San Francisco is one of the most exciting and happening places in the world, with no dearth of opportunities for sightseeing, dining, activities and fun. It has become especially popular with couples looking for a quiet, romantic vacation. If you and your partner are planning a romantic getaway to San Francisco use our tips on having the most fun in the city.

Romantic Things to Do in San Francisco

http://www.centerd.com/places/san-francisco-ca/things-to-do/romantic

Things for Couples to Do in San Francisco

http://www.ehow.com/how_2187613_plan-romantic-weekend-san-francisco.html

One of the most romantic places in San Francisco is the Ocean Beach. The Ocean Beach is one of the most beautiful places in San Francisco and is included in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

The beach is known for having some of the most powerful waves in the region, which makes it a hotspot with surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. Couples can have an exciting time trying their hand at riding the waves at Ocean Beach.

For a quiet evening, the beach has numerous serene spots that are ideal for bonfires and camping. For a truly memorable evening, plan to have dinner on the Oceanside. With the rustic Cliff House Restaurant near Ocean Beach, one can enjoy a spectacular evening and great food as you watch the sun sink into the waters of the Pacific.

Ocean Beach in San Francisco

http://www.ehow.com/how_5293359_do-romance-san-francisco.html

With a paved path ideal for slow romantic walks, the stunning azure waters, the sparkling sand and the rhythmic hum of the ocean, the beach is undoubtedly an idyllic destination for romance.

More about Ocean Beach

http://vacation.away.com/attractions/travel-ad-cid2116-san-francisco-attid266544-ocean-beach-attraction.html

Ocean Beach, a retreat from the busting downtown San Francisco, appeals to courageous surfers, serious swimmers as well as casual beach goers. This part of the "Outside Lands" of old days has become a top surfing spot in the Bay Area and one of the most visited attractions in Bay Fog City.

As a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ocean Beach treats its visitors with a wide variety of beach activities and entertainment. Some preferable recreational activities there include surfing, skating, kite-flying, swimming, fishing, shorebird viewing, volleyball, skimboarding and etc. And many people like to throw bonfire parties at Ocean Beach as well. Or you may just take a stroll or enjoy the breathtaking sunset. Occasionally, you might take a sun bath under the golden sun of California. Fun never stops at Ocean Beach. To know more coveting facts about the beach and activities, please visit:

Ocean Beach Overview

http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/ocean-beach.html

About Ocean Beach

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Beach,_San_Francisco,_California

As an integral part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ocean Beach is next to the Golden Gate Park and blocks away from the Sunset District and Richmond District. It extends for approximately 3.5 from Cliff House to Fort Funston along the west coast of San Francisco, on the outskirts of town. The fierce currents and waves of Pacific Ocean make Ocean Beach a little bit daunting sometimes. Some nearby attractions you might want to stop by include Cliff House, the Musee Mecanique, Sutro Historic District, Point Reyes National Seashore and etc. The physical address of Ocean Beach is Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94121. For your sake of convenience, we've located Ocean Beach on Google maps:

Ocean Beach on Google Maps

http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=Ocean+Beach+San+Francisco

A NPS map might help you to navigate Golden Gate National Recreation Area easier. Download it if necessary:

NPS Map

http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=164520

Though tucked on the outskirts of town, Ocean Beach is easily accessible from all parts of the city and the Bay Area since Great Highway stretches along the beach. Still and all, directions to Ocean Beach are provided for handy references.

For tourists coming from San Francisco International Airport, you need to take 101 Highway towards I-380 W first. Then merge onto I-280 N and head to the city of San Francisco. Take the ramp onto CA-1 S by exiting 47. Get onto CA-35 N which is also called Skyline Blvd. Finally bear left onto Great Highway. Ocean Beach is just off Ocean Beach Great Highway. Don't stop till you reach the next light on Great Highway.

For visitors departing from Golden Gate Bridge, we'll suggest you to start out by taking US-101 S/CA-1 S south first. Drive towards 19th Avenue where Golden Gate Park is located. Then make a right turn onto Fulton St. Turn right again onto Balboa St. Finally merge onto Great Highway and take it forward towards the next light. Golden Gate Bridge is just minutes away from Ocean Beach. So just take your time.

For visitors from Bay Bridge, you can start out by merging onto I-80 and take it west in the first place. Follow I-80 onto US-101 N/Central Fwy and take it towards Golden Gate Bridge. US-101 N will become Octavia Blvd. soon. Bear left onto Fell St. then. Make a right turn onto Masonic Ave. You're supposed to get onto Fulton St. by making a left turn at the 3rd light. Note that you've gone too far if you arrive at Mcallister St. Then bear right onto Great Highway which will take you down to Ocean Beach.

Not sure about directions to Ocean Beach from your departure place? Go mapquest the directions by yourself at:

Mapquest

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?cat=OceanBeach&city=SanFrancisco&state=CA

To enhance your Ocean Beach tour, it's better to know:

1) It can be foggy all day at Ocean Beach during the late spring and summer. So be careful with driving. The average temperature is between 50 - 55 °F. The best time to explore Ocean Beach is September and October when the weather is less foggy and more beach-friendly.

