Romantic Getaway San Francisco Bay Area: Hidden Coastal Escapes for Two
A velvety blanket of fog greets you and your paramour as you take in sweeping views of the city, historic cable cars, and the iconic structure of the Golden Gate Bridge.
So you and your partner are looking to plan a romantic weekend escape—something that feels both intimate and adventurous, right?
Good news: San Francisco has your back. This city might be best known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and famous cable cars, but there’s so much more here that’s perfect for couples. From Michelin-starred restaurants tucked into hidden corners of the city to breezy day trips that combine redwoods, wine country vibes, and rugged coastal scenery, the options are nearly endless.
Let’s dive into 15 fun things to do in San Francisco for couples—ideas that’ll have you falling in love with each other all over again, and with the city itself.
1. Stroll Hand-in-Hand Through the Ferry Building and the Embarcadero
If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco for couples, start by heading over to the Ferry Building. This historic spot along the Embarcadero is basically a foodie’s playground.
Inside, you’ll find artisanal cheese shops, gourmet chocolate stands, and even local honey tastings. Grab a loaf of fresh bread and some local olive oil, then stroll outside to watch the ferries come and go. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your romantic weekend—low-key, delicious, and as scenic as it gets.
2. Catch Sunset at Crissy Field
Once you’ve warmed up your taste buds, head over to Crissy Field. This stretch of shoreline offers front-row seats to the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco for couples who love the outdoors.
Pack a picnic (maybe some treats from the Ferry Building?), watch the sun dip behind the iconic red towers, and soak in those incredible ocean views as the bay area breeze wraps around you both. Don’t forget a blanket—it can get a bit chilly at dusk!
3. Enjoy a Day Trip to Point Reyes National Seashore
Sometimes, the best romantic getaways San Francisco Bay Area style don’t even require going far. About an hour north, you’ll find Point Reyes National Seashore, a scenic coastal gem perfect for a romantic getaway San Francisco Bay Area vibe.
Wander the hiking trails, watch for whales along the coast, and explore the tide pools at low tide. For an extra couple’s moment, visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, an old beacon perched above crashing waves. The dramatic backdrop will give you major “just the two of us” feels.
4. Discover Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Local Favorites
If culinary experiences are your love language, you’re in luck. San Francisco’s dining scene is loaded with Michelin-starred restaurants that are absolutely worth the splurge.
For a special night out, score a reservation at one of these award-winning spots like Atelier Crenn, 3127 Fillmore St, and Benu, 22 Hawthorne St. Think of rich flavors, delicate plating, and service that makes you feel like royalty. You can also pair this gourmet adventure with a local cocktail bar to keep the evening vibrant and fun.
5. Wine Country Adventures in Napa and Sonoma
When you’re considering things for couples to do in San Francisco, you can’t ignore how close the wine country is. Hop in the car and in just about an hour you’ll be in Napa or Sonoma.
If you have a long weekend, book a bed and breakfast in the area and spend your days sipping Cabernet, strolling through vineyards, and learning about the art of winemaking. Whether you go for a romantic weekend getaway or just a day trip, sipping world-class wine together in a lush vineyard can’t be beat.
6. Drive Down to Big Sur for Dramatic Coastal Scenery
If you’re craving a road trip, make it a Big Sur adventure. While not technically in San Francisco, this is one of those romantic getaways that’s totally worth the few hours’ drive.
Make it a weekend getaway trip: start in San Francisco, follow Highway 1 along the coast, and stop at hidden beaches and lookout points. Once you’re in Big Sur, embrace the rugged cliffs, redwood forests, and serene beaches.
If you’re feeling fancy, book a cliffside inn or bed and breakfast and wake up to sweeping ocean views that redefine the meaning of “cozy couple’s retreat.”
7. Explore Muir Woods’ Majestic Redwoods
Want to feel awe-struck and tiny (in a good way)? Head just north of the city to Muir Woods, a redwoods state park area filled with ancient, towering trees.
Strolling beneath these giants hand-in-hand is a humbling and romantic experience—just you, your partner, and the whispers of the forest. It’s a peaceful break from the city and perfect if you’re looking for things for couples to do in San Francisco that blend nature and romance.
8. Tour Alcatraz by Night
For the couple that craves a unique adventure, consider a nighttime tour of Alcatraz.
Sure, it might not scream “classic romance,” but exploring the old prison under the cover of darkness is spooky, thrilling, and definitely a story you’ll remember.
Catch the ferry over, soak up the city lights from the bay, and then walk through cell blocks that have a certain haunted charm. It’s not your typical romantic getaway but it’s certainly an experience you’ll bond over.
9. Venture to Point Lobos and Monterey
If you love weekend getaways that mix nature with a dash of nautical charm, head south toward Monterey and Point Lobos. Point Lobos, considered a “crown jewel” of the California state park system, boasts a craggy coastline, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life.
Whether you’re spotting sea otters floating on their backs or admiring tide pools, this day trip is a perfect complement to your San Francisco stay. Afterward, check out Monterey’s Cannery Row for seafood feasts and coastal strolls.
