Best Date Night Ideas in San Francisco

Last updated: February 2026

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!

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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:

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.

No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to have a fantastic time together in the vibrant city of San Francisco.

FAQ: Date Night in San Francisco

What are the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco?

Some of the most romantic restaurants in SF include Nari (Thai fine dining in Japantown), Lazy Bear (unique communal dining experience), Foreign Cinema (outdoor movies with dinner in the Mission), and Che Fico (beautiful Italian in NoPa). For a more casual but still romantic vibe, try wine bars like Amelie in Russian Hill or The Snug in the Fillmore.

What are good date night activities beyond dinner in SF?

Beyond dinner, try Lakehouse Jazz at Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park (live jazz every Fri/Sat), Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi (incredible acrobatics show), cocktail bars in the Tenderloin like Bourbon & Branch (speakeasy vibes), or a sunset walk along Lands End trail. For something unique, try a Waymo ride through the city at night.

What are the best date night neighborhoods in San Francisco?

Hayes Valley, North Beach, and the Mission are the best neighborhoods for date night. Hayes Valley has upscale cocktail bars and restaurants in a walkable area. North Beach has Italian restaurants and late-night cafes. The Mission has the most diverse food scene and lively bar hopping. For a quieter date, try Noe Valley or Cole Valley.

Are there affordable date night ideas in San Francisco?

Absolutely! Free options include sunset at Lands End, walking the Embarcadero, or catching a free concert at Stern Grove (summer). Budget-friendly ideas include happy hour at wine bars, picnics at Dolores Park, visiting free museum days, or grabbing Mission burritos and watching the sunset from Bernal Heights hill.

What is a unique date idea in San Francisco?

Take a Waymo (self-driving car) through the city at night, attend Lakehouse Jazz on Stow Lake, explore the hidden mosaic staircases on 16th Avenue, do a coffee crawl through the Mission, or visit the California Academy of Sciences After Dark event (21+ with drinks, DJs, and the rainforest exhibit).

Seasonal Date Ideas: