San Francisco was bustling on Saturday with both locals and out-of-town visitors celebrating Valentine’s Day. Couples, families, and friends could be seen strolling down the Embarcadero, stopping at the many markets, stands, and restaurants along the way.

While many people made holiday reservations at restaurants, there were plenty of other ways to celebrate too, including lots of free activities.

“It’s exciting, fun for a Valentine’s Day, and different,” said Walter Paulson of San Francisco, who said he has been to four of these pillow fights.

At the Embarcadero Plaza, hundreds of people got together to take part in the annual free pillow fight tradition. This year, participants were instructed to bring only synthetic pillows, no pillows stuffed with feathers.

San Francisco residents Allie McAndrews and Lilly Datnow were among the group of friends organizing the pillow fight.

McAndrews explained that while the San Francisco Valentine’s pillow fight had been going on for more than 20 years, the tradition hit a lull during the pandemic. She and her friend went to the fight last year and thought it was “the best thing,” but it was in need of some more organizing and publicity. McAndrews and her friend took it upon themselves to get the word out about the event this year, and to lead the group in stretches and activities (such as screaming into your pillow).

Many people showed up to the pillow fight wearing costumes. Some veterans of the pillow fight opted to wear goggles as eye protection.

Around San Francisco, couples could be seen walking hand in hand and dining at restaurants.

Others were out in search of their special someone, like those attending BART’s annual Valentraine speed-dating event, where passengers looking for love hopped aboard in the Mission District and rode the train to Millbrae and back.

At Pier 7, people could get their photos taken for free in the giant photo frame art installation on the waterfront, courtesy of the Port of San Francisco and Big Art Loop.

“Cause we’re in love with San Francisco, and it’s Valentine’s Day, and we just wanted to give back,” explained Annabelle Lee with Big Art Loop, which is the group working to install 100 public art sculptures in San Francisco.

Many out-of-town visitors said they enjoyed the Valentine’s energy in San Francisco.

“Yeah, it’s nice to be in the city. I love coming out to the city, it’s a beautiful city,” said Pinne Chao of Stockton.