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San Francisco Romance & special occasions

Our most recommended San Francisco Romance & special occasions

San Francisco: 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat

1. San Francisco: 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat

Enjoy a 1-hour journey along San Francisco's historic waterfront and experience the thrilling history of the San Francisco Bay, with all the sound and glory it deserves. The 1-hour non-stop Bay Cruise takes you past the famous PIER 39 sea lions and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s fascinating skyline. Relax in comfort, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and enjoy a full narration describing major landmarks as you sail by. See sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the iconic San Francisco skyline as you go. Whether it’s your first time to San Francisco, or your 10th visit, the Bay Cruise is something you should experience at least once in your life. You will get a complimentary souvenir map, which is available in nine languages, and if you get hungry, there’s a full-service snack bar on board with food and drink available to purchase.

San Francisco: California Sunset/Twilight Boat Cruise

2. San Francisco: California Sunset/Twilight Boat Cruise

Enjoy sunset views as you sail on beautiful San Francisco Bay. See important landmarks, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. In the winter months, take in the serene twilight views instead. Along the way, view numerous National Historic landmarks and San Francisco sights, including Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, St. Peter, Paul's Church, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. As the sun begins to set over the Marin Headlands, cruise past Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the shorelines of Tiburon, Belvedere, and Sausalito. Watch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, as you sail west towards the Golden Gate. On your way back to Fisherman’s Wharf, see many more famous sights, including the Presidio, the Marina District, and Fort Mason.

From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Trip

3. From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Trip

Indulge yourself in luxury on this full-day tour of California’s wine regions from San Francisco. Visit 3 different wineries for tasting and a tour, and enjoy a stop at historic Downtown Sonoma Square. Take in panoramic views of California on the way toward Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, 2 of Northern California’s famous wine regions. Enjoy the services as a professional guide for a tour featuring wine tastings at 3 of the local partner's favorite wineries. At each winery, learn about wine-making techniques on a tour of the estate, and enjoy extraordinary wines at your tastings. In addition to visiting wineries, your professional guide will take you to see other famous sites in California’s wine country, including a lunch stop at the historic Downtown Sonoma Square. Here, enjoy eclectic dining options and boutique shopping during your lunch break. You also have the option to book this trip to include lunch at a local restaurant in the middle of the historic Square in Downtown Sonoma. Enjoy items from a variety of Californian-inspired dishes with appetizer, entree, beverage, tax, and gratuities all included.

San Francisco: Small-Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers

4. San Francisco: Small-Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers

On this all-Napa, all-highlights wine tasting tour from San Francisco, you will be delighted with the history, architecture, gardens, and memorable toasts. Your wine enthusiast guide will prepare you for experiences at the Castello di Amorosa and two other celebrated Napa Valley wineries. Once there, you will be treated to reserve wines in the California Wine Country. Your San Francisco wine tour to Napa Valley begins as you cross the Bay Bridge and take in incredible views of the city skyline. As you travel, learn about the many microclimates and soil types that combine to produce some of the world’s best winemaking grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Wine corks pop first at Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-styled Tuscan castle winery constructed using more than 200 containers of European materials and furnishings. On your way to vaulted wine cellars, check out the moat, drawbridge, towers, courtyards, and armory. Thankfully, Castello di Amorosa puts the same love and attention into its wines which are elegant, intensely flavored, and well-balanced. Next, your Napa wine tasting tour makes a fun photo stop at the Napa Valley Welcome Sign. Your lunch break is in charming Calistoga, California. Among its hot springs, elegant spas and yoga studios, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect lunch spot and perhaps sampling another locally crafted wine with your meal. After lunch, your small group heads to the intimate, yet modern winery, Twomey Cellars. Founded by the Duncan Family, owners of highly-regarded Silver Oak, the winery uses the same philosophy: use locally harvested fruit to make exceptional wines that are deliciously drinkable upon release. A laid-back Napa Valley vibe is created by their farmhouse-style tasting room that opens up onto a sun-filled courtyard and Sauvignon Blanc vineyard with views of the Calistoga foothills. The Duncans apply their 40 years of winemaking experience to create single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and estate Sauvignon Blancs that pair beautifully with food. Complete your day in the charming and historic St. Helena building that houses Merryvale Vineyards and has roots as a winemaking facility reaching back to the 1930s. Napa luminaries Robert and Peter Mondavi, the Christian Brothers, and H. William Harlan have all practiced their craft under its arched ceiling. Family-owned Merryvale Vineyards is renowned for small production lots of world class wine, especially rich, powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays which you can enjoy sitting under the century-old 2,000 gallon casks that line the stone walls of the cellar room. On the journey back to San Francisco, we’ll make one final stop (weather permitting) at a scenic look-out point with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge for you to snap some keepsake photos of Marin Headlands, San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz Island.

