What are the best SF date night ideas?

Whether you’re meeting someone new or you just want to hang around town with your boo, these are some SF date night ideas and activities!

Date Night Activities in San Francisco

San Francisco may not be well known as a late night town, but there are still plenty of great places you can go. For a memorable date night in San Francisco, consider these exciting options:

Macaus in the greenhouse at the San Francisco Cal Academy of Sciences. Enjoy drinks at their After Dark events.

Magic show: Enjoy a magic-filled evening at Magic Patio, where you can experience a unique blend of illusion and mental trickery. Jay Alexander is a mentalist and will surprise you with his quick math (or magic?!) skills.
Live Jazz Music: Explore the city’s vibrant live jazz music scene at venues like Boathouse Jazz, Mr. Tipples, Bird and Beckett, Boom Boom Room, or Bix for a night filled with great tunes and atmosphere. If you’re a fan of jazz, I have a few more recommendations here.
Improv: Laugh together at an improv show at Leela or Endgames where budding improv students create hilarious scenes on the spot.
Arcade Games: Have a playful evening at Emporium, Thriller Social club, or Free Gold Watch arcade bars with vintage games and a lively atmosphere.
After Dark @ California Academy of Sciences or Exploratorium: Experience the museum after hours — typically on Thursday nights — at California Academy of Sciences or Exploratorium After Dark events, featuring music, cocktails, and fascinating exhibits.
Giants Game: Cheer for the home team at a Giants game, a fun and exciting way to spend an evening together. Certain games even have fireworks after the show.
See a Play or Performance: Catch a play or performance at one of the city’s many theaters — SF Playhouse, ACT, Orpheum, etc. — offering a range of shows from drama to comedy. Dear San Francisco is highly recommended.
Short on cash? Totally understandable. You don’t need a ton of money to have a great time. Go hang out in Dolores Park, take a sunset stroll, or do a beach bonfire on Ocean Beach! I have some more recommendations here for free activities in San Francisco or free concerts that might be you and your date’s jam.
Sunset Cruise: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline on a sunset cruise along the bay, a romantic and unforgettable experience. Adventure Cat gets top marks, but there are actually several boating options in Fisherman’s wharf.
Comedy Show: Share some laughs at a comedy show, with venues like Cobb’s Comedy Club, Bimbo’s 365, or The Punch Line offering top-notch stand-up performances.
Take a Class: Learn something new together while you learn or refine a skill:
- The Story of Ramen: You can master the art of making this beloved dish! Perfect for a group outing as well!
- 18 Reasons: This is a non-profit school created by local grocery chain, Bi-rite. They offer knife skills, croissants and pasta making, and much more at 18 Reasons.
- Workshop SF: Sketching, ceramics, calligraphy, you name it. Workshop SF has plenty of classes to pique your fancy.
- Garden for the Environment: Are you looking to kill fewer plants and/or grow your own food? Me too! Garden for the Environment can teach you how.
- Preserved Goods (Oakland): Embrace your inner homesteader and learn how to make your own pickles, bagels, plums, and more.
Enjoy a Sake tasting: Did you know there is sake brewery right in San Francisco? Sequoia Sake offers public tastings on Saturdays from 2-7pm. They have fun seasonal flavors like plum and chocolate for Valentine’s Day.