I always found Valentine’s Day a bit performative even when I’ve been in a relationship. Acts of love and kindness should be universal and given all year to people in your life; significant others, friends, and family. And if you are without a partner — as I have been many times on Valentine’s Day — mid-February feels like a reminder that oh yes: maybe you should be with someone.
San Francisco is a fabulous city to explore and live in alone. I love catching an indie film and clutching my imaginary pearls in a quiet theater, and equally staring wistfully out the window while sipping a hot cocoa or mochaccino. These are some tried-and-true options for those of us practicing radical self-love this February:
Roller skate at Church of 8 Wheels
I actually think roller skating is best done solo anyway. Sure it’s fun to go with friends, but conversation is always disjointed and distracting amid the thumpa-thumpa disco beats and bright lights. The Church of 8 Wheels is for me one of the most classic San Francisco activities. It’s a converted 1910s church turned roller disco, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for roller-skating enthusiasts. The vibrant atmosphere, disco ball reflections, and pulsating beats create an energetic ambiance that’s perfect for a solo adventure.
And there’s no better way to show love to yourself than by taking a spin on the roller disco floor.
Explore the Ferry Building and Embarcadero
Singles Awareness Day is the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in the beauty of the San Francisco cityscape, whether you’re capturing candid moments or enjoying the serenity of your surroundings.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a haven for food enthusiasts, featuring a diverse array of artisanal vendors, local farmers, and renowned restaurants. I am personally overdue to revisit many favorites, including:
- Blue Bottle Coffee — From pour-over to espresso, each cup is a carefully crafted masterpiece. Indulge in the rich flavors of their single-origin beans and embrace the art of the perfect brew.
- Hog Island Oyster Co.— Freshly shucked oysters, sustainably harvested from Tomales Bay, take center stage. Sit at the raw bar, enjoy the waterfront view, and savor the briny goodness of these culinary gems.
- Boulettes Larder & Boulibar — Embrace the farm-to-table philosophy at Boulettes Larder, offering a curated selection of artisanal products, cookbooks, and kitchenware. Adjacent to it, Boulibar serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a casual setting, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely solo meal.
- Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant — With an extensive selection of wines from around the world, knowledgeable staff, and a cozy atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to explore new varietals or find the perfect bottle to accompany your culinary adventures.
- Miette Patisserie — Miette Patisserie is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Indulge in exquisitely crafted French pastries, cupcakes, and confections. Their display of colorful macarons and delicate cakes is a visual treat, and the taste is nothing short of divine.
Catch a solo flick at The Roxie Theater
The Roxie Theater creates an intimate setting that allows solo moviegoers to immerse in the cinematic experience. The smaller auditoriums create a more personal and welcoming environment, fostering a sense of connection between the viewer and the film.
I’ve only been a couple times, and it’s very no frills. The focus is squarely on the film over amenities; the vintage aesthetic, complete with retro marquees and an old-school ticket booth adds an extra layer of nostalgia to your solo movie night. And you can feel good about supporting The Roxie, too: As San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating cinema, the theate actively supports local filmmakers and independent productions, providing a platform for emerging talent.
Sip a beverage at Top of the Mark
“Top of the Mark” is not just a restaurant; it’s an elevated retreat offering breathtaking views, impeccable drinks, and an ambiance tailor-made for solo introspection. If there’s anywhere I want to stare wistfully out a window, this one definitely ranks as a top pick.
The city unfolds below alongside anything you order, creating a mesmerizing backdrop that transforms your solitary date into a cinematic experience. The skyline, with its iconic landmarks, becomes a silent companion to your thoughts. On clear days, catch glimpses of the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Transamerica Pyramid, as they paint a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the Bay.
Give yourself a spa day at Simply Unique Nails
I dropped by Simply Unique recently for the first time to get a quick mani-pedi before the big San Francisco Ballet gala. The ladies were polite, talented, fast, and also operate a well-maintained space. I’m new to the world of pretty nails, so I had no idea the cautionary tales that accompanied a search for the perfect manicure. Simply Unique on Valencia is — as I said — well-maintained, and they did a quick job with a pretty outcome. I also love the massage chairs.
Multiple layers of blue metallic, glitter, and gel gave me the perfect look for my aqua blue evening ensemble, pictured above. I also love the massage chairs.
Take a walk at the Japanese Tea Garden
In Golden Gate Park, this is a place where cherry blossoms dance in the breeze, koi fish swim through serene ponds, and the air is imbued with the essence of contemplation — the Japanese Tea Garden. The garden’s winding paths are adorned with azaleas and lush greenery. Every turn presents a new canvas, inviting people to enjoy the quiet charm of their own company.
I personally find their snacks overpriced, but I also love sitting near the center of the garden with a cup of tea. And I’ve definitely come to this spot with just a book and my thoughts. It’s lovely, too, that the Botanicals, de Young, Cal Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Bandshell, and car-free JFK Promenade are all in walking distance. I’m biased because I live so nearby, but this whole area probably contains my favorite solo time in San Francisco.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
The Bold Italic is a non-profit media organization, and we publish first-person perspectives about San Francisco and the Bay Area. Donate to us today.