Where to Stay

Philippe Starck has applied his trademark eclectic minimalism to the Clift Hotel San Francisco. Soft lighting, lavender-coloured hallways and whimsical furniture evoke a mature playfulness. It’s the best place in town to see local trendsetters at play.
495 Geary St., 415-775-4700, www.clifthotel.com

The family-owned Handlery Union Square Hotel is as much about old-world comfort as the Clift is about new-world chic. Ideally located in the city’s historic area, it also has a pool.
351 Geary St., 415-781-7800, www.handlery.com

Across from the Golden Gate Bridge, the 50-room Acqua Hotel is an urbane boutique hotel just a few steps from a pleasant waterfront walkway and overlooking Mount Tamalpais.
555 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley, 415-380-0400, www.marinhotels.com

Where to Eat

With light fixtures and banquettes straight out of La Coupole in Paris, the Grand Café (a former ballroom) is one of the most romantic places to eat in San Francisco.
501 Geary St., 415-292-0101, www.grandcafe-sf.com

Cafe de la Presse, where the French espresso is as black as tar, is perfect for breakfast (it’s also open for lunch and dinner).
352 Grant Ave., 415-249-0900

Former Most Romantic Restaurant honoree by SF Weekly readers, the Cliff House’s Sutro’s Restaurant is built atop the dramatic seaside cliffs.
1090 Point Lobos, 415-386-3330, www.cliffhouse.com

The rooftop Cityscape restaurant at the Hilton San Francisco has the best seats for viewing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and City Hall.
333 O’Farrell St., 415-923-5002, www.cityscaperestaurant.com

Asia de Cuba restaurant in the Clift Hotel has a mirrored communal dining table offset by Murano glass lamps, and the Asian-Latin food is superb.
495 Geary St., 415-929-2300, www.clifthotel.com

What to Do

Following a jaunt to Peru in 1836 to learn first-hand about the cocoa bean, Domingo Ghirardelli went on to open the grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in San Francisco. It’s been churning out sweet memories ever since.
Union Square location
44 Stockton St., 415-397-3030, www.ghirardelli.com

Re:fresh day spa has a two-hour side-by-side Cupid’s Arrow package ($324 for two).
1130 Post St., 415-563-2316,
www.refreshdayspa.com

Working off a great meal is no sweat in San Francisco, especially when you have Chronicle Books’ City Walks: San Francisco to lead the way. Cleverly packaged like a deck of playing cards, each self-guided walking tour gives tips on where to eat and drink.

Getting There

Air Canada offers the most daily non-stop flights between Canadian cities and San Francisco with Star Alliance™ member United Airlines.