Did you know that Airbnb now allows creators to list workshops and classes?
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Head to the platform’s ‘Experiences’ tab, near the top search bar, to check out the latest offers. While it might seem a bit redundant to look for tours on Airbnb if you’re already used to using Viator, TripAdvisor, or ToursByLocals, I’ve noticed there’s one key difference.
Currently, many indie creators are using Airbnb’s Experiences platform to offer hands-on workshops and classes that let you learn a skill and get creative during your vacation. They aren’t from large tour companies—they’re from local makers.
In places like San Francisco, that’s a big deal. Locals are crafty, intelligent, and at the forefront of many new trends. As with cities like Seattle, you’ll find dozens of homegrown projects that are pushing into imaginative new territory. And you can join the fun by signing up with your Airbnb account.
Start with these Airbnb workshops in San Francisco, whether you want to learn the art of curing wooden cutting boards, tufting rugs, or even flying planes. I’ve divided my suggestions into two categories: workshops that teach you skills and classes where you create art.
Workshops in San Francisco for tourists that teach you a new skill
- Learn to fly a plane—over the Golden Gate Bridge: Head to Palo Alto Airport, where your teacher (a certified pilot) will teach you the basics before heading out to the airplane. After takeoff, you’ll fly over the Golden Gate Bridge. As you fly, your guide and pilot will instruct you on how to fly the plane. In terms of hands-on classes, it doesn’t get more experiential than that.
- Learn how to tuft rugs: Who knew rugs could be so artistic? This workshop teaches you how to tuft rugs, then gives you the tools and space to put together your very own plush, artistic rug. As a plus, the course comes with free snacks, tea, and Turkish coffee. Expect lots of laughs along the way, too.
- Learn how to throw clay on a potter’s wheel: Creating pottery using a spinning wheel isn’t always easy, but this workshop makes it fun and stress-free to start throwing. After watching a live demo, you’ll get to practice centering, then go on to shape your creation. At the end, you’ll leave your work behind to be fired at a later date, which you can then pick up or have mailed home. (Here’s another great throwing workshop that’s located in a Victorian mansion, if that sounds groovier to you.)
- Learn to make your own perfume: Get the lowdown on perfumery, including fragrance notes and history. After learning about various scents, you’ll have the chance to build your own perfume using traditional practices. When you’re happy with the scent, you get to bottle, label, and take home your very own creation.
- Learn to make a solid wood cutting slab: An expert carpenter takes the wheel to show how dark walnut wood can be converted into a cutting slab. The workshop teaches you how to cut the wood, drill holes, work with edges, sand, and finish the wood. The class is great for newcomers, along with more experienced woodworkers who want to level up.
- Learn to mix whiskey cocktails: Head to Gold Bar Distillery at Treasure Island where you can soak up Bay views while learning the ins and outs of whiskey mixology. The workshop starts with a whiskey tasting, then takes on three classic drinks. Throughout, you’ll learn a thing or two about the famed Treasure Island.
- Learn to mix gin cocktails: This workshop is almost identical to the last in terms of workshop schedule and location—except you’re working with gin instead of whiskey. You’ll learn how to make a Bee’s Knees, Martinez, and Bay Poppy.
Workshops in San Francisco for tourists where you create a piece of art
- Paint a watercolor with a local artist: Local award-winning artist James Gleeson shows you the ropes of how to paint and create with watercolors in his studio-gallery. There, you’ll learn artistic terms, methods of art, and be given a step-by-step painting guide—beginners are more than welcome. After learning the techniques and painting your own masterpiece, you leave with a work of art that you can hang up at home.
- Create pressed flower art: This two-hour workshop teaches you about flower pressing using real dried blooms. You’ll get to pick out your favorite pressed flowers, then slowly layer and glue them into a masterpiece all your own. At the end, you’ll frame your work of art and take it home.
- Paint with marble in the Turkish Ebru style: Ebru is a Turkish form of paper marbling, which is an ancient practice. You’ll learn about water patterning, then have the opportunity to transition your design to paper. If you enjoy cultural crafts that will challenge your artistic sensibilities, this is an excellent choice.
- Put together a Turkish mosaic lamp: The same host who runs the Ebru course (above) also offers a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop. The space is calming, letting you relax as you let your creative vision unfold. The course teacher is there to help you select colors, finalize your design, assemble the pieces, then add finishing touches to a lamp that you’ll use for years to come.
- Create moss wall art: This workshop teaches you how to make art using natural textures, including moss. The course includes an introduction to crafting with natural materials, along with which tools you need. Then you get to design, glue, and build your moss art with the help of an expert artist.
- Dye a scarf with local plants: A seasoned artist takes you through the art of natural dyeing. This is a hands-on course that lets you learn about how natural dyes are extracted, stored, and then applied to actually dye fabric. You’ll be working with a scarf that you can dip into dye baths for the perfect color combo.