2) Safety comes first when conducting beach activities and watersports. The currents and waves of Pacific Ocean can be rapid, fierce and overwhelming all of a sudden. Never leave your kids alone at the beach.

3) Locals as well as tourists flock to Ocean Beach when the weather is pleasant. It can be quite crowded there. If you're seeking for tranquility, head to the south portion of the beach area. The water there is exceptionally clean.

4) A large array of budget-friendly hotels are available in close proximity to Ocean Beach including Oceanview Motel, Beach Motel, Great Highway Inn, Days Inn San Francisco, Geary Parkway Motel and more. There're lots of options if you want to stay over night in beach area.

Being the longest and widest expanse of sand along the west coast of San Francisco, Ocean Beach stretches about 3.5 miles and extends from the Cliff House to Fort Funston along the Pacific Ocean. Ocean Beach is located just adjacent to the Golden Gate Park and is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, the beach has become a popular destination for seaside drivers, sunset walks and brisk jogs. It's definitely a great place to fly kites and surf as well.

As Ocean Beach is always enveloped in the city's characteristic foggy weather during the late spring and summer, less tourists and beach goers choose to visit the beach during that time. The best time for a visit to the beach is late fall and early spring. However, Ocean Beach is popular among bonfire parties and surfers all year round. The water at Ocean Beach is widely known for its fierce waves and strong currents. It's a popular but dangerous spot for serious surfers.

After a long day surfing, you may need to take a short rest and refresh yourself with some foods and drinks. Ocean Beach features various great-tasting restaurants for visitors. Whatever your taste is, there's something on the menu prepared for you.

The Cliff House

The renowned Cliff House is the crown jewel of the Golden Gate Park, the nation's largest urban national park. It's also part of the Sutro Historic Landscape District. No matter you're looking for a casual fun afternoon, an enjoyable day with your family or an elegant evening out, you can always find something to enjoy at the Cliff House. Dining options abound in the Cliff House for your dining pleasure.

- The Sutro's

The elegant Sutro's on the lower level is a stylish yet causal restaurant that is located in the Sutro Wing. Sutro's features grand floor-to-ceiling windows and visitors can have breathtaking panoramic ocean views. Lunch at Sutro's is served from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Saturday and from 11 am to 3:30 pm on Sunday. Dinner is available from 5 pm to 9:30 pm every evening.

Come to dine on delightful cuisine with seasonal menus at the Sutro's. Sutro's dishes on its menus are made from the finest organic produce, top fresh seafood and organic local ingredients. Both lunch and dinner menus boast a wide selection of appetizers, main course and desserts. Special children's menu is available on your request. Award-winning wine list is available at Sutro's. Reservations can be made by calling 415-386-3330 and online reservations are also available.

Sutro's Online Reservation

http://www.cliffhouse.com/sutro/reservations.html

Guests can also pay a visit to the impressive Sutro's Bar & Lounge. The operation hours are from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday and it's available from 9:30 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. The classic handcrafted cocktails use fine spirits and quality ingredients to provide the best flavors for guests. If you're visiting during summer, you may have the opportunities to taste the house-made Bloody Mary mix and fantastic Tomato Martini.

- The Bistro Restaurant

For guests looking for a causal dining restaurant, the Bistro Restaurant on the main level of the Cliff House makes for the best choice. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in classic San Francisco fare. Breakfast and lunch are served between 9 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Saturday and from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Sunday. You can enjoy dinner at the Bistro Restaurant from 4:15 pm to 9:30 pm every evening.

The Bistro features a variety of yummy dishes on its menus. Some local favorites include the Cliff House Crab Louis, the award-wining clam chowder and ward fresh popovers. From delicious seafood omelets to gourmet macadamia nut crusted halibut, the Bistro offers something to satisfy every taste. Please notice that the Bistro Restaurant does not accept reservations and serves customers on a fist come first served basis.

- Sunday Champagne Brunch

Come to join and experience a San Francisco tradition with the famous Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet, which is offered from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Sunday Brunch is offered in the Terrace Room, which has stunning views of Seal Rocks, Ocean Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Sunday Brunch features live harp music and free-flowing champagne, including a wide selection of delicious seasonal fresh brunch items. You can choose from favorite main course items, like poached salmon & prawns, pasta carbonara and steak with mushrooms. End your meal with delectable desserts, like chocolate mousse, chocolate-dipped strawberries and tortes.

Adults need to pay $45 for an enjoyable Sunday brunch in the Terrace Room. Children under 12 can enjoy half-priced entrance. On some holidays, you may be charged $59. Reservations are strongly recommended. Online reservations for the Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet are not available. Please call 415-386-3330 to make a reservation. Reservations are recommended one week in advance and three weeks advance reservations are recommended for groups of 8 or more.

