Romantic & Fun Northern California Date Ideas
Looking for more romantic and fun Northern California date ideas? NorCal offers plenty of fun, exciting, and wistful date spots to enjoy. It’s only a matter of finding them.
We’ve got you. Planning a romantic vacation can be stressful, especially when you want it to be perfect!
Having favorite, go-to date spots is nice, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up and try something new! Show your partner just how much they mean to you with this curated list of romantic date ideas that are guaranteed to sweep them off their feet.
Need a place to stay? Check out these 7 Romantic Getaways in Northern California for the ultimate list. Or if you’re heading to SoCal, explore these Romantic and Fun Southern California Date Ideas instead!
1. Beach Bonfire & Picnic, Ocean Beach, San Francisco
A great way to create a night to remember is watching the sunset at Ocean Beach, making a bonfire, and having a romantic picnic! This will require a bit of shopping beforehand, ensuring you have lighter fluid, wood, snacks, and maybe even s’mores! If you go the s’more route, make sure to bring your date hand wipes because they can get sticky and messy (and that’s not very romantic)!
Don’t forget to bring multiple blankets, one to sit on and at least one to wrap up in. Beach nights can get chilly, so dress warm or just cuddle for warmth by the bonfire. Having carefully planned the date and all the little details, everything is set to make it the most romantic experience they’ve ever had!
Staying for the night? These Romantic Places to Stay in San Francisco are sure to make your stay memorable.
2. Museum & Ice Skating, Santa Rosa
When most people think of museums, they think of classical art. But in Santa Rosa, you can embrace your inner child at the Charles M. Schulz Museum! The museum showcases exhibits curated around the work of beloved cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, his good pal Snoopy, and the Peanuts. Inside, along with plenty of nostalgic artwork, there’s a small movie theater where you might catch a classic Snoopy & Co. cartoon. Who says cartoons are just for kids?
After, take a short walk across the street to Snoopy’s Home Ice. Here you can enjoy an evening of ice skating. If you already know how, great! If you both need some help getting on the ice, schedule a private lesson to learn something new together. Then, after having tons of fun on the ice, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and cookies outside the rink at Warm Puppy Cafe. Being able to have fun and bond over those memories is priceless.
3. Dinner & Show on a Steamboat, Sacramento
Sacramento has some of the best restaurants and bars to create a romantic atmosphere for your evening, but one stands out among the rest! The Delta King Riverboat is a boutique hotel floating along the Old Sacramento Waterfront, featuring a house restaurant where you two can dine along the water. Enjoy fried calamari, shrimp cocktail, Cajun linguini, grilled swordfish, and so much more. Also, be sure to check out their event schedule to catch a comedy show or live music!
Staying the night in this floating riverboat hotel is entirely up to you, but it could be fun! The Delta King’s staterooms offer rooms with views of the city and rooms with views overlooking the water. You can even stay in the Captain’s Quarters, which is a premier luxury suite. The best part is they offer mobility-accessible rooms, making this a great place for all to enjoy!
4. Glamping in the Redwoods, Cobb
Enjoy a romantic evening in a furnished tent or treehouse nestled in the Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest. Here, you get to experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature while camping in style. Far from city lights and noise, it’s the perfect secluded getaway to share quiet, quality time with your love. As night falls, stargaze to your heart’s content and indulge in a romantic dinner under the illuminated sky.
Start your next morning (if you’re feeling up for it) with a scenic hike. If not, take a short drive and have a spa day at Harbin Hot Springs. They offer both cold and warm pools, massages, and yoga sessions. Take a break and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their Dancing Bear Cafe. You’ll have such a relaxing experience with your partner that it will become a favorite spot to visit. You may even want to make this an annual trip!
Most Important Tip: While going on your romantic weekend getaway with a plan is helpful, make sure you also leave free time for any potential spontaneous adventures! Some of the best memories happen when you let go of control and see where the day takes you.
