The most romantic national parks near the Bay Area for Valentine’s Day

Recreation.gov's top spots to have a romantic adventure include three national parks near the Bay Area.

If there’s one authority you can trust on the topic of romance, it’s the good ol’ U.S. government. So you better believe that when Recreation.gov lists six outside adventures to take your sweetie on – including three national parks near the Bay Area – it’s time to fill your Camelbak with champagne and hit the hills.

Joking aside, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a special place to visit with or without a loved one. The parks even had a recent photo contest to prove it, full of lovely wildflowers, glass-clear streams, snow-caked redwoods and cuddly-looking bears (not meant for teddy-hugging). And Yosemite is, well, awesomely Yosemite. Recreation.gov decided to include these places after receiving a story submission from a visitor named Amy:

Sometimes, the best adventures ask you to slow down, look around, and take the long road. To celebrate her three-year anniversary with her girlfriend, Amy M. rented a campervan and spent quality time hiking through Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

“As we rolled around in our temporary home on towards Sequoia/Kings National Park then to Yosemite we took in the beautiful scenery, listened to our favorite podcasts, and talked about everything and everyone. As we hiked the parks, we felt grounded realizing we were just tiny specks among these enormous natural wonders. It was so refreshing to be outdoors surrounded by natural beauty. Waking up to a crisp morning and the smell of last night’s campfire made us smile. This was home away from home. Better yet, this was just home because we were together in our happy place.”

If you’re looking farther for a romantic adventure, Recreation.gov’s other suggestions from Hawaii to Alaska include a national seashore, national forest, wildlife refuge and marine sanctuary. Here’s the full list:

Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Hawaii

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia and Maryland

National Park of American Samoa, the South Pacific