10. Unwind in Golden Gate Park
For something closer to home base, spend a leisurely afternoon in Golden Gate Park. Explore the Japanese Tea Garden, rent a paddleboat at Stow Lake, or visit the de Young Museum.
This massive green space makes you feel like you’ve left the city behind without actually leaving. It’s one of those things to do in San Francisco for couples that are low-cost, low-stress, and high on romance.
11. Take in the Views from Twin Peaks
If you’re all about that panoramic moment (and the Instagram photos that come with it), head up to Twin Peaks. You’ll get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city: the bay, the downtown skyline, and the rolling hills of the bay area.
Arrive early for sunrise or stick around after dark to watch the city sparkle below. Just be sure to bring layers—it can be windy up there, but that just gives you more reason to snuggle up.
12. Embark on a Redwoods and Russian River Retreat
Sometimes, romantic getaways call for a journey into the woods. A drive north will bring you to the Russian River region, where you can combine wine tasting with forest bathing.
Think scenic drives beneath towering redwoods, afternoons kayaking on the river, and evenings sipping local pinot noir at a small winery. Add in a quaint bed and breakfast or cozy inn, and you’ve got a romantic weekend formula that’s tough to beat.
13. Escape to Lake Tahoe
If you’ve got the time to extend your trip, plan a long weekend around Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Tahoe is a four-season playground. In winter, cozy up in a lakeside cabin, ski the powdery slopes, and then warm up by a fireplace.
In summer, swim in the clear, blue waters, hike scenic trails, and marvel at the star-filled night sky. It’s one of those romantic getaways in the San Francisco Bay Area orbit that makes you realize why people never want to leave Northern California.
14. Day Trip to a National Park Near the City
While San Francisco itself isn’t a national park, it’s surrounded by protected areas and natural preserves that could fool you into thinking otherwise.
If you’re craving more nature, consider a day trip to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area or a trek out to the Farallon Islands (weather permitting) to glimpse seals and seabirds. For couples looking to bond over shared adventures, these outings are a must.
15. Combine Culture, Cocktails, and Cozy Evenings
Let’s not forget the city’s cultural hubs. One of the most underrated things for couples to do in San Francisco is to explore local art galleries in neighborhoods like the Mission or SoMa.
After browsing art, grab craft cocktails at a speakeasy-style bar. If you’re planning a truly romantic getaway San Francisco Bay Area trip, check out local jazz clubs, see a show at the historic Fillmore, or catch a film at one of the city’s old theaters. You’ll find yourselves talking late into the night, warmed by good drinks and good vibes, capping off your couple’s adventure in style.
Bonus Inspiration for Your Romantic Getaway
Marin Headlands: For more ocean views, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and head up into the Marin Headlands. You’ll find sweeping vistas, old military bunkers, and dramatic coastal panoramas. It’s also near some of the best hiking trails in the region.
Point Reyes Lighthouse: Already mentioned, but worth reiterating. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a must-see if you love windswept cliffs and the sound of waves. It’s part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, where you can also spot elephant seals and explore hidden coves.
Redwoods State Parks: California’s redwood groves are legendary for a reason. Combine a trip to Redwoods State Park with a picnic beneath the trees. The quiet, cathedral-like silence of these forests makes for a deeply romantic setting.
Wine Country Variations: Napa and Sonoma aren’t the only wine regions around. The Santa Cruz Mountains and the Russian River areas offer a more laid-back vibe with fewer tourists. Exploring these smaller wineries can feel like discovering a secret, just the two of you.
Big Sur’s Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Within Big Sur, you’ll find state parks and hidden waterfalls. Stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to catch the famous McWay Falls tumbling onto the beach. It’s a scene that’ll make your heart swell with wonder.
Incorporate a Bed and Breakfast Stay: After a full day of exploring the city or its surroundings, coming home to a charming bed and breakfast seals the deal on romance. Think antique furniture, homemade pastries, and a host who’ll clue you into off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Why San Francisco and Its Surroundings Make the Perfect Couples’ Escape
Part of the magic of a romantic getaway San Francisco Bay Area style is the city’s location. You’re smack dab in the middle of so many landscapes: wine country, redwoods state parks, and dramatic coastlines are all within a short drive.
If you want a city-based adventure, you have Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class museums, and quirky neighborhoods to explore together. If you’re craving the wild outdoors, you’ve got everything from the Point Reyes National Seashore to Big Sur, from the Russian River to Lake Tahoe, all within reach. It’s a hub for romantic getaways, whether you want a long weekend or an extended vacation.
So go on, start planning your romantic weekend (or longer!), and line up your bucket list of fun things to do in San Francisco for couples. Whether you’re cozying up in a bed and breakfast, taking a scenic drive down Highway 1, sipping cabernet in a vineyard, or standing beneath towering redwoods, this region delivers the kind of experiences that bring you closer together.
By the time you head home, you’ll have a new set of memories—and maybe even a few future weekend getaways already in mind. San Francisco and its surrounding landscapes have that effect on you. Enjoy every second!
