Perfect Date Ideas in San Francisco
Looking for the best date ideas in San Francisco? As someone who lived in the Bay Area, I can tell you there’s no better place for a romantic getaway. Recently, my husband and I spent a weekend in the city without the kids, and we were blown away by the endless possibilities. From cozy dinners and scenic hikes to vibrant cultural experiences, San Francisco has it all. Let me share a collection of prime date spots and activities that will make your time in this incredible city unforgettable.
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Do Something Outdoors
Stroll through Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is the perfect spot for a romantic date in the city. It’s a huge urban getaway with over 1,000 acres of gardens, lakes, and attractions.
Things to do in Golden Gate Park:
- Picnic at the Conservatory of Flowers
- Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden
- Rent paddle boats at Stow Lake
- Visit the Academy of Sciences
Go on a Romantic Walk on Baker Beach
Baker Beach is the perfect spot to walk in the sand and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure you dress warmly so you can relax, have a picnic, or catch a beautiful sunset.
Go on a Sunset Walk up Twin Peaks
A hike up Twin Peaks will offer you some of the best panoramic views of the city. A great time to bring a date is at sunset and into the evening hours. It’s a short hike and right in the heart of the city.
Partake in a Cultural Experience
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
A great date choice for art lovers is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). It’s a fantastic place to view works by famous artists like Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo. Click here to book tickets.
Things to do at the SFMOMA:
Exploratorium
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a hands-on science museum that offers interactive exhibits and experiments for visitors of all ages. Located on the waterfront at Pier 15, it provides an engaging and educational experience, allowing visitors to explore various aspects of science, art, and human perception. For a fun date activity, the Exploratorium offers evening adult programs, such as Exploratorium After Dark Thursdays, providing a great opportunity to listen to special lectures, workshops, and music.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco’s Marina District is a gorgeous spot originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. The Palace of Fine Arts is a perfect spot for a great date. You can walk around the beautiful lagoon, take pictures of the stunning architecture, and have a peaceful picnic on the green lawn.
Go out Dining and Drinking
Ferry Building
The Ferry Building in San Francisco is one of my favorite spots, and it’s a great place for a date. Located right on the waterfront, you can get great views of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge (it’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset). The building has a mix of gourmet food vendors, artisanal shops, and a lively farmers’ market. It’s a fantastic place to sample local gourmet food and drinks, dine al fresco, and enjoy the bay views.
Fishermans Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a great spot for a date night. There are many romantic restaurants with amazing views. I always enjoy walking around this area, even though it’s somewhat touristy! Some of my favorite restaurants are Fog Harbor Fish House, which has amazing seafood and views of the Bay; The Franciscan Crab Restaurant, which has a romantic setting with waterfront views; and Cioppino’s, known for its delicious seafood soup that has been proudly served in San Francisco for over 100 years.
Head to the Best Restaurants in and around Downtown San Francisco
Below is a list of some of the city’s most romantic and top restaurants.
- The Waterbar is located on the waterfront of San Francisco’s Embarcadero and has amazing views of the Bay. It’s known for its excellent seafood and romantic atmosphere.
- The Empress by Boon is a top choice for those looking to enjoy refined Cantonese cuisine in a luxurious setting. You can impress your date by taking them to a restaurant opened by a renowned Michelin-starred chef. The restaurant is located in a historic space in Chinatown that once housed the iconic Empress of China restaurant.
- The House of Prime Rib is a renowned steakhouse in the Nob Hill neighborhood that is sure to impress your date. Each prime rib is perfectly cooked and carved tableside, making this a memorable dining experience.
Best Spots for Cocktails
- Bourbon and Branch is a unique speakeasy located in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. This bar features a 1920s atmosphere with secret entrances and password-protected reservations. The bar offers amazing craft cocktails and fine spirits, and they take pride in the art of mixology. It’s a great place for a date, especially since one of their house rules is no cell phones!
- The Starlight Room is a romantic cocktail lounge on the 21st floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. It has plush seating, vintage decor, sparkling chandeliers, and mirrored ceilings. It’s also the perfect place to get an amazing panoramic view of the city. What more could you ask for on a date?
Unique Adventure Activities
Go on a San Francisco Premier Dinner Dance Cruise
Another unique and great date idea in San Francisco is to go on a dinner and dancing cruise. During the cruise, you will enjoy a gourmet meal and after-dinner dancing. You can take in the nighttime views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the amazing city skyline from the bay. This is a unique night out for anyone!
Click here to book this great tour.
Go on an Alcatraz Night Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise
Another fun date idea is to go on a night tour and bay cruise of Alcatraz. The Alcatraz tour is like the day tour, but at night, it’s a bit creepier and has fewer crowds. You’ll get access to parts of the prison that you may not see during the day tour, and you’ll enjoy the spectacular night views of San Francisco Bay.
Click here to book a night tour of Alcatraz
Book a night tour of San Francisco by Airplane
For an unforgettable evening, experience the magic of flying over the San Francisco Bay at sunset. You will fly in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk over the city. As you soar above, you’ll witness the transition from day to night and see the city lights come alive beneath you. There’s no better way to have a romantic and thrilling experience.
Click here to book this amazing experience
San Francisco offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable date with its incredible dining options, stunning bay views, and thrilling adventures. When my husband and I visited without the kids, we had the most amazing time – great food, lots of walking, and exploring the bay views. I hope you can enjoy it as well!
Looking for some great day trips from San Francisco? Check out my post about the top-day trips you can take to explore what Northern California has to offer.
