Fun Dates In San Francisco

Looking to impress that special someone with an unforgettable outing? Your search ends here because we've got you covered with a list of the most unique and fun dates in San Francisco.

From romantic bay cruises to artsy strolls through charming neighborhoods, San Francisco offers an array of experiences that will make any date memorable.

Ready to spice up your dating life in the City by the Bay? Keep reading to discover the ultimate ideas for fun dates in San Francisco that go beyond the typical dinner and a movie.

14 Fun Date Ideas In San Francisco

Whether you're into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or romantic outings, there's something for everyone. Here are some fun date ideas in San Francisco:

1. Spend a day at the Golden gate park

If you and your partner believe in finding romance anywhere, then spending a day or two at the Golden gate park is next in order.

You can start the day by indulging in your guilty pleasures, like macarons, chocolate chip cookies, almond or banana croissants, and many other addictive snacks all of which you'll find close by. 

You can also check out the Japanese tea garden, rent and ride bikes, or even have a little picnic of your own.

And what better way is there to end a date than walking among the beautiful orchids in the greenhouse? The Golden gate park is just lovely. 

2. Go to the City Lights bookstore

Photo via The City Lights Bookstore

If you and your partner happen to find romance synonymous with spending hours and hours talking heatedly about art, literature, and all the ways the world could be better, a visit to City Lights Bookstore is highly recommended. 

It is by virtue, the most charming bookstore in San Francisco. When you're there, you have to buy a copy of On the Road if you didn't already have it.

You can also move on to explore modern and contemporary art at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). 

It's a great place for art enthusiasts to spend a creative day together. So, if books and arts are your love language, this is for you. 

3. Look around the Palace of Fine Arts

If you do not want your date to consist of taking long walks, you may prefer to take a walk in the Palace of Fine Arts. 

It is an architectural structure in the Beaux-Arts style that has such a romantic feel that the brothers Lana and Andy Wachowski chose it as the destination for the appointment of one of their leading couples in the Netflix series Sense8. 

The downside is that the palace comes without stone benches on which to sit and cuddle under the dome which would have made it perfect.

However, if you want a fun date that just reflects romance, this is for you.

4. A boat ride on Stow Lake

If you have ever had fun on a boat before, then you'll want to take your special person along the next time around. Hold your partner's hand and enjoy a sail on the Stow Lake in the Golden gate park.

You have the option to rent a rowboat, pedal boat, or even an electric boat and ride into one of the biggest parks in America

5. Enjoy a picnic on the Mountain

Tamalpais Mountain is simply majestic. The area in its entirety is such an amazing place to have a romantic picnic and stroll. It can also be an affordable date for you if you're working with a budget. 

All you need is to bring your food, and a bottle of something sweet, and walk up the mountain to see the best view of the city.

You can rent a car or take the bus to get there. Your date will appreciate some alone time with good food and nature. 

6. Take a hike up the Telegraph Hill

Take your partner for a hike up the Filiberto steps for the most stunning and satisfying views while enjoying the company of beautiful feathered little friends. 

Telegraph Hill has beautiful green fields that are perfect for a picnic or just taking a break from the hike. Even at the top of the hill, there's still quite a sight for you to see, like the Coit Tower. 

7. Barrel House

Photo via barrelhouseburlingame.com

If you are looking for a casual and trendy place to have a drink with your partner, then BarrelHouse will be your place. They boast an extensive selection of drinks you can order from, and also a pool table. 

This fun and friendly environment is the perfect place for great conversation and getting to know someone, especially if it is a first date. 

8. The Ice Cream Bar

If you and your partner aren't sticklers for healthy diets, then you need to satisfy your craving at this retro-style ice cream bar. 

Have your fill of delicious sundaes or soda. The best part of the ice cream bar is that ice creams and soft drinks are all made from fresh house ingredients, which makes it healthier, or not!

9. A stroll in Shakespeare's garden

There is no better setting for a walk or an intimate picnic than Shakespeare's Garden, one of the most romantic in San Francisco, despite also being one of the smallest in the vicinity of the enormous Golden Gate Park. 

It occupies a cozy corner between the botanical garden and the California Academy of Sciences.

This little slice of heaven was founded in 1928 under the name Shakespeare's Flower Garden and is beautifully decorated with poppies, daisies, roses, and lilies, all flowers that the writer often referred to in his plays and sonnets.

10. Roxie Theater

Photo via Local News Matters

Put a new spin on classic movie night and catch a movie in the oldest operating room in town, the Roxie. 

Get ready for some popcorn and snuggle up to your date while watching alt classics, limited-release flicks, and newly released indie flicks.

11. A visit to the Grandview Park Mosaic Staircase

Photo via Roving Vails

Grandview Park is one of the best viewpoints to enjoy the unforgettable views of the sunset.

From this hill, you will be able to contemplate the landscape of the structured neighborhoods of the center-west of San Francisco, with the waters of the bay as a backdrop. 

This elevated park is an ideal place to enjoy a romantic, intimate, and different walk with your partner in the middle of the city.

If you and your partner just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery while having a great conversation, this is for you. 

12. Midnight Mystery Bike Ride

Photo via San Francisco Parks Alliance

These rides are exciting at night. The meeting location is announced on the day of, and then at midnight, you will start on an unknown route and cycle to an unknown endpoint. Well, it's not completely unknown. 

They guarantee there will be alcohol wherever you go. What better way to ensure your partner enjoys? How can it go wrong?

13. A candlelit dinner at Gary Danko Restaurant

If you're interested in winning and dining with your partner with refined culinary, your best option is Chef Gary Danko's restaurant in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. 

This restaurant has been around since the 90s and has been awarded a Michelin star. It has attracted several celebrities to its retro-style setting.

They make the best brown rock shrimp and don't forget to get their chocolate souffle for dessert. A dinner with your partner here will be an unforgettable experience. 

14. Exploratium After dark

The San Francisco Exploratorium hosts many interactive exhibits for families and groups of friends on topics as varied as human perception, art, and science.

However, it also offers activities designed specifically for adults, which will delight couples looking for original and fun proposals. 

Every Thursday, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., After Dark is held, an exhibition that shows how everything changes at night.

With a drink in hand and your date beside you, you can admire a completely dark dome and a dazzling giant kaleidoscope, walk across a mist-shrouded bridge and hallucinate in a hall of mirrors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion - Fun Dates In San Francisco

Remember to check the current status of attractions, events, and venues, before reservations or visits as availability may vary due to seasonal changes or unforeseen circumstances. 

Regardless of the activity you choose, San Francisco offers a range of options to create lasting memories with your partner.