Happy Valentine’s Day, San Francisco. With February 14th quickly approaching, we compiled a list of some of our favorite ways to spend the holiday.
While a romantic dinner is always fun, there are plenty of other creative ways to celebrate, such as attending the Exploratorium’s popular “Sexplorations” event or booking a fireside table at a great restaurant.
How will you spend February 14th?
Every year, the San Francisco Botanical Garden explodes into a beautiful spectrum of deep magentas and bright pinks. The “Magnificent Magnolias“ event occurs in late January through March, meaning peak bloom often occurs right around Valentine’s Day.
SF residents can enjoy free admission to the SF Botanical Garden every single day, and non-residents can visit for free between 7:30 and 9 a.m. daily or on February 10th, 2026.
Dear San Francisco is a dazzling show featuring incredible acrobatics, choreography, and original music. A cast of talented performers takes the audience through the many phases of San Francisco’s history. On Valentine’s Day, Club Fugazi offers a special Valentine’s experience with gift packages including sweets and wine for the performance.
“Mix & Mingle” NightLife at the Academy of Sciences
NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences is one of our favorite ongoing events with special themed programming every Thursday. Join the “Mix & Mingle” event on February 12th, 2026 for an evening they’ve deemed “meet-cute meets science.”
After Dark: Sexplorations at the Exploratorium
On February 12th, the Exploratorium brings back its annual Valentine’s Day After Dark event, Sexplorations. The festive event explores all the ways sex occurs in nature: think mating rituals, plants’ sex organs, and more. If your middle school self couldn’t stop giggling in biology, we recommend you check this out.
San Francisco is full of lovely romantic places to have a date, from fine dining to intimate outdoor adventures. Are you looking for a new activity to enjoy with a partner? From arcade bars to city experiences, read our list to get inspired.
San Francisco’s Ferry Building is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, serving as a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a center for events, pop-ups, a farmers’ market, and countless excellent merchants who sell their wares daily in the building’s many stalls.
This February, the Ferry Building hosts the annual Hearts in SF display through Feb. 11th, as well as the annual Love Bites! event on Feb. 12th, where guests can enjoy food and wine samples.
Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf
After long delays, it’s finally Dungeness crab season, which means you can buy it right off local boats at Fisherman’s Wharf. Pick up the freshest catch to impress your Valentine with a classic SF meal. Check out the Off-Boat Fish Sales page for more information on how to buy Dungeness crab from local fishermen.
Spend a romantic evening at the Candlelight Valentine’s Day Special on February 13th at St Ignatius Church and February 14th at Temple Emanu-El. Featuring hits like Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow,” this romantic evening of classical music and cozy candlelight is the perfect way to celebrate the season of love.
Can’t make the Valentine’s Day shows? See the full schedule of upcoming Candlelight concerts here.
TBA for 2026
Every year, the Academy of Sciences holds the cutest Valentine’s Day tradition. They present the penguin colony with red felt Valentines with adorable messages written on them. The penguins then use the felt hearts to line their nests, plus it’s just too cute to watch. The Valentines are usually presented during the penguins’ normal feeding time, but if you can’t make it in person, you can watch via a live stream.
Whether as a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself, good chocolate is always appreciated. Luckily, SF is home to several world-renowned chocolate shops that you can visit. From Dandelion Chocolate to XOX Truffles, here are some of our favorite chocolate shops to snag something sweet for Valentine’s Day.
San Francisco is known for its famously chilly weather but is luckily also home to some world-class saunas and spas. Enjoy an intimate and romantic day at these popular saunas in and around the city, such as Archimedes Banya and Kabuki Springs.
Romantic spots in San Francisco
We wanted to get to the bottom of the most romantic spots in San Francisco, so we asked our Instagram followers. From Ina Coolbrith Park to Baker Beach, these beautiful outdoor spots are absolute musts if you just want to create a special moment.
Here in San Francisco, we’re quite well-located to check out some neighboring California gems. From Castello di Amorosa to Wilder Ranch, be sure to put these day trips on your to-do list for the next time you want to get out of the city and into nature.
These beautiful restaurants in San Francisco didn’t skimp when it came to the design of their dining rooms, and the results are absolutely phenomenal. Here’s a list of some of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, compiled with a little help from our Instagram followers. Check them out this Valentine’s Day!
A homey, roaring fire is a hot commodity during winter (and basically any other season) in SF’s characteristic foggy weather. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots with fireplaces in San Francisco, ranging from outdoor patios to neighborhood bars to fine dining restaurants.
Romantic outdoor restaurants and patios
The perfect romantic date spot for Valentine’s Day can take various forms, but a night of upscale dining al fresco in San Francisco is a classic go-to. These restaurants have magical outdoor patios where you can enjoy a variety of delicious food options, creative cocktails, and much more.
SF wine bars
San Francisco is a wine lover’s paradise. Between our proximity to wine country and a world-renowned restaurant scene, it’s no surprise that you can find amazing vino in nearly every corner of the city. Our favorite wine bars range from chic and sophisticated to wine-fueled dance parties and everything in between.