Take Your Dog For A Walk In San Francisco

Spring is here in San Francisco. It is time to get out of your apartment and explore the outdoors. However, there are many ways to explore the beautiful San Francisco. There are many options in the community to get out and get active. However, San Francisco has some of the best parks available for you and a furry friend. Take a peak at the best dog parks in San Francisco in the blog below. You can learn more at Sfist.

Bernal Heights Park
Bernal's large, lovely hill is an equally wonderful dog walking or dog watching outpost, with trails, a main road, and stellar views. The sightseeing is good all the way to the top, which has even more trails and from where you can take in the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges in one panorama. The park is a favorite destination for Bernal locals and San Franciscans farther afield, but it can sometimes get chilly at the top. But that's not that bad because it increases your likelihood of seeing phenomenal dog sweaters. —Caleb Pershan

Crissy Field
This is how I do Crissy Field: I park at the parking lot closest to the Marina Gate, and let the dogs out to run off-leash on the beach. When they seem a little less nutso, everyone gets leashed and we walk along the runway (it's a former airfield) all the way down to the Warming Hut. The humans get a cup of coffee and a treat and hang out at the picnic tables for a bit. Then we walk back up the runway, eventually making our way back to the car. All the while, there's the water to one side, the Presidio to the other, plenty of places to run and play, and a lot of scantily clad, athletic people to admire. —Eve Batey

Duboce Park
Dog owners across the city drool over the park-adjacent residences surrounding the always dog-filled Duboce Park. The off-leash area is expansive, sloping a full city block all the way down to Steiner Street, and though this is not the perfect place to take dogs who are fond of running off in the direction of cars — the Duboce and Steiner Street sides of the park are not fenced off in any way — it is the perfect place for all well behaved pooches who enjoy playing fetch and bounding about with other dogs. And there will pretty much always be others there doing the same, at all hours. Of special note: Duboce is home to the annual DogFest, which happens in April. —Jay Barmann


Fort Funston
Definitely the best dog beach in town is in the southwest corner of the city, almost in Daly City, in Fort Funston National Park. You have to do some climbing down a fairly steep path and then back up it when you're done, but this is an ideal spot to exhaust the most energetic of pups — especially those who aren't afraid of water. Of course you'll want to be careful on days with rough surf if your dog is too fearless, but this long, dog-filled expanse, bordered on one side by dunes, cliffs, and ice plants, is basically dog heaven. —Jay Barmann


Golden Gate Park
While your on-leash dog's welcome in many areas (except places like the bison paddock and Big Rec, that huge field at Lincoln and 7th Avenue) of Golden Gate Park, there are only four areas where it's not against the rules to take them off leash: a dog run bordered by Lincoln Way, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and 5th and 7th Avenues in the southeast, Stanyan between Hayes and Fulton on the northeast, MLK Jr and Middle Drives between 34th and 38th Avenues in the southwest, and a small dog training area at 38th Avenue and Fulton. All three of these spots are just the right mix of untamed nature (Wild bushes! Squirrels!) and nicely maintained park (Sprinklers! Trashcans!). Stay away from the coyotes, and you'll all have a great time. — Eve Batey


Huntington Park
In the Disney movie of SF dogdom, Nob Hill's Huntington Park would be where all the snooty poodles and can't-be-bothered lhasa apsos would strut about looking down their noses at the rambunctious beagle hero of the film. This half brick-surfaced, half grassy park with a famous fountain in the center of it sits in the shadow of Grace Cathedral, the Huntington Hotel, and the Mark Hopkins, and is the daily destination of many well heeled toy breeds from nearby luxury apartments, as well as some other riff-raff from downhill in the TenderNob and Russian Hill. It's technically an on-leash park, and there is a playground right next to it, so for off-leash play this is strictly limited to the really well behaved, and tends to mostly be for small dogs. —Jay Barmann


Lafayette Park
The Friends of Lafayette Park neighborhood group proudly describes this park as "a haven for dogs and people who love them at almost any time of day or night." What they don't mention is how this is also a great place to scope out some of the fanciest real estate in town: Larry Ellison, director Chris Columbus, and a lot of people you mainly see in the society pages live or lived in homes that border this Pac Haights park. Speaking of fancy, a lot of the dogs and their guardians that hang out here are, too, so be prepared for the occasional celeb (and their dog) sighting. Be cool! — Eve Batey


