The City by the Bay has much to offer newlyweds. A honeymoon in San Francisco greets you with an incredible skyline, iconic sites, bustling neighborhoods, and a vibrant culture. In just a week, you can explore many areas of the city, the most famous attractions, and beautiful nearby places.
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Is San Francisco A Good Place for a Honeymoon?
At 47 square miles, San Francisco is a small city bursting with life, making it an excellent honeymoon destination. It’s located on the peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It is home to stunning views and a great art and food scene. Wander around its tourist spots and hidden gems, and you’ll be sure to croon, “I left my heart in San Francisco,” as your romantic getaway ends.
5 Iconic Sites to See While Honeymooning in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge. Seeing this world-famous metal bridge in the Bay Area should top your list. It’s a picturesque location that serves as a romantic backdrop for post-wedding pictures. While there are many viewpoints, Hawk Hill is the most impressive. Pro tip: Go there in the early morning for the best views.
- Fisherman’s Wharf. This tourist spot has various activities to offer. Apart from being the location of the famous Pier 39 (the best spot to watch sea lions) and Ghirardelli Square, it has many great waterfront restaurants, shops, and museums (e.g., Wax Museum, San Francisco Maritime Museum). You can also hop on cable cars or take a motorcoach ride.
- Presidio Park. This national park at the Golden Gate is one of the best sites to visit in SF. Beyond its beautiful overlooking views, it lacks green spaces to relax, picnic, play, and do wellness activities. If you’re into art, you can see sculptures by renowned British artist Andy Goldsworthy.
- The Embarcadero. If you fully traverse Lombard street (known as the “crookedest street in the world,” thanks to its eight hairpin turns) from Presidio Park, you will end up in The Embarcadero. The boulevard has must-visit tourist sites, including the Ferry Building (a famous gourmet spot) and The Exploratorium. From there, you can also take a cruise to Alcatraz island.
- Alcatraz Island. Once a fort, military prison, and federal penitentiary, Alcatraz is now a prominent destination in San Francisco. The island offers a day and night tour, letting you explore its facilities and learn more about American Indian history. They also have a ranger-guided behind-the-scenes tour that grants you access to more areas.
What Romantic Honeymoon Activities Can You Do in San Francisco?
- Go biking, stroll, and take photos at the 1,017-acre Golden Gate Park. The park also houses the Victorian-era Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden.
- Visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where you can hike and get closer to nature: it has over 2,000 plant and animal species.
- Visit Muir Woods if you’re seeking a quiet refuge. It’s one of the few redwood patches that remained after the gold rush that transformed SF into a bustling city.
- Shop and dine at Union Square or relish the art at de Young Museum.
- Get an aerial view of the bay and the sprawling city with a seaplane tour.
- If you want to go beyond SF, allot time for day trips. Nearby areas include Carmel by the Sea (a gorgeous place for sightseeing), Monterey (famous for its aquarium), Napa Valley (a must-visit because of its wineries), and Yosemite National Park.
What Is the Best Month to Honeymoon in San Francisco?
Though it’s a destination you can visit all year round, it’s best to visit San Francisco during the “Indian Summer” (September to November). SF is a relatively cold city, but during that period, you can experience temperatures of about 80°F.
What Is the Average Price of a Honeymoon in San Francisco?
For newlyweds, SF is one of the most expensive cities to spend a honeymoon in. You must set aside around $3,000 per couple for a one-week stay. This figure is still exclusive of airfare and tour expenses. It may go up to around $7,000, depending on the season, your dining preferences, and accommodations, among other factors.
How to Plan a Budget Honeymoon in San Francisco
- Consider flying into a different airport. Check flights to Oakland and Sonoma, then use public transportation to reach your final destination.
- Invest in a CityPass. After an initial investment, you’ll enjoy discounts on top-rated tourist attractions and tours.
- Make a plan. Know what you want to see and where to eat before you arrive. The options can be overwhelming.
- Try the street food. While the city is known for its gourmet restaurants, you can find many cheap eats in the streets. Always choose a cart where many other people are eating from. They are usually favored for a reason (clean and good food).
- Search for cheaper accommodations. Instead of splurging on a luxury hotel, reserve a 3-star hotel or self-catering apartment.
What Is the Cheapest Time to Go to San Francisco?
Aside from the Indian Summer, the spring season (March to June) is also an excellent time for a San Francisco honeymoon. As the influx of tourists is yet to arrive, airfare and accommodation prices are still substantially cheaper. Just prepare for chilly days and nights, averaging in the mid-60s°F.
