San Francisco oozes a European joie-de-vivre, with its gorgeous Victorian architecture, alluring snootiness and a focus on good food, wine and culture. So, unsurprisingly there are endless ways to woo your boo. From sexy cocktail lounges to hidden castles in the wine regions, here are the date ideas that will make an impression without being over-the-top. [PHOTO: Foreign Cinema]
1. Napa Valley Wine Train – fine dining on vintage wheels
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Dinner and wine are always a good idea but why not do it while taking in the lush Napa landscapes through the panoramic windows of a restored vintage train? The mahogany interiors, fine merlots, and stop-offs at secret castles practically come with a second-date guarantee.
💵 $295 depending on the tour you choose.
📍Napa Valley Wine Train, 1275 Mckinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
2. Foreign Cinema – an absolute snack for cinephiles
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Freshly shucked oysters, champagne and your favorite film classics all served in a dreamy outdoor patio? Um, yes! This multifaceted establishment takes sensual dining to a whole new level, a When-Harry-Met-Sally-food-scene kinda level. If the combination of glowing fairy lights, heated lamps and the locally sourced ingredients has worked for everyone else for two decades, it will work for you.
💵 Prices vary, so check before going.
📍2534 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94110
3. Presidio – twilight hiking trail and a picnic at dusk
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Take in the Valley’s most scenic vistas with a hiking trail through misty forests. Stop to marvel at installations by the world-renowned artist, Andy Goldsworthy. Then, settle in for a picnic on the lawn accompanied by live music and all your favorite street food fare from Off The Grid. Not only is this a refreshing departure from boozy bars, but its sustainable “no trace” initiatives make it a very 2020-friendly date too.
💵 Free entry (food and wine depends on what you bring and what you buy)
📍Presidio’s Main Parade Ground, bordered by Montgomery Street, at Lincoln Boulevard San Francisco, 94129
ℹ️ Twilight events take place on Thursday evenings from May 23 through to 16 September.
4. Sunset sail in the Bay – the good kind of cheesy
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Watch the city light up as the sun goes down with a date-night cliché that is still irresistibly good. A ticket will get you two drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a 1.5-hour trip around the Bay, passing by Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge. And, yes, there’s also a trampoline if you fancy having salty ocean air blasted into your lungs.
💵 $25 to $61 (depending on the cruise you choose)
📍Pier 39, Dock J, San Francisco
5.Moongate Lounge – smooth salon vibes
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Mr. Jiu’s invites you to stay awhile with the captivating scenery that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from In The Mood For Love. This fancy neo-noir cocktail lounge will offer you plenty of velvet-clad nooks to get cozy with your date while sipping on aromatic ‘Rain Water’ and tucking into delicious dim sum.
💵 Starting at $15 for a cocktail
📍28 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
6. Musée Mécanique – the perfect play date
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This one is probably the best bang for your buck (or penny). Fill your pockets with coins and take your play-mate down to the Pier 45, where you can try out a whole collection of 20th-century penny arcade games. Then you can immortalize the moment with a strip of black and white photos from the booth, followed up with a burger from Cafe Valencia.
💵 All the pennies you have.
📍Pier 45, Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
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