McLaren Park
The sprawling, serene southern San Francisco park is canine heaven with plenty of space and even a doggie pond. Bordering neighborhoods like the Excelsior, Visitacion Valley, and the Outer Mission. There's a large off-leash area, plenty of rolling hills, open fields and trails. What more could your dog's heart desire? —Caleb Pershan


Mountain Lake Park
This Inner-Richmond 14-acre getaway at the edge of the Presidio is great for stretching your, and your dogs, legs. There's a wood-chip carpeted dog specific area, which is where local dog walkers usually bring their herds on weekday afternoons. You'll also find plenty of trails surrounding the eponymous lake and mountain, a big grassy hill (with a concrete slide) and a duck filled lake. —Caleb Pershan


Ocean Beach
Of course you know that Ocean Beach is gorgeous! And of course you know that it's a haven for dogs, because there are a zillion things to smell, birds to chase, water to play in, and other dogs to interact with. All I have to do is start driving on Lincoln towards OB and my dog will go bonkers at the prospect of a beach walk, it's such a fan fave. The rules are that dogs must be on-leash between from Sloat Blvd. and Stairwell 21 (which is, roughly, about mid-Beach Chalet) except from May 15 to July 1. (Do people always follow this rule? Nope! But we're not here to get you in trouble.) North of Stairwell 21, it's an off-leash free-for-all, with pooches running wild as can be. — Eve Batey




Pine Lake Park
Commonly known as "Stern Grove Dog Park," Pine Lake Park's to the Grove's immediate west, with an entrance hidden just off Crestlake Drive. Past the parking lot, there's a huge off-leash play area constantly populated by pups and their guardians, as well as benches to sit and chat while everyone's dogs play. Or you can get your dog back on leash (per the rules) and walk the perimeter of lovely Pine Lake. The best part, though, is that this park's in a valley, so if your dog tries to escape chances are that you (with your longer legs) can catch him or her on the steep uphill. — Eve Batey

St. Patrick's Day in San Fran

Are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day this weekend?  Make sure to check out the West Coast's largest Irish event.  This event features Irish history, culture, and great events.  It has even attracted close to 100,000 people every year.  The event is on Saturday morning.  You can learn more at sf fun and cheap.

The West Coast’s largest Irish event celebrating Irish history and culture, the 164th Annual San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, attracts some 100,000 revelers every year and is one of the city’s most popular events.


164th San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Saturday, March 14, 2015
- Parade: Starts at 11:30 am
- Festival: 10 am to 5 pm
Parade begins on the corner of Market and 2nd Street and runs to Civic Center
Festival is in Civic Center Plaza
FREE

The parade will start at the corner of Market and Second Streets where over 100 colorful floats, Irish dance troupes and marching bands will wind their way to Civic Center Plaza.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates and showcases the Irish community, Irish culture and character in all its forms. Featured groups from throughout the Bay Area’s Irish community including schools, youth organizations, labor unions, cultural groups, as well as the San Francisco Police and Fire, will proudly march up Market Street.

The popular festival is back in 2015 and will take place from 10 am to 5 pm in Civic Center Plaza.

The colorful festivities surrounding the parade will showcase Irish Culture through live performance and entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitors, food and beverage concessions, children’s rides and inflatables, cultural displays, a petting zoo and pony ride and a number of non-profits booths representing the Irish community.

Creative SF Date Nights

Are you ready for a Netflix movie night this weekend?  You can always change up your date nights.  San Francisco has some amazing locations for a perfect fun date.  You can keep reading and check out  thrillist. for more creative ideas.


Virtual golf

Eagle Club Indoor Golf
A virtual, indoor driving range means you can enjoy the best aspects of golf -- hitting balls and "helping" her improve her swing -- without having to endure any of the negatives (stuffy dress codes, early tee-times, committing to 19 holes with a person you met on Tinder).
Pro tip: Upgrade your standard happy-hour date by suggesting an after-work tee-time (it’s located on 2nd and Howard, near all your standard happy hour bars, anyway).

