In the sixties San Francisco was a mecca for hippies; songs entreated wannabe visitors to ‘be sure to wear flowers in your hair’ and flower children descended upon the city in droves, making it the epicentre of the 1967 ‘Summer of Love’.  Whilst the time of psychedelic experimentation and free love may be over; San Francisco has retained a freewheeling, relaxed vibe that makes it the perfect city break for free spirits seeking a little romance.

It may be a cliché, but flowers and romance are forever entwined; head to the Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park for romantic, sweet scented walks amidst the exotic and rare floras that populate the area.  After spending the day exploring the gardens and the treasures they contain, take a moonlit cruise on San Francisco Bay to see the city’s most iconic sites: the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Numerous companies offer cruise packages with many including three course gourmet dinners and live commentaries. 

A short journey from San Francisco, the small town of Sausalito offers spectacular views across the Bay and a wealth of relaxed outdoor pursuits. Amble amidst small independent art galleries then visit the Spinnaker restaurant, which boasts panoramic views and a varied menu, and watch the sun set over the Bay.

Haight-Ashbury was once the heart of San Francisco’s hippy scene and is still the place to come to relive those heady sixties days. However, make no mistake about it, this hippy suburb has gone lux. Visit Haight-Ashbury for its trendy gourmet restaurants with an organic bent and chic new age boutiques. For a cinematic treat in a bohemian setting book seats in The Red Vic Cinema, a popular worker owned establishment where you can feast on organic snacks and cuddle up on sofas to watch the latest releases. If your visit falls in June, be sure to catch the Haight-Ashbury street fair, held annually on the second Sunday of the month, which celebrates the area’s history with live music, and stalls selling food and crafts.

Art enthusiasts and novices alike should be sure to pay the Fine Art Museum of San Francisco a visit. Housed in a stunningly grand building and surrounded by elegantly landscaped gardens, the museum is one of the largest in California and houses permanent collections of American and African work as well as visiting exhibits consisting of internationally recognizable masterpieces by artists such as Cezanne, Van Gogh and Gaugin.

If all that hasn’t tempted you enough; BabyMoon offers a special ‘Baby Me’ package for expectant Mums at the ultra chic W hotel. Beautify yourself in the hotel’s specialist Bliss spa; exercise gently in the heated lap pool then curl up with a craving-slaying meal from Baby Me’s special ‘Womb Service’ menu and a good book in the form of ‘Bump it up: Transform your pregnancy into the ultimate style statement’. The package also comes with a pair of cosy baby moccasins and a snuggly baby onesie so your new arrival can have a taste of pampering too.

This is a guest post by Helen Cross who writes for travel site Simonseeks: Expert rated hotels from Amsterdam to Las Vegas.