If you’re headed out to celebrate Valentine’s Day, consider taking transit – and make the trip part of your date.
A Sunset Cruise
One of the most popular ways to take in San Francisco Bay views is by ferry. The San Francisco Bay Ferry and Golden Gate Transit offer spectacular views at both sunrise and sunset, giving you two opportunities every day to marvel. Most ferries have an on-board bar/café, so you can pick up a drink and a snack – or pack your own picnic to share with your sweetheart.
Staycation in Sausalito
Golden Gate Transit’s #130 bus crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and travels through downtown Sausalito. Gaze at the wildlife and boats on the bay as you pass through the charming downtown. Hop off the bus to watch local fishermen, grab a bite at one of the many waterfront restaurants, and don’t forget to stop for ice cream.
Find What You Seek on Treasure Island
Enjoy the iconic downtown San Francisco skyline views from Treasure Cityside Park. Take Muni’s #25 bus across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, check out the Treasure Island nightlife, and head back to the city by bus or on the Treasure Island Ferry.
Oceanside Sights
SamTrans route #117 bus tours along scenic Highway 1 from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay. Bold views of the Pacific Ocean peek through sleepy neighborhoods along the seaside.
New Park Alert: Sunset Dunes
The Pacific Ocean is in reach with a visit to Sunset Dunes, San Francisco's newest park. Take a Muni light rail train (N Judah or L Taraval) or a Muni bus (#7 Haight/Noriega, #23 Monterey or #48 Quintara/24th Street) directly to the park. Consider a detour to a cafe in the Outer Sunset or Outer Richmond on your way to Sunset Dunes – take Muni’s #18 bus (46th Ave), #31 Balboa or #5 Fulton and walk a few blocks to the park.
The Towns of Wine Country
The Vine #10 bus takes you on a route from downtown Napa through charming Yountville and all the way to Calistoga. Stop at any number of wineries along the way to imbibe or just take in the lush greenery that sprouts at the vineyards and rolling hills at the tail end of winter.
Romantic North Bay Rails
Hop on board SMART in Marin or Sonoma and add the romance of a train ride to your Valentine's Day. Add a visit to wineries, eateries or other destinations with SMART's Connect Shuttle.
Shoreline Sights
Many parts of the Amtrak Capitol Corridor trip through Contra Costa and Solano counties have coastline views. Enjoy the shoreline activity of birds, bridges and ferries, or just take in the scenery.
Views of Mount Diablo
On a clear day, keen-eyed BART fans can take the yellow line toward Antioch to enjoy views of Mount Diablo. Keep your eyes peeled between North Concord/Martinez station and Pittsburgh Bay Point station.
One With Nature
The Dumbarton Bridge is a mere 85 feet above the bay, so you’ll feel close to nature on the Dumbarton Express, especially as you pass protected wetlands at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. Pick up the bus on the east or west side for stunning views during the golden hour.
Highs & Lows
The ACE train between Pleasanton and Fremont stations follows the path along Niles Canyon Road. The canyon and wetlands there make for a serene and romantic journey.
Birdwatcher’s Delight
For more nature views, Caltrain skims past the west side of the Brisbane Lagoon (between Bayshore and South San Francisco stations), where you can spy ducks, herons and other water fowl.
Tap and Ride
Use your Clipper® card, Clipper on your phone or tap your major credit/debit cards to pay for your transit ride(s) quickly and easily.
Where will you ride this Valentine’s Day? Share your favorite Bay Area transit rides for the chance to be featured in a future story.
Submit your comment
In order to receive a reply to your comment, please provide an email address.