You’ve got the date, now you need somewhere to go! San Francisco is full of lovely romantic places to have a date, from fine dining to intimate outdoor adventures. Are you looking for fun date ideas in the San Francisco Bay Area with a partner? Read on to get inspired, and see our list of solo date ideas if you just want to treat yourself.
1. Browse some local bookstores
Many a San Franciscan loves to curl up with a good book. Not sure where to find your next good read? These famous bookstores around the city are musts for any local bookworm.
- Green Apple Books
- City Lights Bookstore
- Black Bird Bookstore
- And more
2. Go ice skating at a local rink
Seasonal ice skating rinks can be found in all nine Bay Area counties, from the always-popular Union Square Ice Rink in San Francisco to the magical ice skating trail at San Jose’s Enchant. Read our full list of local ice skating rinks to complete your cozy winter date in San Francisco, and keep in mind that many of the seasonal ones close in January.
3. Warm up in front of a cozy fireplace
A cheery, roaring fire makes those chilly fall and winter nights so much more romantic, but we don’t all have that luxury in our home. Here are a few local restaurants and bars with fireplaces where you can enjoy a drink and get cozy with your date.
4. Enjoy classical music by candlelight at these intimate concerts
The extremely popular series known as Candlelight is wowing crowds in San Francisco. Experience beautiful classical concerts featuring everything from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to a Hans Zimmer tribute, all in the lovely glow of thousands of candles. See all upcoming Candlelight concerts here.
5. Explore a local holiday market
Holiday markets are popping up all over SF and the surrounding Bay Area every single weekend. Spend an afternoon shopping for yourself or for others, often with live music and food trucks to add to the ambiance. We have our eye on the Dickens Christmas Fair, Winter Walk in Union Square, and the Holiday Faire at Mill Valley Lumber Yard. See our running list of holiday markets here.
6. Seek out one of the Bay’s most beautiful holiday light displays
These nearby holiday light displays make for a fun local seasonal outing. From the Garden of D’Lights at Ruth Bancroft Garden, to Holidays at Filoli, to Enchant in San Jose, see our list of Bay Area light displays for some inspiration.
7. Book a table for two at these romantic SF restaurants
The perfect romantic SF date night can take a variety of forms, but a night of upscale dining al fresco is a classic go-to. Many of these restaurants have magical outdoor patios to enjoy a variety of delicious food options, creative cocktails, and much more.
- Foreign Cinema
- La Mar Cebicheria Peruana
- 25 Lusk
- And more
8. Check out NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences
NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences is one of our favorite ongoing events. The popular adults-only Thursday night events feature live DJs and music, outdoor bars, and ambiance lighting. Keep your eye out for rotating themes, many of which feature fantastic local community partners and a variety of activations. Activities include hands-on crafting, science talks, silent discos in the aquarium, fashion shows, and more.
9. Buy a bottle to share at one of SF’s most charming wine bars
It’s never a bad time to discover an amazing new bar in the city, and these local wine bars always deliver. From the delicious Italian wines at VinoRosso to the elegant ambiance at Linden & Laguna, there’s something to like at all of these wine bars in San Francisco.
10. Discover a new sunset viewing spot
There’s truly no shortage of excellent places to see a sunset in the Bay, but we wanted to get to the bottom of where locals love to watch the sky light up. These key sunset viewing spots are recommended by locals!
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Twin Peaks
- Ina Coolbrith Park
- And more
11. Turn your gaze skyward at the best local stargazing spots
Stargazing might be one of the most magical and underrated date ideas in San Francisco. While the furthest person from the city has the highest chances of witnessing a starry night, it’s possible to catch a glimmer or two nearby, and we’ve sought out some promising viewpoints where you can share intimate conversation as you gaze toward the heavens.
12. Treat yourself and your partner to a meal at one of SF’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal, we’ve put together a list of the most affordable restaurants in San Francisco that have made it into the coveted Michelin Guide.
13. Get in touch with your inner child at the Exploratorium’s adult-only “After Dark” event
San Francisco’s Exploratorium at Pier 15 is a great place to explore and play, but it can be hard to wait your turn when there are too many kids running around. That’s why they also offer an after-hours, adult-only event on Thursdays. With all the interactive exhibits and fun challenges, it’s a great place to have a date in San Francisco.
14. Take a stroll through one of these romantic spots in the city, recommended by San Franciscans
We asked our Instagram followers for their favorite romantic spots in the city, from the beach to restaurant patios. Here are their recommendations!
- Pier 7
- The Embarcadero
- Coit Tower
- And more
15. Go for an adventure on one of these spectacular day trips
We love San Francisco for its countless activities to enjoy everywhere you go. But anytime there’s a long weekend or a free day, we’re quite well-located to check out some neighboring California gems.
16. Skate the night away at this groovy 19th-century church turned roller disco
Have you heard of this amazing roller disco near the Painted Ladies? The Church of 8 Wheels is the ultimate hidden gem, hosting San Francisco’s most avid skaters within a 120-year-old abandoned church. You can zoom around the rink before a backdrop of stained-glass windows featuring Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Disco music and neon lights bring the party to this unconventional skating experience!
17. Take a lap around the Ferry Building
San Francisco’s Ferry Building is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, serving as a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a center for events, pop-ups, a farmers’ market, and countless excellent merchants who sell their wares daily in the building’s many stalls. When’s the last time you explored this beautiful and famous landmark? Read on to learn more about the Ferry Building’s history, plus some essential stops you should make on your next trip.
18. Step up the competition at an arcade bar
Looking to shake up your weekend plans? It could be as simple as finding a great pinball machine. No matter how you want to keep yourself entertained, there’s something for everyone at these awesome arcade bars in the Bay Area.
- Emporium
- Thriller Social Club
- The Detour
- And more
19. See a new museum exhibition
Each month in San Francisco, local museums refresh and replace their temporary exhibitions. Now’s a great time to take stock and plan ahead to see some of these wonderful displays before they’re gone. Check our running list of current and upcoming museum exhibitions so you’ll never miss one again.
- Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture at SFMOMA
- Art and War in the Renaissance at the de Young Museum
- Hallyu! The Korean Wave at the Asian Art Museum
- And more
20. Explore the Bay’s best saunas and spas
San Francisco is known for its famously chilly weather but is luckily also home to some world-class saunas and spas. Whether you’re looking for an intimate spa day with your partner or a or a more casual environment to chat and relax, there’s a sauna for every occasion.
- Archimedes Banya
- Reboot
- Good Hot
- And more
21. Pick out a great outfit for each other at these popular vintage stores
Vintage clothing is always in. Whether you’re trying to channel the bright ’80s vibe of Stranger Things, nail that ’60s Summer of Love look, or want to step into a hip speakeasy in your best ’20s flapper dress, San Francisco has a vintage clothing store for that.
- Body Philosophy Club
- No Shop
- ReLove
- And more
22. Have a WFH/study date at these local workspaces
Whether you’re a student looking for somewhere to crank out an essay, or you work from home and want a change of scenery, here are some great spots to visit and focus up. They’re even better with a friend or date!
- SF Public Library Main Branch
- Progressive Grounds
- Mechanics’ Institute
- And more
23. Attend a hilarious SF comedy show
The eclectic SF comedy scene has produced some of the country’s most legendary performers including Ali Wong, W. Kamau Bell, and Robin Williams. From big-name venues to smaller comedy clubs in San Francisco, these local hotspots are musts for anyone who loves to laugh.