Roller disco

Church of 8 Wheels
Ice skating is lame (and cold), but roller-skating? See, that right there is retro and cool, and still provides plenty of opportunities for rom-com-like falls that inevitably lead to touching. Also: DJs spinning old-school funk and disco while you skate around a converted historic church is awesome in and of itself.
Pro tip: Bring a flask -- there’s no bar on the premises
Archery

Golden Gate Park
Tucked away just North of the golf course is Golden Gate Park’s archery field, surrounded by woods that look like Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest (the cartoon one with the foxes, not the Costner one). You rent your equipment at the nearby San Francisco Archery Shop, where the expert archers on staff give you a quick tutorial. Then walk down to the field where nine target bales await you and your best Katniss Everdeen impression.
Pro tip: Bring wine or beer (probably just for post-shooting), plus picnic provisions.
Hiking

Lands End
You know what’s expensive? Dating. You know what’s free? Hiking. And thanks to panoramas around every corner, San Francisco turns what’s basically just walking into an exercise in romance. SF offers several awesome urban date hikes, but a walk that ends at Sutro Baths is especially dreamy. Making out... in a cave... while waves crash near by -- it’s like Danielle Steel created SF’s coastline herself. Wait... did she?
Boat ride

Stow Lake
Take a page out of a Nicholas Sparks novel with a picturesque paddle on Golden Gate Park’s Stow Lake. Sure, the waterfall on the center island, sweeping city views, ducks, and storybook wooden bridges could tip this date into cheesy territory, but that’s nothing a few tall boys in paper bags can’t temper. Plus, is it really the worst thing in the world if you start to remind her of Ryan Gosling?
Pro tip: Rent the pedal boats instead of the rowboats so your hands are free for sipping beer. Oh, and bring snacks to share with the ducklings.
Bowling

Mission Bowl
Classic courtship gets the trendy, hipster treatment at Mission Bowl. It’s basically a typical Mission bar -- complete with decent food, craft cocktails, and people in flannel -- only there are bowling lanes, too.
Pro tip: Come during the week when the wait list for the two first-come, first-served lanes is generally shorter. And enjoy drinks or food on the patio while you wait.
Mortified Storytelling

DNA Lounge and The Uptown
Dating can be awkward and embarrassing, but for once the angst will not be your own when you witness Mortified’s hilarious exploration of most embarrassing moments. There’s just something about sharing in other other's misfortune that really helps people bond. Newsweek, The Onion's A.V. Club, This American Life, and more rave about the raw storytelling, so even if the relationship doesn’t last, this "cultural phenomenon" is worth seeing. Catch it in SF on October 10th, or in Oakland on the 11th. If you're gonna go to Oakland, make sure you read this first.
Sidewalk Food Tours

Various Locations
For around the same cost as a dinner for two at any moderately priced restaurant in the city, you’re treated to a much more interactive experience with this food tour of San Francisco’s most delicious neighborhoods. Choose from Italian goodies in North Beach, Latin flavors in the Mission, or Chinese delicacies in Chinatown (coming soon) and taste popular dishes from five of the most iconic restaurants and holes-in-the-wall the neighborhood has to offer.
Giant trampolines

House of Air
A massive trampoline park in a historic airplane hangar. Do we really need to explain further why this is awesome?
Pro tip: After you’re done jumping around like kids, plan on sharing a bottle of wine on Crissy Field across the street like the adults (with the healthy, active love lives) that you are.

Food and Happy Hours in SF

Cheers to the weekend! If you're more than ready to kick off the weekend, why not begin with one of our city's many happy hours? Even if you have a go-to place after work, try something new! Where will we see you this weekend?  SFist recommends these happy hours, which also include food:

ICHI Sushi + Ni Bar
It's been almost exactly a year since this subtle sushi operation moved to its larger Mission Street location, but don't worry, it's remained a Bernal happy hour favorite. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. pop in for $1 oysters, half off appetizers, $4 Fort Point beers, and cold sake and white wine for $6. That all goes down in the Ni Bar subsection, so sidle up to that back bar. — Caleb Pershan
3282 Mission Street at 29th Street

Pesce
In Italy, they've got this awesome thing called aperitivo hour, where you get FREE FOOD with your drinks. How civilized is that? You can take advantage of this brilliant concept at Pesce in the Castro, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every night of the week. There are drink specials, of course, but also free cicheti (snacks, to you) including bruschetta with smoked salmon, goat cheese-stuffed peppers, and meatballs in marinara. Also, on Tuesdays, they do $1 oysters and $5 martinis. — Lauren Sloss
2223 Market Street near Sanchez