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride, Lake Tahoe
Visiting Lake Tahoe is known for being a relaxing and fun time. There’s so much to do, no matter what time of year you visit, whether it’s ski season or summer on the lake. But if you’re going to do anything romantic while you’re here, Lake Tahoe Balloons is IT. Flights are available from May to October, making it the perfect time to visit during peak season. You can even book a private tour or schedule a wedding in the sky! Talk about a unique and memorable experience!
After your flight, there are plenty of great options nearby to enjoy a meal. Other romantic ideas for your Tahoe adventure include hiking trails together or experiencing the Heavenly Gondola ride. You’ll have plenty of privacy and just enough space to cuddle up with your partner while you enjoy spectacular sights! There are also plenty of romantic hotels and Airbnbs in the area if you want to stay the night. Lake Tahoe is truly a great time for nature lovers, so have fun, take flight, and enjoy the views!
6. Explore Underground Wine Caves, Napa Valley
While there are several wine caves you can explore in Napa, we recommend starting at The Jarvis Estate. Jarvis is known for being one of the best places to have a romantic glass of wine in an intimate setting. The property is 45,000 square feet of cave tunneled into the scenic Vaca Mountains. Take the Vintage Wine Tasting Tour to explore their expansive estate and taste some of the finest wine Napa has to offer.
At the end of the tour, relax to the soothing sounds of their underground waterfall. This unique feature helps keep the cave at just the right temperature and humidity for an extended aging process. After your date, why not wander into a few more tasting rooms? You know, just to “compare notes.” There are plenty of other locations to tour in the area, and all kinds of great restaurants to end your day with a romantic dinner.
Stay the night at one of our favorite Romantic Places to Stay in Napa to keep the good times rolling!
7. Dance & Drink in a Museum After Dark, San Francisco
The California Academy of Sciences offers several fun night events. You can purchase Nightlife VIP Experience tickets that include a private tour, two complimentary cocktails with light hors d’oeuvres, and your own private lounge with bar service.
Enjoy the aquarium after dark and enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars. The options will seem endless once you realize all the museum has to offer. They even have a four-story rainforest… can’t get much more unique than that! When was the last time you could say you had a rainforest experience in the midst of a big city? You are sure to have fun and take away romantic moments to remember.
Need a place to stay? These Romantic Places to Stay in San Francisco will make the perfect backdrop for your getaway.
Romantic Essentials
Picnic Blanket
A picnic blanket is great to have handy for a romantic meal out in nature. It’ll make things extra cozy and sweet for you and your better half.
Disposable Camera
Give your vacation photos that old-school romantic aesthetic with a disposable camera! It’ll be a wonderful surprise treat once they’re developed, and you’ll get to hang them up in your home.
Your Best Outfit
Show the world the power couple that you two are by packing your favorite dressy outfit for an unforgettable night on the town.
Pack Your Suitcase…
With so many Northern California date ideas, you are sure to find the perfect place that both you and your person are sure to enjoy. From Big Sur to Yosemite National Park, there are even more date ideas to explore.
If you’re looking for an extended weekend getaway, be sure to check out 7 Romantic Getaways in Northern California!
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Northern California?
It’s a tough call! The truth is, no matter when you choose to come, there are plenty of things to do and places to explore in this stunning region. Summer brings warm days and cool nights perfect for outdoor recreation, while winter brings snow-capped mountains ideal for skiing or snowboarding.
Fall is the time for wine-tasting tours in the Napa and Sonoma valleys, while spring is the perfect season for wildflower hikes. So really, it comes down to personal preference – there’s no wrong time to visit Northern California!
What food is Northern California known for?
Clam chowder, of course! This rich stew is a staple in many homes across the region and can be found in restaurants all over. The traditional recipe includes clams, potatoes, and onions, all cooked together in a creamy broth. But the best way to enjoy it is wrapped in a warm sourdough bread bowl. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and a must-have for anyone visiting Northern California!
Is Northern California cheaper than Southern?
Yes, but it all depends on where you are. For example, San Francisco and the Bay Area can be some of the most expensive places to live in this region. Avoid these areas if you’re looking for a more affordable option. But other than that, NorCal tends to be cheaper than SoCal.
