only chance for a while.

But with the publicity they saw online about California, especially with the homeless in San Francisco stereotypes, they were unsure they wanted to visit…until they spoke with our guides. With a simple phone conversation, one that was honest and down-to-earth, Tim and Nancy were able to feel comfortable about their visit with a reliable teammate on their side.

*Note: The actual game was played on Monday Night Football, but we slightly altered the schedule to match an NFL game scenario played at Levi’s Stadium.

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Where We Went

On Our Sports Weekend Getaway

Winning Shot

Every scenario is different, just like Tim and Nancy’s experience. Your own circumstances could vary, depending on whether you’re in town for an MLB game, an NBA showdown, a college sporting event or for any other purpose. What’s important is that you have a travel expert in your corner, one who can introduce you to the post-COVID San Francisco.

Feel free to adopt our itinerary outlined above — go ahead, copy it. However, keep in mind that an imitator will never possess the on-the-spot expertise of a private tour guide – the perfect Bay Area partner to have on your team when you’re aiming to win. Contact us »