San Francisco is a city of romance and new adventures, and it’s the perfect place to spend quality time with your significant other before the arrival of your baby! With so many amazing restaurants, nature/outdoor activities, and experiences, there’s no shortage of date night ideas in San Francisco. In this blog post, I’ll share 15 of the best date night ideas in San Francisco before your baby comes!

15 Date Night Ideas in San Francisco Before Baby Comes

Restaurants & Food Experiences

San Francisco is home to some of the best culinary experiences in the world, and what better way to spend a date night than exploring the city’s diverse food scene? From traditional Vietnamese cuisine to learning how to prepare a romantic meal, the options are endless. San Francisco definitely offers something for every couple to enjoy! Let’s explore five delicious and unique date night ideas for foodies in San Francisco!

1. Dinner at Bodega

Bodega is a restaurant that offers traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine and has quite the impressive variety of dishes! They offer a family-style concept that easily allows people to sample their diverse offerings. Cozy it on up in a cushioned booth with your significant other, try some Vietnamese dishes (such as pho ha noi, bun cha, vegan pho, bun rieu), and have a sweet mochi pandan cake for dessert!

2. Cooking class at Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point is a luxury resort located in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, and it’s home to the Cavallo Point Cooking School. Sign up for a cooking class, and learn how to prepare a romantic meal for your significant other. The cooking school uses locally sourced ingredients, so you can be sure that your meal is both delicious and sustainable.

3. Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant

San Francisco has a number of Michelin-starred restaurants that offer exceptional dining experiences. Make a reservation at a restaurant like Atelier Crenn or Quince and enjoy a memorable meal with your partner!

4. Damnfine

Try Damnfine if you’re ever around the Outer Sunset and in for a yummy treat! This restaurant offers wood fired pizzas with the perfect balance of a thin and chewy crust, creative dishes and a variety of refreshing beverages! This is the perfect place to go to if you want a laid back experience with your significant other during your night out!

5. Take a cooking class at 18 Reasons

Learn a new recipe and cook a delicious meal together at 18 Reasons! They offer a variety of cooking classes ranging from beginner to advanced, and you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor after the class is over. You may even learn a few new cooking skills you’ll be able to put to daily use!

Nature Viewing & Activities

San Francisco may be known for its bustling city life, but there are also plenty of opportunities to escape into nature with your significant other. From strolling through peaceful gardens to enjoying a picnic in Golden Gate Park, the city offers a variety of outdoor activities for couples. There’s something for those who are seeking a quick getaway, those who would like to relax along the water and even those who would like to spend a relaxing evening along the beach! Let’s explore another five unique date night ideas in San Francisco that allow you to reconnect with nature and each other.

6. Visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a 55-acre garden located in Golden Gate Park. It features a variety of gardens showcasing plants from around the world, including a Japanese Tea Garden and a California Native Plant Garden. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens with your partner and enjoy the natural beauty.

7. Picnic in Golden Gate Park

Wanting to relax and spend some down time under the sun? Golden Gate Park is a massive urban park that covers over 1,000 acres and offers plenty of romantic picnic spots. Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks, and enjoy a lazy late afternoon lounging in the sun when lighting isn’t as harsh as it was in the morning. After your picnic, take a stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden, or rent a rowboat and paddle around Stow Lake.

8. Quick Trip to Point Reyes

Looking for a date idea that’s a little more scenic? Point Reyes is a rugged and beautiful peninsula located just an hour’s drive from San Francisco. Spend the evening or day exploring the beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife reserves. Point Reyes is also home to several oyster farms, so be sure to stop by one of the local seafood shacks for a freshly shucked oyster!

9. Sunset Sail

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world, and a sunset sail is the perfect way to experience it! Many places offer sunset cruises – such as Red Fleet which offers both sunset and twilight cruises or Adventure Cat – complete with beverages and appetizers. Watch the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge, and soak in the breathtaking views of the city skyline while enjoying some last few months as a family of two!

10. Beach Bonfire at Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a long and sandy beach located on the western edge of San Francisco. Spend the evening building a bonfire, or spend some time taking a walk along the beach while feeling that nice breeze. This beach is extremely dog friendly, so definitely bring your fur baby along if you have one!

Museums and Art Activities

San Francisco is a city full of art and culture, offering a wide range of experiences for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or science nerd, San Francisco has something for you. With these last 5 date night ideas, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best cultural experiences the city has to offer; there’s no shortage of exciting things to do! So grab your partner and immerse yourselves in the vibrant cultural scene of San Francisco!

11. Visit the de Young Museum

The de Young Museum is a stunning art museum located in Golden Gate Park. It features a variety of exhibits showcasing art from around the world, including contemporary and modern art. Enjoy looking at the various exhibits with your significant other and then head over to one of the restaurants mentioned above! This date night idea would be especially perfect for a rainy evening!

12. Art gallery crawl in Mission District

The Mission District is one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and it’s home to a thriving arts scene. Spend the evening strolling through the galleries, enjoying local art and wine. The neighborhood is also known for its incredible food, so be sure to stop by one of the many Mexican restaurants for a bite to eat!

13. Visit the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a fascinating museum that offers a variety of exhibits including an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum. Spend the day exploring the exhibits and learning about the world around us. There are so many things to see here that are suitable for not only before baby comes, but after baby comes! Definitely make plans to come on back to show your little one what you’ve seen and learned!

14. Visit the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a hands-on science, technology and arts museum that offers a variety of interactive exhibits. Learn about hundreds of exhibits in their six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries at Pier 15, and have fun experimenting with what’s to offer! Allow at least 3-4 hours spending time here to get the most out of your visit.

15. Take a pottery class at Clay by the Bay

Get creative and take a pottery class at Clay by the Bay. They offer a variety of classes for all skill levels, and you’ll get to take home your own handmade pottery. Make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting too dirty as clay may splatter on you. You can even make something small that baby may be able to use once they’re older – such as a bowl, trinket dish or plate!

Ready to try a few of these date night ideas in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a city that offers a plethora of opportunities for couples to have a romantic date night before the arrival of their little one. With a diverse food scene, a variety of outdoor activities, and a rich culture, San Francisco offers something for every couple to enjoy. From dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, couples can make unforgettable memories and strengthen their bond. So why not take advantage of the city’s charm and spend some quality time with your significant other before your family grows? Use these 15 date night ideas in San Francisco to create some unforgettable memories! 

If you’ve made it this far down this post, you’re most likely expecting and soaking in all the wonderful moments of pregnancy! Wondering how a San Francisco maternity session will look like? Check out my most recent maternity blog post to see the magic we can create! If you are looking for a maternity photographer in San Francisco, be sure to check out my portfolio and contact me today to discuss your ideal maternity session! Also be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest work!