Valentine's Day in San Francisco: Fun & Romantic Things to Do in 2023

Love is in the air this Valentine's Day in San Francisco. This 2023 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. 

This year, Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday night, so I've included activities for the weekend before so you have plenty of options.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

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 Justin Herman 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 two Broadway shows this February in San Francisco. Both offer performances the weekend before and on Valentine's Day.

Mean Girls: What is it like to hang with the popular girls in high school? Mean Girls is based on the movie with the same name and takes you through what Cady experiences as she moves to a new school and becomes popular, but also caught in a web of lies and deceit. Find tickets on StubHub.

Dear Evan Hansen: Follow the story of Evan as he struggles in high school. After a friend dies, everyone assumes that Evan and he are close, so Evan starts to get more support from those around him. He now has to decide if he wants to continue with the lie or tell the truth. Find out what he does this February in SF. Find tickets on StubHub.

>> Find tickets to the weekend performances

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

Night Waves at the Aquarium of the Bay

Spend your Valentine's Day at he Aquarium of the Bay on Pier 39. Enjoy a night of drinks, live music, and a chance to explore over 24,000 animals during this after hours event.

They will have a cash bar for beer, wine, and champagne. You will also find dessert stations all around the aquarium.

This 18+ event runs from 7 pm to 10 pm.

>> Visit their site for more details and to pick up your tickets today! 

San Francisco Symphony Performances

If you and your date enjoy music, you will love heading to an SF Symphony performance. 

• 2/11: Pekka Kuusisto & Jesper Nordin at 9 pm
• 2/12: Blomstedt conducts Dvorak at 2 pm
• 2/14: John Williams with Anne-Sophie Mutter at 7:30 pm

All shows are at the Davies Symphony Hall.

>> Find additional information & tips to attend a performance

Concerts

This Valentines 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: 

2/11: Eden at the Warfield

2/11 & 2/12: Unwound at The Regency Ballroom

>> Find additional concerts this holiday week here

SF Ballet

The SF Ballet offers one shows this holiday week.

On Valentine's Day Weekend in San Francisco, you can catch Garland/Roberts/Rowe Premiers on stage at the War Memorial Opera House. The performance is on Saturday, February 11 at 2 pm. 

>> More about the SF Ballet and a full schedule

Special Valentine's Day in San Francisco Bay Cruises

You will find a good selection of bay cruises for Valentine's Day every year. Read on for details about your best 2023 options.

Dinner Cruises

Premier Valentine's Cruise

• Offered Saturday, February 11, Sunday, February 12 & Tuesday, February 14
• 3-hour cruise
• 4-course seated dinner
• Cash Bar
• DJ entertainment and dancing
• Business casual attire
• Beautiful views of SF from the bay
• Saturday & Sunday: Board at 6:30 pm, cruise leaves Pier 3 at 7:00 pm
• Tuesday: Board at 7:00 pm, cruise leaves at 7:30 pm
• Tickets start at $160 per person (plus taxes and fees)
• Visit the Hornblower site for ticketing details

Valentine's Signature Dinner Cruise

• Offered on Sunday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 14th
• 3-hour cruise
• Delicious dinner buffet
• Premium open bar
• Board at 6:30 pm and leave at 7:00 pm
• Business casual attire
• Tickets start at $169.90 per person (plus taxes and other fees)
• Visit Hornblower 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
• Cruise under the famous Golden Gate Bridge for some of the best views of this gorgeous structure
• Several cruises leave several times a day, every day
• Find tickets to this daily cruise

San Francisco Twilight Cruise

• 2-hour cruise around the SF Bay
• A great option for the night or weekend before Valentine's Day
• Cruise past Alcatraz, see the shores of Sausalito, and ride under the Golden Gate Bridge
  
• Live commentary from the captain
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Leaves from Pier 43 and runs during the weekend (no Monday cruise)
• 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 $275 a night.
• 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 $195 a night.
• 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 $220 a night.
• 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 $100 a night.
• Cavallo Point: You'll find this 4.5-star hotel just to the 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 its 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 $600 a night.

5 Top Tours Around SF for Valentine's Day

Other fun things do to this Valentine's Day in San Francisco is to explore 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 search for our famous parrots around Telegraph Hill. 

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 3-hour tour, you will sample fresh baked breads, handmade pizza, local olive oils, and more. This tour runs daily at 10am and 2pm. 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. SF Vista Helicopter Tour: Make the day extra special with a 15 minute helicopter ride over the SF Bay. This tour lasts around 2 hours with about 15 to 20 minutes of flight time over the bay. It starts and ends in San Carlos and they don't pick up in SF, so you will need to find your way down on your own for this tour. See all the bay area has to offer from above! 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 3 wineries and also get some free time to explore during lunch. Get information about the tour and ticketing information.

5. Half-Day Muir Woods Tour: Spend some time among the Coastal Redwood Tress 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 all weekend long. 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
• Charmain's Rooftop Lounge: Union Square/Downtown, Californian
• Cocotte: Russian Hill, French
• Harris' Restaurant - The San Francisco Steakhouse: Russian Hill, Steakhouse
• John's Grill: Union Square, American with excellent seafood and steaks
• La Bande: Downtown, European
• 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 | Italian | Union Square

Romantic SF Bars

Are you interested in grabbing a drink with your valentine? This year, the holiday is on a Monday night, when many bars close. However, you will find that all of the bars below offer hours for your Monday night romantic getaway.

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 - 1 am. They're located at 45 Rose Street (between Market Street & Gough Street).

The Barrel Room: Here's another romantic and low key option for your visit. It has an intimate setting and is the perfect date night location. They serve wine and beer, and offer lovely lunch and dinner menus. Their hours are Monday - Friday 5 pm to 10 pm. You can find them at 415 Sansome 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 4 pm and closes a midnight. 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 4 pm to midnight on Tuesdays.

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 on Tuesday nights.

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