Screw Virginia, California is the real state for lovers. (It’s also the state for regrettable drunken Coachella hookups and getting murdered by the Zodiac killer, but that’s neither here nor there.) And in a city as beautiful as the one located on the strange seven-by-seven land square upon which we live, it’s hard not to get a little romantic from time to time. Whether you’re in the mood to just get a little closer or have a full-on snog sesh with your boo, San Francisco has no shortage of kissing-friendly hotspots. Let's do this. (Wink wink.)
Last updated July 11, 2022
(501 Twin Peaks Boulevard // Twin Peaks)
The summit of Twin Peaks is the classic San Francisco makeout spot -- so much so that you might feel a tad self-conscious being surrounded by so many other couples making out there. (And then, presumably, you will get over the self-consciousness and concentrate on sticking your tongue down your better half’s throat.) But it’s a classic for a reason, from the romantic winding road you take to the summit to how the whole city glows at your feet once you're there. Just try not to feel the love.
(Filbert St & Stockton Street // North Beach)
North Beach is maddeningly romantic to begin with, and Washington Square Park just seals the deal. The small grassy area is the perfect place for a daytime picnic or a stroll underneath the street lamps once the sun goes down. The perks? It’s small, reasonably well-lit at night, and only semi-secluded, so you can snog without fearing if a murderer is going to jump out of the bushes and turn the rom-com you’re living into a slasher flick. The drawbacks? It sits directly underneath Saints Peter and Paul Church. So, um, God is totally watching.
(1004 Point Lobos Avenue // Land's End)
Make out in a cave! Make out while the sun goes down over the ocean! Make out amongst ruins that you can pretend symbolize the temporality of all things, thus enticing you to enjoy the moment as it happens! Ah, love! It's like a Nicholas Sparks novel, if Nicholas Sparks novels were a lot more existentialist.
(Virtually Anywhere ... Really)
It’s the most liberated neighborhood in town, no matter what you prefer when you reach down your partner’s pants. Bonus points if you startle some tourists.
(1199 9th Avenue // Golden Gate Park)
Just ask Georgia O’Keeffe: flowers can be all sorts of suggestive. With all of the Botanical Garden's lovely, perfumed nooks to hide in, this Golden Gate Park haven is a lover’s dream. Just try not to pucker up while strolling along the Moon Viewing Pond.
(Sloat Boulevard and Great Highway // Outer Sunset)
The best things in life are simple. You get a blanket, you get a bottle of wine, you sit among the dunes and get to know each other a little better. Baker Beach might be more photo-op friendly, but Ocean Beach is bigger, quieter, and most of the tourists dip out by 5 pm. Plus you shouldn’t kiss with your eyes open because that’s really freaking weird, so who cares if you don’t get the perfect Insta shot out of your romantic outing?
Looking for a love that lasts? Scope our Summer Date Guide!
Did we miss your favorite smooch spot? Let us know at [email protected]!
