Things to Do in San Francisco for Couples: 24 Unforgettable Experiences

Everything from San Francisco’s mild Mediterranean climate to the exalted food and wine scene is prime for a romantic adventure. Follow along to discover the 24 most romantic things to do in San Francisco for couples.

It should come as no surprise then, that the city that inspired free love and 60s counter-culture has now become an incubator for the most creative couple activities in the Bay area.

Couples from all walks of life congregate in the Golden Gate City to escape from Alcatraz Island, soak in the mighty Muir Woods, or indulge in delightful dim sum in Chinatown.

From feisty foodies to fervent hikers, no one can resist the charms of the endless couple things to do in San Francisco.

San Francisco Hotels

Is there anything better than cozying up with your Casanova in a fully outfitted hotel suite? Make the most of romantic San Francisco, when you reserve any of our swoon-worthy San Francisco Hotels.

Take on the town like a true San Francisco couple, when you primp and prime for your romantic date anywhere from downtown San Francisco to the Mission District.

Stay in the impressively charming boutique hotel, The Marker, or rest your head steps from the action and exciting nightlife of Union Square at Hotel Abri.

From charming boutique options to big-name resorts, our variety of hospitality choices will appeal to all travelers looking to tour the best secret romantic spots in San Francisco.

Wherever you and your love bug choose to reside, rest easy knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates.

San Francisco Romantic Restaurants

From stunning San Francisco Bay views to sumptuous seafood to Michelin-star-rated chefs, the culinary scene in San Francisco is truly a dream come true. True foodies know one of the most romantic things to do in SF is eating!

Make sure you have plenty of energy to conquer your bucket list of things to do in San Francisco for couples when you break bread at our most beloved eateries. Evenings full of mood lighting, art deco ambiance, and opulent decor, ensure you will always have a Golden Gate-worthy date night.

Empress by Boon

Sweeping views of North Beach, lavish Asian-inspired decor, including a tea lounge that sits under an antique octagon-shaped pergola from Taiwan make dining at Boon a genuinely unforgettable experience.

This former historic banquet hall dishes up a mouthwatering Cantonese tasting menu from Michelin Star chef Ho Chee Boon as well as impressive cocktails like the ‘Days Gone Bai’ and the ‘Empress at Sea.’

Foreign Cinema

Take “dinner and a movie” to a new swoon-worthy level at this San Fran staple that screens subtitled films on the back wall of their enchanting courtyard, complete with heat lamps and twinkling string lights. Bask in the charming cinephile ambiance as you devour local oysters, caviar, and whole-roasted Dungeness crab.

BIX Restaurant

An expert tuxedo bar staff, mood lighting, and live jazz made BIX a go-to spot for a masterfully crafted cocktail or locally sourced farm-to-table meal. Keep things classic by ordering the steamed mussels with sourdough or steak tartare before moving on to the heavenly Crab Tagliatelle.

Waterbar

There are views, and then there’s Waterbar! Impress your date when you snag a table at this undeniably sexy establishment featuring astonishing waterfront views, floor-to-ceiling aquariums, and a heated patio.

Splurge on the ‘shellfish indulgence’ a towering array of blue crab, lobster, ahi tartare, tiger prawns, clams, oysters, snow crab to share, or else feast on the Pan Roasted Black Cod.

Ferry Building Marketplace

What says love more than holding your beloved’s peaches and artisanal parmesan as they pursue the seasonal Farmers Market wares at the Ferry Building Marketplace?

Swing by the bountiful market offerings Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to stock up on regionally grown vegetables, herbs, flowers, and meats. Or, sample a mouth-watering array of the Ferry Building’s market vendors such as Cholita Linda Tacos, Blue Bottle Coffee, and decadent Cheesequakes.

Romantic Places in San Francisco

Wondering what romantic things to do in the Bay Area? Before we dive into the best couples activities in San Francisco, it’s imperative that you capture every last Bay Bridge moment. Diverge from traditional date ideas when you scurry on over to San Francisco’s most scenic spots:

• Golden Gate Bridge – it’s one of the most photographed bridges in the world for a reason, and its bold color, sweeping cables, and 746 ft tall towers make for some seriously IG-worthy content. 
• Golden Gate Park – a serene oasis in the middle of the City, this artfully landscaped park boasts lovely lakes, meadows, and even a Japanese Tea Garden.
• Lombard St. – full of nooks and crannies, this famous street is surefire social media success, with its eight sharp hairpin turns framed by Russian Hill homes and carefully manicured gardens. To get the most bang for your photo buck, head to the highest part of the street to capture sights of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower.
• The Painted Ladies – aka the Full House, these rainbow-colored domiciles are picture-perfect with vibrant hues and an eye-popping Victorian aesthetic. 
• Legion of Honor – stunning Greco-Roman architecture and an arresting collection of ancient European art make this museum a must-visit. Snap plenty of photos in front of the buildings’ stately white columns, before heading inside to peak at Rubens, Rembrandt, Renoir, and more.
• Coit Tower – meander over to the Telegraph Hill neighborhood to set your peepers on the 210-foot tall Coit Tower. Located in Pioneer Park this esteemed edifice is a testament to the city’s obsession with Art Deco. Even more beauty is located inside, as the interior features fresco murals.

Romantic Spots for San Francisco Sunsets

Mother nature’s majesty will always leave us speechless. Watch your lover’s eyes come alive with wonder, as you settle in for one of the most romantic things to do in San Francisco.

Searing purple, red, and pink hues make for some outstanding sunsets in the City by the Bay. 

To score your very own unforgettable cotton candy sky, follow along with our list of best places to sneak in a sensual sunset soiree:

• Bernal Heights
• Crissy Field
• Twin Peaks
• Sutro Baths

San Francisco Romantic Things to Do

Wind-swept road trips, wine-tasting tours, and seaplane sojourns. Whether you are a couple who loves breaking out your windbreaker and hiking boots or feel more at home sipping Merlot, San Francisco things to do for couples will never disappoint:

Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive – Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

Prepare your vintage headscarf and don those movie star shades as you and your glamorous boo spend an entire day cruising in style.

Leave the driving to the experts as you and your partner appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery on one of the most scenic roads in California on your Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive – Full-Day Tour from San Francisco.

Daydream about the stately mansions on Pebble Beach, squeal over the otters and penguins at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Then, pursue the chicest of wares in Carmel-by-the-sea. All on your 11-hour luxury motor coach tour.

Incredible tour highlights include stops at:

• Pigeon Point Light Station
• Davenport
• Monterey Bay
• Cannery Row
• 17-Mile Drive
• Lone Cypress
• Pebble Beach Golf Links
• Carmel Plaza

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

Groovy baby! Fire up that peace sign and those bell-bottoms as you and your babe embark on a thoroughly retro Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour.

Your fully outfitted vintage Volkswagen bus is the perfect vehicle to parade you through storied neighborhoods and landmarks such as Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Golden Gate Park Twin Peaks, and more. 

Jam out to tunes from the 1960s and 70s as your knowledgeable guide spills the tea on the Painted Ladies and the Golden Gate City’s fascinating history.

Afternoon tours will be treated to tastes of Californian white wine and local craft beer as your wide-eyed bus traverses the hilly terrain of San Fran. 

Since each restored VW bus-only sits up to 7 people, these nifty vehicles can enter many historical hot spots that larger tour buses cannot, including Alamo Square (Painted Ladies), Lombard Street, and the narrow alleys of the Mission.

This intimate small group tour can be reserved for private parties as well. 

San Francisco Cruises & Train Rides

Escape from the Rock Cruise

Grab a windbreaker and your bubba’s hand as you brace yourself for a bone-chilling adventure around Alcatraz.

Your Escape from the Rock Cruise is a 90-minute engaging tour that does a deep dive into what was once the most feared prison in the American penal system.

Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and all around the infamous Alcatraz Island as you listen to the free multi-language audio tour.

Gasp in horror as you are regaled with real terrifying tales regarding life in prison and renowned escape attempts from its most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, Billy Cook the Killer, and Clyde Johnson.

Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Enjoy fresh ocean air, up-close wildlife encounters, and a day at sea with your beloved. Embark on an aquatic day of sights, scenery, and photo frame-worthy camera ops on a Golden Gate Bay Cruise. 

Venture into the azure waters of the Bay for your one-hour picturesque cruise. After a movie-worthy departure from the historic Fisherman’s Wharf, you will hit the water and sail right under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and by the Marin Headlands wildlife reserve. 

Keep those peepers peeled for local fauna as you are likely to spot seagulls, pelicans, sea lions, and possibly even harbor porpoises or whales.

Skim the horizon and be on the lookout for such sights as:

• • The buzzing neighborhood of North Beach
  • The famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park
  • The historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier
  • The San Francisco Maritime National Park 
  • And more!

