By Julia Hollister
Things to Do on Valentine's Day in San Francisco
Celebrate your passion and desire for
romance with a Valentine's Day celebration in
San Francisco. This cold, gray city of love is a perfect backdrop for hearts, flowers, a unique tour and snug corners to make this holiday a treasured page in your memory book.
Have a Toast at the Top of the Mark
Jump on a Cable Car and Ride to the Stars
Jump aboard the California Street cable car line for a stunning climb up to the top of Nob Hill and a stop at the famous "Top of the Mark" 19th floor bar in the Mark Hopkins Hotel. According to the hotel's history, during World War II servicemen would buy and leave a bottle in care of the bartender so that the next soldier from their outfit could enjoy a free drink. The soldiers came together for a last toast to the Golden Gate Bridge before shipping out. As they sailed under the Bridge, their sweethearts would gather in the lounge's northwest corner and watch their men go to war. This corner remains a romantic spot to remember past lovers and those whose future is in the stars.
Mark Hopkins Hotel
999 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 616-6916
http://www.topofthemark.com
Breathe in the Sea Air and Stroll a Tulip Garden
Enjoy Blossoms in Mid Winter
PIER 39 on the San Francisco Bay shows off its colors for tourists and locals with its annual Tulipmania for Valentine's Day. The annual festival returns in full bloom with free, guided tours beginning at the plaza entrance at 10 a.m. daily. The collection features flowers of every color combination imaginable. After the tour, participants can have lunch or a glass of wine at one of the thirteen restaurants in PIER 39. Many will offer Valentine's Day specials with an unsurpassed view.
PIER 39 at beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94124
(415) 705-5500
http://www.pier39.com
Adding a Dash of Spice
Birds Do It
Each Valentine's Day the San Francisco Zoo gets a little frisky with their "Valentine's Day Woo at the Zoo" tour for adults (over 21 years of age) event. The three-hour reservation-only tour gives visitors a peek at the sexual and mating behavior of animals. This event, which kicks off with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in front of a roaring fire in the Great Hall, is a unique way to share the love.
San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 753-7236
http://www.sfzoo.com
About the Author:
Julia Hollister began as an Associated Press cub reporter in the late 1960s. She edited a California business newspaper and covered crime. She continues to write freelance articles about the California's job and career market, wines and agriculture for numerous publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas-Austin.
Photo Credits:
www.sfzoo.org,www.sfphotorama.com,www.google.com,www.pier39.com
