Best Date Spots Around The Bay Area
Summer lovin', had me a blast... Summer lovin', happened so fast... (sorry, we couldn't help ourselves). All cheesy Grease references aside, summer is one of the best times for dating. Wedding season, music festivals, sunny weather, the list goes on. Whether you're a traditional dinner & movie type or an activities based date adventurer, I’ve got you covered. Here's a list of my favorite bars, restaurants, and activities around the Bay.
Bars & Restaurants
Date night calls for food and drinks—you don't want to let hunger get in the way of a good time. Whether you're just embarking on this new relationship or you and your significant other are cruising along, these bars and restaurants will start your evening off right.
San Francisco
El Techo
(2158 Mission St. // Mission)
This rooftop bar in the Mission has, hands down, some of the best views in the city and one hell of a Paloma. The lack of pretension makes it a perfect place to meet for drinks, or have a sit-down meal at sunset.
Evil Eye
(2937 Mission St. // Mission)
At this Mission dig past 25th, comfort is king, and so is the food! Lounge in the spacious booths with your bae and munch on classy bar food takes like the Chicken Biscuit. Don't forget the cocktails! Your date is sure to be impressed by the adorable vintage glasses they're served in, and they're delicious to boot.
Zazie
(941 Cole St. // Cole Valley)
While this Cole Valley staple is a favorite among brunchers, their dinner service is just as stellar. Best part? No corkage on Tuesdays! So go ahead, bring all the wine you can gracefully handle. You'll be warmly welcomed.
East Bay
Pizzaiolo
(5008 Telegraph Ave. // Oakland)
It's a bit hard to find this place from the street—their outdoor sign is in carved wood—but it's completely worth it for the Italian food and charm. Simple and elegant, this Temescal spot serves up fresh Italian selections, and the menu rotates daily, so there's never a dull night to eat pizza with bae.
Coach Sushi
(532 Grand Ave. // Oakland)
If you're looking to get drunk at dinner, look no further. Coach boasts bottomless sake specials over all the rolls you can dream of! (Probably not a first date spot. Unless you're an awesome date ...)
North Bay
Restaurant Picco
(320 Magnolia Ave. // Larkspur)
Enjoy the serenity and quaintness of downtown Larkspur at this cozy and classic California Italian restaurant. If you have a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Budino is not to be missed!
Sorella Cafe
(107 Bolinas Rd. // Fairfax)
The fireplace, the round windowed dining room, the live piano player. Casual enough for that first date, it's a great way to begin your date night in Mari
South Bay
Cascal
(400 Castro St. // Mountain View)
Helmed as the place "to meet, taste, drink, and linger," this spirited pan-Latin small plates restaurant in Mountain View is great for a first, second, third, whenever date!
LeYou Ethiopian
(1100 N First St. // San Jose)
If you're looking for an adventurous meal on an adorable patio, head to LeYou. The intimate environment and authentic cuisine will bring you and your date just a little closer.
Evvia Estiatorio
(420 Emerson St. // Palo Alto)
Enjoy the warmth and cuisine of Greece at this upscale, refined Palo Alto restaurant. Ideal for those get-fancy nights, Evvia will undoubtedly get you both in the mood.
Movies
Sure, you could go see the new summer blockbuster at that nightmare, teenage-ridden AMC. Or, you could cozy up at one of these independent theaters - where BOOZE is served - to catch new releases, foreign flicks, and second run classics.
Alamo Drafthouse
(2550 Mission St. // Mission - Reopening Aug. 13)
The popular chain of hip theater-eatery-bar has hit San Francisco recently! You can hang out in the bar with your date before the movie, or even order drinks and food during! There's a full bar and food menu, so you won't be hungry (or thirsty) during the show.
Balboa Theater
(3630 Balboa St. // Outer Richmond)
The Historic Balboa Theater is your hip movie spot in the Richmond. Since 1926, this spot has been entertaining the masses, and you can be part of the history when you swing by for a flick.
Landmark Theatres
(Multiple Locations)
With locations in SF (Embarcadero), downtown Berkeley (Shattuck), and Albany (Solano), these theaters offer fully reclining seats, beer and wine, and a damn good cinematic experience.
The New Parkway
(474 24th St. // Oakland
Reopened in 2006, Oakland's New Parkway offers a delightful combination of pizza, beer, wine, and an atmosphere unlike any other theater you've visited.
Rialto Cinemas
(Multiple Locations)
Independent films, new releases, and special events abound at these treasures in El Cerrito (San Pablo Ave) and Berkeley (College Ave), and Sepastopol. Stop by for a pre-show meal for pizza, appetizers and more!
West Wind Drive-In
(Multiple Locations)
Why spend all your time cooped up indoors? It's the summer! Tis the season for dreaming, nostalgia, and all things retro - so why not hit up the drive-in? Lucky for you, there are still two left here in the Bay!
Activities
An activity-based date is always a good idea. It can keep you clear of those awkward conversation lulls or give you even more to talk about! Either way, you can't go wrong when you're having fun. Here are a few of our favorite things to do:
Take to the Outdoors
Kirby Cove
(Kirby Cove Rd. // Sausalito)
Just over the Golden Gate Bridge on the western slope lies Kirby Cove. Pack your picnic and enjoy a beachside meal! For more amazing picnic ideas, check out this guide dedicated to picnicking in the Bay.
Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail
(Centennial Dr. // Berkeley)
The trails above the UC Berkeley campus offer the most incredible, unparalleled Bay Bridge to Golden Gate Bridge views and an easy post brunch segue! If you need some more hike ideas, I’ve got you.