San Francisco: Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

5. San Francisco: Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

Discover the secrets of winemaking on a guided day trip to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys from San Francisco. All tasting fees are included at 3 wineries, giving you the opportunity to sample local wines at each location. Board the air-conditioned bus. Admire the landscape of rolling hills and vineyards as you drive out of the city. Enjoy guided visits to three different wineries in the area. Learn the region's history, from Spanish missionaries who brought grapevines from Europe, to the Forty-Niners who served wines in their saloons. See how the grapes are picked, crushed, blended, and bottled. Walk through the beautiful vineyards and get the chance to taste the finished product, with wine tasting fees included at each location. During the tour, you’ll stop for lunch (at your own expense) in the historic Sonoma Plaza, or The Marketplace in the heart of Napa.  Lastly, after all these activities head on back to San Francisco, where you’ll be dropped off at the local partner’s office.

San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour

6. San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour

See the giant sequoia trees at Muir Woods National Monument and discover California's Wine Country on this San Francisco day trip with pickup. Walk in the shadows of the world's tallest trees before enjoying wine tastings at 3 wineries in the Sonoma and Napa valleys. Begin your morning with a convenient pickup at most San Francisco hotels. Take the the scenic drive to California's premier wine country as the tour crosses the Golden Gate Bridge on its way to a unique experience. Walk under and admire giant sequoia trees at Muir Woods National Park. Enjoy a comfortable ride to your first winery experience. Witness the golden scenery as your tour guide shares stories from the region's early winemaking history and prepares you for day that includes touring, tasting, and relaxing at three boutique wineries with characters representative of Napa and Sonoma valleys. Visit three wineries that have been carefully selected to include welcoming presentations by winemakers and educators about their vineyard, winemaking process, and unique features of their wines - most of which are only available for purchase at the winery. At midday, enjoy a generous lunch break and explore the boutique shops, history, and restaurants that surround the charming Sonoma Plaza. Finish the trip together with a memory making photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge before being dropped off at your San Francisco hotel. Select the lunch options, and please specify your choice of one item per course during the booking process. All courses are paired with wine. First Course - paired with Sparkling Wine, 3 oz • Petite cheese plate with Vella’s Mezzo Secco, Double Cream French Brie, Gruyere and fresh fruit Second Course - paired with Sauvignon Blanc, 3 oz (choose one) • White bean and vegetable soup topped with almond-arugula pesto  • Classic Caesar Salad romaine hearts with the Bistro’s home-made Caesar Dressing Main Course - paired with Pinot Noir, 3 oz (choose one) • Rigatoni Bolognese braised ground beef and pork in a house-made marinara sauce • Fusilli Pasta* tossed almond-arugula pesto and parmesan cheese • Chicken Piccata with mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and caper butter sauce • Grilled Vegetable Sandwich fresh mozzarella and pesto spread on focaccia with a side of baby mixed greens tossed with citrus vinaigrette

San Francisco: Sky Star Wheel Experience

7. San Francisco: Sky Star Wheel Experience

Installed in 2020 as part of Golden Gate Park’s 150th anniversary celebration, SkyStar is an experience not to be missed. Standing 150 feet tall in Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse, SkyStar Wheel boasts sprawling views from downtown San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean. The SkyStar Observation Wheel offers 36 gondolas that can host up to 6 guests per gondola. And if you feel you want to elevate your date night, or a night out with friends, enjoy the VIP experience option! Skip the line when you take an extended flight of 20 minutes in the VIP gondola with leather seats and hardwood floors. A VIP flight fits up to 5 people and it is the ultimate private experience. The SkyStar Observation Wheel was previously installed in Louisville, Kentucky; Norfolk, Virginia; and Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the first time an observation wheel of this scale has operated in San Francisco since Golden Gate Park hosted the Midwinter International Exposition of 1894, where the first Wheel stood at 120 feet tall.

