classic romantic
Are you and your better half looking for the best spots in San Francisco to celebrate your love this February? Or maybe you have a new flame and want to impress them with a date idea more unique than the boring old after-work drink or dinner and a movie. Pick and choose a few date spots along this romantic route throughout the city’s most iconic neighborhood.
1. Pier 43 Promenade
Address: Pier 43
Attraction Type: Outdoor
Cost: Free
Your date won’t be able to help, but feel the love while taking a stroll down the Pier 43 promenade and admiring the stunning views of the Bay, the historic Pier 43 Arch, and Alcatraz. The Pier 43 Promenade underwent a $10 million renovation in 2012, and was outfitted with colored LED lights in 2019.
Couples Photo Op: Ask a passerby to snap a shot of you two while you strike a pose under the romantic Pier 43 Arch.
2. The Iconic Crab Wheel Sign
Address: Jefferson & Taylor Streets
There is good reason that this intersection is the main hub for San Francisco visitors. This spot rivals with the Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies as the ultimate spot on any SF itinerary. And who said dates need to drain your wallet? What better way to spend a nice day than sampling the fresh and affordable seafood while sitting near the iconic crab wheel sign?
Couples Selfie Photo Op: Maybe the most popular selfie spot in all of SF… in front of the famous crab wheel sign. A classic selfie indeed!
3. Evening Bay Cruises
Red and White Fleet’s Sunset Cruise
Address: Pier 43 ½ The Embarcadero
Attraction Type: Boat
Cost: $50 per person
Take your next romantic excursion off solid ground and onto the sea! Cruise past the iconic sites of the Bay such as Alcatraz, Angel Island National Park, under the Golden Gate Bridge and along the shorelines of Tiburon and Sausalito on the relaxed 90-minute sunset cruise.
4. Scoma’s Restaurant
Address: 1965 Al Scoma Way (Pier 47)
Attraction Type: Restaurant
One of San Francisco’s most classic date spots, Scoma’s Restaurant boasts the freshest seafood in San Francisco. The restaurant pulls that day’s catch from a boat that docks on the same pier that the restaurant sits on and brings it straight to your plate. Talk about sustainable! Your date will be impressed by this thoughtful choice. Snuggle up next to your beloved in a Bay-view booth while you enjoy Dungeness crab, cioppino, and classic cocktails.
5. Fishermen’s & Seamen’s Memorial Chapel
Address: Pier 45-B
Attraction Type: Memorial
Cost: Free
Considering popping the question? Take your loved one to this romantic and historic spot on the old Fisherman’s Wharf wooden pier, across from Pier 45. Sitting above the Bay next to the romantic chapel surrounded by gorgeous Bay views is sure to inspire a resounding “YES!” Or, if you are a step ahead of the game, the chapel also hosts small intimate weddings.
6. Hyde Street Pier Historic Ships
Address: Hyde and Jefferson Streets
Attraction Type: Museum
Cost: $15 per person
Located at the west end of Fisherman's Wharf, Hyde Street Pier is home to a fleet of historic landmark vessels. For a modest admission fee, visitors can board this fleet of turn-of-century historic ships.
Couples Photo Op: Ask a park ranger to get a shot of you and your partner in a Titanic-esque Kate and Leo pose on the front of the Balclutha.
7. Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
Address: 900 North Point Street
Attraction Type: Restaurant
Cost: $13.95 and up for a sundae
What is sweeter than sharing a world-famous Ghirardelli Hot Fudge Sundae with your sweetheart? That’s right, nothing! Not to mention the whipped cream, chopped almonds, and cherry-on-top. Take in the tasty delight at Ghirardelli Square sitting next to the fountain, or stroll down to Aquatic Park and enjoy it while sitting in the grass and admiring the amazing view of the beautiful San Francisco Bay. You can plan ahead and bring your own picnic to enjoy in the park on a sunny San Francisco day.
8. The “Love Line,” a.k.a. the Cable Car
Address: Hyde & Beach Street or Taylor & Bay Street (Fisherman’s Wharf), and Powell & Market Street (Union Square)
Attraction Type: Public Transportation/Historic Monument
Cost: $8 per person, each way
The world loves San Francisco for its many icons, especially the historic cable cars. Feel the love with your loved one aboard the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason line, which go to and from Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Hold on to the safety rail and swing through the streets while you ride the cable car in San Francisco’s hilly and historic neighborhoods.
Couples Selfie Photo Op: Hang out, literally, and snap a shot of you two on the cable car!
