The City by the Bay provides the best date spots for every opportunity. It won’t matter if you're intending to splash out and celebrate an anniversary, nervously planning a first date—and you want to wow with a unique idea—or are simply looking for a cheap date idea, San Francisco will deliver!
And if you’re a little overwhelmed by the amount of choice, then allow us to lend our expertise—we’re all about seeking out unique and interesting things to do in big cities after all!
That being said we have put together this detailed guide on everything from fun outdoorsy date ideas to luxurious and super romantic things to do. And if you’re on a budget, fear not! We’ve also added some free San Francisco date ideas to our list too!
And just so you know, nobody pays us to be listed here. They’re just our recommendations to you, so you can find the best things to do in San Francisco. No affiliate links, just personal opinions!
Best Date Ideas in San Francisco
Let’s start with a few of our personal favorites! Think romantic and dreamy sunset skies with that big orange bridge in the background and plenty of belly-laughs and good fun with a city scavenger hunt!
1. Do a San Francisco Scavenger Hunt
Why look, it's one of our favorite things to do in San Francisco—and all over the world—a CityDays scavenger hunt.
These engaging games take you through different parts of the city, offering a mix of puzzles, historical insights, and hidden gems so you can sit back and focus on impressing your date with your puzzle skills.
Unearth Chinatown’s Secrets on the Shattered Earth Hunt and find more than just incredible food through the Dragon Gate and beyond!
And if you’ve been wondering where to take your date for food don’t worry—there are top-rated pubs/bars & cafes woven right into the scavenger hunt route!
Book your Shattered Earth adventure here.
2. Take a stroll over the Golden Gate Bridge
Since you’re in the home of the Golden Gate Bridge, it is perfectly acceptable—and romantic—to plan a stroll or bike ride across the iconic structure.
To make the most out of the experience (increased views, decreased pedestrians) head there at sunrise or sunset for dreamy skies and great picture opportunities. And don’t worry the pathway is well-lit, when it starts to get dark out!
3. Experience Italy at the Palace of Fine Arts
This is the perfect way to give your date a glimpse of Italy without jetting halfway around the world for the afternoon!
Admire the stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and the rotunda’s unique positioning on a serene man-made lagoon, surrounded by lush gardens.
The Palace is the perfect San Francisco date spot to enhance the romance of your afternoon.
4. Go to an ‘After Dark’ Event
Now we know what you’re thinking, the California Academy of Sciences is usually jam-packed with shrieking children and frustrated parents/school teachers. But hear us out.
Give the daytime viewing a miss and show up in the evening for an ‘After Dark’ experience. These events are adults-only and offer a different theme each evening.
If you want to spend your evening sipping cocktails, browsing art, and generally enjoying a sophisticated date night in San Francisco, then an ‘After Dark’ event is the thing to do. And they also offer them at the Exploratorium as well.
5. Eat Everything at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market
If you’re foodies like us, then seeking out the weekly Ferry Plaza farmer’s market, at the Ferry Building, might sound like the best date idea for you.
Picture this, it's a late, sunny morning and you and your significant other—takeaway coffees in hand—are off to snack your way through juicy fruit, artisanal cheeses, and fresh oysters. If you last through until lunch then there are some great options available in the Ferry Building market hall, especially street-food Thursdays.
P.S. Keep an eye out for a local bar of Dandelion Chocolate, it’ll make a great romantic gesture to pick up one of these while your S.O. is occupied at another stand and then gift it to them at the end of your date!
Unique Date Ideas in San Francisco
Now this is what you’re really here for, to put those over-done date ideas back on the dusty shelf where they belong and wow your date with an exciting and unique San Francisco date idea.
6. Get Lost in Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze
Get lost together in Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze at Pier 39 in San Francisco.
Claiming to be the best $10 dollars you’ll spend in the city, this trippy, colourful maze is a fun and disorienting experience that will have you both laughing as you try to navigate your way out.
It’s a playful and memorable date activity that’s also a little more unique.
7. Watch the Dog Shows at Corgi Con
If you and your partner (or prospective partner, depending on how the date goes) are dog lovers, don’t miss Corgi Con.
Once a year, hundreds of corgis, their owners, and spectators gather from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm to watch the Corgi Con event, which features a dog show, corgi costume contest, dog races, award ceremonies, and even the ‘Corgi Ninja Warrior’ obstacle course. Additionally, you can enjoy flower crown craft-making, a mini picnic, and lots of corgi-themed shopping.
