Valentine’s Day has always been my favourite holiday. Maybe I grew up watching too many Disney movies, but the idea of celebrating love has always had a firm grip on my imagination. It helps, of course, that it’s also a wonderful excuse for indulging in chocolate. So for all you lovers out there, here are some ideas for how to spend Valentine’s Day in San Francisco.
Old School Date Spots
Dinner + Movie
Grab dinner at Foreign Cinema, and them walk just down the street to Alamo Drafthouse afterwards. It’s honestly the best dinner-and-a-movie combo in any city!
Stroll Through the Palace of Fine Arts
Start your walk at Crissy Field Beach and meander towards the Palace of Fine Arts. Hang out there a while, and watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge.
Beach Bonfire + S’mores
Head down to the fire pits at Ocean Beach for a romantic little evening. Nearby, The Laundromat has great pizza and a killer natural wine selection, and a Safeway next door to grab your marshmallows and firewood. Grab your supplies and head down to the beach for an ideal low-key evening.
Artsy Date Spots
Ceramics Painting
Terra Mia Ceramic Studio is the cutest little spot located in Noe Valley. The studio is open seven days a week, but they also have a date night special of the first Saturday of each month.
Acrobatic Love Letter
Club Fugazi is a historic venue with some of the best live music and acrobatics you’ll find in the city. Dear San Francisco is performed as a love letter to the city and its inhabitants, with special cookies & wine packages to celebrate the holiday – pretty romantic if you ask me.
Exploratorium After Dark
Start with happy hour ceviche overlooking the Bay Bridge at La Mar, then head just down the street to the Exploratorium for their weekly After Dark special. It’s fun to explore the museum without kids, plus they also have a pop-up bar and live dj!
Gallery + Dim Sum Hopping
Head to Chinatown for a culinary tour, stopping by wherever catches your fancy. There’s no wrong answer for where to go, but I would make sure to check out Eastern Bakery for their famous mooncakes. Afterwards, walk over to Jessica Silverman Gallery to check out their latest exhibition.
Active Date Spots
Cycle to Sausalito
Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito for a cute little brunch on the water! There are tons of places to choose from, but Scoma’s is always a top pick. Afterwards, take the ferry back and admire the pretty views pulling into the harbor.
Cocktails + Mini Golf
Grab cocktails at a place called The Interval at Long Now, which is the coolest little coffee-shop-bar situation. Then, walk through scenic Fort Mason to Subpar Mini Golf for a fun little game.
Rock Climbing + Spa
For the more adventurous ones out there, start off the date by working up a sweat at Pacific Pipe over in Oakland. Afterwards, head over to Piedmont Springs for a massage and soak in one of their private redwood panelled hot tubs.
Sunset Tennis
One of my favourite dates is to play tennis at the Alice Marble courts while the sun is setting over the city. The courts have some of the prettiest views in the city, and there are lots of great little bars and restaurants nearby to cool off when you’re done.
Lands End Picnic
Make your way to Land’s End for a little hike along the water, and make sure to pack a bottle of wine and some charcuterie. Find a scenic spot somewhere during your hike and take in the pretty views.
Quirky Date Spots
Sunrise Overlooking the City
You’re going to have to wake up early for this one, but it’s totally worth it. Pack a hot thermos full of coffee and wear your warmest puffer, then head to Corona Heights to watch the sun rise over the city.
Roller Skating in a Church
Head to Church of 8 Wheels, a formerly abandoned church that has been turned into one of San Francisco’s coolest destinations. This is especially fun if you have some friends that you want to do a double date with!
Swing Dancing in a Jazz Club
I really love heading to Local Edition for swing dancing – they always have great vibes and the best live music. Even if you’ve never tried it before, there are lots of old pros around that are happy to lend a hand!
Chocolate Making Class
Dandelion Chocolate has some of the best chocolate I’ve had in my life, and they have a full calendar of classes and events to choose from. Even just heading there on a cosy night for a cup of cocoa is super romantic.
