Valentine's Day in San Francisco: Fun & Romantic Things to Do in 2021

As things start to slowly reopen, you will find some fun things to do this Valentine's Day in San Francisco. Although many of the annual events are on hold this year, you will find some outdoor activities open during this holiday weekend.

Here are 10 fun things to do.

1. San Francisco Zoo: The SF Zoo is open again with tickets available all weekend long. They will go quickly so make sure to book in advance. 

2. Bay Cruises: Some of SF's Bay Cruises are also back out on the water. The two below are all running this weekend. 

3. Hiking Around SF: Get your heart pumping on some of our best hiking trails. Some of my favorites include the Land's Ends Trail, Buena Vista, Mount Davidson and so many others. Find my favorites here.

4. Alamo Square: Enjoy the outdoors with a visit to Alamo Square. It's home to the Painted Ladies, which are seven colorful, historic Victorians that sit side-by-side along Steiner Street. Bring along a sack lunch and spend some time in the park as you admire these beauties. More about visiting.

5. Pier 39: You can also do a little shopping while you are here along Pier 39. While you are here, make sure to check out the sea lion area, grab a bite to eat outdoors, and soak in the views from around the SF Bay.

6. Muir Woods: There are still a few spots available if you want to visit Muir Woods this Valentine's Day in San Francisco. Read more about it here and book your spots here. 

7. Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Garden is also open this holiday and all weekend long. The magnolias are in bloom and it's beautiful this time of year.

8. Golden Gate Bridge: You can stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge 365 days a year. It's cool and windy this time of year, but it's an experience you will never forget.

9. Japanese Tea Garden: Visit one of the oldest Japanese Tea Garden in this US this Valentine's Day in San Francisco. Book your tickets in advance to ensure you are able to enter when you arrive.

10. Twin Peaks: Another fun attraction open all day this holiday weekend is Twin Peaks. From the top, you will get some of the best views of all of the SF Bay Area. You can climb to the top of one or both peaks or just soak in the views from the parking lot nearby.

2022 and Beyond

Love is in the air this Valentine's Day in San Francisco. This 2020 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. 

Great San Francisco Pillow Fight

The Great San Francisco Pillow Fight will once again be at Justin Herman Plaza this year. It's open to everyone and starts at 5:50pm on February 14. Make sure to arrive with your pillow in a bag. When the clock strikes 6pm, 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)! This is an unsanctioned event, so there isn't really anyone 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

Head to the theater this Valentines Day in San Francisco! Catch performances of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Curran Theater the entire week of Valentine's Day. This award winning play is the story of Harry Potter and his younger son who is on his way to Hogwarts. His son faced many of the same challenges Harry faced at his age. See how he overcomes his struggles. 

Other shows this week include include Hamilton at the Orpheum Theater, SpongeBob - The Musical at the Golden Gate Theatre and Tiny Beautiful Things at the SF Playhouse.

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

San Francisco Symphony Performances

If you and your date enjoy music, you will love this SF Symphony performance. You can see French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saens' Organ Symphony. 

Shows runs from 2/14 - 2/16 at Davies Symphony Hall.

>> Find additional information & tips to attend a performance

SF Chronicle Wine Competition

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of American wines in the world. This highly anticipated event offers a public tasting where you can sip and sample the wines entered into the competition. 

The 2020 public tasting is the Saturday after Valentine's Day in San Francisco, February 15. This tasting usually sells out in advance, so buy your tickets online to reserve your spot today. 

>> Event & ticketing information

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.

>> Find additional concerts this holiday week here

SF Ballet

The SF Ballet offers two shows this holiday week. On Valentine's Day in San Francisco, you can catch Program 2 (Classical (Re)Vision) on stage at the War Memorial Opera House. The second performance on stage this week is Program 3 which includes Dance Innovations. Both shows are on stage several times this week.

>> 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 2020 options.

Dinner Cruises

Aphrodite's Premier Valentine's Cruise

• Offered Friday, February 14 & Saturday, February 15
• 3-hour cruise
• 4-course seated dinner
• Hosted Top Shelf Bar
• DJ entertainment and dancing
• Business casual attire
• Beautiful views of SF from the bay
• Board at 6:45pm, cruise leaves Pier 3 at 7:30pm
• Tickets start at $179 per person (plus taxes and fees)
• Visit the Hornblower site for ticketing details

Amore Valentine's Dinner Cruise

• Offered only on Friday, February 14 & Saturday, February 15
• 3-hour cruise
• Delicious dinner buffet
• Hosted premium bar
• Board at 6:15pm and leave at 7:00pm
• Business casual attire
• Tickets start at $127 per person (plus taxes and other fees)

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 for this holiday weekend at up to 50% off on Goldstar

San Francisco Twilight Cruise

• 2-hour cruise around the SF Bay
• A great option for the night or weekend before Valentine's Day
• Hearty appetizers and one cocktail with ticket (you can buy additional drinks in cash at the bar)
• 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 at 5:30pm, Thursday - Monday only
• Find tickets at up to 50% off

More Fun Cruises to Check Out this Holiday Weekend

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 $314 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. Parrots of Telegraph Hill: Are you looking for a unique experience this Valentine's Day in San Francisco? This fun tour offers you the chance to search for our famous parrots of Telegraph Hill. The tour runs on both Saturday and Sunday and offers 3-hours of entertainment. Find out more about this tour.

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 Specials on Valentine's Day

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

• 54 Mint: Italian/SOMA
• Gardenias: American in Pacific Heights
• Foreign Cinema: Californian restaurant in the Mission
• Cocotte: French in Russian Hill
• Pabu: Financial District Japanese restaurant
• Roka Akor: Steakhouse in the Financial District
• Central Kitchen: Contemporary American restaurant in the Mission
• Spruce: Presidio Heights
• Canela Bistro & Wine Bar: Spanish in the Castro

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? Here are a few romantic spots to check out.

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 5pm - 2am. 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 11am - 12am, and Saturdays 4pm - 12am. You can find them at 415 Sansome Street.

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