This unique date idea in San Francisco has been running since 2014 but as of last year (2023) the event moved from Ocean Beach to a new location—the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. It’s a lighthearted and fun way to spend the day together.
8. Have a Games Night at Musée Mécanique
If you’re a sucker for vintage arcade games then prepare to step into the past at Musée Mécanique.
Filled with over 300 coin-operated machines and quirky mechanical exhibits, this is definitely a fun and unique spot for a date in San Francisco that’s sure to bring out your playful side.
Also, it's open 365 days a year and admission is free. So this date idea can be as cheap or as expensive as you desire.
9. Track Down a Secret Garden Together
Follow a winding, puzzle-filled trail through the streets of San Francisco with your loved one as you hunt down a secret garden hidden amidst the rooftops.
Along the way explore the city's rich and vibrant history. A tale of industrial action, divisive and delightful artworks, great cafes and pubs, and plenty of animal sculptures, this is the perfect way to discover a side of San Francisco you never knew existed.
This Scavenger Hunt tour will get you working together, solving clues and snapping memorable photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past—so it's a great way to impress your date!
Book your Garden In The Sky adventure here.
10. Find the Chamber of Secrets Door
Calling all Harry Potter lovers, this is the perfect unique date idea for you!
Embark on a magical quest with your date to find the ‘Chamber of Secrets Door’ hidden away in the Mission District. This Harry Potter-inspired door is a delightful hidden gem that’s perfect for fans of the series.
It adds a touch of whimsy and wonder to your date and is also very thoughtful if your date is a big fan of J. K. Rowling’s masterpiece.
Fun Outdoorsy Date Ideas in San Francisco
If your date enjoys the outdoors then planning one of the following fun outdoorsy date ideas in San Francisco will place you firmly in their good books!
10. Uncover the Buried Ships of Embarcadero
Wow your date with an exploration game through San Francisco’s Embarcadero neighbourhood!
This part of town has plenty of secrets but you can uncover them together by playing the Liquid Lives game. Expect to see the Transamerica Pyramid, a former Chilean miner town, and one of the city's best and oldest parks.
This hunt is perfect if your date, like us, is a pizza lover since you will be heading to the birthplace of West Coast pizza—stop off here for a bite to eat before heading back into the game! In this way your dinner date becomes far more interesting.
Book your Liquid Lives exploration game here.
11. Fisherman’s Wharf (Umbrella Alley)
Head to Fisherman’s Wharf and check out Umbrella Alley, an Instagram-worthy spot in the city, where rows of umbrellas are hung up on string overhead.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, some of the city’s most impressive murals, street performers, and delicious seafood. It’s a vibrant and fun outdoor date destination with plenty to see and do.
At CityDays we have a fun and exciting development underway for our latest scavenger hunt, which takes you through Fisherman’s Wharf. It won’t be long before you’ll be able to add this to your list of date ideas.
Get notified here for Fisherman’s Wharf Hunt with CityDays.
12. Wander through the Conservatory of Flowers
Grab your partner by the hand and take a stroll through the lush landscapes of the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers.
These beautiful gardens in the Golden Gate Park offer a tranquil escape from the business of the city. Filled with winding trails, vibrant colours, and sweet smelling flowers it's the best spot for a relaxed yet romantic outing.
13. Uncover the Presidio Neighbourhood with an Urban Adventure
To add a touch of fun to your romantic waltz through San Francisco’s Presidio neighbourhood, why not embark on an urban adventure, which covers this neighbourhood in great, colorful detail!
Along the way visit the Painted Ladies, climb the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, and check out the Lyon Street Steps. As well as plenty of other hidden gems throughout the day.
Then wander down Lovers Lane Trail, lined with eucalyptus trees, promising a particularly romantic leg of the tour.
By booking an urban adventure for your date idea, you get all the charm of a romantic stroll through picturesque streets and yet the clues and riddles provide conversation, preventing those awkward gaps in conversation!
Book your San Francisco Urban adventure here.
14. Check out the Views in San Francisco
While you are out enjoying a wander through the Presidio, why not take a moment for a picnic at Crissy Field?
Crissy Field is a large park right on the water, and a great picnic site with incredible views over San Francisco, historic sites, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Located between the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on one end and the Palace of Fine arts at the other, it's an ideal bridge between the two if you want to combine several date ideas into one!