Skunk Train

Whether you are sitting side by side with your lover as you watch the lush scenery of the redwood forests whiz past or raising a glass to cheer your renewed love in a quaint concession car, there is something thoroughly romantic about a rail car rendezvous. 

Transport you and your turtle dove to a bygone era when you spend an afternoon aboard the historic Skunk Train. 

This 1885 era rail vehicle has remained unchanged for over a hundred and thirty years since it began its lumber operations and scenic sojourn through the redwood groves, picturesque trestle bridges, otherworldly tunnels, and Noyo River Canyon.

Lovestruck train passengers today get to enjoy the same unaltered pristine views that would have been visible at the California Western Railroad’s (aka Skunks) inception.

Plucky riders can choose from up to 5 distinct ways to prevail in the Skunk’s historic charm, including:

• Pudding Creek Express – a staggeringly beautiful 75-minute, a 7-mile round trip along the Pudding Creek Estuary.
• Wolf Tree Turn – a 2-hour journey traveling over the highest point of the rail line and departing from Willits. 
• Railbikes – put the pedal to the metal on these old-fashioned two-person railbikes that make for a romantic one-and-a-half-hour adventure along the Pudding Creek Estuary to Glen Blair Junction.
• Railbikes on the Noyo – a brand new excursion that will take you and your paramour deep into the mystery and majesty of the old-growth redwood groves and flowing Noyo River.

Outdoor Adventures & Hikes

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tour

Dappled sunlight streaming through towering Redwoods, quiet moments communing with nature, and an enchanting Sausalito reprieve make for an idyllic couples afternoon.

Get the best out of nature and the City on your 4-hour Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour.

There’s nothing like the ancient majestic beauty of the Muir Woods. So, spend an hour and a half in this revered ‘living museum’ of ancient old-growth forest just 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco. Then, pause to commemorate these coastal redwoods while snapping a photo or two of these living legends whose growth used to cover the entire west coast.

Post Muir Woods National Monument, let your knowledgeable guide give you the lowdown on the charming Mediterranean-style town of Sausalito. 

It is often heralded as one of the most romantic spots in Northern California due to its bevy of houseboats, quaint shops, and delectable restaurants. 

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour

Cupid called, and he’s booking you on an intimate cycling tour! Pull-on that helmet and prime yourself for those rolling hills when you and your partner depart on a Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour. 

There are amazing Bay city views, plenty of outdoor exercise, and many iconic landmark stops? Say less! 

Bike the day away on your small group 3-hour cycling tour, which features stops at:

• Ghirardelli Square
• Fort Mason
• The Marina District
• Crissy Fields
• The Golden Gate Bridge
• Sausalito 
• And more!

Your biking affair will conclude in scenic Sausalito, where you can choose to stay and perhaps sample some of Fred’s famous bacon or take the ferry back to San Francisco.

Worried 3 hours of conquering hills may be a little tough on those legs? If so, guests can easily upgrade to an e-bike for a nominal fee. 

San Francisco Wine Tours

Sonoma County Tasting Pass

Merlot, Cabernet, and Chardonnay, oh my! Sip, cheers, and toast to the love of your life when you book a full day (or more) of wine tasting in Sonoma.

The Sonoma County Tasting Pass is your grape getaway into the wild world of wine tasting. 

Choose from 1, 2, or 90 day passes and let the sampling begin. Not just limited to vino, your premier pass also includes renowned craft breweries, cideries, and micro-distilleries. 

With so many award-winning wineries to choose from, you’ll want to spend more than just a day sipping tasting flights and savoring exclusive discounts on bottles. 

Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Country Tour

Beer and wine are fine, but how about combining your imbibing with a mystical and magical trek through the Muir Woods?

Unwind in the fanciful oasis of Redwoods with the Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Country Tour. A stellar mashup of wine tasting, hiking, sightseeing, and more. This 10-hour full-day tour is sure to impress.

Snake your way through the rugged coastal mountains of the Marin Headlands and past Mt. Tamalpais (the highest point in the North Bay region). Spend a little over an hour traversing the redwood forests and documenting their giant size before moving on to wine country.

Your fully inclusive tour includes all wine tastings. Therefore, you and your sweetie can sample a wide array of white, red, and dessert wines. Wineries toured may consist of:

• Homewood
• Larson
• Cline Cellars
• Robledo

Following your vino sampling, check out the historic Sonoma town square. Next, peer at the Mission San Francisco de Solano, and do some quick window shopping. Finally, wrap up your day at the romantic seaside Sausalito.

