Date Ideas San Francisco

Date idea in San Francisco abound by the ton. In a lively city such as this one, keeping the flame alive is an easy task for new partners and long-tended flames alike. Fuel yourattraction in the city’s fiery atmosphere. But where to start? In a wonderland of couple-friendly attractions, choosing things to do in San Francisco can be a challenging feat.

Dinner Dates

Send a shooting spark down your soul with a date steeped in romance. These romantic restaurants in San Francisco are sure to generate a spark.

Foreign Cinema

Foreign Cinema in the Mission District, a chic restaurant with a penchant for drama, will give you a taste of the limelight. Hollywood’s shining glory extends far into California’s northern half!

This is dinner and a movie made elegant with a hard lean into the warmth and intimacy that makes the classic date combo an enduring favorite.

The ever-changing menu relies on locally sourced treasures to accompany the impeccably prepared seafood and dry-aged steaks. In the open-air seating studded with string lights and warmed by a glowing hearth, you might just think you’ve stepped into a movie.

• Location: 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (Approximately 1.6 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Cuisine: Californian
• Price Range: $$ – Entree pricing, no entry fee
• Why We Love It: Dedication to showing cult classics makes this one of the hottest foodie experiences in San Francisco.
• Vibe: Romantic, artsy, upscale
• Reservation Needed: Yes

Waterbar

Waterbar manages to come out on top amidst an ocean of Bay-based seafood restaurants. The toasty eatery sits almost directly beneath San Francisco’s Bay Bridge for views of twinkling skyline just beyond the water.

Naturally, Waterbar’s extensive menu is fish-forward. Take turns trading oysters and lobster claws as you cozy up on the heated patio, gazing first at each other, then at the busy city in the distance. Stoke your spirits with creative cocktails that shine with mix-ins such as elderflower and chocolate.

• Location: 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States (Approximately 2.3 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
• Price Range: $$$
• Unique Feature: The waterfront location is a prime spot for a memorable date!
• Vibe: Elegant, scenic, special occasion
• Reservation Needed: Yes

Zuni Café

Zuni Café has drawn crowds to its bright and spacious interior for nearly half a century. On a quaint San Francisco street corner sits a charming bistro with red-brick walls and a sizable collection of local artwork.

A wood-burning oven and copper bar signify Zuni’s meticulous attention to every detail. Here, creative twists on classic fare dot the menu. Treat your other half to a midday rendezvous in front of Zuni’s wall of windows.

At lunchtime, the restaurant comes to life with patrons in search of food that's simply delicious. For a casual, yet scrumptious outing, Zuni is one of San Francisco’s best date spots.

• Location: 1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Approximately 0.3 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Cuisine: Classic Californian bistro
• Price Range: $
• Unique Feature: Bask in the sunlit dining room of this downtown café, perfect for impromptu rendezvous.
• Vibe: Cozy, lively, stylish
• Reservation Needed: No

Outdoor Date Ideas

Share a new adventure on a date in the San Francisco sunshine.

Row Boats at Stow Lake

Stow Lake Boathouse rents vessels by the hour. Grab your oars for a loop in a row boat, or rely on your own four feet in the curved seats of a pedal boat. As the ducks quack and petals float on gusts of wind, there might be more than flowers blooming here.

Tranquil amblers can watch koi in the water below as they stroll past the red-walled Chinese Pavilion. It's quite possibly San Francisco’s most beautiful park.

• Location: 50 Blue Heron Lake Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Approximately 4 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Entry Price: $26/hr for row boats, $32,50/hr for pedal boats
• Age Requirement: 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult
• Why We Love It: Stow Lake’s ivy-crossed stone bridges, lush greenery, and cherry blossoms have turned this natural space into an escapist’s wonderland.
• Best Time to Go: On a sunny day in the summer
• Vibe: Calm, nature-filled, peaceful

Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge are iconic pieces of a monumental skyline, boasting cresting cables and rusty orange vermilion. Nearly two miles long, this feat of engineering heroically spans the strait connecting the bay with the neighboring Pacific.

To turn the bridge into a whimsical San Francisco date spot, all you need are four wheels. Helpful bike rentals allow you and your boo to zoom your way from end to end of the Golden Gate.

• Location: Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA (Approximately 5.9 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Entry Price: Free to cross, bike rental extra
• Why We Love It: With the wind whipping across your faces and blue skies tapping the distant horizon, your souls will soar.
• Best Time to Go: On a clear day
• Vibe: Adventurous, iconic, exhilarating

Cultural and Artistic Date Ideas

Let your minds wander in tandem on a date dashed with creativity.

