A few notes for the weekend: where to stay, how to get around, and places we love and hope you will too.
A note on timing
Our wedding shares the city with two big events: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, a free music festival in Golden Gate Park expected to draw hundreds of thousands from October 2 to 4, and Fleet Week, which begins October 4 with its air show the following weekend. Neither touches our venues, but hotels will fill early, so please book as soon as your plans are set.
The weekend
The weekend takes us to two parts of San Francisco: the Welcome Party at The Jay Hotel and the Wedding Day at the James Leary Flood Mansion in Pacific Heights. The Flood Mansion sits on one of the city's loveliest residential hills, among Victorians, glimpses of the bay, and quiet side streets.
Fillmore Street is a short stroll from the mansion for coffee, pastries, and window-shopping. The Presidio and northern waterfront are close by for fresh air and views.
Lodging
We have room blocks at two hotels. Book early if you can — our weekend shares the city with two large festivals.
Home to our Welcome Party. Rates are $279–$309 per night. Please book by Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Reserve a room
Rates are about $175 per night. Please book by Saturday, September 12, 2026. Reserve a room
For a quintessentially San Francisco stay, we highly recommend Hotel Drisco in Pacific Heights. While it isn't part of our formal block, it is right near the mansion and will serve as basecamp for the bridal party on the big day. Please book directly with the hotel.Reserve a room
Transportation
There will not be a wedding shuttle. We recommend rideshare or arranging transportation that works best for your weekend plans.
The Flood Mansion has no self-parking. Street parking in Pacific Heights is possible but limited, so allow extra time to find a spot if you drive. Rideshare or taxi is the easiest way to arrive.
San Francisco was not designed for easy driving. The hills are steep, the lanes narrow, and parking scarce. Skip the rental car if you can. Rideshare pairs well with a hotel in a neighborhood you plan to explore.
If you do drive, allow extra time, choose a garage when in doubt, and leave nothing visible in the car.
Weather
San Francisco is cool in the fall. Early October days reach about 70°F and evenings drop to the mid-50s. Both the Welcome Party terrace and the cocktail Courtyard are outdoors, so please bring a layer.
The city itself
A short and biased list of the places we would take visiting friends.
If you arrive early or stay an extra day, Saturday morning at the Ferry Building farmers market is San Francisco at its best: oysters, bread, flowers, and the bay just beyond. Golden Gate Park hosts Hardly Strictly Bluegrass our wedding weekend. Wander in if free music for half a million friends sounds like fun, or save the de Young and the Conservatory of Flowers for a quieter Monday.
For the water, walk from the Marina through Crissy Field toward the bridge. Bring a layer, since Carl the fog keeps its own schedule.
Practical notes
Tipping. In restaurants and bars, 18–20% on the pre-tax total is standard with table service. Many counter-service spots prompt for a tip, and 10–15% is common. Cards are widely accepted, and a little cash helps for small vendors.
Time zone — San Francisco follows Pacific Time. For friends joining from the East Coast, the Philippines, or Turkey, we are several hours behind or across the international date line, so please double-check flight arrival dates against the wedding calendar.