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

Vamp up the va-va-voom with a full day of wine tasting with your dearest. Revel in the lush rolling hills and stunning scenery of wine country. Meanwhile learning the ins and outs of the winemaking process as you tour vineyards, barrel rooms, and more.

A vino-soaked escape that pours out amour, the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco is a luxurious way to see both the smaller vineyards and the family-run estates. 

During your tour, stroll merrily through Sonoma Plaza. Enjoy lunch at a darling cafe, and be sure to save room for your three tastings at three distinct wineries. 

Tour featured vineyards may include:

• B.R. Cohn Winery
• Roche Winery
• Madonna Estate

San Francisco Food Tours

Secret Food Tour of San Francisco’s Mission District w/ Private Tour Option

Any food-loving twosome knows that the Mission is synonymous with delicious eats. But there are way more than famous burritos to taste in this renowned San Francisco district.

Put your palates in skillful hands when you reserve a Secret Food Tour of San Francisco’s Mission District w/ Private Tour Option. 

Be sure to come hungry. This 3.5-hour culinary walking tour will not only illuminate the Mission’s eclectic cultural legacy but provide mouthwatering samples. Enjoy bakery-style cookies, clam chowder, and local ice cream during your time.

Amateur sommeliers will appreciate the gems of invaluable knowledge imparted about California wine. Meanwhile, history buffs will savor tidbits and fun facts regarding the Mission’s unique architecture and cultural heritage.

More incredible Mission tour highlights include stops at:

• Mission Dolores
• Balmy Alley Murals
• Clarion Alley Murals
• SF Armory

San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch

Dynamic, vibrant, and bursting with history! San Francisco’s Chinatown is not to be missed. Take a couples trip to East Asia when you traverse the hidden gems of this well-known neighborhood together.

The San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour with Optional Lunch is the tastiest way to get to know this district. 

From Buddhist temples to a traditional herbal pharmacy to a famous fortune cookie factory. This tour is an electrifying mix of food, culture, and history.

Feast your eyes on the vibrant paper lanterns and pagodas of this area. Meanwhile, your expert guide unveils the truth behind Chinatown’s history and present-day authenticity. Finally, educate yourself about the use of ginseng root and taste a factory-fresh fortune cookie. 

This tour also offers an optional update to a 9-course Dim sum lunch—a mouthwatering way to wrap up your day. 

San Francisco Aerial Tours

Golden Gate Tour

Let your love take flight on the Seaplane Adventure Golden Gate Tour. Soar high above the clouds and soak in the splendor of the Golden Gate City on this 30-minute aerial tour.

Shake up your traditional sightseeing date and spy San Francisco’s landmarks from your secure plane. During your flight, you’ll take in indescribable views of: 

• The Golden Gate Bridge
• Alcatraz
• Crissy Field
• Downtown San Francisco
• AT&T Park
• Angel Island

Norcal Coastal Tour

Looking to up the amorous ante? Spend even more time in the sky when you board your intimate seaplane for a deluxe 60-minute flight. The Norcal Coastal Tour is an extensive aerial experience like no other.

Canoodle with your favorite cutie as you cruise past Marin County, Tamales Bay, and the Pt. Reyes Lighthouse.

Have your camera at the ready! You won’t want to miss a minute of the stunning Northern Californian coastline. Perhaps you’ll even spot some whales. 

Sunset Champagne Tour

Pop that bubbly, and maybe even the question, on the most romantic of all aerial adventures, the Sunset Champagne Tour. 

Picture a postcard-worthy sunset of the most brilliant golden hues. Meanwhile, your cozy seaplane takes off for a 40-minute journey through the Great Bay Area.*

Clink glasses and lock eyes with your baby as you enjoy a crisp, cool glass of Northern California’s finest champagne. 

This romantic evening tour is ideal for setting the stage for a dreamy dinner in Sausalito afterward.

*This tour follows the same route as the Greater Bay Area Flight but is timed to coincide with the sunset.

Iconoclastic architecture, history, and an unparalleled culinary culture make San Francisco a romantic haven.

From the laidback hippie vibes of Haight Ashbury to the jaw-dropping scenery of Angel Island and the Marin Headlands, nobody can deny the allure and magnetism of the City by the Bay.

Whether you and your lover choose to sip Chardonnay in Sonoma or passionately pedal old-fashioned railbikes across Pudding Creek, romantic activities in San Francisco set the stage for days of sparkling passion.

What Other Romantic Things to Do for Couples in San Francisco Have You Found?

Did we miss any of the best things for couples to do in San Francisco?

Tell us in the comments below!