For those visiting San Francisco for/on Valentine's Day, know that there's something special for both couples and singles alike. In fact, CheapTickets.com designated S.F. the second-top destination for solo travelers.
So, to get started, here are some ideas on how to spend Valentine's Day in the city. To this list, I'm sure more will be added as the holiday approaches. (Send me your ideas too!)
WHERE TO DINE
OpenTable.com has begun taking reservations for Valentine’s Day and the top restaurants are sure to be booked quickly for the special day, so if you plan on visiting the city at this time, consider making your reservations as soon as possible. You can always cancel should you find another place to go or another thing to do. No worries that a reservation will go to waste, as there’s sure to be some other couple thankful that it’s become available. Now though, your selection will be much more robust than what you’ll find via last-minute plans.
When choosing a romantic restaurant, San Francisco will not disappoint. As a city that’s often said to be the most European in the nation, ambience and beautiful views are a given for many of the 5,360 restaurants in and around town. In fact, to dine by romantic view, consider these:
PANORAMIC VIEW
Carnelian Room
555 California Street, 52nd Floor
415.433.7500
Serving contemporary continental American cuisine, this luxury restaurant is located 781 feet above the ground.
Top of the Mark
InterContinental Mark Hopkins, S.F.
One Nob Hill (999 California Street)
415.616.6916
Located on the 19th floor of the famed hotel, this glass-walled cocktail lounge offers a choice of 100 different martinis, plus a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu.
The View
San Francico Marriott
55 Fourth Street
415.896.1600
From this lounge, you and your sweetheart can enjoy cocktails and wide views of the city, overlooking the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Yerba Buena Gardens, and all of SoMa.
BAYSIDE VIEW
Alioto’s No. 8
8 Fisherman’s Wharf
415.673.0183
This restaurant dates back to 1925 and was the “eighth” dining establishment of Fisherman’s Wharf. Depending on your “view,” gaze upon Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, or Golden Gate Bridge. This is the birthplace of the “cioppino” stew.
Bistro Boudin
160 Jefferson Street
415.351.5561
From this restaurant, located above the bakery and cafe of Boudin Bakery, diners can take in views of the wharf, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and Golden Gate Bridge. Famed for sourdough.
Greens
Fort Mason, Building A
415.771.7955
Great views of the marina. Greens is known for its vegetarian menu and for using locally-sourced wines and produce.
VIEW OF THE BAY BRIDGE
Slanted Door
One Ferry Building, #3
415.861.8032
Serving modern Vietnamese cuisine right on the waterfront. Features a Riesling-dominant wine list, surely with a vintage to toast on Valentine’s Day.
The Waterfront Restaurant
Pier 7, The Embarcadero
415.391.2696
Also found on the waterfront, this restaurant dates back to 1969 and features a clear view of the entire bay, making it a favorite for business meetings. It’s view inspires conversation.
Palomino
345 Spear Street, Suite 100
415.512.7400
Located on the Embarcadero, across the waterfront, Palomino offers a fine view of the bridge, with it seemingly disappearing right above it. Cuisine is Italian.
PACIFIC OCEAN VIEW
The Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant
1000 Great Highway
415.386.8439
Facing Ocean Beach, the Beach Chalet features WPA frescoes by Lucen Labaudt (1930s) and romantic views of the Pacific Ocean’s surf. A casual environment, one known for its hops and barley creations.
The Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos
415.386.3330
Rebuilt three times (the final time in 2004), the Cliff House offers luxurious dining and breathtaking views of the cliffs, peering out over Seal Rocks, the Pacific Ocean, and Marin coastline.
[ALSO SEE: cruises and gift ideas]
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