13 Fun San Francisco Birthday Ideas For Celebrating In The Golden City (2024)

If you’re searching for new San Francisco birthday ideas for you or a loved one, check out this comprehensive list of some of the most unique offerings out there. Skip the usual crowded bar, restaurant, or game night at home, and try one of these sweet spots you’ll only find in California’s Golden City!

You’ll notice that some of these suggestions include private rental venues available through Peerspace. Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and makes it easy to uncover and book hidden gem venues throughout the Bay Area and the world. More on this ahead, along with the rest of our must-see San Francisco birthday ideas.

1. Dance through the streets in a rented retro trolley

Did you know that you can rent your own classic San Francisco trolley for a rockin’ party? With Events West Trolley Rentals, you have the option to throw a dance or karaoke party on one of the city’s iconic trolleys. Don’t worry about trimming down your guest list either – they can accommodate up to 35 people!

2. Enjoy a private and curated event space from Peerspace

Since you’re partying in a big city, you want to be sure to find spaces that aren’t overcrowded like the usual bars and restaurants. The best way to do that is by booking an event space through Peerspace – the premier peer-to-peer online marketplace for hourly party, production, and event rentals.

In San Francisco alone, you’ll find hundreds of options that fit any size, theme, or budget. Mansions, penthouses, rooftop bars, and more for you to shake things up for this year’s birthday!

Say you’re looking for a private garden for a comfortable outdoor birthday – filter your results for garden spaces and find hidden gems like this stylish heated outdoor garden in the Castro! Like all Peerspace listings, there are ample high-quality images uploaded by the host, allowing you to take a virtual tour before making a decision.

3. Enjoy a night of magic at The Marrakech Theater

Need a little dash of magic in your San Francisco birthday ideas? San Francisco’s Marrakech Theater is the premier destination in the city. Styled as a Moroccan speakeasy, the Oasis Lounge is a vibey spot for a night full of wonder and laughs.

Discover the most awesome hidden gems in San Francisco hiding right under your nose!

4. Plan your very own Skee-Ball tournament

Where else but San Francisco can you have a Skee-Ball tournament for your birthday? Book some time at Skee-Ball National Champion Joey the Cat’s amazing space! They’ve got everything you need to throw a tournament as well as other party amenities like a photo booth and local catering.

5. Satisfy your favorite foodie with a tour of the Mission District

Are you looking for San Francisco birthday ideas for a foodie? Avital Tours offers a mouth-watering food tour through the Mission District that you don’t want to miss! Over the course of three hours, you’ll cover a mile and a half while enjoying four courses from some of the best options in the neighborhood.

6. See the city from the sky in a hot air balloon

For a different angle on the city, take a ride way up in a Balloon Pacific hot air balloon! Their state-of-the-art baskets ensure everyone gets a perfect view and the experienced pilots get you back to the ground safely.

7. Keep the disco dream alive at the Church of 8 Wheels

A roller skating birthday party is an immortal classic for a reason, the vibe can’t be beat and there’s plenty of opportunity for great pics and videos. San Francisco is home to one of the hippest spots to roll – the Church of 8 Wheels! The groovy rink is in a converted old church and has been a staple of the city for over 30 years.

8. Experience the latest in VR at Sandbox

One of the coolest innovations in birthday celebrations is VR arenas where you can team up with your friends in a virtual world. San Franciscans are lucky to have top-of-the-line technology at Sandbox on Market Street. Team up with five of your friends and battle zombies, pirates, space aliens, and more at this new and exciting birthday option!

9. Classic tea party at Crown & Crumpet

Have a little one who would adore having a classic tea party? Plan it at the ultimate location – San Francisco’s Crown & Crumpet! Since 2008, they’ve been serving the best tea and crumpets in the city. Kids aren’t the only ones who will enjoy their comprehensive menu of pastries and tea.

Looking for a more private venue for a tea party? Peerspace can connect you with one of those, too! As an example, you can book the White Swan Parlor in Lower Nob Hill and enjoy a private tea party in its elegant setting. Invite your guests to dress up in their finest lace and pearls and let the party begin!

These are the most popular spaces in San Francisco. Use them to discover your next favorite party spot!

10. Culture and entertainment at the Asian Art Museum

One of the best options for someone looking for San Francisco birthday ideas with cultural value is the Asian Art Museum. The world-famous collection features pieces from all over Asia in different time periods. Currently, they have an exhibit described as “ancient history meets futurist fantasy” – Kongkee’s Warring States Cyberpunk.

Did you know that you can also book a museum through Peerspace for a more personalized experience? For instance, you can book a few hours at this urban museum in the heart of the city in the Tenderloin. It’s a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the area and provides you with seating, A/V equipment, and an on-site event manager. So if you love all things San Francisco and wish to support a local museum while enjoying your birthday, consider booking here. It would be an excellent spot for hosting a tasting and enjoying an orchestral performance, for example.

11. Bring the party to you with Planet Xone

Looking to upgrade the typical inflatable birthday party to the next level? Look no further than Planet Xone, San Francisco’s best place to rent a bubble ball party! For the foam dart fanatic, they can set up an arena for up to 15 players to battle it out. Parties come with a professional referee to ensure things go smoothly.

12. Tickle a rib at the Punch Line

San Francisco is known for its legendary comedy scene. Give the gift of some laughs with tickets to a stand-up show at the iconic Punch Line. Some of comedy’s greatest have and continue to perform sets here – you never know who you’ll see when you see a show in the Golden City!

13. Reach new heights with a penthouse rooftop birthday party

Looking for San Francisco birthday ideas that let you see the city in a whole new way? Then consider booking a rooftop venue through Peerspace, like this downtown penthouse with a rooftop deck in Tenderloin. It is a 2,745-square-foot private indoor and outdoor venue featuring a modern and lux penthouse that includes a unique rotunda space. And of course, you also get private access to the furnished roof deck that boasts incredible views of the downtown skyline. It is sure to leave a lasting impression on your partygoers!

San Francisco birthday ideas: conclusion

There is certainly no shortage of suggestions when it comes to San Francisco birthday ideas. The only problem you may have is choosing just one or two activities! Remember, when you want to enjoy a bespoke and customized experience, book a birthday party venue through Peerspace. Our incredible venues and dedicated hosts help ensure you’ll have a truly amazing experience.

Find unique birthday party venues in San Francisco on Peerspace