Updated October 2026
For a first date in San Francisco, try Smuggler's Cove, Foreign Cinema, or SFMOMA. Weekday evenings are calmer; on Friday and Saturday, book ahead where you can.
San Francisco is made for dates: dramatic views, historic bars and walks where the city meets the ocean. A first date is often a drink or a walk, with dinner saved for the second.
Here are ten real places for every budget, from free coastal trails and parkland to a special-occasion dinner, plus two unusual ideas at the end.
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Tiki barHayes Valley$$30s
A dark, nautical-themed rum and tiki bar that has been named among the world's best bars many times. Exotic cocktails and dark nooks make it a fun first-date drink.
650 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94102 · Walk-in
RestaurantMission$$$30s
A Mission restaurant where films are projected on the courtyard wall while you eat, with a seasonal Californian menu. A special-occasion dinner with a built-in conversation piece; reserve ahead.
2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 · Takes bookings
MuseumSoMa / Yerba Buena$$All ages
The city's modern art museum, open until 8pm on Thursdays and closed on Wednesdays. Seven floors of art plus free-to-see spaces give you plenty to talk about.
151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103 · Takes bookings
Coastal trailOuter Richmond$All ages
A cliffside trail with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, starting near the ruins of the Sutro Baths. A free walk here at sunset is one of the most romantic things to do in the city; stay on the trails.
Lands End Lookout, Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA · Walk-in
RestaurantNob Hill / Van Ness$$$40+
An old-school San Francisco institution devoted to prime rib, carved at your table. Retro and generous, it is a classic big-night date; book well ahead.
1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109 · Takes bookings
BarNorth Beach$All ages
A historic North Beach bar serving wanderers since 1948, on the corner of Jack Kerouac Alley. An easy, characterful first drink in a neighbourhood full of history.
255 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 · Walk-in
GardenGolden Gate Park$All ages
A peaceful Japanese garden in Golden Gate Park with a tea house, open every day. Tea and a slow walk over the bridges make a calm daytime date.
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 · Takes bookings
Food hallEmbarcadero$$All ages
A historic ferry terminal turned food hall on the waterfront, full of local food producers, cafés and wine bars. Graze together, then walk along the Embarcadero.
One Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111 · Walk-in
Historic theatreCastro$$All ages
A grand, newly renovated movie palace that now hosts concerts, comedy and film nights. Check the calendar and book tickets for a date with real old-Hollywood atmosphere.
429 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114 · Takes bookings
ParkPresidio$All ages
Free parkland built over the Presidio tunnels, with lawns, Golden Gate Bridge views and seasonal food pop-ups. Bring a picnic, then walk down to Crissy Field.
210 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94129 · Walk-in
Unusual places worth a special trip when you want a date nobody forgets.
Tiki barNob Hill$$All ages
A tropical bar inside the grand Fairmont hotel, with live entertainment, dancing and an indoor rain storm. Over the top in the best way, and a date story you will both remember.
Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108 · Takes bookings
Sound sculptureMarina$All ages
A wave-activated acoustic sculpture from the Exploratorium, built in 1986 at the tip of a jetty from old cemetery stone. Pipes in the water make soft sounds as the waves move; best at high tide, and free.
End of the Marina Small Craft Harbor jetty, Marina District, San Francisco, CA · Walk-in
Popular places to meet people in San Francisco include Lindy in the Park (free outdoor swing dancing), The Game Parlour (board game café), and BATS Improv (improv classes). All of them are easy to visit alone or with friends.
Pick an indoor spot such as Smuggler's Cove or Foreign Cinema. Both work well for a first date in any weather.
In the YesTonite City Index, San Francisco is number 39 of 112 cities for dating, with a dating score of 6.8 out of 10.
Open YesTonite and see who in San Francisco is going out tonight. Say hi, agree on a time and meet at one of the places on this page.
Checked October 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so call or check the website before you go.
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