Fall is the perfect time to plan a fun date night for you and your loved one. From picking pumpkins and sunflowers in the Peninsula to exploring the gardens of San Francisco, there are plenty of ways to spend your fall weekends and evenings.
San Francisco
Spend a weekend afternoon strolling through the various gardens in Golden Gate Park. At the Japanese Tea Garden (open daily), enjoy the natural beauty of the Japanese maple and cherry trees, the peacefulness of the Zen garden, and refreshments at the Tea House. They even have walking tours where you can learn more about the history of the garden. Head over to the San Francisco Botanical Garden (open daily) just a few feet away to explore 55 acres of landscaped gardens and meadows highlighting over 8,000 plants from around the world. (To keep warm, stock up on one of the Bay FC scarves in our collection.) At the Conservatory of Flowers (open Thursdays through Tuesdays), enter the beautiful landmark building and take in its rare and tropical collection of plants.
On Oct. 24, make your way to Ocean Beach for Leap’s 44th Annual Sandcastle Classic, Northern California’s largest sandcastle competition. Participate or watch others design and construct creative sand sculptures to support local education programs. For a spookier date idea, take an Alcatraz Night Tour, featuring a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge, talks about the defunct prison by historians, and special programs and activities only offered at night. (Stay warm on the short boat ride to the island with a Bay FC hat, blanket, or beanie.)
South Bay
If you’re in the South Bay, there are a few events at Santana Row in San Jose that might be of interest. On Oct. 10, stroll through the Makers Market’s Local Artist Street Fair to view handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel, plants, and more by over 60 local artists, crafts, designers and makers. For a more seasonal date, watch Farmer Mike meticulously carve giant pumpkins into works of art (Oct. 24 – 25). Celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Nov. 1) with a full day of activities, including a brunch, altar tribute, pop-up market, photo ops, face painting, mariachi and dance performances.
After spending time at Santana Row, head over to PayPal Park for a Bay FC home game. With only two regular season home games left, watch Bay FC compete against Portland Thorns (Oct. 18) and San Diego Wave at the Fan Appreciation Match (Nov. 1) at PayPal Park in San Jose. (Get decked out in Bay FC apparel you may have missed.)
East Bay
Take a stroll around Lake Merritt, a three-mile loop that includes views of the downtown and the nature around the lake. On a Saturday, make your way to the Grand Lake Farmers Market to pick up food from nearby farmers and grab a pastry or lunch from a local food vendor. (This is a great place to show off your Bay FC pride in a sleek, new jersey.) Return to the lake for Autumn Lights Festival (Oct. 15 – 17) for night of vivid light installations that are sure to leave you and your date in awe.
Watch a new movie at West Wind Drive-In and Public Market in Concord (and San Jose) for only $6 on Tuesdays. (It may be chilly so it’s a good excuse to buy some Bay FC outerwear for the occasion.)
North Bay
The North Bay is all about nature: take your date on a hike on one of the 36 trails in the Marin Headlands. (This could be a great way to show off your dog’s new swag – peep items like pet bandanas, collars, and leashes we have in stock.) On Oct. 27, walk among the old growth coast redwoods and enjoy free entrance to Muir Woods National Monument for President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.
Thrill-seekers can make their way a bit north to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo for Oktoberfest (Sept. 12 – Nov. 1). Enjoy a day of roller coasters, Bavarian beers, German food, live entertainment and more. (Show off a fresh t-shirt perfect for a casual day at the theme park.)
The Peninsula
There are two ways to spend time exploring the Fioli Gardens in Woodside: At Autumn Days (Sept. 26 – Nov. 1), celebrate fall with vibrant foliage, harvest displays, pumpkins, giant gourds, scarecrows and more. Moreover, try warm apple cider and seasonal treats. (Take a peek at our accessories to add a bit of personality and team pride to your fall photos.) During Nightfall (Sept. 26 – Nov. 1), enjoy the gardens’ spookier side at night with Halloween decorations, a giant witches’ cauldron, pumpkin scarecrows and more.
In Half Moon Bay, head to Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm (open daily) to explore dozens of varieties of pumpkins and pick one up to take home. Stop by the U-Pick Sunflower Field (Aug. 21 – Nov. 20) at Andreotti Family Farms in the same area to explore a field of sunflowers in full bloom and stock up on some to bring back with you. (Both are good excuses to see if you missed any pieces in our Poppy Collection.)
In search of the top events or events for the whole family this season? We got you.
