San Francisco is known as one of the most romantic cities to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the world according to online polls. For this reason, you can easily add to the traditional box of local chocolates, the cooking classes, and the theater. This year, surprise the love of your life in ways they did not anticipate with these 14 ideas.
1. San Francisco’s Annual Valentine’s Day Pillow Fight
Sure, couples should not fight on Valentine’s Day, but what if fighting involved romance? What started as a flash mob in 2006 has quickly turned into a local tradition. If your reservations get cancelled or you simply want to upcycle old bedroom pillows, this is an event you will not want to miss. The fun begins at the Justin Herman Plaza at 6 p.m., and any location changes will be announced on their Facebook event page.
2. Jump for your love
If you and the one you love are looking to maintain fitness goals, a Valentine’s Day that includes a cardiovascular workout is a surprise he or she will adore. However, this is not your usual run through Golden Gate Park or bike ride around Chinatown. Instead, the House of Air lets you express your love with the help of trampolines and a variety of drop-in sessions.
3. Heartwarming poetry readings
What Valentine’s Day in San Francisco would be complete without the time-honored tradition of poetry? In addition to a reading by City Lights Books poets Micah Ballard and Aaron Shurin at the University of San Francisco, there is also a poetry battle. A fundraiser for POOR Magazine, the Fifth Annual Poetry and Music Battle will be held on February 14 at Uncle Al and Mama Dee’s Cafe.
4. A lovebird portrait
If humor is a major point of what makes your relationship work, why not try silly couples photos? There is a special Valentine’s Day offering again this year from SFMOMA for couple’s portraits at the Artists Gallery at Fort Mason on February 13 and 20. If you are looking for something unique, consider Photobooth. In addition to Polaroids, Photobooth is the only studio in the world that offers 1800s tintype photography. Finally, if you want to look like a old Hollywood film star, Atelier Emmanuel is hosting a special glamour photo shoot that pulls out all the stops.
5. The wind beneath my wings
As a city that is refined to attract tourists, locals sometimes forget that these experiences are also available to those that actually live in San Francisco. If you are bored with the traditional view, try the ultimate panorama as you and your love coast through the sky. While SF Hang Gliding is actually in Marin County, it is certainly a romantic gesture as long as your partner is not afraid of heights.
6. Challenge your love
Naturally, not all couples consider an eating contest romantic. Regardless, if this sounds like the best way to say “I love you,” a visit to Pho Gardens in the Richmond District is a Valentine’s Day date they will thank you for. After you and your partner down the entire two pounds of noodles and two pounds of meat, you can each take home your own hand-painted pho bowl.
7. If your love could fill a yacht
It is the opinion of many locals that there is nothing more romantic than a paddle boat ride around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. If you feel that your date needs a larger watercraft and a lot more romance, sign up for the Valentine’s Day Dinner hosted by Empress Cruises.
8. Tracking down Dirty Harry
Are you and your love movie buffs? If you are looking to break out of your film festival routine, consider renting bikes and doing a unique movie tour. There are many classic films that were shot on location in San Francisco, and all of them can be worked into a bike ride. A good example is the Dirty Harry bike tour that takes you to distant points of the 7X7.
9. Volunteering your love for the planet
For some couples, spending money on extravagant bouquets of roses is not the way they show their love. When you are looking for something to do for Valentine’s Day that is meaningful and shows your love of the planet, do not forget about the volunteer day at SaveSFBay.org. You can join other ecologically minded couples at their marsh restoration project at Eden Landing on February 14.
10. Antique scavenger hunt
In America, romance is often associated with antiques. If your love has a passion for shopping, taking them on a tour of San Francisco’s antique shops is one gift they will not expect. In addition to the scavenger hunt that you can embark on, keep in mind that the SF Antique Mall has moved to a new location at 248 Utah St.
11. One-of-a-kind jewelry tour
Many couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with sparkling gems. Sadly, diamonds and modern settings can seem redundant after awhile. In order to spice up your gift this year, a trip to an estate jewelry collection can add the surprise back into this occasion. In particular, Shreve & Co. has one of the largest collections of estate sale jewels in San Francisco.
12. Romantic helicopter touring
Did you know that San Francisco has helicopter tours? Along with the usual cable car, foodie, and ghost walking tours, you and the love of your life can fly over San Francisco. The views and photos are definitely treasures that the both of you will hold dear for decades to come. After the flight is over, SF Helicopter Tours will drop you off for dinner on the Bay.
13. Cutting off your hair for love
Looking snazzy is a big part of the Valentine’s Day tradition. Sadly, some of us need to update our look with a proper haircut. If this is the case for you or your partner, do not forget to show some love for kids with cancer. If you have more than 6 inches of hair to cut, you can donate it to the local Locks of Love program.
14. Romantically dressed to the max
If having a great haircut has you inspired to look fabulous in every way for Valentine’s Day, try taking your wardrobe in a unique direction by having your outfit custom made. Local tailors include Seymour’s Fashions, Jinza Couture, and Paul’s Hat Works.
In conclusion, if you are still looking for a way to combine love and San Francisco, one final Valentine’s Day touch is the free e-cards from the SF Bike Coalition. Among others, it is another one of a kind way to show that you “wheelie love” someone this year.
Maryam Louise is a former English instructor and materials developer for the Department of Defense Refugee Resettlement and Education Program in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1997, she has contributed to academic works on the topic of gender. She has been living in the Bay Area since 2009, continuing her 15-year career in media.