A long December weekend in one of the most beautiful cities in the country, decked out for the holidays. Just fifteen of us, right in the middle of Union Square.
San Francisco at Christmas is something else entirely. The air turns cool and clear, Union Square fills with lights and the big tree goes up, and the whole city feels a little softer than usual.
We are keeping this one small on purpose. Fifteen women, one hotel right on Union Square, and enough unscheduled time to actually wander. This is not a trip where you spend the weekend looking at the back of someone's head on a bus.
The centerpiece is Lightscape at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, an after-dark walking trail through the gardens lit up with installations, music, and color. It is the kind of evening you find yourself describing to people for months.
This is a land-only package. You fly in on your own schedule and rideshare from the airport, which keeps the price down and lets you use your miles or extend your stay if you want to. Frances can help you sort out flights if you would rather not do it alone.
3 nights · San Francisco
Steps from Union Square, the holiday windows, the big tree, and the cable car turnaround. Walkable to shopping, restaurants, and the Theater District, with easy transit access to the rest of the city.
One evening you won't forget
An after-dark walking trail through the San Francisco Botanical Garden, lit up with installations, color, and music. Paved paths throughout, taken entirely at your own pace.
A short rideshare brings us to the Courtyard by Marriott, right in the heart of Union Square and our home for the next three nights. Once we have settled in the afternoon is yours, and there is no better introduction to the city than Union Square dressed for the holidays. The towering Macy's tree anchors the square, the outdoor ice rink glides along beneath the lights, and the Macy's SF SPCA windows are filled with adoptable puppies and kittens. Our two-day hop-on-hop-off bus pass is ready, so anyone who wants a relaxed orientation loop can hop aboard. This evening we gather for a welcome dinner.
Breakfast on your daily credit, at the hotel or somewhere nearby that takes your fancy. Then the most classic San Francisco day of all. We ride the Powell-Hyde cable car, decorated for the season, up and over Nob Hill, past the curves of Lombard Street and down to the bay. The waterfront is ours at an easy pace. The sea lions at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square for a little chocolate. Plenty of free time to browse and have lunch on your own, and the bus pass is good all day. Dinner is on your own, and the wharf is a lovely spot for it.
After breakfast we cross the Golden Gate Bridge for a guided half-day tour of Muir Woods National Monument, walking the shaded paths beneath coastal redwoods that have stood for centuries. Then Sausalito, a Mediterranean-style village on the bay with good shops, galleries, and waterfront views. Back in the city by early afternoon and the rest of the day is yours. As evening falls we head to Golden Gate Park for Lightscape, an after-dark stroll along a mile-long trail of more than a million lights, glowing sculptures, music, and water features, with hot cocoa to warm your hands. Then dinner together to cap the day.
A relaxed last day. We gather for a send-off brunch near Union Square, then the day is open for whatever calls to you. A last bit of shopping, a stroll through the holiday decorations, or a quiet coffee before we go. Our flight home is an overnight red-eye so there is no need to rush. The hotel holds our luggage after checkout, so we can make the most of the day and fly home overnight, arriving Monday morning.
Yes. This one is just for the ladies, and it is capped at fifteen so it stays personal.
No. This is a land-only package, which is what keeps the price where it is. You book your own flights into San Francisco and rideshare to the hotel. If you would like help finding flights, call Frances and she will walk you through it.
Two reasons. It keeps the trip several hundred dollars cheaper per person, and it lets you use miles, fly from whichever airport is convenient, or tack on extra days if you want to see more of California.
This is a walking city, so plan on a fair amount, though everything is optional. The hotel location means most things are close, and rideshares are everywhere if you would rather ride.
Cool and often damp. Days generally in the mid-50s, evenings colder, with a real chance of fog or rain. Layers, a warm waterproof jacket, and shoes with good grip.
$500 per person due at booking. Final payment is due October 10, 2026.
No, but sharing brings the cost down by $250. We are glad to match you with a roommate from the group.
Email Frances using the Reserve button, or call 931-801-9900. With only fifteen spots this one goes quickly.
Pricing per person, land only. Airfare not included.
$500 deposit due at booking · Final payment by October 10, 2026
Button not opening your email? Write to frances@tripsunlimited.com or call 931-801-9900.
Booking is handled securely through our Trips Unlimited reservation system. Prefer to talk it through first? Call me.
Fully refundable until final payment · Travel insurance strongly recommended.
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