Some of our other favorite picnic spots in San Francisco are Inspiration Point, Dolores Park, and Battery Bluff Park.
Date Ideas Near San Francisco
So perhaps you don’t mind venturing out of San Francisco for this week’s date. If so, here are some date ideas near San Francisco that will make you feel like you’re being whisked away to a whole new world.
15. Angel Island State Park
If you’ve hiked around San Francisco before, why not extend the adventure by taking the ferry to Angel Island State Park for the day?
The island offers peaceful trails, breathtaking views, and historical elements. Pack a picnic and enjoy a serene and scenic date away from the city.
16. Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Take a day trip to Napa Valley for a luxurious wine-tasting experience. You can also spend some time exploring the beautiful redwoods in Muir Woods beforehand.
To take the stress out you can organize a tour, which picks you up in San Francisco and takes you through the different regions of Wine Country. Including through the small town of Glen Ellen, to lunch in Sonoma Plaza, and on to Napa, and Schellville.
Soak in the vineyard scenery, and enjoy sampling some of the best wines in the region. It's a sophisticated and indulgent date and certainly one of the most romantic things to do near San Francisco.
17. Black Sands Beach
Black Sands Beach is located just across the Bay in Sausalito and it's oh so worth it!
Cross over the Golden Gate Bridge for a walk along this black stretch of sand, or a full on beach day of sea-swimming, picnic-munching, and sand-castle building.
Black Sands Beach is one of the most romantic San Francisco date spots and it isn’t hard to see why!
P.S. If you end up on the left of the stairs don’t be alarmed by other beach-goers sunbathing in their birthday suits, you’ve just happened to venture over into the clothing-optional area.
18. Visit Alcatraz Island
If you and your date love true crime, then why not visit one of America’s most infamous prisons and take a trip to Alcatraz Island.
Since ‘The Rock’ is reportedly haunted, the night tour is particularly spooky and fascinating, providing a thrilling and unique experience. It’s a great way to dive into the city’s history and add a touch of adventure to your dating life.
Luxury Date Ideas in San Francisco
If you’re in this section you’re looking to spoil your significant other. Maybe it's your anniversary, a loved one’s birthday or they got a big break at work, or money simply isn’t an option!
Well, we’ve got you covered with our favorite luxury date ideas in San Francisco.
19. Private Helicopter Ride
So rather than sail through it, why not fly over it by booking a private helicopter ride through the skies of San Francisco.
See the city from a new perspective and enjoy sweeping aerial views. This thrilling and luxurious option will sweep your date off their feet, kind of literally!
20. San Francisco Bay Cruise
Sail romantically into the sunset on a San Francisco Bay Cruise.
This is a super luxurious and scenic date idea, where you and your loved one can enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline while sipping on champagne.
It’s a romantic and memorable way to experience the beauty of the bay.
21. Skunk Train and Rail Bikes
For a truly unique yet ‘splash the cash’ kind of date, head out to Fort Bragg for a ride on the Skunk Train or to try out the rail bikes.
This vintage train takes you through beautiful redwood forests and the rail bikes, which allow you to sit side-by-side, are a fun and active way to enjoy the scenery together.
The adventures range from short trips to hours of fun. They even have a brand new ‘Rise and Shine Trip’ for a special 1-hour there-and-back adventure at 8am, with pastries, OJ, and coffee to get your date off on the right foot!
22. Airbnb Experience
Try something different with an Airbnb Experience.
Yes there are plenty of simple, cheap experiences on Airbnb like guided tours and intimate jazz concerts at hidden locations. But there are also options to spend a bit more for a private, personalized experience and do something cool and unusual to wow your date.
These kinds of luxurious experiences include private pizza making workshops, 60 mins on a water bike that will invigorate your spirit and allow you to explore the stunning waters of San Francisco Bay—a great summer date, when you need to cool down, we must say!
There's also the option to hire a private photographer for the day so you can take away some precious mementos of your date.
Free Date Ideas in San Francisco
And here we land on our free date ideas in San Francisco. These date ideas are perfect for romantic couples or even just planning an adventure with friends.
23. Go Swing Hunting
Yes you heard us right, go on a swing hunt!
There are lots of hidden swings dotted around San Francisco, why not plan your date around trying to find them? Or head straight for some fun on the Seward Street Slides.
Some locations can be found online to give you a head start but part of the fun is seeking them out for yourself.
