Romantic Things to Do in San Francisco - Valentine's Day & More

There are few places in the country as romantic as San Francisco. Sweeping ocean vistas, verdant wine country and charming historic city streets. If you’re looking for a few specific ideas to make your perfect romantic getaway – whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or for any other special occasion – check out our favorite romantic things to do in San Francisco.

Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

This prestigious institution is practically unmatched when it comes to their outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art. The SFMOMA is, in fact, the largest museum of its kind in the country, offering three times as much gallery space in this new incarnation. Some highlights of their collection include works by Alexander Calder, Paul Klee, Robert Rauschenberg and many more. You're also likely to encounter dozens of new and up-and-coming artists, particularly from the Bay Area, so keep an eye out for their exciting work.

Explore the Art World More

San Francisco has always been at the forefront of the artistic world, and the various art museums around the city are a perfect way to explore your artsy side. From animation to textiles and beyond, there’s something for everyone. If you love classical sculpture and traditional painting, the de Young Museum is a perfect fine arts destination. The de Young is also a fantastic architectural marvel in itself, so a visit here is a great chance to explore the building, too. Culture lovers will be fascinated by the unique offerings of the Asian Art Museum. They boast more than 17,000+ works of art that cover a span of nearly 6,000 years of Asian history -- quite a collection. There's everything from sculpture and architecture to textiles and jewelry, so you're sure to see something that inspires you.

Indulge in a Wine Country Tour

A tour of Northern California Wine Country is a unique spin on the “bottle of nice wine with dinner” component to Valentine’s Day. Instead of ordering on your waiter’s recommendation, why not take a tour of Napa and Sonoma Valley and become a wine aficionado yourself? Sonoma and Napa are the premium wine grape growing areas of North America, and there are dozens of high profile and independent wineries to visit – not to mention the lush scenery perfect for that ideal couples photo. Tours can be informative, fun and a great way to get in the mood for love as you learn all about the most romantic beverage in the world.

Visit the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is renowned for its innovative exhibits, activities, and special events – and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Each year, Academy biologists distribute hand-made valentines (crafted by visitors like you!) to each of the members of the African Penguin colony. Although the penguins ultimately use the valentines as nesting material, the gift itself promotes bonding between penguin couples: an important emotional bond for a species that is known to mate for life.

Hop Aboard a Cruise

This Valentine’s Day, venture out in the world with a beautiful San Francisco Bay Cruise. This one-hour tour sails directly under the Golden Gate Bridge, providing spectacular views of its unique architectural span. Then, you’ll pass back into the Bay past Angel Island State Park and Sausalito, continuing on to Fisherman’s Wharf and past the SS Jeremiah O’Brien and USS Pampanito. Perfect for photo opportunities of you and your loved one as a way to commemorate your special day. Of course, if you really want to up the romance game, there are specific Valentine's Day cruises available with various amenities and special extras through several different tour companies, and they all offer beautiful scenery.

Soak up the Beauties of Nature

As you might expect in a city that calls the lovely Golden Gate Park home, there are plenty of natural beauties in San Francisco to please the nature-loving couples. At the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, you’ll be dazzled by the hundreds of plant specimens that call this specular “living museum” home. From rare and beautiful tropical plants, to aquatic plants and special exhibits of regional flora, the Conservatory’s collection is breathtaking. Another great natural option for exploring the creative varieties of nature in chilly February is the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens. Spanning 34 acres and featuring more than an astonishing 12,000 different kinds of plants, this charming venue has much to offer for the floral fans.

Embark on a Playful Tour

Looking for something fun and playful this Valentine's Day? And an idea that still lets you see a bit of the city? Then try a Wharf and Waterfront Segway Tour -- voted the #1 Tour in San Francisco on TripAdvisor. This two and a half hour tour will escort you throughout the city's most popular neighborhoods and past all the big landmarks like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Little Italy in North Beach, and more. All on the delightfully charming Segway! Because this an adults-only tour, it's also a nice way to see the city without the kids (or even better, without other people's kids). Not quite sure about a Segway? How about a romantic bike ride around Golden Gate Park, with stunning views of the bridge.

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

Who doesn’t love a delicious dinner? It’s even better when it’s spent in the company of your loved one, perhaps with some nice champagne and a delicious chocolate dessert. Fortunately for you, San Fran has a fabulous dining scene, drawing from global cultures and locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find excellent meals ranging from elegant and high end to laid back but still delicious all over the city, but some of our favorite areas to look for great restaurants include SoMA, the Mission District, and the Richmond.

Take in a Show

San Francisco has a fantastic theatre scene, from the grand and glamorous San Francisco Ballet to the funky indie theaters that populate areas like Haight-Ashbury and the Mission District. Remember to purchase tickets in advance, as going to a play or other performance is a popular Valentine’s Day tradition, whether you're going on February 14 or the weekends before and after.

Save on Admission

We hope you’ve been inspired to try one – or a few! – of our favorite romantic things to do in San Francisco. Whether you love wine country or the city itself, high romance or quirky fun, there’s something to please every couple. Remember, some of these great options are included with an All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass from Go City. Save up to 60% as you discover hidden gems, and bucket list attractions.