California Academy of Sciences NightLife

California Academy of Sciences is a purposeful building dedicated to the spread of scientific knowledge by day. By night, this mission remains — dressed up in the lights and pounding music you might expect from a bumping nightclub.

Here, you’ll groove alongside over 60,000 other creatures — only some of them human. Masterful DJs and performers command the crowd every Thursday. Off the dance floor, cultural demonstrations and interactive exhibits mark the fusion of club and museum.

• Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive San Francisco, CA 94118
• Type: Museum & nightlife experience
• Entry Price: $25 entry fee, $5 extra for planetarium pass
• Why We Love It: Snacks and cocktails round out the night’s needs; you’ll leave satisfied, gleefully exerted, and knowledgeable with some impressive new facts.
• Best Time to Go: Thursday nights, all year round

Cozy and Intimate Spots

What’s better than cuddling up? Get comfortable at these snug-friendly spots.

Wine Tasting at Winery Collective

Winery Collective’s tasting room is lit with a golden glow, basking the bar in gentle warmth. Step into these brick-lined halls and you’ll enjoy the peaceful tranquility under the outdoor bustle.

Wine tastings here put you at the whims of the sommelier. With wit and know-how, they’ll guide you and your partner through a tasty flight of local and high-end wines. Smooth reds and crisp whites fill the glasses as mouths drown in oceans of cultivated flavor.

Swirl your pours side by side and take in the tannins as one. Then, choose a bottle of wine to take home and keep the fun going.

• Location: 485 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Approximately 2.3 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Cuisine: Local wines
• Price Range: $ (Tastings start at $25)
• Unique Feature: The often-rotated wine list is composed of local products only, giving you an exclusive window into the wineries surrounding San Francisco.
• Vibe: Intimate, classy, local
• Reservation Needed: No appointment needed. Reservations are recommended for groups over four.

Coffee at The Buena Vista

The Buena Vista is San Fran’s quintessential corner bar dating all the way back to 1916. Among its earthy wood walls and storied countertop is a century of dramatic nights and close conversations.

A date here means a chance to cozy up and get chatting. Over caffeinated cups, get lost in each other’s company while San Francisco’s after-dark crowds pass by. Plus, hearty bar fare, such as hot soup in a soft bread bowl, makes for an impossibly delicious meal for two.

• Location: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Approximately 2.3 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Cuisine: American classics
• Price Range: $
• Unique Feature: Irish coffee is a house specialty. Spending decades perfecting it, the bar now serves up hundreds of cream-topped spirits to thirsty San Franciscans each night.
• Vibe: Classic, casual, touristy
• Reservation Needed: No

Unique and Quirky Activities

There’s no test of true love like a wonderfully weird afternoon. See for yourself at these hidden gems in San Francisco.

Holey Moley

Holey Moley is mini golf at its finest. There's simply no date like a little low-stakes competition to get the chemistry going. Get your head in the game with a touch of whimsy and a dash of nostalgia. Plus, it tops the list of creative double-date ideas in San Francisco.

Armed with a putter and a ball, put your mini-golf strategy to the test against your partner. Then, settle into a booth at the adjoining restaurant for gloriously tasty tacos and crispy calamari. The loser buys the drinks.

• Location: 1096 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110 (Approximately 1.5 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Entry Price: $20-$26 per adults for the 18 holes course.
• Age Requirement: 21+ past 8pm
• Why We Love It: Every putt is a traipse through color and texture — neon skulls, miniature railroads, and replicas of iconic buildings create a visual verve that begs to be explored.
• Best Time to Go: Monday to Friday from 2–5pm for the walk-in Happy Hour
• Vibe: Playful, quirky, creative

The Gregangelo Museum

The Gregangelo Museum, San Francisco’s bastion for the weird and wacky, this gallery is art at its most avant-garde.

Join hands and traverse this maze of surrealist wonders. Tours here are a journey through riddles, imagination, and the unknown. Each installation is a flurry of color and strangeness; look close to catch the curious secrets within.

• Location: 225 San Leandro Way, San Francisco, CA 94127 (Approximately 4.7 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Type: Guided immersive art tour
• Entry Price: Entries starting at $80 per person depending on tour choice. Reservations needed, no drop-ins.
• Why We Love It: At the foot of a sphinx and inside the Garden of Youth, you and your beau are in for a full-sensory afternoon of shocking discovery.
• Best Time to Go: Visit on a sunny day to enjoy the garden to the fullest!

Scenic and Relaxing Dates

Tear your eyes away from your beau long enough to take in these spectacular sights.

Sunset Picnic at Baker Beach

At Baker Beach, you’ve got a ground-up view of the towering structure of the Golden Gate Bridge as it stretches past the clouds and disappears into the ridges beyond.

