Category: Date Ideas

When was the last time you took your own child’s advice and visited the zoo? Even if you don’t have children, it is about time you get back to the roots of childhood and go see some of the most amazing creatures that have ever graced this earth. Not just to learn, but to explore and take in their beauty. Visiting the San Francisco Zoo is just one way to spend a day enjoying what you can only see in magazines and on documentaries. Now it’s time to experience the real deal.

With over 250 animal species in their natural habitat, Northern California is proud to boasts this zoological park and conservation center. Located right near the Pacific Ocean, this is a zoo you can visit year round to enjoy the comfortable climate and dedication to preservation. Even if you are a San Francisco local you can take the day and appreciate the respect for animals that the San Francisco zoo shows all of its visitors and guests alike. Currently the zoo is being transformed into the New Zoo, which does more than house exotic animals. It is a conservation oasis for many of the wild life that lives there. If you haven’t been to the zoo since your grade school class trip, it might be time to come into contact with these creatures all over again.

There are a slew of animals to be seen and heard. From the anaconda to the polar bears, you can easily learn to appreciate all of these wonderful creatures. Even the anteaters that live there will make your heart melt. Not to mention the furry and cute Koala bear and the Eastern Grey Kangaroo. For the more fearless there are plenty of amphibians to admire, as well as the tigers and African lions. A trip to the zoo is just what you need to unwind from the pressures of work and school. It is a place you can just let loose with your friends or family and be who you want to be. The animals don’t mind at all!

Getting There

Follow Sloat Blvd until you reach 47th Avenue where the new entrance is located. You’ll notice it because of the infamous Doggie Dinner and Sloat Garden Center that sit across the street.

Admission

If you’re a resident of San Francisco, the Zoo will give you a $2.00 discount off the regularly priced tickets which are $11.00 for adults. Youth from 12 to 17 get $3.50 off of the regularly priced tickets of $8.00. Even the little ones get a discount of $2.50 off of a $5.00 price from ages 3 to 11.

Note: The first Wednesday of every month is free for everyone!

Pier 39, located in the popular Fisherman’s Wharf area, is an attraction all on its own. There is something for everyone at Pier 39 and that’s why so many people flock to it year round. Tourists abound, but locals have to admit they like it as well. In fact, many of the people that shop in the 110 stores and dine at the 14 restaurants are people that just walked in from the surrounding neighborhoods – North Beach and Telegraph Hill.

Pier 39 is an excellent way to show family and friends the sights or just to take in the many street performers and music that seems to be pumped in from everywhere. Summer is a great time to experience Pier 39, but there are seasonal events year round. Fleet week is always a popular event, just as Pumpkin Pandemonium is for the kids. It isn’t just about the shopping and dining, although that is just as wonderful. Pier 39 is more about the overall experience and the stunning views of San Francisco.

Within Pier 39 there are plenty of attractions to broaden the mind and entertain you. First and foremost you have the most popular residents of Pier 39. The sea lions of course! Their barking can be heard throughout the pier and all over Fisherman’s Wharf. Every weekend from 11am to 5pm they do sea lion tours where you can learn about the precious animals that make Pier 39 their home. There are hundreds of them that can be seen at any given time, and the visit alone is worth the trip to Pier 39.

Visiting the Aquarium of the Bay is another stop for animal lovers on Pier 39. San Francisco has amazing marine life that people just aren’t aware of. You can see them all in a very natural setting while you walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels. You can see and sometimes touch many of the creatures that live in the shores of this beautiful city.

If you’re considering going to Pier 39 on a date, you can try a little adventure with the city kayaks that are available for rental. If you are an experienced kayaker, take your kayak and head out to the famed Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island to paddle around in more advanced waters. If you are a beginner, you can certainly take in the beautiful waterfront views while enjoying a day in the San Francisco waters.

San Francisco is a beautiful place, but Pier 39 is truly special to the neighborhood locals and the people living in San Francisco. It is easy to get to and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, recreation, or simply sitting around and passing the day away.

This little city by the bay is well-known for beauty, style, and elegant romance. Romantic date ideas abound and the charm of this busy, yet beautiful city will help love take root and blossom.

Situated between both virgin forests and the San Francisco Bay, the natural world plays a strong part in the city’s culture. Also, as home to the sort of quality establishments one would expect of such a fine city, San Francisco is ideal for all manners of romance.

Aquarium

The Aquarium of the Bay is located by Pier 39 and houses some of the most beautiful underwater displays in the world. Take your date and let the beauty and serenity of the sea creatures surround you. The Aquarium offers not only an opportunity to see the bay and its creatures, but also a chance to help save the bay. Nothing is more special than trying to save the world together. This is the most beautiful and philanthropic of the romantic date ideas you may ever have.

Winery

Grab your girl and head out of the city into the hills to experience the Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries. Share this romantic date idea with your girl as you head out to sample some of the finest wines in the world and see the wine making process from start to finish. Stroll through the vineyards and enjoy the rolling hills and bright California sun. Smile as you watch the wine bring warmth to your dates rosy cheeks and to your heart.

Twin Peaks

For a romantic overlook head out to Twin Peaks. This point is above the city and you can see for miles. Listen to soft songs on the radio while you gave out at the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Whisper sweet nothings in her ear and share a kiss above all of the hustle and bustle of the city below.

Golden Gate Park

For a lushly romantic date idea, take your date to Golden Gate Park. Broad expanses of green call out for picnics or quiet strolls. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for quiet serenity or take a ride on the carousel for a quaint throw back to more peaceful times. Golden Gate Park is also adjacent to the striking Golden Gate Bridge which is a classic destination for tourists and San Francisco residents alike.

So you managed to survive the first date and now you want to plan something fun for the second. What do you do on those in between dates, anyway?

The weather is breezy and the day is perfect to take your date out for a day of fun. Fun date ideas are easy to come by in San Francisco, and the exciting urban activities blend well with the surrounding natural world.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Experience all of San Francisco in a single place. The Wharf is chock full of street performers, novelty and eccentric shops as well as some of the best clam chowder and sourdough bread the city has to offer. Add Fisherman’s Wharf to your list of fun date ideas and you won’t be disappointed. Go for the food, the fun, and even the smells. The sea lions on Pier 39 will entertain you for hours before you head over to Ghirardelli square for a sundae. Yes, the Wharf is a bit touristy, but that is all part of the fun!

Alcatraz Island

Do you want to see a true piece of American history? If your girl is up for unusually fun date ideas, take her to Alcatraz Island and sample the life led by some of the nation’s worst criminals. Al Capone and other famous wrong-doers existed for years in this dank location. Tours are led by well-versed guides, some of whom were residents of the Rock before it was shut down. Envision yourself behind bars together or plan an escape attempt. If nothing else, the cool breeze will encourage you to huddle together for warmth, and that is always a good thing.

Chinatown

San Francisco has the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. For a dose of history and a strong ethnic flavor, head over the Chinatown for some fun date ideas. Browse through the unique wares of traditional Chinese shops, or stop over for authentic cuisine. Festivals and events are frequent to celebrate important days in the Chinese year or for the fun of it. Take the famous cable car through Chinatown for an overall sample, and hop off to explore the area more thoroughly.

Muir Woods

Experience the ancient world by standing or hiking beneath the virgin redwood trees in this forest just north of the city. Famous for not only beauty, but for a history riddled with political and diplomatic figures, Muir Woods is perfect for naturally fun date ideas. Take a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike with your girl as you marvel and the majestic scenery and completely escape from the busy city you’ve left behind for the day.