These hidden gems offer a playful and adventurous date activity. Plus, they’re completely free and provide unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
24. Hike to Lands End Labyrinth & Sutro Baths
If you and your partner are into hiking, why not plan a date that ventures out to Lands End Labyrinth, exploring the Sutro Baths ruins and surrounding trails along the way?
These hikes offer dramatic coastal views, fresh air, and that rewarding feeling you get when you move your body/complete a hike. All of which come together to form a fun, completely free adventure that culminates in a romantic date spot at the end. We’re talking about watching the sunset at the secret-yet-locally-loved Mile Rock Beach of course!
25. Learn Bookmaking at SF Center for the Book
Attend a free bookmaking workshop at the San Francisco Center for the Book.
At the workshop you will learn book making basics including booking binding, and letter pressing, all free of charge!
This creative and hands-on activity is a great way to learn something new together and take home a handmade keepsake from your date.
26. Film Night in the Park
Catch an outdoor movie at ‘Sundown Cinema’, San Francisco’s outdoor film night in the park during summer.
This free outdoor movie night is the only one of its kind in the Bay Area, featuring seven films in seven parks across San Francisco, beginning at Dolores Park. And we think you should watch one as part of your free date ideas!
Outdoor movies are the optimal romantic date ideas during the summer months, giving you the chance to snuggle up with your partner under the stars and enjoy some snacks and a few beers.
Best Date Night Restaurants in San Francisco
A lot of our date ideas make the perfect morning, afternoon, or all-day adventures. But what about when you start to get hungry? Well here are some great spots to take your date to finish off your day, or if you can only spare the evening, then they’re also ideal!
27. Take a Brewery Tour at Anchor Brewing
Anchor brewing is all the rage in San Francisco, it's the place to be for craft ales, which everyone seems to love at the moment!
Take a tour of the brewery to learn how they make their beer—making sure to stop by the taps for a sip or two of their craft! And if you time it just right you’ll finish up just as the food trucks are opening up, meaning you’re in for an evening of delicious street food as well!
It’s a fun and interactive date night for beer lovers.
28. Try an Off The Grid Food Truck Event
Off The Grid is a food truck organisation that helps food trucks spread the delicious word about all the tasty morsels they have to offer!
Head to the Off The Grid food truck event at Fort Mason Center for 25+ food trucks, a bar, games, themed Fridays, and live entertainment. There are also Off The Grid Food Truck events in the Presidio.
Spending the evening at one of these events is a fun, casual date night option that allows for plenty of great conversation.
29. Book a Cooking Class
Take a cooking class together and learn to make a new dish. Many local chefs and cooking schools offer classes specifically for couples.
Fancy tossing together a Thai extravaganza on a rooftop? Or creating fresh Japanese mochi? Or performing a Golden Gate Bridge crab ‘catch, cook, and crack’? Well there really is a cooking class for every occasion in San Francisco!
By taking an evening cooking class you’re ensuring a fun and interactive way to spend time together, and you get to enjoy a delicious meal at the end.
30. Visit a Rooftop Restaurant
For stunning views and fine dining, visit Cityscape. This rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of the city and a luxurious dining experience. It’s an elegant and romantic spot for a special night out.
Or if you’re looking to combine your rooftop experience with somewhere to stay then 1 Hotel San Francisco is a luxury hotel with a spa and relaxing rooftop terrace.
31. Go on a Food Crawl at North Beach
True to its reputation as ‘Little Italy', North Beach is ideal for a food crawl.
This unique district has a vast array of different Italian restaurants and European foodie hotspots.
By planning a food crawl (ordering only small plates of course, so you don’t fill up too quickly) you can sample all the dishes this little district has to offer. We particularly like The House and usually end up with drinks at Tony Nik’s Cafe.
At CityDays we are planning another fun and exciting scavenger hunt through the North Beach area, aptly named ‘Little Italy Hunt’. It won’t be long before you’ll be able to add this to your list of date ideas in San Francisco.
Get notified here for Little Italy Hunt with CityDays.
Find More Things to Do in San Francisco with CityDays
We hope this post helps you find your next set of fun and unique date ideas in San Francisco!
And if you're ready to discover more of what San Francisco has to offer then check out CityDays' upcoming treasure and scavenger hunts, which combine the fun of an escape room with the historic facts and whimsical trivia of a walking tour!
Take the stress out of planning your visit to Glasgow and book your adventure today!
Not visiting San Francisco this time? Don’t worry, you’ll find us all over the world.