9 Workshops & Classes in San Francisco to Build a Day Around

1.San Francisco Whiskey Cocktail Class: Views and City History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 206 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $69Our pick

At Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery on Treasure Island, a bartender such as Nick, Will, Weston, or Johnny leads a small class of up to eight. You taste three whiskies, make a Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, and Paper Plane, and hear stories about San Francisco and the art deco building.

“Sooooo fun!!! Weston was our bartender and he was absolutely amazing!! So fun and professional and knowledgeable. 10/10 reccommend!!!!! Beautiful venue, great cocktails. I honestly didn’t even like whiskey before. I’m a fan now!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.San Francisco’s Essential Chocolate Chip Cookie Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $99

Join Brennan at Golden Gate Cookie Co. for a three-hour, small-group workshop near Golden Gate Park. You’ll taste four American chocolates, learn cookie history and baking tips, make a family recipe, and take freshly baked cookies home.

“This was an amazing experience! Brennan is a phenomenal instructor and you will learn a lot from him. I really enjoyed the chocolate chip tasting experience and I learned a lot about my own tastes and preferences. Brennan has really thought thRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 12 reviews · 2 hours · from $99

Spend two hours in San Francisco’s suite 205 making a Turkish mosaic lamp from a glass globe, beads, 16 colors, and an LED bulb. English-speaking instructors such as Rosie guide beginners step by step, with Turkish coffee, tea, and sweet treats served as you work.

“We felt very welcome. We’ve got clear instructions from a friendly instructor.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Local Distillery Cocktail Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 11 reviews · from $49Best value

At Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery on Treasure Island, an English-speaking bartender guides you through three whiskey tastings and three cocktails in 90 minutes. Expect reserved seating, snacks, skyline views, and practical tips from hosts such as Weston, Nick, Jeff, and Will.

“This was such a fun experience! It was super informative and engaging—Jeff was a particularly good host and bartender. We learned a lot and had a lot of fun!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Dumpling Cooking Class & 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $135

Meet Chef Eddie at 555 Fulton Street for a three-hour, small-group class limited to eight people. You will knead dough, roll thin skins, pleat dumplings, mix a dipping sauce, and enjoy a three-course meal with pork belly and red bean dessert. A recipe guide goes home with you.

“it was a wonderful evening. perfect for couples or small groups.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Rug Tufting Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2h 30m · from $99

At 360 Ritch Street in San Francisco, you’ll learn rug tufting with an instructor such as Kadir or Colby, using a tufting gun, soft yarn, and an 18 by 18 inch frame. Choose your own design, enjoy Turkish coffee and snacks, then have your finished rug shipped after drying.

“My mom and I attended the rug tufting workshop and it was amazing! Kadir was a great instructor; very patient and helped alot with making sure we were happy with our rugs. He made it so easy to figure out the process. We had plenty of snack options too which was great during breaks! We’ll definitely be coming back to try out the mosaic lamp workshop next”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Chocolate Chip Cookie Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $99

Join baker Brennan for a three-hour, small-group cookie workshop in San Francisco. Learn the cookie’s history, compare five varieties in a blind tasting, bake with quality ingredients, and leave with warm cookies and the family recipe.

“My daughter and I had a great time learning from and baking with Branden. After learning about the history of chocolate chip cookies and then doing a blind chocolate tasting (very informative and fun!), we got into the kitchen and baked the most amazing batch of chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever tasted. I can’t wait to try again at home. We did a lot of fun things on this trip to SF, but we both agree this workshop is likely to be the one thing we both remember best. Highly recommended! Our only wish is that Branden will branch out and offer some other workshops so we can do this…”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $100

Meet Marin Outdoor Adventure at 10:00 am for a two-hour beginner surf lesson at Stinson Beach. Cecelia and the coaching team cover ocean safety, paddling, pop-ups, wave selection, and etiquette, then help you catch waves. Board and wetsuit rental costs $15 to $50.

“Loved this tour!! Cecelia was extremely helpful and knowledgeable!! She was very hands on and helped every step of the way!!! Excellent tour a must do!! Stinson Beach is a must and the drive is absolutely scenic and gorgeous!!!! I would do this tour again!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Asian-European Fusion Class in San Francisco (With 4-Course Meal)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $145

Join chef Dirk for a hands-on Asian-European fusion cooking class at 90 Alvarado Street in San Francisco. In about 2.5 hours, you’ll make dumplings, Philippine chicken adobo, a rotating fusion dish, rice and seasonal fruit dessert in a group capped at eight, with BYOB welcome.

“Dirk did an amazing job with our family. We were engaged the entire time, learned new things and made wonderful food. We would highly recommend. Do not arrive early as it starts perfectly on the time booked. We did arrive early and had a nice glass of wine at a shop around the corner. It was an awesome family experience making great memories.”

Check availability →Read our full review