Bar Agricole
Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m., and all day Sunday, Bar Agricole offers up $2.50 oysters as well as some delicious $2.50 sausages with house-made mustard and sauerkraut. Also, there's $6 glass of Riesling and $3 beers to wash that down, as well as their sophisticated cocktail list, at full price, should you want to head that direction. — Jay Barmann
355 11th Street at Harrison

Park Chalet
On a sunny afternoon there's no more suitable post than at Park Chalet, where you'll find $3.50 pints house-brewed beers every Wednesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Taco Tuesdays ($2.40 each) also feature two-for-one margaritas, free live music and a happy hour that runs until midnight.
— Caleb Pershan
1000 Great Highway between Upper Great Highway and Lincoln Way

Gaspar Brasserie
One of the newer happy hour deals around town is at this stylish French spot. Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. they're offering $1 oysters and deviled eggs, as well as $3 pomme frites, $5 glasses of wine, and a couple of $6 cocktails, including one called the Ma Cherie (vodka, lemon, honey-ginger, hibiscus tea).
185 Sutter Street at Kearny

El Techo de Lolinda
This rooftop spot in the Mission has some tasty bites, and their happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on weeknights. On offer: $5 guacamole, beef empanadas, fried green plantains (with black beans and queso fresco), and fried chicken thighs with habanero salsa. Also, $7 margaritas and $18 sangria pitchers. — Lauren Sloss
2518 Mission Street at 22nd

UVA Enoteca
UVA is on our list for the second year in a row for good reason, as it's still one of the best deals around. From 5 to 6:30 Monday to Thursday, and 3 to 6:30 Saturday and Sunday, cans of beer (but they pour it into a glass, so you still feel all grown up) are $2, petite carafes of wine are $5, and there's a limited (and cheap!) selection of pizza, pasta and nibbly things to soak it all up. Get their early—UVA's prime seats at their lovely marble bar fill up fast. — Eve Batey
568 Haight at Steiner

Boxing Room
Blessed with a new full liquor license to complement their solid beer offerings from the local to the New Orleanian (Abita, anybody?), the Absinthe Group's Boxing Room also cuts you a break with half off oysters from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cajun boiled peanuts and $4 Turbodog beers or $5 Cava should go with that nicely. — Caleb Pershan
399 Grove Street at Gough Street

Bar Crudo
Crudo's oyster, chowder, and fish taco happy hour always makes our lists, and it's still one of the best deals in town for a cheap date or after-work treat. Happy hour is 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and weekend evenings tend to have folks outside waiting for the doors to open right at 5. In addition to $1 oysters, there are $1 jalapeño marinated mussels, 2-for-$10 local rock cod tacos, and a few other seafoody delicacies. Wash it all down with a $3 pint of beer or $5 glass of wine See the full happy hour menu here. — Jay Barmann
655 Divisadero Street at Grove

Mission Rock Resort
On sunny days, especially, you want to be sitting out on a deck, sipping cold beer and slurping oysters, and this is the place for that. At happy hour (3 to 7 p.m.), Mission Rock Resort has four hours worth of 99-cent oysters, as well as $5 draft beers, and $6 cocktails and wine. You won't find a more sun-drenched and relaxing spot, assuming you score one of the tables on the deck, and it makes for a perfect pit stop before a Giants game. - Jay Barmann
817 Terry A Francois Blvd (between Mariposa and 16th Street)

Two Sisters Bar & Books
It's pretty tiny, and quite popular, so swinging in on the early side for happy hour is probably one of your best bets for getting a seat at this Hayes Valley spot, or even ample standing room. Tuesday to Friday they do it from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the deal is $3 draft beers, and $5 cocktails, which means their delicious concoctions are half price. And that deal runs all afternoon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., on weekends.
579 Hayes Street at Laguna

Hi Tops
This popular Castro sports bar has, $3 well drinks like the rest of the neighborhood before 8 p.m. But, there's the added bonus of 25-cent Buffalo wings on Mondays, which tend to draw serious crowds of sports fans who are also spicy wing fans, given that you can order yourself a dozen for three bucks, and then get drunk, all for less than $15. — Jay Barmann
2247 Market Street, between Noe and Sanchez

Noise Pop is in San Francisco

The 23rd annual Noise Pop Festival will be coming to San Francisco February 19th until March 2nd. There are over 150 acts over the two week festival occurring all over the bay.  The festival is also headquartered at the Swedish American Hall.  Here are some of the great acts that will be coming this year.  You can either buy tickets individually or do the Super Fan Badge for one price.  You can learn more at SFist.


