Are you looking for date ideas in San Francisco? You’ve come to the right place. One of the most recognizable cities in the US is perfect for dating.
Whether you plan to spend 3 days in San Francisco or more, you won’t be bored. You’ll find iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Prison, excellent cuisine, beautiful nature, and great architecture.
Check out the most exciting things for couples to do in San Francisco.
Date Night Ideas In San Francisco
Take a Sunset Cruise on San Francisco Bay
A sunset cruise on the Bay is one of the best romantic things for couples in San Francisco.
You can go on a cruise with dinner, a shorter boat trip, or even a catamaran trip. Surely such an evening will be remembered for a long time because the sunsets over the Bay are spectacular.
The view of the skyline from the water perspective and the Golden Gate Bridge sparkling with red lights are fabulous.
Moreover, sailing under the Bridge is also a unique photo opportunity. You can admire sea lions basking in the harbor in the sun’s rays and how dusk begins to surround the mysterious prison of Alcatraz.
Stroll Ghirardelli Square and head up Coit Tower
It is known that chocolate stimulates the senses of lovers. And one of the best date ideas in San Francisco is enjoying historic Ghirardelli Square and tasting famous chocolates.
Of course, after tasting sweets, it’s worth burning some calories, so be sure to walk through Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most exciting parts of the city.
Here you can ride the historic carousel, holding hands romantically. Or you can play counting sea lions basking at Pier 39.
Whoever counts all the sea lions first wins an equal number of kisses from the partner.
From Ghirardelli Marketplace, you also have a short walk to Lombard Street, the city’s most serpentine street.
Or you can head up to the 210-foot (64 m) tall Coit Tower, from which you can admire panoramic views.
Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge
A bicycle trip together is an excellent date in San Francisco.
And if you add a ride through one of the world’s most famous and photographed suspension bridges, then such a date will be a hit.
There are a lot of bike rentals in the city, including electric bikes. In addition, the prices are affordable.
Start your bike date at Fisherman’s Wharf and ride across the one-mile-wide Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, one of the most charming seaside Mediterranean-like villages.
You can plan your return trip by bike or by ferry. Make sure to end your bake date in Sausalito in one of the most romantic restaurants. Choose from Poggio Trattoria, Scoma’s Of Sausalito, or Luna Blu.
Take a Ferry to Alcatraz Island
Is visiting the world’s most famous maximum security prison a good date idea in San Francisco?
Definitely!
While listening to gripping stories of inmates like Capone and Stroud at Alcatraz Prison, you will realize how terrible it is to be isolated from a loved one, to spend years in a cell, locked up without touch and contact with the closest person.
Ferries depart for Alcatraz Island from Pier 33.
When you reach the island, you can use the self-audio tour to enjoy the island without crowds in the company of a loved one.
What’s important is that you can explore the island’s prison and its exteriors at your own pace.
Go For a Hike to Yosemite Valley
Hiking is often a test for the relationship between two people.
Difficult conditions, fatigue, and obstacles reveal who is resourceful, responsible, and caring.
A trip to Yosemite National Park will only strengthen your relationship because it is one of the most magnificent places in California.
SF is an excellent base for a trip to this iconic park, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Granite cliffs, waterfalls, streams, giant sequoia, and mountains will make you speechless.
Take your partner for sunset to Tunnel View or Glacier Point to make this memory stay with you forever.
Hike to Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, rising 2,425 feet (739 m), is a great adventure for couples.
Whet Your Appetite with Fresh Oysters
Oysters have been considered a natural aphrodisiac for hundreds of years, as they can increase libido due to their high zinc content.
Above all, they’re delicious, meaty, and velvety. Moreover, they’re the perfect appetizer for a romantic evening and as a dates ideas in San Francisco.
The oysters you’ll find in the city have the highest quality. Make sure to visit Swan Oyster Depot, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere, or the more elegant The Ferry Building Oyster Bar.
Also, the seafood restaurant Waterbar, located on the Embarcadero, offers an elegant and romantic atmosphere, delicious oysters, and stunning views of the Bay Bridge.