San Francisco: Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay

8. San Francisco: Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay

Choose between a buffet brunch or plated dinner during this luxury cruise on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy on-board entertainment as you pass by the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and other sights. Choose from the following two options: Champagne Brunch CruiseFeast on a decadent brunch with this good-morning getaway featuring free-flowing mimosas and sparkling wine. Sit back and munch on a buffet stocked with classic breakfast dishes, lunch entrees, and desserts. Experience live music and views of San Francisco Bay’s renowned sights as you unwind after a hectic week or celebrate a special event. Luxury Dinner CruiseEmbark on a date night with a delicious, dynamic twist. Marvel at the sun setting as the city lights twinkle from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate. Then, feast on a 3-course sit-down meal, including appetizers, salad, a choice of entrée, and dessert, with live music playing in the background. Sample Brunch Menu:Early Risers• Breakfast pastries - assorted muffins and Danishes• Scrambled eggs - American cheddar cheese• Breakfast meats - applewood smoked bacon, pork sausage links• Breakfast potatoes - caramelized onions, red and green bell peppers• French toast - whipped cream, maple syrup Late Risers• Kale quinoa salad - quinoa, roasted red pepper, spinach, lemon oregano vinaigrette• Green goddess pasta salad - sweet peas, white beans, scallions• Caesar salad - romaine lettuce, aged Reggiano parmesan cheese, herb croutons, traditional Caesar dressing• Oven-roasted flounder - spicy tomato and white bean ragu• Kid's station - chicken tenders and French fries• Hand-carved strip loin - signature spice rub, horseradish crème, au jus (broth)• Hand-carved oven-roasted turkey - cranberry sauce• Pasta al forno - alfredo sauce, panko parmesan crust• Scottish smoked salmon display - cream cheese, shaved red onions, Roma tomatoes, capers Dessert• Signature dessert station - cakes, brownies, seasonal fruit Sample Dinner Menu:Starter (choice of one)• Watermelon and baby arugula salad - feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette• Signature seafood chowder - clams, flounder, potatoes, cream Main Course (choice of one)• Root vegetable fricassee - butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini, grape tomatoes, gremolata, cauliflower coconut cream sauce• Broiled salmon filet with roasted tomato vinaigrette - lemon orzo, farm-fresh seasonal vegetables• Oven-roasted chicken breast with rosemary and thyme - roasted new red potato salad with scallions, haricot verts, creamy mushroom sauce• Braised beef short ribs with Fresno pepper demi-glace - garlic mashed potatoes, baby carrots, broccoli Dessert• Signature chocolate cake - creme Anglaise, raspberry coulis, candied pecans• Mixed fruit with strawberries - Madagascar vanilla and orange cream• New York style cheesecake - lemon mascarpone cream, blueberry compote

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

9. San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

Take a relaxing 90-minute round trip boat trip onboard a luxury catamaran. See sea lions, famous sights, and sunset views of San Francisco as the sun dips below the Bay. Sail by Alcatraz Island, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and past Sausalito. Search for the famous Pier 39 sea lions and other kinds of sea life playing in the ocean. Cruise along the shore, gazing on the city skyline as you watch the magnificent sunset. Relax with a complimentary drink on board either a 55- or 65-foot catamaran. Both come complete with a protected viewing area, providing panoramic 360-degree viewing, in addition to canvas trampoline nets for the more adventurous who want to experience the sights in the bracing open air.

San Francisco: Airplane Sunset Flight Tour

10. San Francisco: Airplane Sunset Flight Tour

Take a 35-45 minute flight that starts off with a fly-over downtown Oakland, along the Bay Bridge, and over the Embarcadero, into San Francisco. From there your pilot navigates all the landmarks San Francisco has to offer including Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. This flight takes place as the sun sets and the skies highlight the Bay in beautiful orange and red hues. Witness nightlife waking up as the city lights light up all the main roads and buildings, and the first stars of the night greet you from above.

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Frequently asked questions about San Francisco

What are the best day trips and excursions from San Francisco?

The best day trips and excursions from San Francisco are:

Yosemite National Park

Other Sightseeing Options in San Francisco

Want to discover all there is to do in San Francisco? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about San Francisco

I enjoyed the tour a lot as I got to experience San Francisco to its fullest. What I enjoyed most was the people on the tour, they made the experience memorable. The tour guide(Robin) was friendly and passionate and the wine estates and wine was tasty and met my expectations. I like that I got to learn how to guess the type of wine inside the glass without having to taste it. Also I got a chance to taste a wine that won double gold from Peter Cellars. Overall I recommend this tour to anyone new or "old" to San Francisco as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This tour is a ‘must do’ while visiting San Francisco. I’ve lived in California my whole life and spent a lot of time in the city but never have I experienced the Mission District and all its hidden gems! Mark, our tour guide, introduced us to amazing food, art and history. His own family history and life experiences enhanced the tour even more. Hands down, one of my best SF adventures thus far!

Great Day in Sonoma. Perfect weather and we were lucky to get matched with a good group. Our tour guide/ Driver, Anthony was very informative, personal and accommodating. He made the trip very enjoyable. He even gave us a tour through Saulista.

Excellent trip, was truly wonderful to be touring around such great countryside within 30 minutes of leaving San Francisco.

Really enjoyed this Was recommend to anyone coming here Worth the cost