with longer, sun-filled days and warmer temperatures on the horizon, it’s a perfect opportunity to take date night (or date day!) outside. Taking part in physical activities, new adventures, and getting some Vitamin D can help boost your mood, and strengthen your relationships and friendships. Here are a few ideas for a wide range of “dates” that you can enjoy in the great outdoors in the Bay Area this summer.
Solo Date
Treating yourself to some alone time absolutely counts as a “date!” Download a great playlist (here is one of my Spotify favorites: Happy Sunny Days), pop in your ear buds, and head out for a run along the Embarcadero, where the sun and salt air is sure to make you feel alive. If you’re not a runner, head to Golden Gate Park for a long walk or hike. Be sure to wander the Japanese Tea Garden, where quiet contemplation is encouraged. The Botanical Gardens are a perfect place to stretch out on a blanket and catch up with a good book and an iced tea.
New Romance
Hoping to impress a new love interest, or explore some activities together? Activities that focus on health and wellness have become incredibly popular in the past few years. Head over to Crissy Field where the wind is always at maximum velocity – perfect for flying kites while overlooking one of the most beautiful views in the entire city. From there, you can easily walk up to the Marina, where you have a plethora of restaurants to choose from for afternoon bites and happy hour. Don’t forget to pick out dessert from Susie Cakes on Chestnut Street!
Married Life
With work, personal hobbies, and family taking up so much space in our lives, setting aside time for date night with your long-term partner is an important way to stay connected. San Francisco is home to some truly romantic views and outdoor dining experiences. Start the evening with a sunset catamaran cruise around the bay, followed by a reservation on the outdoor patio at La Mar on the Embarcadero, or Foreign Cinema in the Mission. If the night still feels young after dinner, there are plenty of award-winning cocktail bars in both of these areas. Don’t forget to skip the Lyft and enjoy the walk hand-in-hand.
Family Time
There are plenty of family-friendly options for day “dates” that you can enjoy with the kids. Spark Social in Mission Bay is full of food trucks, easily accessible family restrooms, and a huge athletic field full of communal sporting equipment like cornhole and soccer balls. Off the Grid in the Presidio is another family favourite Sunday event, where you can set up some chairs and relax on the huge lawn for the day. Land’s End is a surprisingly kid-friendly hike (though not great for strollers, so bring a carrier), and you can hit Ocean Beach afterwards for some sand and water play, followed by lunch on the lawn of Beach Chalet.