Cheap Date Ideas in Bay Area

Musee Mecanique is an arcade at Pier 45 in Fisherman's Wharf, with more than 300 antique machines and artifacts. Wander the collection together and pick a few machines to try along the way. Musee Mecanique runs 10am to 8pm daily, all year.

Take a ferry to Angel Island State Park, where hiking trails and picnic areas look out toward the city skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The ferries run from San Francisco and Tiburon, though weekday service is limited in winter. The viewpoints here count among Marin's most romantic.

Lands End is an urban hike along the San Francisco coast, with shipwreck sites and rocky beaches on the way. The trail passes Sutro Baths, a pool built in 1896 that burned in the 1960s. Wildflowers now cover the ruins. The Coastal Trail runs more than nine miles in total, so you can walk as much or as little of it as you like.

Mount Tamalpais State Park has East Peak, one of Marin's most romantic viewpoints. The Verna Dunshee Trail there is a 0.75-mile accessible path with strong views. The park is open daily from 7am to sunset all year. Bring cash or a check for parking at East Peak and Bootjack, which use self-registration.

UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley is a museum of living plants, and its collection ranks among North America's most diverse. It suits a quiet daytime picnic or an afternoon walk along winding paths, and its seasonal blooms make it a Valentine's Day date idea. The garden is closed Tuesdays.

Golden Gate Park holds the Conservatory of Flowers, a landmark building that is North America's oldest public conservatory built of wood and glass. Inside, a rare and tropical plant collection gives the two of you plenty to wander through together. A Gardens of Golden Gate Park pass gives unlimited visits to three gardens over 3 days, which is handy if you want to add another garden to the date.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a budget-friendly date idea along San Francisco's waterfront. Wander through the stalls outside the Ferry Building, browse fresh local produce and pick out a few treats to share as you go. Saturdays are especially good for a casual brunch or lunch date, with plenty of food vendors to explore together. The market runs year-round on Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on foot is a 1.7-mile walk with views, about 45 to 60 minutes one way. A stop at Hendrik Point on the far end gives you a view back toward the skyline. Free walking tours led by San Francisco City Guides run Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the Welcome Center is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Walkers can use the sidewalk seven days a week, from sunrise until sunset.

San Francisco's Japanese Tea Garden holds the title of North America's longest-running public Japanese garden. The tea house and gift shop are open daily. From November through February, last entry is 4:30pm, so arrive with time to spare. Admission is free from 9am to 10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Lake Merritt is a lovely spot for a free, low-key date in the heart of Oakland. Take a leisurely walk around the three-mile shoreline loop, enjoying the waterfront views and plenty of time to talk. For a more romantic atmosphere, visit in the evening when the Necklace of Lights illuminates the lake.