Top Dating Spots in San Francisco 2023

Dating Spots Dinner and a movie is a great idea for a date, but it can get repetitive. Sometimes, it can be difficult to step out of the ordinary and do something different. Maybe, you’re ready but can’t quite find something that peaks your interest, or your busy schedule doesn’t allow time to research date night ideas. Great news! We’ve done the research for you and found several amazing places that offer something for everyone.

One great thing about San Francisco is that it has a diverse selection of entertainment, art, and fun. Whether you enjoy quiet walks along the beach or embracing the nightlife a big city can offer, you’re certain to find the perfect date spot. If you don’t have someone to go with you yet, just find one at match.com

Pier 39

Contrary to popular belief, Pier 39 is not just for tourists. With a variety of shops, dining, and entertainment, couples may have a hard time choosing what to do first. Take a stroll around the pier and keep an eye out for sea lions, stop and observe various street performers, and enjoy live music.

Mix it up and try out the Magowan Infinite Mirror Maze. Psychedelic lights and music make it even more difficult to find your way.

Spend part of the afternoon on the 65-foot catamaran known as “Kitty Kat” and go whale-watching. Enjoy exploring the Gulf of the Farallons National Marine Sanctuary as you learn more about dolphins, whales, and other sea life. If you’re not lucky enough to spot some whales, the next time is free!

Union Square

Union Square offers a huge variety of shopping, entertainment, and food. Enjoy the delicious food and drinks while watching a show at PianoFight. If you’re a jazz and blues fan, check out southern eating and entertainment at Biscuits & Blues. Go on a tour or walk through the amazing art galleries.

Ruby Skye often has famous DJs stopping by to spin records while you dance the night away. If you think comedy relief would be a great date idea, try out Cheaper Than Therapy. This hilarious show will have you and your date laughing the entire time.

Fisherman’s Wharf

A night in San Francisco’s historic waterfront district offers more than just great food and music. If you’re looking for something completely out of the ordinary for a great date night, this is the spot! Musee Mecanique will take you back to your childhood with old video games, music players, and fortune tellers.

For the thrill-seekers, The San Francisco Dungeon is a fun ‘haunted’ experience. With an amazing cast, they immerse visitors into the story providing an unforgettable experience.

Take a trip to Alcatraz Island or visit one of the museums. Pier 39, listed above, is also located in this district. With so much to do, you may decide to plan several dates here.

The Presidio

For the adventurous types, The Presidio offers a variety of trails for hiking and biking. You can choose to stay close to the ocean or enjoy the Southern Wilds where you can hike through the forest.

History and beauty are combined on the Urban Hike. An experienced guide takes you through the former military post where you will visit the San Francisco National Cemetary. You’ll walk along Lover’s Lane and Ecology Trail. Alcatraz can be seen atop Inspiration Point.

At the Presidio Picnic, you can enjoy street vendors and food trucks offering tons of food choices. If you’re a Star Wars fan, be sure to stop by Lucasfilm Headquarters just inside the Lombard Gates and see the incredible Yoda statue.

Golden Gate Park

Enjoy the beautiful gardens, visit the aquarium, or just relax in the outdoors at the Golden Gate Park. It is a perfect location for a fitness couple. Just north of the golf course, you can try archery. Equipment is available for rent, and you’ll receive tips from expert archers. The 9 target bales are surrounded by lush green grass and trees making it the perfect picnic spot.

Rent a rowboat or paddle boat and venture out into Stow Lake. Right in the middle of the lake is Strawberry Hill. You can walk to the top and enjoy the breathtaking views which include a waterfall.

Russian Hill

Take a drive to Russian Hill and experience Lombard Street which is also known as “The Crookedest Street”. One of San Francisco’s steepest streets is also located in Russian Hill. Filbert Street has a 31.5% grade.

This beautiful neighborhood is also home to quaint restaurants and shops. Try out Amarena, an inexpensive Italian restaurant which serves amazing bread and pasta.

Stop by the San Francisco Art Institue or grab a treat at Swenson’s Ice Cream. Enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens and top off the night with a few drinks at one of this district’s nightlife venues.

The Mission

Pack a picnic lunch and visit Delores Park and take in the amazing view of the San Francisco skyline. Feast on amazing Mexican food at La Taqueria or one of the many wonderful restaurants.

You can walk around and observe the incredible street murals on Balmy and Clarion Alley. Contemporary, Latino art can be found at the Galeria de la Raza. Zeitgeist is just one of the many places in this district to grab a cold beer.

North Beach

An afternoon in North Beach, also known as San Francisco’s “Little Italy”, is a perfect date spot. In addition to Italian cuisine, you can also find Japanese and French restaurants. One popular place to eat is Caffe Greco.

Visit the stunning Peter and Paul Church in Washington Square. At Doc’s Lab, you can eat, drink, and enjoy a performance including comedy, readings, and music.

Visit the many boutiques, and don’t forget to check out the amazing “City Lights” bookstore. Coit Tower has amazing views. If you stay into the night, there are plenty of lively nightclubs to choose from.

SoMa – South of Market

SoMa is a large wide-spread district that is home to the Cartoon Art Museum, the Giants, and amazing cultural museums. Grab some coffee and croissants at The Butler & The Chef, or enjoy one of many other cafes and restaurants.

SoMa also has a huge variety of shops, boutiques, and nightclubs. The Mezzanine is a great place to dance to live music or you may get lucky and go the same night they’re hosting a popular DJ. Performing arts fans will love the Smuin Ballet.

Chinatown

The largest outside of Asia, as well as the only one in North America, Chinatown offers way more than just great Chinese food. There are a number of museums, gardens, theaters, and beautiful Asian ladies. Stop in the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and observe the different shapes and sizes. You can even stay for a while and watch as the cookies are being made.

Take a few hours and walk around the San Francisco Zoo or the California Academy of Sciences Museum. Visit the Winchester Mystery House, the Exploratorium, and so much more.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of dating spots in San Francisco. As you can see, there are so many different things to enjoy in this city. Each district offers its own unique experience, and we hope you were able to find some great date ideas! If you are still looking for a date, why don’t you check these sites out?