Valentine's Day in San Francisco: Fun & Romantic Things to Do in 2026

Love is in the air this Valentine's Day in San Francisco. Plus, this romantic occasion falls on a Saturday this year, so you can celebrate all weekend!

My 2026 insider's guide shows you the top things to do, including where to find the best hideaways and intimate places for dinner or drinks.

You'll get great ideas on how to make the evening or weekend with your valentine extra special.

Read on to find the best restaurant menus, romantic bars, and a few hidden hotels.

You will also find information about top events for the holiday, including SF Broadway performances and a few Valentine's Day bay cruises. 

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Great San Francisco Pillow Fight

The Great San Francisco Pillow Fight is an unsanctioned event each year. This means that no one is really in charge, there is no permit, and whether it happens or not depends on how many people show up.

Most years, it is held at Embarcadero Plaza. It's open to everyone and starts at 5:50 pm on February 14. Make sure to arrive with your pillow in a bag.

When the clock strikes 6 pm, it's time to begin the fun. Please don't hit anyone without a pillow in their hand (unless they want you to hit them)!

Since this is an unsanctioned event and there is really no one in charge, details can change at anytime.

Other Things to Do on Valentine's Day in San Francisco

San Francisco Theater & Best of Broadway Shows

You will find a Broadway show and other great theater performances this February in San Francisco. All offer shows on Valentine's Day.

The Notebook, The Musical: This romantic Broadway musical, based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel, follows Allie and Noah’s unforgettable love story, brought to life with beautiful songs by Ingrid Michaelson. A perfect date-night experience filled with passion, nostalgia, and heartfelt emotion. Find tickets.

Dear San Francisco: This exciting and heart pounding performance offers a cruise through San Francisco. It will bring the city to life through circus acts, live original music, and so much more. This 90-minute performance runs most nights at Club Fugazi in North Beach. Find tickets to all performances.

>> Check out more shows on the full SF Theater Calendar

Concerts

This Valentine's Day in San Francisco, you will find several fun concerts. Some of the top picks include shows at the Chase Center, the Warfield, and the Nob Hill Masonic Center. You will also find great options at venues all around the SF Bay Area.

Here are just a few options: 

• 2/10 - 2/21 (including on 2/14): Sam Smith at the Castro Theatre
• 2/13: Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special at St. Ignatius Church
  
• 2/15: PlayStation: The Concert at the Golden Gate Theatre

>> Find additional concerts this month here

SF Ballet

The SF Ballet offers one show this holiday week.

On Valentine's Day in San Francisco, you can catch a tribute to Balanchine: Father of American Ballet on stage at the War Memorial Opera House. You will find performances from 2/10 - 2/15. Find tickets.

Special Valentine's Day in San Francisco Bay Cruises

You will find a good selection of bay cruises for Valentine's Day every year. 

Premier Valentine's Cruise with Hornblower

• Offered Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14
• 2.5-hour cruise
• 4-course seated dinner
• Full bar available; unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water
• DJ entertainment and dancing
• Semi-formal attire
• Beautiful views of SF from the bay
• Tickets start at $170 per person (plus taxes and fees)
  
• Visit the Hornblower site for ticketing details

Other Valentine's Day and Weekend Cruises

SF Bay Cruise Adventure

• 1-hour cruise around the SF Bay
• Listen to the narration as you cruise past top attractions including the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz Island, and Sausalito
• Sail under the famous Golden Gate Bridge twice for some of the best views of this gorgeous structure
• Cruises leave several times a day, every day
• Find tickets to this daily cruise

Bridge to Bridge Cruise

• 90-minute cruise on the SF Bay
• Takes you under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge
• Listen to the narration to learn more about SF and our top attractions
• Leaves once a day from Pier 43 1/2 in Fisherman's Wharf
• Find tickets

More SF Bay Cruises: Top Five SF Bay Cruises

Five Romantic San Francisco Hotels

There are hundreds of hotels in San Francisco, but many are in the chaos of the city. Here you will find some of my favorite 'off the beaten path' options, where you can spend a little time snuggling with your sweetheart.

• Hotel Drisco: This is a small four-star hotel in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood. It's set among some of the most beautiful houses and mansions in the city. The neighborhood is quiet, but close to many cute shops, restaurants, and bars. 2901 Pacific Avenue. Rooms start at around $629 a night. Find our more about rooms and rates at Hotel Drisco.
• The Inn at the Presidio: This newer inn offers a great getaway within the city. It sits inside the gates of the Presidio, an old army base and national historic landmark. They offer 22 rooms and 17 of them are suites. Many offer a small outdoor patio with a gas fire pit and porches with rocking chairs. Inside the rooms you'll find gas fireplaces and plenty of luxury. 42 Moraga Avenue. Rooms start at around $439 a night. Read reviews and find rooms at the Inn at the Presidio.
• Union Street Inn: The Union Street Inn is a romantic bed and breakfast in San Francisco's Marina District. With only six guest rooms, you always get warm and personalized service. There is also a serene cottage garden which is a beautiful spot for a relaxing breakfast or afternoon tea. 2229 Union Street. Rooms start at around $297 a night, with a two-night minimum on weekends. Learn more about Union Street Inn and book rooms for your stay here.
• Chateau Tivoli Bed and Breakfast: This small B&B is just steps from Alamo Square Park and the colorful Victorians (also known as Painted Ladies) that surround it. Set in a historic building, Chateau Tivoli offers nine guest rooms. Enjoy some time on your own or join others for some wine and snacks each afternoon. 1057 Steiner Street. Rooms start at around $259 a night. Read reviews, find rooms, and stay at Chateau Tivoli Bed and Breakfast.
• Cavallo Point: You'll find this 4.5-star hotel just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. This resort offers some of the best views of the bridge and the city of San Francisco. You can choose either unique historic or contemporary lodging. There is also a spa on site, where you and your valentine can relax in a peaceful and tranquil setting. Murray Circle, the on-site restaurant, serves up some of the best dishes in the Bay Area. 601 Murray Circle. Rooms start at around $584 a night. Read all about the rooms, views, and rates to book your room at Cavallo Point.

5 Top Tours Around SF for Valentine's Day

Other fun things do to this Valentine's Day in San Francisco include exploring the city on one of these tours. You can sample some of our gourmet goodies, learn more about the history of our colorful city, or head across the bay to visit Muir Woods or Wine Country. 

Here are five fun tours to check out this holiday weekend.

1. North Beach & Little Italy Food Tour: Enjoy the tastes of San Francisco's Little Italy neighborhood, North Beach. On this three-hour tour, you will sample fresh baked breads, handmade pizza, local olive oils, and more. This tour runs daily at either 10 am or 10:30 am. Check ticket availability for this food tour.

2. Free Walking Tours: Every day of the week, SF City Guides offers free walking tours of top districts and attractions. You can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, learn all about the Chinatown District, and discover key points of interest from the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. Find out more about the tours offered for this weekend.

3. Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Spend the day exploring San Francisco on the popular Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. You'll have the chance to learn more about SF while on the bus and then see it for yourself at more than a dozen fun stops. See places such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, and more! Learn more about this amazing adventure.

4. Napa & Sonoma Day Tour: If you and your honey love wine, then head up to Napa and Sonoma on this fun full-day tour. You will visit wineries in both regions and learn all about the wine making process. You will taste at three wineries (tasting fees included) and also get some free time to explore during lunch. Get information about the tour and tickes.

5. Half-Day Muir Woods Tour: Spend some time among the Coastal Redwood trees at Muir Woods National Park. This half-day tour offers you the chance to get up close and personal with these trees. Many of them are hundreds of years old. The tour runs daily. You can also choose to return to SF on the Sausalito Ferry. Find out more and get ticketing details.

Restaurant Ideas for Valentine's Day

These are some of the best restaurants for you and your sweetie! 

• 54 Mint: SOMA, Italian
• ANZU: Downtown/Union Square, Californian
• Boulevard: Embarcadero, Californian
• Caffe Fiore: Mission, Italian
• Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge: Union Square/Downtown, Californian
• Harris' Restaurant - The San Francisco Steakhouse: Russian Hill, Steakhouse
• John's Grill: Union Square, American with excellent seafood and steaks
• Sens Restaurant: Embarcadero, Mediterranean
  
• Villon: Union Square/Downtown, Californian 
• Wayfare Tavern: Financial District, American
• Zingari Ristorante & Jazz Room: Union Square, Italian

All prices exclude taxes and gratuity. Tables fill up quickly so book yours today on OpenTable.com.

Other Restaurants You Might Enjoy: Fine Dining | Union Square

Romantic SF Bars

Are you interested in grabbing a drink with your valentine? This year, the holiday is on a Saturday night, so all bar hours are updated for this night.

Hotel Biron Wine Bar: This is a cute and very small wine bar in the Hayes Valley neighborhood. It's off the main street and the perfect place to grab a drink either before or after dinner. They are open every day from 5 pm - 12 am. They're located at 45 Rose Street (between Market Street & Gough Street).

Scarlet Lounge: This cute cocktail bar and lounge is in the Inner Richmond District. This local neighborhood allows you to relax and unwind from a fun day of Valentine's celebrations. It opens at 2 pm and closes at 2 am. You'll find it at 408 Clement Street.

Lost Resort: This is another fun, small place that is perfect for a romantic night on the town. This cocktail bar offers tasty American dishes as well. You'll find it in the Mission District at 2736 20th Street. It's open from 11 am to 2 am on Saturday.

Lone Palm: Another great spot for Valentine's Day in San Francisco is the Lone Palm. This cute spot is also in the Mission District, is inexpensive (for local standards), and a fun, local, sort of dive bar feel. It's at 3394 22nd Street and is open from 4 pm to 2 am daily.

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