Noise Pop upped the ante for their 23rd annual festival with a new HQ at the Swedish American Hall and a sizable lineup of over 150 acts sprinkled around the Bay. If you haven't got a (now sold-out) regular badge, you're probably picking shows a la carte, so here's a little guidance if you need it. That said, you can still throw down $400 for a Super Fan Badge and really make it count. As an aside, there are lots of music-focused films to be watched, but here we'll concentrate on nine live acts not to miss. In some cases we just had to highlight a sold-out show, which is fine if you're going the badge route or can otherwise make it work (Stubhub links provided). The music starts this Thursday the 19th and doesn't stop until March 2nd.

Thao Nguyen (of Thao & The Get Down Stay Down)
SF-based Thao Nguyen gets a lot of the Fiona Apple/Regina Spektor/Cat Power comparisons, but I'd say she's got a different energy than any of them (not that those three have the same energy, they're all quite different). Nguyen is a little looser and maybe even more enjoyable, with arrangements that make me think of upbeat Modest Mouse. She's going it alone for this performance, but will have openers like the Mynabirds, who are also excellent, bouncy fun. — Caleb Pershan
Tuesday, February 24th, Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market Street between Church and Sanchez Streets 7:30 p.m., $20

Flight Facilities
Darlings of the electro-blogosphere, Hugo Gruzman and James Lyell combine forces under the banner “Flight Facilities” for the purpose of producing bubbly electronic synth sounds that eschew the fist-pumping brash of their rave brethren for a more relaxing and comfortable mood. “Crave You” is a crowd favorite with a cocktail of stirring piano chords, sparkling drum hits, and hypnotic vocals. If you’re looking to go up on a Tuesday, the Regency will be the place to be. — George McIntire
Tuesday, February 24th, The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Avenue between Bush and Sutter Streets, 8:00 p.m., $23-25

Giraffage 
The track "Feels" gives me lots of them, in part because the lyric — which is sometimes hard to hear, but is "grow old with you" — becomes refreshing and earnest as the pitch jumps around. "Close 2 Me" and other tracks are cut from the same cloth, as San Francisco producer Charlie Yin grabs and remixes choice bits of R&B. This is one of those sold out shows, but if you've got a badge and it wasn't on your radar, or if you're willing to brave Stubhub, this is a push in that direction. — Caleb Pershan 
Thursday, February 26th, The Independent, 628 Divisadero Street between Hayes and Grove Streets, 8 p.m.
$45 (Stubhub)

Tony Molina
If you prefer your music with deafening electric guitars 60-70 seconds at a time, Tony Molina is the right act for you. The Millbrae rocker takes literally the name Noise Pop with his fancy and loud guitar-work. If you pine for San Francisco’s rich, rough-and-tumble garage-rock past, show up to absorb the nostalgia emanating from Tony Molina’s speakers.— George McIntire
Thursday, February 26th, Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street between Franklin Street and Van Ness Avenue, 8:00 p.m., $12-14

Les Sins
All shoes can be dancing shoes at a Les Sins show, where you'll inevitably be shuffling, twisting, and gyrating from start to finish. The side project of Toro Y Moi’s Chaz Bundick is the type of infectious disco-r’nb hybrid that bestows upon you more confidence in your moves than booze ever could. — George McIntire
Thursday, February 26th, The New Parish, 579 18th Street Oakland between San Pablo Avenue and Jefferson Street, t8:00 p.m., $20

Cathedrals
For all you homers out there, bust out your reminder app for Mission-based electronic pop duo Cathedrals, who are the city’s biggest on the bill this year. Much like San Francisco’s geography, Cathedrals’ sound oscillates between up and down, sunny and foggy. Halfway through “Harlem” they sharply pivot from sultry jams and nosedive into a body-clattering guitar solo accompanied by bellowing vocals. Show the home team your support and turn The Independent into AT&T Park. — George McIntire
Friday, February 27, The Independent, 628 Divisadero Street between Hayes and Grove Streets, 7:30pm., $45 (Stubhub)

Wet
On paper, Wet come across as another garden variety indie pop group from Brooklyn, but don't be so quick to pigeonhole this trio, who promise to bring the charming sway-inducing rhythms of their 2014 self-titled EP to the compact mattress-walled venue of Rickshaw Stop. Wet’s two biggest hits to date, “Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl” and “You’re The Best”, are great pick-me-up tracks. And don’t forget to bring some change for the coat check because it will be definitely be getting steamy in the Rickshaw. — George McIntire
Friday, February 27th, Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street between Franklin Street and Van Ness Avenue, 9 p.m. $13-15

