by Barbara Anderson Tired of monotonous dates and want to add something extra to your romantic life? Ask your beloved person for a date at one of the most romantic places in San Francisco or surprise them with an unusual pastime.
We prepared the top 10 of the most exciting things to do in San Francisco on a date, without visiting a coffee shop for a cup of tasty drink. Our ideas are great for the first date, special occasion, and even in case of a usual family weekend.
Check this post to get inspiration for fun dates in San Francisco and tell us where you usually spend your dates and what location you dream to visit in the comments below.
1. Golden Gate Park
Visiting Golden Gate Park is a good idea if you are searching for fun things to do in San Francisco for couples.
This park includes a lot of wonderful places that attract an endless number of people: charming meadows and lakes, hippie hill, the Arboretum, Japanese Tea Garden, the art and science museums, the merry-go-round, the windmills, and scenic landscapes.
Even if you decide not to visit these spots, you can find something to do in the park itself: have a picnic, play golf, tennis, archery or skating.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers
Address: 501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117-1898
Working hours: Daily
Phone: +1 415-831-2700
2. Japanese Tea Garden
Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco is the oldest one among other Japanese gardens in the US, and this fact makes it an interesting object for a date.
Tea Garden enchants with its amazing architecture. It’s a place for rest and meditation, where you and your beloved person can hide from noisy crowds and routine.
You will find all the charming features needed in a Japanese garden: the koi ponds, waterfalls, stone lanterns, drum bridge, bonsai, a five-story tall pagoda, good tea, and delicious Japanese sweets.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers
Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4502
Working hours: Sun-Sat 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Phone: +1 415-752-4227
Website: www.japaneseteagardensf.com/
3. Conservatory of Flowers
To ask your favorite person on a date in the Conservatory of Flowers seems like to give a giant bunch of flowers. The Victorian-era greenhouse is a perfect background for romantic pastimes with fountains, fish, and a huge number of exotic plants.
A conservatory consists of 5 distinct galleries that you can see at a reasonable price. Orchids and carnivorous plants are the most highly recommended on a cold or rainy day in a foggy city.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers
Address: John F. Kennedy Drive Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
Working hours: Tue – Sun 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone: +1 415-831-2090
Website: https://conservatoryofflowers.org/
4. San Francisco Botanical Garden
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is part of the fantastic Golden Gate Park and one of the most romantic places in San Francisco. If you and your special person are interested in plants, you should visit this wonderful venue and take a rest from urban life.
The Botanical Garden is home to several thousands of flowers and trees, grouped by a common theme:
- Geographic – Andean Cloud Forest, Southeast Asia Cloud Forest, Mediterranean, etc.
- Taxonomic – High Elevation Palms, Camellias, Magnolias, and more.
- Thematic – Ancient Plants, Moon Viewing Garden, Garden of Fragrance, and so on.
As you see, you need several hours to enjoy all its beauty and your date will be full of colors, fragrances, and romance.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers
Address: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122-2370
Working hours: Sun-Sat 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +1 415-661-1316
Website: www.sfbg.org/
5. The Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill is an amazing San Francisco neighborhood where parrots are its brightest and most famous attraction. You can see them on the trees near the Sue Berman Park or on the staircase at the Embarcadero waterfront.
The parrots live their lives, so you should be patient – take a lazy walk here or sit on one of the branches under the trees and watch the parrot flocks, how they eat threats or guard their nests.
Such leisure time can be one of the extraordinary date ideas in San Francisco. Grab your romantic partner and spend several hours enjoying your conversation and trying to take nice photos with parrots.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers
Address: San Francisco, CA 94108, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Working hours: Daily
Phone: Not specified
Website: www.facebook.com/telhicenter/
6. CuriOdyssey
If you are looking for fun date ideas in San Francisco, CuriOdyssey should be on your list of top-notch places. It’s a non-profit science museum and zoo where you can find a lot of information about plants and animals and enjoy the beauty of this spot.
CuriOdyssey gives you a new experience of perception: owls, eagles, snakes, raccoons, bobcats, and others can’t leave you indifferent and bored. Also, it’s a place for various exhibits that are not connected with flora and fauna: Illusions, devoted to the magical part of science, the Nature of Patterns, and charming IlluminOdyssey, the winter fair with illuminated landscapes, music, food, and a cash bar.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers
Address: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401
Working hours: Wed-Sun 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +1 650-342-7755
Website: https://curiodyssey.org/
7. San Francisco Zoo
Take a stroll through the lovely gardens of the San Francisco Zoo. There are a lot of amazing animals and plants to learn and observe.
The exhibits are divided into themes and their names describe whom you can see there: Hearst Grizzly Gulch, Lipman Lemur Forest, Penguin Island, Leanne Roberts African Region, and more.
If you are here for more attractions, you will like fun rides, farm animals for petting, the historic Dentzel Carousel, and the miniature Little Puffer Steam Train, dated the beginning of the XX century.
The food at the Zoo’s cafe is also a great place where you can take a rest after an informative excursion.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers
Address: Sloat Boulevard at 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
Working hours: Sun – Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +1 415-753-7080
Website: www.sfzoo.org/
8. Aquarium of the Bay
Visiting the Aquarium of the Bay is a good solution if you are looking for fun things for couples to do in San Francisco.
Here you can look at incredible sea inhabitants and go through an intriguing tunnel through the fish tank, watching sharks, rays, jellyfish, octopus, and more.
At the Aquarium, the exhibits are focused on the learning and conservation nature of the San Francisco Bay. They are divided into three different galleries, and at one of them, you can even touch several types of animals. Also, you can take an otter and bat ray feeding tour, feed the sharks or watch what is behind the scene, for example, holding a tank for new inhabitants.
Good for: Couples, Families, Nature Lovers
Address: Embarcadero & Beach St Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133
Working hours: Sun – Sat 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: +1 415-623-5300
Website: www.aquariumofthebay.org/
9. Walt Disney Family Museum
Walt Disney Family Museum is a magical place that attracts Disney fans from all parts of the world. It can be a good idea if you are looking for fun things to do in San Francisco.
Stunning exhibitions, amazing galleries turn you to the fantastic world of the genius Walt Disney and your childhood: a model of Disneyland and Mickey anniversary exhibition truly require your attention.
Located in a historical building, the museum also offers its visitors a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge, so you won’t be bored here. Also, outside you can find a nice green area to sit, relax or even have a picnic.
Good for: Couples, Families, Entertainment
Address: 104 Montgomery St The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129-1718
Working hours: Thu – Sun 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +1 415-345-6800
Website: www.waltdisney.org/
10. Museum of Ice Cream
You actually should include this amazing interactive museum in your top of San Francisco romantic places. Grab your sweet tooth, take the self-guided tour, and look at its 10 great installations with various giant sweets and awesome Sprinkle pool. You can touch all these things and taste threats offered by the friendly staff at every location.
Here you can feel yourself like a child, relax and have fun surrounded by candies and toys. It sounds crazy and attractive, doesn’t it?
Also, you can take stunning photos in these bright decorations, and, no doubt, at the museum store, you can buy the perfect ice cream to your taste.
Good for: Couples, Families, Entertainment
Address: 1 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108-5801
Working hours: Sat 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Phone: +1 855-258-0719
Don’t despair if you haven’t met your true love yet. With the help of Tune2Love, you can find the proper partner and build strong relationships. Join us right now and share all these fabulous romantic places in San Francisco with someone special.
