Oakland is a vibrant city in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is full of energy, creativity and culture. It has many parks, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Oakland is constantly evolving, providing a great opportunity for a unique date experience.
1. Oakland parks and places for a walk on a first date
First dates are the perfect opportunity to explore the city together. Oakland has plenty of parks and places to explore while enjoying the fresh air. Head to Temescal Regional Park and take a leisurely walk among the beautiful trails, or lace up your skateboard at Mosswood Park. If you’re feeling romantic, take a stroll along Lake Merritt, which is known for its beautiful sunsets. Or why not explore all the public art and murals of Oakland with a scavenger hunt?
2. Places for a coffee date in Oakland
Coffee dates are the perfect way to get to know each other. Oakland is home to a variety of coffee shops. Sample some of the best coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee or get lost in the vintage charm of Highwire Coffee. If you and your date are fans of boba, head over to Aroma Tea. For a cozy escape, visit the Monarch at the Royal Coffee Bar, which is tucked away in a historic building.
3. Oakland galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Oakland is a cultural hub with many art galleries, museums and exhibitions. For a more traditional museum experience, visit the Oakland Museum of California, which is home to a variety of artworks, artifacts and natural history exhibits. Or try something more interactive like the Chabot Space & Science Center, where you and your date can explore the solar system and beyond. If you’re looking for something a little more idiosyncratic, visit the Museum of Art & Digital Entertainment, which is an interactive arcade and museum.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Oakland
Oakland is known for its lively entertainment scene. Check out the Fox Theater, which houses performances from some of the biggest names in music and comedy. If you’re looking for something more intimate, try one of the many music venues in Oakland like The New Parish, The Uptown or The Starline Social Club.
5. Oakland pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Oakland has a wide variety of places to grab a bite or have a drink. Enjoy dinner by the water with an Oakland twist at the popular Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill. Or try the renowned Calavera, which serves up Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, try the Japanese-style tapas at Ippuku or the Korean-American fusion cuisine of Gogi Time. For drinks, explore the whiskey selection at Half Time Bar or sip on cocktails at the Eclipse or Camber.
6. Other date ideas to try in Oakland
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, Oakland has plenty to offer. Catch a movie at the historic Grand Lake Theatre or the independent movie house, the New Parkway. Take a cooking class together at the Cooking Rail. Or swing by Rockridge Market Hall for a unique shopping adventure. There’s plenty to explore in this eclectic city.
