The Best Walks for a Date in San Francisco

For a date that costs nothing but still feels like a plan, walk the Coastal Trail from Lands End toward the Sutro Baths. The trail follows the cliffs above the Pacific, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the way, before dropping down to the ruins of the old baths. Go in the late afternoon and take your time, ideally catching the sunset over the water before heading back.

Grab a bottle of wine or something to-go and head up Bernal Hill about 30 minutes before sunset. From the top, you can see Downtown, the Bay Bridge, Twin Peaks, and the Peninsula, then watch the city light up as it gets dark. The top of the hill is closed to cars and popular with neighborhood dogs, so it feels relaxed enough for an early date without requiring much of a plan.

Take a walk around the Palace of Fine Arts just before sunset, when the light hits the rotunda and reflects across the lagoon. The loop itself only takes about 15 minutes, so pair it with coffee, wine, or dinner nearby if you want to make a night of it. Or just find a spot by the water and stay awhile.