Best Neighborhoods In San Francisco To Take a Date

San Francisco is one of the most romantic cities in the US.  The city is great for an epic date night, a long weekend getaway or an extended vacation.  Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are so many places to see, restaurants to taste, and experiences to uncover.  Here is a compilation of the best date ideas in some of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco.

MISSION DISTRICT

The Mission District is fondly known as the hipster neighborhood of San Francisco, comparable to the North Park/Normal Heights neighborhood in San Diego.  You will find older buildings, street murals, mom and pop shops, restaurants and the famous Dolores Park.  The Mission District is known for outstanding Mexican food and a laid-back vibe.  Some of our favorite restaurants are Lolo (offers delicious Vegan eats with a Mexican flair like Shishito Peppers and house made guacamole), Foreign Cinema (indulge in their delectable brunch menu) and Delfina (a long-standing restaurant offering delicious Italian dishes).

UNION SQUARE

Union Square is a great neighborhood to take a date if it is their first-time visiting San Francisco.  There are so many historic hotels, iconic restaurants and other sites to see, all within a few square miles.  Stop in for a drink at the Sir Francis Drake.  Peruse the Macy’s West flagship store.  Visit one of the oldest bars in the city, the Redwood Room, reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, that has been open since 1933.  You can eat, drink and shop your way through Union Square for an afternoon, or a weekend, depending on how long you and your date have to spend.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

For a more relaxed date, stroll through the Farmer’s Market at Fisherman’s Wharf.  The Farmer’s Market here is known for being one of the biggest and best in the country.  Pick up fresh seafood, exotic produce, locally raised and made delicacies like honey and spice blends, gorgeous fresh flowers and organic snacks.  By the time you make it from one side of the market to the other, you will have had fun browsing and buying different items, and if you plan accordingly, you will have all the makings of a romantic dinner in, to keep the date going.

NOB HILL

Nob Hill is one of the swankiest neighborhoods in all of San Francisco.  High real estate price tags and upscale restaurants are the norm here.  The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco, is situated right in the center of Nob Hill and is the perfect place to have an extended date.  Whether you schedule a luxurious treatment at the spa and then move the date to the in-house restaurant, Parallel 37, or you spend an entire weekend here, it will be a date to remember.  Parallel 37 is the perfect place to indulge in menu items such as the Crab & Caviar appetizer, some Golden Pumpkin Risotto and a Ritz Carre cocktail.  Can’t decide what to order, try the Chef’s Adventure Menu, a tasting menu complete with wine pairings.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown offers a fun outdoor shopping experience along with some of San Francisco’s most authentic Asian fare.  Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and art galleries along the busy Chinatown corridor and finish with a delicious and traditional meal at one of the many locally owned and run restaurants.  Our favorites are Peking Duck House on Mott Street, Chikarashi on Canal Street and Joe’s Shanghai on Pell Street.  With all the hustle and bustle going on in Chinatown, it is a great place for a first date, with lots to explore and talk about.

HAIGHT ASHBURY

San Francisco is one of the most diverse and eclectic cities in the world.  You won’t see that more on display than in the off-beat, Woodstock-esque neighborhood of Haight Ashbury.  Named for the corner on which these two streets intersect, this is where you and your date can explore vintage t-shirt shops and people watch for hours on end.  There is a great collection of bars in the area, including Club Deluxe, that boasts a throwback interior and live Jazz music, and Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery, whose claim to fame is small batch craft beer and yummy seasonal dishes.