Mission Peak
(43600 Mission Blvd. // Fremont)
Down in Fremont, Mission and Monument Peaks form a dramatic views of the entire bay - from Mount Tam, to Mount Diablo, the Santa Cruz Mountains and if you're lucky, the mighty Sierras.
Take to the Water
Sea Trek
(2100 Bridgeway // Sausalito)
Head up to Sausalito to Sea Trek Kayak and SUP Center for lessons or rentals of any nautical gear you'd like - it's the perfect activity for a late-summer morning! Hours vary by season, so check the website before you go.
Stow Lake
(50 Stow Lake // Golden Gate Park)
Nestled in Golden Gate Park, the Stow Lake Boathouse offers rowboats, electric boats, and pedal boats for rent seven days a week. The picture perfect scenery will make you forget all about life in the big city, and let you capitalize on courtship. (Find out about more low-key SF parks right here.)
Lake Merritt
(568 Bellevue Ave. // Oakland)
Renting paddle boats, row boats, canoes, pontoons and even sailboats at the Lake Merritt Boating Center will charm your date, and offer a unique experience of Oakland. Ahoy!
Find your local swimming hole!
Living on a peninsula means that there's an abundant amount of non-pool swimming in the Bay Area! Escape the occasional heat wave and take your date on an intimate wade at any of these locations.
Get Cutesy
Filoli Historic House & Garden
(86 Cañada Rd. // Woodside)
Explore the historic house and gardens, then take a romantic stroll on the Estate Trail at Filoli. On Thursday nights, grab a drink from the Grove Bar and enjoy the summer sunset over the grounds.
Create, Mix & Mingle
(1888 S. Norfolk St. // San Mateo)
Schedule a private painting session complete with wine and a catered meal, or stay in and attend a virtual painting event together. Virtual pricing includes all the supplies you need to have a cute night of crafting!
Son & Garden
(700 Polk St. // San Francisco + 1195 Merrill St. // Menlo Park)
Pinkies up! Make reservations and enjoy the most Instagram-worthy tea service in the Bay. If tea isn't your thing, they serve a mean breakfast and lunch (and the cutest cocktails) too!
Go On a Group Date
Urban Putt
(1096 S Van Ness Ave. // Mission)
Looking for a double date spot? Head over to the Mission's Urban Putt for dinner and drinks upstairs, followed by a rousing game of miniature golf! It's all indoors, so it's a great way to take a break from the summer fog.
Mission Bowling Club
(3176 17th St. // Mission)
MBC boasts a full bar, 6 lanes, and upscale bowling alley fare. If you're not feeling the menu, you can have food delivered by GrubHub or DoorDash as well! Reservations are sometimes required and always encouraged.
Comedy Sportz
(288 S 2nd St. // San Jose)
Who doesn't love to laugh? Gather up a group of your coupled friends and head down to San Jose on Saturday night for a raucous evening of improv (or tune in to a virtual show!).
Plank
(98 Broadway // Oakland)
The East Bay's got their own swank bowling club! One half bowling, one half arcade, one whole fun date night. The drink and food menus are both huge, so everyone in the crew is sure to have a great time.
Music
Stern Grove Festival
(19th Ave. & Sloat Blvd. // West Portal)
Enjoy FREE concerts all summer long at San Francisco's Stern Grove Festival. Arrive early for the best seats, spread out your picnic blanket, and pop open those bottles! X, Joan Jett, and Thundercat are just some of the names taking the stage this summer.
The Independent
(628 Divisadero St. // San Francisco)
Known for its intimate setting and full calendar of emerging acts, The Independent is a great place to catch a show (and a cocktail!) any night of the week.
Rickshaw Stop
(155 Fell St. // San Francisco)
Check out a show or take your date to a party at this cozy venue in Hayes Valley. Be sure to keep an eye on the schedule for album release parties for your favorite local artists as well.
Greek Theater
(Heart Ave. & Gayley Rd // Berkeley)
This Berkeley staple is to host Counting Crows, John Legend, and Louis the Child (just to name a few!) this summer. Rock out at the amphitheater surrounded by eucalyptus and breathtaking views of the Bay. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test is required for entry.
East Bay
Lawrence Hall of Science
(1 Centennial Dr. Ste. 5200 // Berkeley)
On those exceptionally clear nights, head up to the empty parking lots of Lawrence Hall of Science with your honey for the most dazzling spectacle of Bay lights.
Indian Rock Park
(950 Indian Rock Ave. // Berkeley)
This magnificent Berkeley park has been featured twice in the New York Times, and for good reason! The golden hour before sunset takes on added beauty from atop the park's large rock formations.
Gondola Servizio
(1520 Lakeside Dr. // Oakland - Temporarily Closed)
If this authentic Venetian gondola ride on Lake Merritt doesn't do it for you, I'm honestly not sure what will. Book at sunset for maximum romantic vibes, and if you're lucky, you just might get a serenade as well!
North Bay
Muir Beach
(199 Pacific Way // Muir Beach)
A quiet cove, beach, and lagoon offer up endless opportunities to snuggle up at this charming Marin spot. If you're feeling like a hike, the Muir Beach overlook offers an even more amazing sunset view.
Hawk Hill
(Conzelman Rd. // Sausalito)
From this Marin park you can watch the hawks circling above, stand in awe of the Marin Headlands and Pacific Ocean, or you know, rest those eyes and use those lips!
Point Bonita Lighthouse
(Field Rd. // Sausalito)
At the entrance to the San Francisco Bay, just outside Sausalito, stands a still active lighthouse. This secret Bay Area gem is rife with cuteness, you'd be a fool not to go for that kiss here!