Learn More about the Cliff House

http://www.cliffhouse.com/home/index.html

Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

Located above the Golden Gate Park Visitor's Center, the Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant is characterized by live music, American bistro cuisine, amazing panoramic ocean views and handcrafted ales. The Beach Chalet serves customers with a full bar and abundant free parking. The restaurant opens at 9 am on weekdays and it's available at 8 am on Saturday and Sunday. From Sunday to Thursday, it remains open until 10 am and the operation hour is extended to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. The bar is open to the public until 11 pm, Sunday through Thursday and stays open until 12 am on Friday and Saturday.

A wide array of gourmet foods is available on the menus, including breakfasts, main menu, impeccable desserts, weekend brunch and happy hour menu. You can reserve online or by phone at 415-286-8439.

Homepage of Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

http://www.beachchalet.com

Seal Rock Inn Restaurant

The Seal Rock Inn Restaurant can be found at 545 Point Lobos Avenue. The restaurant is located on the ground level of the hotel. It's a popular destination for casual dining and is widely known for its yummy breakfast and lunch dishes, such as omelettes of different flavors and unique Greek luncheon selection. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available at the restaurant

The restaurant is open from 6 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday and it remains open until 6 pm on weekends. The Seal Rock Inn Restaurant is popular with local residents and visitors alike for weekend brunch. To ensure availability, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 415-386-6518. For more restaurant info, please visit the website below.

Seal Rock Inn Restaurant

http://sealrockinnrestaurant.com

Java Beach Cafe

Java Beach Cafe is a unique place for people to meet and hang out. The cafe is located at Judah & Del Playa Street, which is the very last stop on the N-Judan line in the Ocean Beach. Java Beach offers 7 different kinds of excellent locally roasted coffees, frozen mochas and perfect espresso drinks. Five beers are on tap for coming guests, including Fat Tire, Sierra Nevada, Guinness, Budweiser and Hefeweizen. Local Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also offered.

In addition to its various drinks, Java Beach also serves the freshest pastries, bagel and world-famous hot sub sandwiches. You can also choose from a wide selection of deli sandwiches, salads and hot soups. Make sure to drop by the cafe and enjoy an amazing sunset.

Java Beach Cafe Menu

http://www.javabeachcafe.com/menu.html

Ocean Beach is situated in San Francisco's west coast, at the Pacific Ocean. It is located close to the Golden Gate Park, the Sunset District and the Richmond District. The Ocean Beach belongs to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is operated through the National Park Service.

It is a very popular beach among the surfers, and campers. Bonfire parties are commonly held in the Ocean Beach. Generally tourists visit this beach during early spring and late fall after the dissipation of fog.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Beach,_San_Francisco,_California

There is a number of San Francisco hotels located near the Ocean Beach.

Ocean Beach Bed & Breakfast: This intimate hotel has two guest rooms along with a living as well as a dining room. The Ocean View Suite offers a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and can accommodate up to four persons. The tranquil ambience and classic decor provide for a memorable and comforting stay. http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-16437358-ocean_beach_bed_breakfast-i

Oceanview Motel: This property is located near Ocean Beach, Lincoln Park and Japanese Tea Garden. The motel has a round the clock front desk, free parking facility as well as business services. http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/htid=1789283

Other hotels in Ocean Beach include: Beach Motel, Great Highway Inn and Days Inn San Francisco At The Beach.

Ocean Beach runs along the West Coast of San Francisco, i.e., from the Cliff House to Fort Funston. This famous beach is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Ocean Beach is a popular tourist attraction. The entry to the beach is absolutely free. Rest rooms, outdoor showers and many restaurants are available here. You can set a small bonfire in the beach (but with not more than 25 people group) between the Lincoln Way and Fulton Street area. You can enjoy surfing, skimboarding or try kite-flying or play volleyball here. Take a stroll around the beach and feel refreshed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Beach,_San_Francisco,_California

It's not advisable to swim in the Ocean Beach owing to many cases of accidents in the past. Alcohol and plastic bottle are strictly prohibited in this beach. Beware of rip currents, cold water and shore breaks in the beach; it's injurious. The weather here is such that even in summers it can get foggy. Nevertheless, Ocean Beach is one of the best beaches of San Francisco. It's calm and serene with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. It's a great place to rejuvenate or renew one's lost energies.

How to find a hotel close to the Ocean Beach?

- Go through the San Francisco hotel reviews to select your dream hotel. You can book online or call the front desk of the hotel you are interested in.

- Ask a travel agent to help you book your hotel. But it will lighten you wallet.

Which are the hotels close to the Ocean Beach?

- Beach Motel San Francisco: It provides great lodging at an affordable price. It is just minutes away from the Ocean Beach.

http://www.beachmotelsf.com/

- Oceanview Motel: This cheap motel provides great clean and comfortable rooms with amenities. It's conveniently located close to many restaurants.

http://www.oceanviewmotelsf.com/

- Great Highway Inn: This beautiful hotel is close to the Ocean Beach. It's very affordable and provides many facilities and services to its guests.

http://www.greathwy.com/