Game Developers Conference 2027: what to do in San Francisco after hours

15 to 19 March 2027 · ExpectedSan Francisco, United States

Game Developers Conference keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in San Francisco.

Airport to Moscone Center

SFO has BART to downtown in 30 minutes; Oakland (OAK) has BART too.

BART to Powell or Montgomery.

Public transport directions to Moscone Center

Where to stay by budget

BudgetWhereWhy
BudgetSoMa and MissionCheaper hotels near Moscone.
Mid-rangeUnion SquareCentral and on transit.
SplurgeNob Hill and the EmbarcaderoGrand hotels.

Three hotels we would book

Links search the nights from 14 March to 20 March. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual show week schedule for 15 to 19 March 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Evening one

Monday 15 March

After the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.

Evening two

Tuesday 16 March

Team dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.

Companion day

Tuesday 16 March

For partners who came along and do not have a badge.

The day after the show

Saturday 20 March

Push the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.

Team outing

For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Family

Golden Gate Bridge bike tour

Ride to Sausalito.

Half day · Family · Indoor

Alcatraz Island tour

Book weeks ahead.

Half day · Family

Muir Woods and Sausalito

Redwoods and a ferry back.

Evening and day-trip tours

Evening · Low walking · Nightlife

Bay sunset cruise

Under the bridge.

Full day

Yosemite day trip

Long but stunning.

Full day · Food

Napa and Sonoma wine tour

Three wineries.

After dark

7 tours worth booking for Game Developers Conference

TourLengthGood for
Golden Gate Bridge bike tourHalf dayFamilies
Chinatown food tourHalf dayFood lovers
Yosemite day tripFull dayEveryone
Alcatraz Island tourHalf dayFamilies, Bad weather
Napa and Sonoma wine tourFull dayFood lovers
Muir Woods and SausalitoHalf dayFamilies
Bay sunset cruiseEveningTired legs, Night owls

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Half day · Family · Indoor

Alcatraz Island tour

Book weeks ahead.

Getting around on event days

Day trips from San Francisco

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Game Developers Conference.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is Game Developers Conference 2027?

The next edition is 15 to 19 March 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to Moscone Center?

SFO has BART to downtown in 30 minutes; Oakland (OAK) has BART too. BART to Powell or Montgomery.

Where should I stay for Game Developers Conference?

For most visitors the best base is Union Square: Central and on transit.

What can we do between sessions at Game Developers Conference?

Good short outings in San Francisco include Alcatraz Island tour, Muir Woods and Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge bike tour. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Game Developers Conference?

Family-friendly picks: Alcatraz Island tour, Muir Woods and Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge bike tour. Exploratorium.

How far is Moscone Center from San Francisco centre?

About 2 km in a straight line. BART to Powell or Montgomery.

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