Take a Cooking Class Together
If you love to cook, cooking workshops will deepen your relationship and give you a lot of joy and fun.
San Francisco is famous for having one of the best cuisines on the U.S. West Coast.
You will find all the world’s culinary flavors here. Moreover, the offer of culinary workshops is vast.
The choice depends only on you, your favorite cuisine, and your budget.
Some examples are Sushi classes, Indian food workshops, Paella and Tapas cooking classes, Gourmet Italian cooking classes, Roast Your Coffee workshop, and Tiramisu cooking classes.
To choose the best workshop for yourself, check the offers of such places as Cozymeal, Crimson Kitchen, or The Story of Ramen.
Enjoy Wine Tastings in Napa Valley
Californian wines are some of the best, if not in the world, then in America. And the San Francisco area is famous for its exceptional vineyards.
No doubt, one of the best things for couples to do in San Francisco is wine tasting.
You will find unique and romantic experiences in the heart of this vibrant city.
You can join one of the Wine Tasting Rooms in San Francisco, such us Winery Collective, Maritime Wine Tasting Studio, or Rock Wall Wine Company.
Another idea for couples is to go on a wine-tasting trip out of the city. The best vineyards are in Napa & Sonoma Valley.
Make a Picnic on the Beach
San Francisco has excellent beaches for strolling and chilling together. Some are crowded, but some are empty and perfect as dates ideas. Pack a blanket, a box of Californian wine (glass is prohibited), and some cheeses and olives, and take your date to the beach with the view. The best beaches for a date are China Beach, Marshall’s Beach, Crissy Field Beach, and Baker Beach.
Admire Street Art at Mission District
The Mission District, named for the 1776 Mission Dolores building, is a vibrant neighborhood with Latin American roots and a hipster vibe.
This is a great idea for a fun night out in San Francisco.
Traditional tapas stands and eclectic clubs with live music sit alongside gourmet restaurants and elegant cocktail bars.
There are also tattoo parlors, ice cream parlors serving delicious gelato, and Dolores Park – a popular place to relax on the weekend with views of the city skyline.
Numerous murals bring streets like Clarion Alley to life. A stroll together around this lively neighborhood will liven up your mood and is one of the best dates ideas in San Francisco at affordable prices.
Hit the Karaoke Bar in San Francisco Chinatown
San Francisco Chinatown is one of the oldest and most famous Chinese neighborhoods in the U.S.
Behind the famous Dragon Gate is a maze of streets and alleys lined with dim sum restaurants and other traditional establishments.
There are also herbal shops, bakeries, souvenirs, cocktail bars, and karaoke bars.
One of the best fun date ideas in San Francisco is heading to a karaoke bar and singing your favorite song together.
But before you start to sing, take your date for lunch, as in San Francisco Chinatown, you will enjoy the best Asian food in the U.S. Make sure to buy a Chinese Fortune cookie for your love.
Take a Ride On the Cable Cars
The San Francisco Cable Car System is the world’s last manually operated cable car system and a city landmark.
San Francisco’s cable cars were invented nearly 150 years ago and have been declared a National Historic Landmark.
It’s undoubtedly one of the city’s greatest highlights. And one of the most fun activities is a ride on an old-fashioned cable car, especially before sunset.
The Powell/Hyde line runs from Union Square to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf and has the most hills. On this line, you pass Lombard Street and have a great view of the bay on the last hill of the line.
Take a Hike at the Top of Twin Peaks
Another fun one is hiking to the top of the highest hill in the city. Twin Peaks is spectacular.
There are many ways to get here, but it’s worth going up Twin Peaks boulevard.
You can stop for a coffee in the famous Castro district. Bring some snacks and chill together atop.
Twin Peaks offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of San Francisco, the bay, and the ocean beyond.
The elevation is only about 925 feet (282 m), but the hike is quite challenging, especially on sunny days, so protect yourself from sunburn, wear sturdy shoes and pack a lot of water.
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.