Romance is synonymous with San Francisco, which has a wide variety of ways to enjoy the city with someone special. The city offers panoramic scenery, a rich culture and streets made for walking. Whether you are staying for a day or spending a week, there are is an almost endless supply of romantic and healthy ways to enjoy the city.
Walking Tours
A number of companies in the San Francisco area offer walking tours of different parts of the city. Tours include historic districts, gardens, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park tours encompass the park's 100-year history that includes an old aviary, the Conservatory of Flowers and underground tunnels. These tours may be given in groups, but there are plenty of opportunities to pause and spend some quiet, intimate time alone in some of the city's best points of interest.
Bicycling
San Francisco's hills and valleys make it a perfect place for long leisurely bike rides. No need to bring your own bike---the city is full of rentals. From mountain bikes to tandems, cycling in the city can be a breathtaking experience. Tours are available, but in a city that prides itself on being "green," maps and marked bike trails abound. Plan a bicycling trip that takes you across water. Take a break on a ferry, all of which are equipped with bike racks, and enjoy seeing San Francisco together from the water before finishing your ride.
Hikes
The city's proximity to the popular Twin Peaks and many other parks makes it ideal for hiking. There are opportunities for all fitness levels, and adding a picnic to the mix makes this a romantic and fun activity. You can stop and enjoy a picnic from one of many local delis at the top of Twin Peaks while waiting for the sun to set. To see some amazing sites and learn a bit of history, you can visit the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Park in the lot and walk into the park to experience the majestic trees. The state park has a visitor's center, self-guided nature tours and plenty of opportunities to picnic. Some of the trees are more than 2,000 years old and the dense foliage is a good place for reflection.
Culinary Experience
While it may not sound very exciting at first, you'll enjoy taking time to participate in one of many food-centered experiences around San Francisco. From chocolate to wine, nothing is more romantic than good food. For something a little out of the ordinary try a tour through a fortune cookie factory and have your own fortunes put into cookies to take home. If you are looking for a more sensual, sensory experience, try dining in the dark at Opaque. Food at this restaurant is eaten in complete darkness and gives couples a chance to experience food in a whole new way.
Gardens
The climate in San Francisco is perfect for lush gardens of many kinds. Whether you are looking for a Japanese garden or a rose garden, the city will not disappoint. Take some time to enjoy a stroll around the world at San Francisco's 65-acre botanical garden at Strybing Arboretum. This garden features more than 8,000 varieties of plants and the arboretum is set up by country. You can spend time in gardens full of Australian or South African plant species before heading to the fragrance garden where paths lead to benches nestled among romantic flowering bushes and vines.
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