The New Pornographers, How To Dress Well
It’s the granddaddy of them all and fortunately for you, not sold out (yet). One man groove factory How To Dress Well is worth the price of admission by himself. His 2014 LP “What Is This Heart” lit up end-of-the-years lists with its dramatic new age R’nB sounds complemented by an angelic voice. Indie rock veterans several times over, The New Pornographers, will be playing in support of their latest effort “Brill Bruisers” making for a genre-diverse show, perfect for that person who brags they listen to “everything except country.” — George McIntire
Saturday, February 28th, Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Avenue Oakland between 18th and 19th Streets, 7:30 p.m., $35

Caribou
Caribou's best tracks, like the dislocating "Odessa," "Can't Do Without You," and "Our Love," feature incredible arrangements with house baselines and vocals from somewhere in the ether. For gigging purposes, Caribou — who is Dan Snaith of Ontario, Canada — performs with a live band, taking the lead on his creative percussion. As he readies his fifth album for release, expect more soulful, head-nodding grooves. — Caleb Pershan
Sunday and Monday, March 1st and 2nd, The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, 8 p.m. $25

Spoil Your Loved One This Valentine's Day

The weekend is almost here. Do you have your Valentine's Day plans figured out yet? San Francisco has some amazing locations to have a romantic and memorable Valentine's Day.   If you are looking to wine and dine or an amazing overnight stay, San Francisco probably has the perfect place for you.  Keep reading to learn about your various options, and you can learn more by visiting San Francisco Travel. 




For those looking to wine and dine:

Cocktails and a View at Top of the Mark
Known for their signature martinis and magnificent views of San Francisco, the Top of the Mark rooftop bar is the perfect place to complement the most romantic evening. Arrive for pre-dinner drinks and experience the sun setting on the San Francisco skyline, or linger for a nightcap with the twinkling lights of the city beckoning.

Urban Wineries
No time to head to wine country? Enjoy a first-class wine tasting experience at one of the many new urban wineries located within San Francisco’s 49 square miles. Bluxome Street Winery offers weekend tours and tastings of 5 wines paired with charcuterie.

Illuminate Your Night
Lovers can gaze upon artist Leo Villareal’s monumental light sculpture known as The Bay Lights, illumining the western span of the Bay Bridge. Dine at Epic Roasthouse, Waterbar or Chaya Brasserie for a five-star dining experience, complete with a beautiful view of this stunning lights installation.
For the arts lovers:

Mozart for Valentine's Day
Feb. 13–15
Treat yourself and someone special to a romantic Valentine’s date night at the San Francisco Symphony. Snuggle up in a Side Box or Loge seats and sip La Marca Prosecco, chocolate covered strawberries and truffles while enjoying one of three special concerts.

Doodling Around with Mike Dutton
Feb. 14, 3–5 p.m.
Creativity sparks with renowned illustrator Mike Dutton comes to the SFMOMA Artists Gallery at Fort Mason to teach a lesson that promises to stretch your sketching skills and deliver a deeper love of doodles. Bring your loved one, as this lesson works well for pairs.
For the adventure-seekers:

Golden Gate Bridge
Take a romantic stroll on San Francisco's most famous bridge. Or for the more adventurous couple, rent a bicycle built for two with Blazing Saddles or Bay City Bike. Bike over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to Sausalito and enjoy a quaint, waterfront lunch. Too tired to bike back? Take the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco.
Sail the Bay with Your Sweetheart

For a romantic evening out on the water, San Francisco Bay offers a variety of Valentine’s Day cruises.

Hornblower’s Valentine's Dinner Cruise
Feb. 13 and 14
Love is on the water this Valentine’s Day. Set sail for a special Hornblower Valentine’s dinner cruise and feast on a delicious buffet dinner while sipping your choice of wine and beer. You and your sweetheart can dance the night away to the DJ entertainment or step outside to enjoy the best views of the breathtaking San Francisco city skyline. Delight in the entire experience of this romantic dinner excursion for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.

