Looking for some fun ways to spend a night out, but don’t want to spend a fortune in the process? Some of San Francisco’s best bloggers offer their picks for wonderful, low-cost dates in one of the most-visited cities in the United States.
So hire a date night sitter, grab your significant other and discover San Francisco on the cheap.
-
Bike the Bay Bridge
The new eastern span of the Bay Bridge was celebrated with plenty of traffic. Take two wheels instead and bike along the pedestrian and bike path. You’ll get some fantastic views for free. -
NightLife at the Academy
Bloggers Britt+Whit suggest heading to the California Academy of Sciences after dark. Every Thursday night visitors 21 years and older can take in movie screenings, music and dance, a cocktail bar, planetarium shows and more. The price? Only $12 per person or $10 for members. -
Treasure Island Wines
A contributor to the popular blog Broke Ass Stuart and author of multiple books, Scott James lists TI Wines as one of the top places on his list for a cheap date. It claims to be the “first operation urban winery and tasting room,” located on a former naval base in the San Francisco Bay. The tasting room is open every weekend, and charges $5 for about 10 tastes. -
Off the Grid Food Night
Every Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Off the Grid hosts “California’s largest street food market” in Fort Mason. One of Britt+Whit’s top date night picks, this is a great way to relax with delicious food and drinks. Admission is free, so you only pay for what you want to eat! -
Legion of Honor
For $10 per person, you and your date can experience more than “4,000 years of ancient and European art” at this iconic arts museum in Lincoln Park. Marie Martin, a San Francisco relationship and love coach, says a great way to spend time with your date is to grab lunch at the museum, then enjoy a special exhibit. -
Bernal Heights
Some of the absolute best views of the city can be seen from the top of Bernal Hill. Hike up with your love, and bring along a picnic lunch or a bottle of wine to celebrate your trek. -
TCHO Factory Tour
TCHO is changing the way we see, taste and experience chocolate. If you’re a fan of artisan chocolates, stop by the shop for a free factory tour and tasting, offered twice a day, every day. -
Sundance Kabuki Theater
Try movie night at what has been dubbed “the coolest movie theater in the world,” with an art gallery, classy restaurants and movies with no commercials! Martin suggests grabbing a cocktail from the bar to enjoy an “alcohol-accompanied movie.” -
Barbary Coast Trail
If you like history and walking, grab a free map and lace up your shoes to follow the history of San Francisco on this 3.8 mile trail toward the bay. Medallions mark points of interest. -
Treasure Island Flea
This massive flea market is more than just antique and vintage goods — it’s also where food trucks, local wineries and a produce market congregate on the last weekend of every month. -
Musee Mechanique
Try a few of the many antique arcade games here, each costing as little as a quarter. -
Potrero Hill
Finally have a sunny day all to yourselves? James suggests taking a walk up quiet Potrero Hill to view the architecture, shops and city view. Stop along the way for a picnic. -
Anchor Brewing Tour
Wildly popular, this free brewery tour and tasting requires reservations months in advance — but it’s worth the wait. -
Farmer’s Market
With more than 50 vendors, the Heart of the City Farmer’s Market is a great place to learn about local produce like cheese, honey, seafood and more. -
Limon on Valencia
For authentic Peruvian food, James says grab a bite here. “It’s definitely less expensive than most other places on that block and the food is amazing,” says James. “My wife and I had our first date there and we went back all the time for the chicken.” -
Pika Pika Photobooth
If you’re looking for a unique date, check out these over-the-top Japanese pikura machines. For about $10, you’ll return home with some silly pictures as a memento. -
Take a Cooking Class
Want to learn how to make candy, pie dough, chocolate, Asian sauces or Italian dinners? Take a class at 18 Reasons, which will only cost you about $35 apiece. -
Haight/Ashbury
Britt+Whit recommend this area of the city to simply wander, saying, “between the amazing food and fun stores, you can spend all day in this area.” -
Golden Flower
For authentic Vietnamese, Martin says you should grab a bite here, especially their pho. With a dinner for two at less than $20, you’ll have plenty of cash left over for a Chinese foot massage directly across the street.
A great night out doesn’t have to cost a lot, so use these suggestions to have a good time and go home with enough money for your next adventure.
Jennifer Eberhart is a freelance writer living in New York City.
