San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities the West Coast has to offer - making it an optimal destination for a couple’s getaway. To help you make the most of your time in San Francisco, we’ve created a list of some of the best activities to do as a couple.
1. Go for a Bike Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge
You can’t really visit San Francisco without seeing the Golden Gate Bride. Even better than seeing it from a distance is renting a bike to see it up close and personal. There are several options for bike rentals in San Francisco, including e-bikes if you want to make the trip a little faster. Some hotels even offer complimentary bike lending, making this activity both fun and cost-effective.
2. Explore Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is one of the best places to spend a leisurely afternoon together. Though one of the more touristy areas in San Francisco, Fisherman's wharf has a huge variety of attractions, shops, street performers, and food. Be sure to bring your camera to snap pictures of the two of you together in front of the beautiful view, and to get those adorable sea lions on camera. The Boudin Bakery/Cafe is a great place to grab a bite to eat and try some of San Francisco's classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. After eating, you may be in the mood for some fun activities together - Fisherman's Wharf has a huge variety to pick from, including escape rooms, mirror mazes, and antique arcade games.
3. Chocolate Tasting at Ghirardelli Square
An iconic bayside landmark, Ghirardelli square is both beautiful and fun. Ghirardelli square has several food and drink options, but the classic Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop is a must-see. Or rather, a must-eat. The Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes are to-die-for, with the best chocolate and/or caramel toppings you've ever had. Ghirardelli square also has several shops to explore, and a "Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience". The square also hosts events frequently, such as art installations by local artists, musical performers, and holiday activities.
4. Rent a Pedal Boat on Stow Lake
Located in the Golden Gate Park is the beautiful Stow Lake and Boathouse. At the Boathouse, both row boats, pedal boats, and electric pedal boats are available for rent. Pedal boats are a great way to see and explore a good portion of the Golden Gate Park, while getting some exercise in. Stow Lake is full of beautiful scenery, and you're sure to enjoy your time together on a pedal boat. Rates and availability for their boats can be found on their website.
5. Take a Flight on a Seaplane
Seaplanes give you the unique experience of exploring San Francisco from both the sea and the sky. Though on the pricier side, a seaplane is sure to create an unforgettable experience for both you and your significant other. Companies that offer seaplane excursions often have different packages available - for example, Seaplane Adventures in San Francisco offer both a Golden Gate Tour and a "Sunset Champagne Tour".
6. Ride a Tandem Bike Together
Another fun and adventurous activity to try, riding a tandem bike will be sure to bring lots of laughs and unforgettable memories. Despite what you might think, riding a tandem bike can actually be quite difficult - but once you get the hang of it it's quite fun. The good news, is that tandem bike rentals can be found almost anywhere in San Francisco. For example, Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals and Tours
7. Visit the Exploratorium
The San Francisco Exploratorium is also a must-see. Don't be fooled into thinking that the Exploratorium is for kids only; there are activities and enjoyment to be found for individuals of all ages. With hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and themed events, a visit to the exploratorium may be just what you need to feel (and okay, maybe even act) like a little kid again. You may even learn something new about how the world around us works!
8. Try the Seward Slides
Have you ever slid down a huge concrete slide before? If not, you definitely can't miss Seward Slides. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood park, the slides were designed by a local teenager and built in the 1960s. With two concrete slides side-by-side, they're perfect for racing your partner! If you're feeling particularly competitive, you may consider bringing some cardboard to use as a "sled" for some extra oomph and speed while racing. After you've established a clear slides winner, a celebratory picnic in the park is the perfect way to end the day.
9. Walk down Lover's Lane
With a name like "Lover's Lane", is it any surprise that this activity made our list? Lover's Lane is a charming footpath that connects the Presidio Gate to the Main Post. As the oldest footpath in Presidio, Lover's Lane was originally used by Spanish soldiers and missionaries as a shortcut in the 18th century. Today, Lover's Lane is used by lovers and friends alike as a beautiful setting to get some exercise and enjoy each other's company. While walking down the path, there's a large variety of scenery to enjoy - outdoor art by artists and environmentalists, historic military housing, and dense forests to name a few. The path itself isn't difficult to walk, with the path only 0.6 miles long. If you're visiting San Francisco with your lover, be sure to snap a picture together as you're walking down Lover's Lane.
10. Visit the Japanese Tea Gardens
The Golden Gate Park consists of over 1000 acres of public grounds - making it nearly impossible for any tourist to experience all aspects of the park. However, when visiting the park, the Japanese Tea Gardens inside the park should be at the top of your list. While originally created as a "Japanese Village" for the California Midwinter International Exposition in 1894, the gardens gained a permanent place in the park after a Japanese Landscape Architect, Mr. Hagiwara, offered to become a caretaker of the gardens as a gift for posterity. Today, the Japanese Tea Gardens are one of the most popular sites in San Francisco. With native Japanese plants, stepping stone paths, a zen garden, koi ponds, pagodas, stone lanterns, and cherry blossom trees, prepare to be transported to an entirely new world while walking through the gardens. If you'd like to be further immersed into the experience, visit the Tea House, where you can sample tea and popular Japanese refreshments.
How will you pick?
With such a large variety of activities to do in San Francisco with your significant other, it seems impossible to pick. Hopefully this list was helpful - but of course, keep in mind where everything is located, and where your hotel is in proximity to your daily events.And of course, communicate with your partner and make sure you are planning activities that will be exciting and interesting for the both of you. Most importantly - have fun! Tag us in your photos with #couplesadventuressanfrancisco.