The 9 Best Workshops & Classes in San Francisco

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

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

On Treasure Island, a bartender leads you through three Gold Bar whiskey tastings and hands-on lessons for a Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, and Paper Plane. The 80-minute class also covers San Francisco, Treasure Island, and the art deco building. Expect a small group of up to eight, with guides such as Nick, Will, or Weston. Reach the venue by car or a six-minute ferry from the Ferry Building.

“So much fun and Nick was an excellent teacher with an abundance of patience! We made three cocktails and did some tasting in between as we learned about the whiskey we were using.”

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2.San Francisco’s Essential Chocolate Chip Cookie Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $99

At this three-hour workshop near Golden Gate Park, baker Brennan shares the story of the chocolate chip cookie, leads a tasting of four American chocolates, and helps you make his family recipe with quality ingredients. You’ll learn his tips, discover a secret ingredient, and leave with freshly baked cookies. Groups are limited to six.

“Brennan did a great job with some history of the chocolate chip cookie as well as tasting different chocolate. Many tips for a better cookie and the cookies were fantastic!”

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3.Local Distillery Cocktail Class

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

At Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery on Treasure Island, a dedicated bartender guides you through three local whiskey tastings and helps you make three cocktails. The Art Deco venue looks across the Bay toward San Francisco. Instructors including Weston, Nick, Jeff, and Will have led classes, and you can reach the island by car or ferry.

“I enjoyed the friendly bar tender. He even gave us history about Treasure Island. it was a very fun class”

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4.Dumpling Cooking Class & 3-Course Dinner

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

At 555 Fulton St, Chef Eddie leads a three-hour, English-language dumpling class for groups of up to eight. Knead dough, roll thin wrappers, pleat dumplings, and mix a dipping sauce before sharing a three-course meal that includes pork belly braise and red bean dessert. A tofu dumpling filling is available, and you take home a recipe guide.

“Wonderful and warm evening with delicious outcome! Eddie is a wonderful and patient teacher. He made the entire evening inclusive, friendly and fun.”

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5.Rug Tufting Workshop

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

At 360 Ritch St in San Francisco, learn tufting basics from an English-speaking instructor and use a tufting gun, frame, and yarn to make a custom rug or wall piece. The standard project is 18 by 18 inches; private sessions offer a 36-inch option. Turkish coffee, tea, and snacks are included. Plan for 150 minutes, with the possibility of an extra hour.

“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”

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6.Private Farm Workshop in Napa Valley

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Spend about 90 minutes at Stepping Stone Farm, in the mountains above Napa Valley, with farmer Patrick. You’ll taste seasonal produce, see a working market garden, try a task suited to the season, and get advice tailored to your own growing conditions. It’s a private, English-language alternative to a wine tour.

“Patrick was an excellent guide. He made our tour both fun & interesting. He answered questions we had about our own garden endeavors. The location is a beautiful drive up into an area you wouldn’t otherwise get to see.”

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7.Chocolate Chip Cookie Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $99

Spend three hours with a professional baker making chocolate chip cookies from a family recipe. The workshop includes cookie history, a blind tasting of five varieties, hands-on baking, and a recipe to take home. The baker is named Brennan or Branden in participant accounts. Groups are limited to six.

“Excellent experience! Brennan made this workshop unique with his authentical manner. I really can recommend it to everyone. And i mean the cookies in the end….just so delicious! Thank you very much.”

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8.Beginner Surf Lessons At Stinson Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $100

Start with beach instruction, then head into the water for coaching on paddling, pop-ups, and catching waves. The group lesson lasts about two hours, costs $100 per person, and does not include equipment rental. Instructor Cecelia has been praised for her hands-on teaching, but your instructor may vary.

“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!!!”

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

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

At 90 Alvarado Street, make bamboo-steamed dumplings, Philippine chicken adobo and a changing Asian-European fusion dish with a chef’s step-by-step guidance. The roughly 2.5-hour class includes a meal and dessert, and you can bring wine or beer. It is described as a small-group experience, though the stated group-size limits conflict.

“Our chef was amazing! I surprised my boyfriend with this Asian Fusion cooking class, in which we learned how to make tasty dumplings! With an amazing amount of experience, this chef will definitely make your class unforgettable. 10/10 recommend!”

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