Romantic places is all about ambiance, and there are few cities in the world that have geography that can offer romantics such a distinct advantage. Even at the height of summer, the fog will roll in off the ocean, a perfect excuse for snuggling. And the many hills of San Francisco might get tiring, but, when the sun sets, it’s almost impossible to find a bad spot to enjoy a picture-postcard view. (And don’t limit yourself to the foggy hills of San Francisco – romance abounds throughout the Bay Area.)
The best things to do for couples in San Francisco cater to both ends of the spectrum when it comes to budget preferences. You can go for all-out luxury and splurging, or go easy on the wallet with simple but fun recreational activities that can help kindle some love. Read on for our list of the most romantic things to do in San Francisco.
Surprise your partner, as you both explore the corners of the city best known as “Everyone’s Favorite City”, overflowing with romantic gardens, alluring cultural experiences, and food temptations you can only find in San Francisco.
It’s easy to leave—or lose—your heart in San Francisco, as Ol’ Blue Eyes knows well. And luckily, you can find romantic things to do in San Francisco on any budget, whether your idea of a swoon-worthy date involves a candlelit table for two in a romantic restaurant, a rooftop hot tub with a view of San Francisco, an oceanfront bonfire at one of SF’s best beaches, or a stiff cocktail. These 10 spots are sure to set the mood on Valentine’s Day and every day of the year.
1. Big Sur, San Francisco
One of the most beautiful locations at the end of one of the most beautiful drives in the world, Big Sur is never a disappointment. Although San Francisco has many city charms and natural beauties, no one ever forgets their first time driving down to Big Sur. If you have the time to make the drive, it’s definitely worth it. Highlights include the Bixby Creek Bridge and the Point Sur Lighthouse. If you start the drive just south of San Francisco, and if you’re trying to watch your budget, a stay in a private room in the Pigeon Point Hostel includes a dip in their private hot tub that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
2. Stow Lake
Romantics looking for quiet escape can find this serene lake in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It’s highly popular for boating, with rowboats, electric boats, and pedal boats available for rent (for around $23 an hour) from the Stow Lake Boathouse on the north-western bank. Cruising along, take in the pretty landscapes and the local birdlife, and enjoy picnic spots with benches and ample tree shade around the lake. Be sure to cross the stone bridges that connect to Strawberry Hill, the small forested island at the lake’s centre.
3. Corona Heights Peak
This craggy perch sparks instant romance; you just have to get up there first. Skip the paved staircase in favor of the less populated trail off 15th Street. (It starts at the tennis courts, then winds steeply uphill among the trees.) Clamber up to the top of the hill’s distinctive red rock and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching from downtown to Twin Peaks. It’s an ideal spot for watching sunrises and sunsets wash over the city. BYOB, but be discreet.
4. Mission Dolores Park
One of the most perfect date ideas has to be a picnic date at Mission Dolores Park, also known as just Dolores Park, one of San Francisco’s most famous public parks, stretching 16 acres of grassy, open fields.
The park also features wonderful open-air sports facilities, including a tennis court, basketball court, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, and a dog play area.
The scenery at the park is also another reason to visit the historic grassland which opened in the early 1900s, with scenes of palm trees, shrubs, and a few notable statues.
Take a walk and run into the statue of Miguel Hidalgo, one of the leading figures of Mexican Independence, a version of Mexico’s Liberty Bell, and an impressive wind sculpture by American sculptor, Lymon Whitaker.
5. Angel Island State Park
One of the great things about San Francisco is its treasure-filled bay. Angel Island, only a short ferry ride from San Francisco, Tiburon or Vallejo, is perfect for either a short or long excursion. Bring a picnic lunch and idle the time away amid cool breezes and great views. If you feel ambitious, Mount Livermore, the island’s 781-foot anchor, provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, beginning with a five-mile perimeter trail. From April to October, enjoy the Cove Cafe, and rent a bike to get around more easily. Camping is available, too, but the sites fill up quickly, so book early.
6. Bay Bridge
Ranked among the largest light art installations in the world, the Bay Lights put on a mesmerising show nightly from sunset until morning. It uses the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as its magnificent canvas. The installation was designed by Leo Villareal, a prominent light artist who promotes a blend of art and innovative technology with a tendency towards lighting up grand architectural sites. The Bay Lights spans a monumental 1.8 miles long, with 25,000 individually programmed white LED lights.
7. Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio
The oldest foot trail in the Presidio, the Lovers’ Lane connects the center of the Presidio to Pacific Heights. A romantic one-mile walk is enough to take you through the royal eucalyptus woods. The lane is a splendid place to get a glimpse of Raptors and a few other birds. If you pay close attention between the trees, you’d find Andy Goldsworthy’s sculpture Wood Line, which is a lithe pattern of eucalyptus branches.
This one-mile walk will also take you through the Tennessee Hollow Watershed and explore cypress trees and historic homes. There is a footbridge that dates way back from 1880s. If you spot Coyotes, keep your distance and do not approach them. There is a reason why this lane is called the Lovers’ Lane. Apparently, U.S. soldiers used this lane to access the trolley line to visit their lovers and family in the city in the late 1800s.
8. Famed Twin Peaks
Hike the less than 1-mile trek passing bountiful sights of nature and wildlife, encountering the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly, and the native plants and trees like the lupine, coyote bush, pearly everlasting, and lizard tail.
Explore together the surrounding neighborhoods as you walk up to the peaks, full of modern and affluent homes with extraordinary scenery at their feet.
Take note of the Sutro Tower antenna, also forming part of the Twin Peaks landscape. Reach the Summit Parking Lot, and start to spot the sights of the city, getting higher and further away.
Some of the best ways to get to the Twin Peaks are to take a tourist bus which departs from popular sights in the city center, drive and park your car in the nearby parking lot, or take the public bus number 37 and 48.
9. Baker Beach
Incredible views and plenty of fishing make this one of the best beaches in the area. Situated at the foot of the rugged cliffs on the western shoreline of the Presidio, Baker Beach boasts stunning vistas of both the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. When it’s warm, the mile-long beach is great for sunbathing and picnicking. Baker Beach is infamous for its nude sunbathers, but most congregate towards the eastern edge of the beach, closer to the cliffs near the Golden Gate Bridge. The beach is also famous as the site of the original “Burning Man” enactment that became a national phenomenon.
10. Restaurant Gary Danko
Treat your loved one to a special dining experience in San Francisco. Among the city’s standout spots is Chef Gary Danko’s eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant on North Point Street, right near Fisherman’s Wharf. Since the ‘90s, Gary Danko has drawn socialites and celebrities to its old-school luxury, wood-panelled dining rooms.
They serve popular classics such as rock shrimp and Dungeness crab risotto and herb-crusted lamb loin. Their baked chocolate soufflé is to die for, and they habitually present you with a gift to cap your memorable evening.
More Places | 10 Best Family Places to Visit in New York City
