A Very Romantic Getaway in San Francisco
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San Francisco is quite possibly the most romantic city in the USA! The ocean, the architecture, landscapes and atmosphere make "San Fran" a must for romantic travel.
This is just a brief look at some of the best things for couples to do on a romantic getaway in San Francisco, including a couple of exciting day trips. And there's a few ideas for romantic restaurants and hotels in San Francisco too.
San Francisco's Must-See Sights
Golden Gate Bridge: The most beautiful bridge in the world? Probably. And no romantic getaway in San Francisco is complete without seeing it at least once!
Sometimes the Golden Gate can be totally shrouded in fog, which can add to the experience!
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Besides driving across it, you'll want to view it from a good vantage point. We think the best place to see the Golden Gate Bridge is from the Marin Headlands on the north side (look for Battery Spencer on Conzelman Rd). About an hour before sunset is when it seems to look its best! Goldne Gate Bridge Toll: $5 (collected southbound only).
Fisherman's Wharf: Touristy for sure, but spend at least part of the day down here exploring Pier 39 and all the souvenir shops, street vendors and ice cream parlors.
Alcatraz: Visit the most famous prison in the world! A short boat ride brings you out to this island-jail. Captivating place that can make you feel so isolated (even though you're only minutes from downtown!) Self-guided tours are available and highly reccommended. Chinatown: Make you way through the crowded streets of vegetable stands, fish and meat stalls, temples and restaurants. An exciting ethnic experience in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in America.
Some of the Most Romantic Places in San Francisco, CaliforniaSome of the most romantic spots in San Francisco are ones you find on your own - a view from a hill, a nice spot down by the water, or in one of the cities great dining establishments. Here are 3:
More Romantic Things to Do in San Francisco:
Alamo Square: This is the photo you always see of the colorful Victorian row houses, with the city peeking out behind. Put yourself in the picture, and get someone (or the camera's self-timer) to snap this great souvenir of your romantic getaway in San Francisco.
Take a Walk Down Lombard Street: "The World's Crookedest Street"! Don't miss the chance to drive (and walk) this crazy, curvy lane between Hyde St. and Leavenworth St. It's an impossibly bent-out-of-shape residential lane that's also of the steepest in the world. One of the fun things to do in San Francisco!
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Some More Great Streets to Explore: Filmore Street for local shops and eateries, the colorful Latino neighborhood on Mission Street (between 16th and 24 St), and the shopper's paradise around Union Square.
Go for a Nightcap in the Lounge at the Fairmont Hotel The Crown Room at this luxury Nob Hill hotel is a choice spot for a late night glass of wine with a splendid 23rd-floor view of San Francisco's twinkling lights.
Ride a Cable Car: A chance to hang on to the poles as it clatters down the streets (this will put you right back into every Streets of San Francisco episode or Rice-a-Roni commercial you ever saw!). The best place to catch a ride one of San Francisco's cable cars is along Powell Street on the west side of Union Square.
Best San Francisco Day TripsNapa Valley: A perfect day trip from the city, and a romantic destination all it's own. The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are full of excellent restaurants, spas, gorgeous scenery, and of course, some of the best wine in the world.
For more on a romantic getaway to Napa and Sonoma, see our California Wine Tour section.
Sausalito: Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, you arrive in sunny Sausalito. It's a great afternoon getaway from the city, with nice views across the bay, a very walkable main street with just the right mix of shops, bistros, galleries and cafes. There's some great little romantic inns right on the waterfront like The Inn Above Tide (great view of the city across the Bay), and some B&B's tucked away in the hills.
To get to Sausalito, we suggest taking the Golden Gate Ferries which chug across the Bay in about 30 minutes.
For more excursions from San Francisco, be sure to see our section on Northern California Romantic getaways. Romantic Hotels in San FranciscoFor an introduction to some of the best places for couples to stay in San Francisco, click on over to our Romantic Hotels in San Francisco page. Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, and downtown hotels in various price categories. All very handy, very attractive, and very romantic!
Romantic Restaurants in San FranciscoIn a town this romantic, you can be sure there are many, many great places to eat for couples in San Francisco. Check out our Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco page for some intimate dining possibilities, and even a few romantic coffee shops and cafes for late night java!Travel to and Around San FranciscoArriving by air, you'll most likely begin your romantic getaway in San Francisco in one of 3 major airports in the Bay Area:
Most international flights use San Francisco International (SFO). More and more low-fare carriers are using Oakland and San Jose. Getting around San Francisco presents the usual challenges common to any big US city. The BART system (Bay Area Rapid Transit) works well and connects SFO with downtown San Francisco and Oakland.
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