This mile of pristine shoreland boasts unparalleled views. In all of San Francisco, there’s no better place to tote a blanket and basket.

Complete with fresh bites and mouthwatering morsels, a Baker Beach picnic is one to remember. Lounge, graze, and chat among the winds and waves as the sun sets over the Bay.

• Location: Parking lot located at 12 25th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121 (Approximately 4.7 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Why We Love It: The park is popular for fishing, shorelife viewing, and photography and offers access to restrooms and picnic tables.
• Best Time to Go: Pick a clear day for a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Unique Feature: The mile-long beach offers panoramic views but is not safe for swimming due to strong currents and waves.
• Vibe: Romantic, quiet, scenic

Ferry Ride to Sausalito

Ferry across the Bay from San Francisco to Sausalito. This quaint, waterfront village has a big heart and a long history, just right for a fun day trip. Hop on the ferry for a scenic cruise over to the colorful pier and the streets beyond.

Stroll and see the city’s selection of cool galleries and gleaming boutiques. Then, take a peek at the quirky lane of houseboats left over from the 19th century. When flavor calls, you can’t go wrong with Sausalito’s collection of world-class restaurants.

• Location: San Francisco, CA 94111 (Approximately 1.9 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Entry Price: $14 per adult ages 19 to 64
• Why We Love It: Skip traffic and make your way to the lively shores of Sausalito for a bite to eat and some sight-seeing.
• Best Time to Go: Spend the day in Sausalito and ferry back at sunset to enjoy the best views.
• Vibe: Relaxing, scenic, coastal

Trendy Dates

Embrace what’s hip at these popular pit stops for San Francisco couples.

Cocktails at Trick Dog

Trick Dog is waiting for you with creative cocktails and a menu like no other. This converted warehouse embraces its industrial roots with a smoky gray bar and chic sky-high windows.

A thoughtful menu features unique mixers with atypical flavors for the patron looking for something new to love. Try tequila shaken with marigold and bee pollen or whiskey and miso mixed with corn tea.

Snacky plates sate cravings with expertly sizzled dogs and burgers, featuring unexpected flavor twists. Let loose with a Chakra shot — on the weekends, leashes lift and the place gets lively.

• Location: 3010 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (Approximately 1.5 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Cuisine: Creative cocktail bar
• Price Range: $ (Around $15 per cocktail)
• Unique Feature: The creative cocktail menu keeps patrons coming back for more!
• Vibe: Hip, artistic, low-lit
• Reservation Needed: Walk-ins ok for groups of two.

Dessert at Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square is a haven for chocolate lovers, still dishing out the original recipe in all its sweet, sugary forms. Embrace romance with a hot fudge sundae to share.

Let your spoons mingle as they plunge into the meticulous stack of vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and a bright red cherry. The creamy-toasty-fluffy combo brings out the best of cocoa’s nature. Unquestionably, it’s bliss in a cup.

• Location: 900 North Point St E204A, San Francisco, CA 94109 (Approximately 2.1 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Cuisine: Desserts
• Price Range: $
• Unique Feature: The decadent desserts are made-to-order, and the three stores located around the square will take care of any chocolate craving you might have.
• Vibe: Sweet, festive, family-friendly
• Reservation Needed: No

Exploratorium After Dark

Exploratorium, located on Pier 15, is where science, technology, and art swirl into a candy cane of awe and wonder. Fit for families in the daytime, Thursday nights turn the lights low for an adults-only after-dark extravaganza at this fun date idea.

DJs set the mood, and excellent craft cocktails keep spirits high as you traverse this ever-changing exhibit. At the Exploratorium, there’s no telling what you’ll discover together.

• Location: Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111 (Approximately 2.3 miles from downtown San Francisco)
• Type: Adults-only interactive museum night.
• Entry Price: $22.95 per adult
• Why We Love It: At sunset, over 600 interactive exhibits ignite in a sea of neon lights. Here, you’ll see the world around you as you never have before, journeying across light and sound.
• Vibe: Playful, geeky, social
• Best Time to Go: Every Thursday night from 6 to 10pm

Set the Mood with Music!

Get the romance going with our handpicked selection of romantic tunes, lovingly chosen from the Cirque du Soleil library.

Cozy Up at San Francisco’s Romantic Rendezvous

San Francisco’s skyline, shores, and winding streets set the stage for romance and adventure. Lose yourselves in playful outings, cozy hideaways, and cultural escapes that fit any mood. Then cap the evening with the dazzling wonder of a Cirque du Soleil show for pure magic, from start to finish.

Anything is possible at our shows in San Francisco — especially love.