We get it. After the holidays it’s time to strap down and save some money. But, you still need to prioritize date night. Here are 10 inexpensive date night ideas so you don’t have to go on fewer dates just because you’re spending less money.
1. Cook a meal together.
Set a budget, like one of those cooking shows, but you don’t have to choose a mystery ingredient unless you want to. Find a recipe in a cookbook or online. Go grocery shopping together and then spend the evening cooking and enjoying a meal that’s cheaper than eating out.
2. Eat pancakes on a mountain.
This one is technically for a date morning, not date night, but forgive us because it’s great. The West Point Inn just outside of the city hosts pancake breakfasts for $10. You’ll have to do a bit of hiking to get to the Inn, which is a great start to the date. You can also do an overnight camp out on the mountain and head to pancakes in the morning.
3. “Go” to the movies.
Use one of the movie streaming sites and find something neither of you has seen. Stock up on movie snacks like stovetop popcorn, boxed candy, chocolate, and gummy bears. (They’re much cheaper in your grocery store than at the movies.)
4. Go on a Treasure (Island) hunt.
Every month there’s a flea market on Treasure Island that’s filled with fun finds. Even if you aren’t looking for anything in particular, head to the island for great views of the city and hours of strolling.
5. Visit a local library.
Scan the bestseller lists before you go. Borrow some books and spend the afternoon reading and snuggling at home (in a fort?!) with some coffee or tea. If it’s nice outside, bring the books to a local park.
6. See a show.
Theatre doesn’t have to be expensive. Get last-minute theatre tickets on sites like Today Tix. You can snag seats for less than $10 to some of the best shows in the city.
7. Go sailing.
Sail for free. Yes, really. The Cal Sailing Club offers free sailboat rides on keelboats and dinghies during their open houses.
8. Take free dancing lessons.
Lindy in the Park teaches swing dancing in Golden Gate Park every Sunday. Afterward, take a walk in the park and grab some ice cream at San Francisco Hometown Creamery.
9. Go disc golfing.
Rent gear for a few bucks and head to Marx Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Read up on the rules here. Make it a fun competition and have the winner buy lunch somewhere close by. The Richmond and the Inner Sunset are both full of great, cheap eats.
10. Go for a bike ride.
If you have bikes, this date is totally free. If you don’t, there are plenty of places to rent bikes inexpensively in the city. You can have just as much fun hopping on one of the many scooters popping up in San Francisco. Zip around for an hour or so and explore the city at a different speed.
Let us plan your next date and give you some more inexpensive date night ideas. Subscribe to Avital Date Night for curated date nights in San Francisco. Or, join us for a food tour in the Mission, Tendernob, or North Beach and our guides will plan your entire experience.
