Got a date in San Francisco? 6 ideas for what to do and where to go

Are you thinking of asking someone out but don’t know where to take your love interest? Or maybe you’ve been with someone for a bit—or years—and are looking to break out of your normal routine. The Standard is here to help with fresh ideas for fabulous dates in San Francisco and beyond with our It’s a Date! series.

Perfect for outdoorsy types and science nerds, this park offers a playful atmosphere, a cool playground, and a field station filled with nature’s wonders. Explore vintage maps, flora and fauna, and even guess aromas in a chemistry game. Thirsty? Enjoy craft beer or cocktails from a vintage van. Dine al fresco with the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop. Fog or sunshine, it’s enchanting. And the best part? Food trucks galore! Samplings from worldwide cuisines make for a delightful feast. Stay till sunset or explore more scenic spots nearby. Read the guide.

Ahoy, adventure seekers! Treasure Island, the man-made gem between San Francisco and the East Bay, is getting a $6 billion makeover. Hop on a short ferry ride for good food, bocce ball and dazzling San Francisco vistas. It’s a construction zone, but no worries, seagulls are your companions. Wear sturdy shoes! Start bayside, savor the ferry views, then explore Treecraft Distillery’s tipples, all sourced locally. Mersea’s shipping container restaurant offers seafood delights, Italian-style lawn bowling and dog-friendly vibes. Seal the deal at Woods Island Club’s historic taproom with a toast before catching the ferry home. Read the guide.

Pingpong, once a frat-house staple, now has a cult following from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. Visit Spin, the pingpong-focused social club co-founded by actress Susan Sarandon. At this Folsom Street spot, get the special $9/hour rate on Tuesdays after 9 p.m. ($49 Monday through Thursday, $59 Friday and Saturday). Play without chasing balls; they’re in handy baskets. Swing like Forrest Gump or flaunt your competitive spirit. Take a break at the lounge with cool drinks and fusion eats. Tropical mocktails and Hawaiian dogs are winners. With 18 pingpong tables, bars and art, it’s a playful paradise. Who’s up for a match? Read the guide.

Embark on an intimate adventure in Marin County, wooing your nature-loving boo. Escape to Muir Woods via the serene Sun Trail for a secluded hike. Traverse the Redwood Trail for glimpses of the Tourist Club’s Bavarian-style wooden chalet, where beer and conversation flow. Plan around their yearly fests for a charming addition to your day. Ascend to Mountain Home Inn for a dreamy lunch with mesmerizing views. History, romance and forest meld within this rustic gem. Extend your journey through Muir Woods, then descend to Mill Valley’s 2 AM Club. Rest your weary legs while you sip drinks and snuggle up next to your date. Read the guide.

North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy, is a picturesque neighborhood, and its bustling streets, storied history and Transamerica Pyramid as a backdrop make it perfect for a little romance. Explore like a local by going beyond Columbus Avenue to discover hidden gems on Grant Avenue, like a psychotropic shop and hyperlocal art gallery. Impress your date with tidbits of history about the Savoy Tivoli and Caffe Trieste before sitting down at Tommaso’s for an old-school Italian meal. Afterward, slide into Keys Jazz Bistro for live music, Manhattan club vibes and delightful desserts. Seal the night at Specs’ 12 Adler Museum Cafe, a treasure-filled sanctuary. Read the guide.

Once notorious for brothels and gambling, Chinatown’s Ross Alley now boasts colorful lanterns and vibrant businesses and makes for the perfect backdrop for a touristy yet romantic date. Explore creative vibes at art gallery 41 Ross, sip elegant drinks at By Me Boba Tea and try your hand at fortune-cookie-making at the iconic Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. If things go well, you can also surprise your sweetheart with flowers from Sweetheart Florist and enjoy delectable dim sum nearby afterward. Read the guide.