Where to Stay In San Francisco
Named as one of the best honeymoon destinations for US couples, SF offers distinctive neighborhoods. Here are the top areas to consider for your San Francisco honeymoon:
Nob Hill
Nob Hill screams luxury, courtesy of its historic mansions and luxury hotels. If you stay here, expect your honeymoon budget to shoot upward. It also has Michelin-starred gourmet hubs, boutiques, museums (including the SF Cable Car Museum), and cathedral towers. Hop on a cable car and explore its iconic California Street. Popular hotels include The Ritz-Carlton and The Fairmont San Francisco.
Fisherman’s Wharf
One of the safest neighborhoods in SF, this waterfront district is a tourist haven. The wharf has many excellent family-friendly activities and seafood restaurants. In Ghirardelli Square, the western end of this district, you can find one of the best hotels in SF: Fairmont Heritage Place. Other popular accommodations include Argonaut Hotel and the funky Hotel Zephyr.
Downtown and Union Square
Union Square is a strategic location because it’s accessible to the most famous SF tourist destinations. You’re a quick ride away from Oracle Park, theater houses, and other famous districts (e.g., Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and North Beach). Whether you want to explore high-end or inexpensive shops and restaurants, Union Square is the home base you’re looking for. It’s also well-known for its nightlife scene. Accommodation options include Westin St. Francis and The Orchard Hotel.
SoMa
Located near downtown SF, SoMa is a contemporary district where you can find art museums (most notably, the SF Museum of Modern Art) and parks, such as the Yerba Buena Gardens. Its skyline is decked out with skyscrapers. The area is home to popular bars, unique shops, top-rated restaurants, and known hotel brands—including St. Regis San Francisco, The Palace Hotel, and Four Seasons San Francisco.
North Beach
Hailed as SF’s Little Italy, North Beach is a colorful district. Apart from Italian restaurants, it houses Washington Square Park and Coit Tower. If you’re also looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, it’s also a great option. It especially boasts local comedy clubs for when you want to have a fun-filled night with your loved one. Along Columbus Avenue, you can shop at various boutique shops. Despite its name, there is no beach in this area. The top accommodations are Columbus Inn, Washington Square Inn, and San Remo Hotel.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to San Francisco?
If you’re from a distant state, fly into the San Francisco or Oakland International Airport. SF airport is a 25-minute drive from the city center. If you’re coming from Oakland airport, you can go to SF via the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) or shuttle service in approximately 40 minutes.
Traveling Within San Francisco
A car rental is not ideal because this hilly city is infamous for its street parking difficulties—it’s hard to find a spot, and if you manage to find one, it will likely have hourly limits. Instead of driving, ride buses, the MUNI metro, the BART, cable cars, and trolleys. You can also book ride-sharing services courtesy of Uber or Lyft.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in San Francisco?
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious San Francisco hotel or a boutique hotel, you’ll have many options, as the city is ready to welcome many tourists every year. There are also hostels, apartments, and Airbnb rental properties. If you’re looking for something more unique, you can find several options, such as the historic Inn at the Presidio.
What to Eat In San Francisco
- Cioppino. This SF-originating Italian-American dish is a hearty fish stew. It spotlights fresh seafood, including mussels and clams, cooked in a tomato and wine broth.
- Sourdough bread. A type of bread associated with the gold rush, this sour-style bread is the star of SF’s competitive baking scene.
- Ghirardelli chocolate. Ghirardelli is the oldest continuously-making chocolate factory in the US. Chocolate and related products balance sweetness and bitterness perfectly, thanks to their high cacao content.
If you’re craving specific cuisine, SF is known for various gastronomic areas. There’s Chinatown (the oldest in the US), Japantown (the largest in the country), SOMA Pilipinas, and Little Italy (North Beach).
Is San Francisco Safe for Travelers?
Generally, you’ll have a safe romantic getaway when you choose San Fran as your honeymoon destination. Here are some general safety reminders to keep in mind:
- Act like a local.
- Keep your valuables close to you and avoid being “flashy.” Pickpockets can be rampant, especially in public spaces.
- Never visit dark and unpopulated areas.
- Don’t wander around late at night in Mission District, Western Addition, or Golden Gate Park.
- Avoid areas such as The Tenderloin in downtown SF (known for illegal drug dealings and high crime rate) and the 5th to 10th streets of SoMa and Market Street.
What to Pack for a San Francisco Honeymoon
A honeymoon in San Francisco means you’ll spend days in a city with many hills and a cold and foggy microclimate. Casual attire will do, as SF is a highly casual area. To keep you and your spouse safe and feeling comfortable, make sure to bring the following:
- Layers (e.g., lightweight jacket, warm insulated vest)
- Comfy walking (and hiking) shoes
- Dependable jeans
- Secure day bags