Outdoor Venues for Rent in San Francisco, CA

Outdoor Venues Rental Guide

Organizing an outdoor event in a city like San Francisco should be a breeze, but it can be tough to choose the right venue when you’re confronted with many decisions. Everything from the number of guests to the mood of the venue impacts the event experience which is why we’ve come up with a few tips and tricks on how to choose the best outdoor venue. 

What types of outdoor venues can I find in San Francisco?

Rooftop Bars and Restaurants 

Despite the fog, San Francisco has some fantastic outdoor venues with amazing views and a terrific atmosphere. Renting a venue with a 360-degree view of the city will easily take your guests' breath away. Rooftop bars and restaurants are usually popular spots, making them easy for people to pop in without getting lost if you’re planning a cocktail party or birthday party. Rooftops are particularly stunning on bright summer days and at sunset. Though it tends to get chilly at night, most outdoor venues are equipped with heaters. In addition, rooftops are generally equipped with indoor spaces which means you don’t have to worry about the rain or cold.  

Restaurants with Patios

Planning a group meal can be quite a hassle, but not in San Francisco where there are so many patios to choose from. Whether you’re a pizza or BBQ lover, you can find anything in areas like The Bay and Pacific Heights. Most restaurants in the city are spacious inside and out and offer delicious food. Renting a patio is a brilliant idea for any type of event provided that you can also use the indoor space in case of bad weather. Patios are also famously known for being pet-friendly, so no one has to worry about leaving their furry friends behind. Moreover, people feel less conscious about their toddlers’ behavior when partying since patios tend to be on the livelier and louder side. So, “Patio, please!”

Parks 

The magnificent parks in San Francisco are a fantastic setting for outdoor events such as weddings and birthdays. Several gardens in the Golden Gate Park can be rented for 4 hours or more.  If you’re planning a big event, gardens and parks are a good pick for your guests to move around and not cram up the venue.  The San Francisco Recreation and Parks offer all sizes of outdoor venues for any event. While Golden Gate Park is the place to be, it might be worth checking out other spectacular parks such as Corona Heights Park or Washington Square. 

Beer Gardens 

Do you want to get wasted in style? San Francisco’s got your back. Some of the most popular beer gardens are located in the Bay Area of the city. Craft beer spots, open-air breweries, German Biergartens, you name it and they have it. Some breweries even serve their own on tap brews while others have a wide assortment of beer bottles, from the local area to Belgium. You can also make the most of your beer venture by tasting some San Franciscan snacks. If your crew is looking to mingle, try artsy districts like SoMa and Dogpatch where the food and drinks are abundant. Cheers to that!

What are some great ideas for an outdoor party? 

 So you have browsed through some listings, but are still confused whether your outdoor event will be successful? Don’t fret, we have some creative ideas to help you out!

Organize a mixology class. Inviting your friends to create a drink of their choice is both an interesting and satisfying experience. Have a list of the drinks along with the ingredients, glasses, and stirring equipment set on tables for your guests. Cocktail-related events are great for getting to know people since everyone tends to be more relaxed after a drink or two. You can even invite a mixologist to the event if it fits your budget. 

Use a photo booth. Photo booths are always a great hit and an easy way to entertain people. Whether it’s a corporate event or a birthday party, attendees can have fun with the props and backdrop and go home with some memorable snaps of the day. Getting a photographer to take the photos will not only make the event more professional but will also attract more people to your event. Such events are great for launching new products or promoting a brand. To make it more fun, you can always ask for some music or play your own if you can. 

Host a picnic. With so many incredible parks and gardens to choose from, hosting a company picnic outdoors is an original way for employees to meet one another. Plus, you won’t have to worry about space. By including a theme to your events such as Hawaiian night, glow in the dark, or adventure, you can get people more involved in the event. If you're organizing a corporate event, including theme-based activities can make it easier for people to relax and enjoy themselves!

Host a tea party for kids.  These events allow friends to gather over some delicious food and good tea. Tea parties can be hosted for a variety of occasions, for kids and grown-ups, alike. Throwing a tea party for kids and their friends is one of the events where you want to focus on the table setting. Think about breaking out those pretty linens and delicate china. You can even dress up the table with flowers or lace doilies or ask the venue if they provide such services before renting out a place. To make it even more interesting, you can organize themed tea parties such as Alice in Wonderland or activities such as drawing.

FAQs about Outdoor Venues in San Francisco, CA

How much does it cost to rent an outdoor venue in San Francisco?

When booking an outdoor venue, you have to consider the size of the venue along with the services provided such as catering. The price of any venue also largely depends on the location, for instance, an outdoor venue in the Bay area is likely to be more expensive than in Downtown San Francisco.

How long in advance should I book a location?

The earlier the better. Once you’ve estimated your budget, event size, and requirements, you can book your preferred venue. Booking a venue at least 6-8 months before the event is ideal for popular locations.

Do I need a permit to rent an outdoor venue in San Francisco?

Keeping in mind the size and requirements of your events, permits may be needed for some venues. In most cases, it is necessary to contact the responsible authorities to determine whether an event is feasible particularly in parks and other public spaces. Permits are generally used to prevent possible damage to the property and avoid conflicts with other visitors.

Do all outdoor venues have audio/visual equipment?

While some venues might have built-in audio equipment for your event, others will require that you bring your own. Before booking a venue, you should consider checking if the venue provides such facilities and whether you are allowed to play music.

Which San Francisco neighborhoods have the best outdoor venues?

It all depends on your preferences. If you wish to indulge in some wine tasting and explore some volcanic soils, you can head to Napa Valley. Hip places like Dogpatch and SoMa have various outdoor options for beer and art lovers. San Francisco’s Chinatown is a convenient location near Union Square for an outdoor event. Packed with restaurants, temples and fortune cookies this place has all the Asian delicacies you might be craving. Too tough to make a choice? Online marketplaces like Tagvenue make it easy to find just what you need, you can use the filter options to find any type of venue from gardens to private luxury apartments for your next event.