10 Affordable Autumn Date Ideas in the San Francisco Bay Area 2023

Fall in the San Francisco Bay Area offers plenty of affordable and culturally rich date ideas. Explore the season's charm with these options:

1. Pumpkin Picking at the Fort Mason pumpkin patch (Oct 19-29)

   • Pumpkins are $15-$25 depending on size, more importantly $7 beer and $10 cocktails for you and your honey

2. Enjoy a Fall foliage walk in the San Francisco Botanical Garden

   • Watch the leaves change colors! Free for San Francisco Residents or anyone entering through the main gate before 9am) or Muir Woods (Free on Sept 23, Nov 11).

3. Celebrate the flavors of San Francisco’s unique and diverse neighborhoods through special prix-fixe menus during SF Restaurant Week (Nov 3-16) Final list of participating restaurants will be available in October https://www.sfrestaurantweek.com/

4. Experience the fun of Apple picking at Gizdich Ranch.

   • Starting Sept 16th, U-Pick at Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville (1.5hr drive from SF)- bring your own containers or pay a small fee

   • Consider a autumnal picnic date with your person

5. Join the lively Schroeder’s Annual Oktoberfest Block Party (Sep 15).

   • Join Schroeder’s, the oldest Bavarian beer hall on the West Coast, for the Oktoberfest Block Party on Friday, September 15 starting at 3:00 p.m. Celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, the historic and beloved German restaurant will feature live music, specials on beverages and bar bites, and beer games like stein chugging, stein holding, costume contests, and more at the annual event. Free (Eventbrite)

6. Discover and appreciate art at SF MOMA or SF Fine Arts Museum.

   • First Thursdays of each month are free at SF MOMA for Bay Area Residents - tickets available ~ 2 weeks in advance.

   • Bonus: SPECIAL OFFER from First Thursdays major sponsor, illy: All visitors on First Thursdays can enjoy a COMPLIMENTARY cup of illy drip coffee at Steps Coffee (who doesn’t like free coffee!?)

   • SF MOMA offers free Community Days for ALL visitors (next one is on Oct 21st)

7. Cozy up with a Beach bonfire at Ocean Beach, Muir Beach, or Drakes Beach.

   • Visit the Golden Gate Park Conservatory Webpage for ‘How to Snag A Fire Pit’ in Ocean Beach or Muir Beach.

   • Bring your own firewood. No scavenging of firewood is allowed in the GGNRA. 

8. Thrill-seeking couples can brave a Haunted house at Fear Overload Scream Park.

   • General Admission ranges from $20-$32pp depending on the day. Buy tickets online as buying at the door carries a $3/ ticket premium

9. Enjoy a romantic outdoor film screening at McLaren Park or a rooftop in the City.

   • Free- McLaren Park hosts Sundown Cinema. Oct 20: Ghostbusters

   • ~$30pp The Cut Outdoor Cinema - rooftop cinema experience

10. Watch some live stand-up comedy at Cobb’s Comedy Club.

    • Cobb’s is a neighborhood favorite, https://www.cobbscomedy.com/

I hope you enjoyed the list! Do you have a favorite fall date activity? Let me know in the comments!