BURLINGAME, CA (DECEMBER 16, 2025) – The San Francisco Peninsula (San Mateo County’s Destination Marketing Organization) announced that the destination was named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Travel Awards in the “City Vacations” category. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/travel2026.
Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Peninsula offers travelers a one-of-a-kind California getaway – from world-class dining featuring farm-to-table freshness and breathtaking coastal escapes to abundant outdoor adventures. With 42% of its land preserved as open space, the Peninsula is a haven for eco-conscious travelers seeking scenic trails, redwood forests and pristine beaches.
“The San Francisco Peninsula is where natural beauty, innovation, and cultural richness converge,” said John Hutar, President & CEO of The San Francisco Peninsula. “This recognition underscores our commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and creating experiences that inspire travelers - from breathtaking coastal trails to world-class dining rooted in local farms. We’re proud to be a destination that truly reflects the best of California.”
To find the best destinations, Good Housekeeping enlisted the help of more than 125 travel testers – including GH staff, travel industry experts and trained consumer evaluators – to assess hundreds of travel experiences and services across five continents. Each tester completed a detailed survey and shared photos and videos from their trip. When evaluating hotels and resorts, testers rated everything from service, value and food to entertainment, room design and overall vibe. Destination evaluations also considered the appeal of attractions, accessibility, lodging variety and safety. In the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Labs, engineers, scientists and product analysts rigorously tested travel gear and accessories to evaluate performance, durability and ease of use. We considered factors such as innovation, value and convenience, while 116 consumer testers put products to the ultimate test during real-world travel by car, bus, train and plane – both domestically and abroad. From beach getaways and city explorations to camping adventures and beyond, our testers’ experiences helped us identify the most reliable, functional and stylish items.
According to the GH tester, “Dreamy towns within quick driving distance of each other allow you to mix and match walks along the beach with spa treatments, forest hikes, and delicious eateries to curate an epic itinerary for vacationing in The San Francisco Peninsula.”
Centrally located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, convenience sets the Peninsula apart. Home to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), visitors enjoy seamless access to major transit systems like Caltrain and BART, making it an ideal base for exploring Northern California.
This recognition also reflects the Peninsula’s focus on quality and sustainability, highlighted by its As Fresh As It Gets program, which connects visitors to over 50 local farms, fisheries and purveyors. This initiative ensures that restaurants across the Peninsula serve locally sourced ingredients, reducing carbon footprints while elevating culinary experiences. The area boasts 25 MICHELIN-recognized dining establishments, making it a true culinary destination.
The San Francisco Peninsula is also celebrated for its inclusive spirit. Named the “Most Welcoming County” by Welcoming America, the region reflects diverse cultures and communities shaped by generations of immigrants and innovators. Visitors can experience this diversity through vibrant festivals, LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations and cultural institutions that honor the stories of those who built the community. With influences from more than 200 languages spoken across California, the Peninsula offers authentic global flavors, art and music that showcase its multicultural heritage. From historic landmarks and museums to seasonal events and farmers markets, every corner of the Peninsula invites travelers to explore and celebrate a diverse cultural scene that make this destination truly unique.
About The San Francisco Peninsula:
The San Francisco Peninsula is the region’s official Destination Marketing Organization, dedicated to attracting meetings, conventions, business, and leisure travelers. The organization supports the local economy by promoting the area’s 140 hotels and over 250 attractions and travel-related businesses. The San Francisco Peninsula provides convention services, site selection assistance, local supplier contact information, visitor guides, and more. It is also designated to handle the region’s official Film Commission duties. The San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, doing business as The San Francisco Peninsula, is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation chartered by the State of California and governed by an independent Board of Directors. For more information, visit www.thesanfranciscopeninsula.com.
Media Contact:
Jacqueline Joshua, The San Francisco Peninsula
Jacqueline@thesfp.com
650.695.0635