Summer love in the Golden City? Sounds like magic. Turn your dates into extra special moments to remember by taking your love on an adventure that’s a little off the beaten path. Here are San Francisco’s ultimate date spots, broken out by the atmosphere you’re trying to create. We know that everyone needs something a little different, after all.
For the creative foodies
Going out to dinner has been done a million times, and there are some fantastic restaurants in San Francisco, but why not take a cooking class together and learn something new? Sur La Table on Union Street regularly offers “Date Night” classes meant just for such occasions. Classes start early to allow for the full experience — expect to leave quite satiated. Follow it up with a superbly creative cocktail at Pacific Cocktail Haven in Union Square, where the cocktails are an intricate mix of ingredients you’d never expect to combine. For tips on spots to get a great view of the city on those warm summer nights, take a look at our list of the best rooftop dining in San Francisco.
If you and your date want to expand your wine vocabulary? Head to San Francisco Wine Center for a wine class with a Master Sommelier. Classes range in topic from focuses on regional wines to the more specific aromatics and minerality, so there’s something for every flavor of wine enthusiast. Check the schedule and register in advance, and your date will be impressed. Trust us.
If you’re looking for some tasty bites without breaking the bank, check out our list of cheap eats in San Francisco.
For the adventurers
If you’re the up-at-dawn kind of person and you’re what to do on a first date in San Francisco, invite your date to Golden Gate Park for a paddleboat ride on Stow Lake. One of the numerous gorgeous parks in San Francisco, you’ll enjoy the fresh air, the perspective of the city, and the thrill of co-powering your boat will keep you entertained and, most likely, laughing. After you work those legs, head over to the Golden Gate Pavillion. A beautiful gift from Tapei to San Francisco, the pagoda is a meditative and sweet place to rest, chat, and connect. Then head to Cassava for creative and relaxed cuisine with a Japanese twist. They aren’t open straight through the afternoon, so make sure to check their hours for when they close between lunch and dinner. Or? Grab some takeout from Arizmendi Bakery and walk back to the Botanical Gardens for some snuggle time among the flowers.
If you’d prefer to stay on land, make a day of it and hike Muir Woods. Pack some sandwiches and snacks (bonus points for bringing some nice chocolate or other fine treats) and pay a visit to the amazing redwood trees just outside of Marin. Parking can be a bit tricky in the summer, so consider taking the Muir Woods Shuttle or joining a vanpool to save yourself the hassle. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the Muir Woods National Park Service offers a link showing a combination public transit/hiking approach to getting into the park that we think sounds pretty hardcore.
For the low-key snugglers
Summer in San Francisco offers a variety of outdoor event opportunities, but one of the best for you cuddly date types is the outdoor movie series. Just like the drive-in but without the cars, bring your assortment of blankets and pillows to make a nest for yourselves. The movies don’t happen every night but check out the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation’s calendar to see your options. Before you go, order some high-quality delivery — like 4505 Burgers & BBQ. The burgers don’t necessarily travel well, but we hear the BBQ plates do. Just make sure you pack plenty of napkins. Or if you want to go more classic, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana will satisfy that craving for amazing pizza without waiting in line.
Alternately, let someone else prepare you two for snuggling with a visit to the Healing Arts Center & Spa at Cavallo Point for their signature couple’s massage. You’ll both leave feeling blissed and ready to snuggle up on the couch when you get home. Which means you should probably figure out beforehand: my place or yours?