Hornblower’s Cupid's Champagne Brunch Cruise
Feb. 14 and 15
Spend your afternoon on Hornblower’s Cupid's Valentine’s Day Champagne Brunch cruise and enjoy an elaborate buffet featuring a wide selection of brunch favorites. Sip free-flowing bubbly and bottomless mimosas. Relax to the romantic styling of the live entertainment on board, or step onto the outer deck for the breathtaking sights of the San Francisco Skyline.

Valentines Bay Lights Sail
Feb. 14 – Departs from Sausalito
Board the schooner Freda B for a most romantic sail: The Bay Lights Sail from 8-10pm. This is a perfect way to extend date night. After you take your special someone to an early dinner in one of the great restaurants in Sausalito join us for a special twilight sail around the San Francisco Bay. Take in the epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, SF Skyline and Angel Island as they sparkle at night.
For the day dates:

Take a Stroll on Lover’s Lane
Take your date off the beaten path and hike through San Francisco’s historic Presidio. Open spaces, trails and inspiring vistas provide plenty of opportunity to be alone with your loved one while enjoying the quiet beauty that can only be found at the Presidio. Steal a kiss on Lover’s Lane and experience the sunset from Baker Beach. Guided tours are available through Urban Hiker SF, or explore on your own.

Ferry Building Marketplace
Sample artisan cheeses, sip Blue Bottle Coffee and feast on Tomales Bay oysters – the Ferry Building Marketplace is the perfect day-date destination.

For the Sweet Tooth
Feb. 14, tours run 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bring your sweetie on a Gourmet Walks’ Valentine's Cupcake & Chocolate Tour. These special tours will run only on Valentine's Day weekend, featuring three gourmet cupcake stops and five chocolate tasting stops. Generous tastings will leave couples on a romantic chocolate high.

Picnic in the Park
For the budget-minded, bring a picnic lunch and rent a paddle or row boat and go for a romantic ride around the beautiful, 12-acre Stow Lake. Also in the park, share the love by making a handmade, pressed flower card at the Conservatory of Flowers and watch as the penguins build their nests out of heart-shaped valentines at the California Academy of Sciences.

Valentine's Day Gifts

What are you doing for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day can be special without spending your savings account. Here are some romantic and affordable Valentine’s Day ideas for you to try this year. You can read about some more ideas on Apartment Therapy.

Finding a creative way to spend Valentine's Day has the added benefit of avoiding the crowds at overbook restaurant and florist shops. The best way to show your sweetie you love them? Think outside the box and get creative. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Get dressed up. Book tickets somewhere you might not usually go and put your fancy pants on. Try the local ballet, symphony or theater.

2. Do something creative. Attend a paint night or take a DIY class, you'll both walk away with a memento from the night.

3. Get cooking. Take a cooking class then head home and make dinner in together.

4. Get physical. Go for a hike, try kayaking, or take a bike ride. Added bonus, exercise releases endorphins and you get to enjoy the outdoors together.

5. Get an adrenaline rush. Do something that scares you, if you've always wanted to skydive or go climbing try it out together (just make sure your partner is on board first.)

6. Go tasting. You can go with the classic wine tasting or go for chocolate tasting,cheese tasting or coffee cupping.

7. Learn to dance. Don't know how to dance? Perfect, you can learn. Try out a class, be it ballroom, salsa, swing or square dancing. It's fun and a great way to learn to work together.

8. Take a tour. Instead of dining out, try a food tour—it's a meal and activity rolled into one.

9. Get a new perspective. Find out where the best views in your city are and make it a date. San Francisco has Twin Peaks and Los Angeles has the Griffith Observatory—bonus points if you pack a picnic.

10. Get lost. Grab a guide (or make your own) and go explore a part of town that you've never spent time in.

11. Get away. Book a weekend away, but look for creative lodging. You can stay in a yurt, a treehouse, a boat or even a wagon for something more adventurous, Airbnb has a whole section devoted to unique options.

12. Dwell on the past. Revisit places that were a part of your shared history, take a walk, grab a glass of wine or visit the restaurant where you had your first date. You can even have a custom map made on Etsy.

13. Do good. Take the day to volunteer together. You can visit Volunteer Matchto get matched up with a cause you both care about.

14. Have a game night. Pick a couple of favorite board games (even better if they are from your childhood), set out some snacks and a bottle of wine. "Sorry!"

15. Find a new way to explore. Try exploring a favorite place in a new way. Take a train ridethrough the Redwoods, go horseback riding, take a harbor cruise or even go for a hot air ballon ride in wine country.