Whether you decided to take another crack at Hinge, or just want to have a lovely date in the city, we’re here to help! Lucky for you, our followers know plenty of beautiful locations to have in your back pocket. Here’s what locals responded to our question: Where is the most romantic place in San Francisco?
What would you add to the list?
1. Foreign Cinema‘s outdoor patio
This magical outdoor patio is adorned with string lights and features a large screen to project films. It’s the ultimate date spot for a romantic evening under the stars, especially if you get a spot next to the fireplace. Enjoy delicacies like oysters, creative salads and entrees made from sustainable ingredients, or come during the daytime for a hearty outdoor brunch.
2. Dolores Park at night
This popular 16-acre green space in the Mission District has hosted countless festivals, concerts, and other events. But it’s also the city’s favorite spot for people watching, catching up with friends, and enjoying amazing views. Pack up a picnic and go at sunset for a budget-friendly city outing that’s low-effort, high-payoff.
3. Pier 7
Take a seat on a bench lining this lovely pier on the waterfront offering great views of both the SF skyline and the bay. Go at sunset for the best experience and make a stop at the Ferry Building for to-go food or a sit down meal.
4. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is an essential spot for anyone wanting to admire the Golden Gate Bridge on the edge of the water. Sit in the sand, befriend local dogs, and take in the fresh air. Find it on the west coast of the historic Presidio and look for harbor porpoises in the water along with the views of the Marin Headlands. Heads up: the north part of the beach is clothing-optional.
5. The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is where you’ll find sparkling views of San Francisco’s cityscape. Watch the twinkling lights reflect off the water and enjoy the best of the Bay at the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf, or look for a nice waterfront restaurant during your walk to grab a bite.
6. Fort Point
Fort Point is another essential Golden Gate Bridge viewing spot. Watch the waves crash against the shore or check out some of the war-era artifacts that have been preserved around the area. You can even take a special candlelight tour on weekends from November through February, which transports you back to the look and feel of 1800s-era San Francisco.
7. Coit Tower
Coit Tower is an essential San Francisco landmark. Visitors can travel to the top of the 210-foot-high tower and marvel at 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz, and much more.
8. Palace of Fine Arts
This popular spot is right on the edge of the Presidio. The Palace of Fine Arts was famously designed by Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, and it’s stood as one of the most iconic landmarks in the city ever since. Sprawl out on the grass and enjoy the beautiful palace with a sunset backdrop.
9. Alamo Square
The Painted Ladies are a collection of colorful row of Victorian homes that you can view from Alamo Square, most famous for their appearance in the opening credits of Full House (1987-1995). Take a picnic and enjoy awesome views and people watching, especially at sunset.
10. Ina Coolbrith Park at night
This small, unassuming park in Russian Hill is really a hidden gem when you’re looking for great city views. Climb the steps all the way to the top for a spectacular sunset reward, or lounge on the benches for a romantic evening. Stop by the nearby Francisco Park to make a day out of it.
11. Ocean Beach
This stunning beach along the west coast of the city is perfect for bonfires (March through October), but remember that the water is extremely unsafe. However it’s great for watching the sunset or enjoying a beach picnic.
12. SF Botanical Garden
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a beautiful, relaxing green space with 7,700 types of plants across 55 acres. It’s free to visit for all SF City and County residents with proof of residency, and the general public can get in for free before 9am daily and on the second Tuesday of every month. Be sure to visit during magnolia season between January and March.
13. Battery Cranston
Battery Cranston is one of numerous military batteries situated around the SF Bay, but it’s especially unique for its views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding scenery. You can park along Merchant Road and walk the Coastal Trail for some of the most scenic views in the city.
14. Sutro Baths
The immensely popular Land’s End Trail offers dramatic views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. This moderate hike will take you to the Sutro Baths, the ruins of a public swimming pool dating back to 1896. You can take a more accessible route along the Golden Gate Promenade and snap some incredible photos along the way.
15. Shakespeare Garden
The Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers, better known as the Shakespeare Garden, is a must-see for literature lovers. This romantic garden is home to over 200 unique flowers and plants, all of which are mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Whether you’re a diehard literature fan, or just looking for a pleasant picnic spot, it’s certainly worth a visit. Bring your favorite play and watch the imagery jump off the page.
16. Letterman Digital Arts Center Recycled Water Pond
The Letterman Digital Arts Center, home of Lucasfilm in SF’s Presidio, is beloved for its iconic Yoda Fountain in front of Building B. But right nearby is a lovely recycled water pond with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. Stroll through the campus and see the sights.
17. Twin Peaks
These 2 adjacent peaks in the City stand 922 feet tall, making them second only to Mt. Davidson. The park itself is 64 acres, and you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay by hiking the 0.7 mile trail network to the top. You can also observe plenty of animal and plant diversity during your journey.
18. Wave Organ
The Wave Organ, created by artists Peter Richards and George Gonzalez in 1986, is an acoustic sculpture activated by the waves of the San Francisco Bay. Its haunting music comes from 25 different organ pipes placed at different levels around the sculpture, changing with the rise and fall of the tides.
19. Lover’s Lane
Lover’s Lane is the oldest footpath through the Presidio, once used by Spanish soldiers and missionaries. The shady path is about 0.6 miles long, and takes you right near this sculptural wooden installation called Wood Line by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy.
20. Top of the Mark
True to its name, Top of the Mark offers stunning penthouse views of SF from its perch atop Nob Hill in the Mark Hopkins Hotel. The swanky bar is well known for its signature martinis and the Squadron Shot, which dates back to WWII.
21. Crissy Field
The land that is now Crissy Field has gone through multiple iterations over the years. It began as home to the Ohlone people, and since then has served as an historic army airfield, a U.S. Coast Guard station, a Grand Prix raceway, and more. It’s now an expansive grassy field right on the waterfront where you can bask in the sun and enjoy SF’s iconic views.
22. Boulevard
Boulevard is arguably one of the most beautifully-decorated restaurants in the city, but the Californian menu is equally as impressive. They offer a set price menu and an à la carte menu, both of which focus on fresh local ingredients that vary by season. Spend the day on the Embarcadero and top it off with a beautifully cooked pork chop, filet mignon, or ahi tuna tartare.