Oakland is packed with romantic date ideas and adventurous activities that young couples will love. From waterfront strolls and gondola rides to intimate dinners and live music, there’s something for every pair of lovebirds. This guide to 10 Best Things to Do in Oakland for Couples will take you through scenic parks, quirky attractions, and vibrant neighborhoods, all perfect for making memories together.
1. Stroll and Picnic at Lake Merritt
Why go: Lake Merritt is an urban oasis – a wide tidal lagoon surrounded by parkland and city views. It’s ideal for a relaxed lakeside picnic or a romantic walk together. Couples can bring a blanket and enjoy the lagoon’s calm water, watch ducks and boats, and take in stunning city lights at night.
What to do: Pack a picnic or rent a swan boat for two. If you want something extra special, book a gondola cruise on Lake Merritt (offered by Dolce Vita Gondola) to float together like you’re in Venice. Afterwards, head to the renovated Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill right on the water for cocktails and dinner. As Thrillist notes, “If picnicking is not your thing, head to Lake Chalet for cocktails and dinner… on the waterfront” – a dinner with panoramic views of the lake and downtown. Don’t miss the hidden Lake Merritt Bonsai Garden – a Japanese-style miniature garden tucked next to the lake – for a peaceful stroll among tiny, ancient trees.
2. Hike and Picnic in Redwood Regional Park
Why go: For couples who love the outdoors, Redwood Regional Park in the East Bay hills offers towering redwood forests just a few miles from the city. Walking hand-in-hand beneath the canopy of ancient redwoods is unforgettable.
What to do: Spend a morning hiking the shaded trails of Redwood Park. A favorite is the Three-Mile French Trail loop or Tres Sendas Trail. After your hike, enjoy a picnic in the redwoods – the dappled sun and cool shade make it a naturally romantic setting. (Tip: Afterward, you can grab fresh sandwiches or treats from nearby cafés like Pomella in Piedmont for your picnic.) This “hidden redwood forest” getaway is ideal for active couples wanting a nature escape right in Oakland.
3. Dinner and Fun at Jack London Square
Why go: Jack London Square is a lively waterfront destination with restaurants, bars, and fun activities. It’s perfect for a date night out with dining and entertainment.
What to do: Start at Rosenblum Cellars for a relaxed urban wine tasting – they offer a cozy vibe and great California Zinfandels. Then walk over to Plank – a restaurant/wine bar with bowling lanes, bocce courts, and arcade games – for playful competition. As Visit Oakland suggests, you can “reserve a lane and play a few bowling games to keep the night going”. Afterward, enjoy ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s by the marina and stroll the lit boardwalk. If you’re in the mood for more culture, catch the sunset San Francisco Bay Ferry from Oakland ferry terminal for stunning bay views together (the ferry isn’t far and offers a unique perspective of the Bay). Jack London Square also has a farmers market on Sundays, so you can plan a weekend brunch date here too.
4. Movie Night in Grand Lake (Shakewell & Grand Lake Theater)
Why go: The Grand Lake neighborhood, on the edge of Lake Merritt, has a charming old-world theater and great eateries – an ideal classic date combo of dinner and a movie.
What to do: Start your evening with dinner in Grand Lake. For example, Shakewell serves Mediterranean tapas and paellas (their Bomba rice paella is highly recommended) in a cozy, modern setting. Then, catch a film at the Grand Lake Theater, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace with a glowing neon marquee. The theater’s vintage charm – from its sweeping staircase to a Mighty Wurlitzer organ – makes it a great backdrop for selfies and memories. After the movie, grab a nightcap at Bardo Lounge around the corner for classics-inspired cocktails and a chill vibe. This Grand Lake date offers a bit of old-school romance and fun.
5. Explore the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)
Why go: The Oakland Museum of California is a dynamic cultural space covering California’s art, history, and nature. It’s a smart and engaging indoor date spot for curious couples.
What to do: Wander through OMCA’s four levels of exhibits – you can learn about California’s diverse history, see modern art installations, or stroll in their beautiful garden courtyard. On Friday nights, the museum hosts “OMCA Friday Nights” – a weekly after-hours party with food trucks, live music or DJs, and discounted admission. You and your date can sample food from different trucks (maybe some Korean fusion or Cajun flavors) and dance or lounge in the patio with a drink. It’s a uniquely Oakland experience: culture by day, street-food party by night. The museum’s architecture and rotating exhibits also mean every visit feels new. (Fun fact from a visitor: many couples enjoy OMCA because it’s “Beautiful museum! …so much space to view. Three levels of stuff to see!”.)
6. Jazz Dinner at Yoshi’s in Jack London
Why go: Yoshi’s in Jack London Square is legendary for live music and dining. It’s a perfect evening escape for music-loving couples.
What to do: Book a dinner-and-show at Yoshi’s Jazz Club. The venue combines top-notch Japanese cuisine with world-class live performances (jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and more) in an intimate club setting. Arrive early for sushi or Yakitori-style dishes at the restaurant, then settle in for a jazz or soul concert in the adjoining club. The lively atmosphere, dim lighting and great music make it easy to feel connected. As a reviewer notes, “Yoshi’s in the heart of Jack London Square is definitely the place to be… excellent selection of drinks”. Even after dessert and coffee, the music continues – it’s a date night that feels special and memorable.
7. Wander the Morcom Rose Garden
Why go: The Morcom Rose Garden is a hidden romantic gem. Hundreds of blooming roses and tranquil amphitheater benches create an intimate setting that feels far from the city.
What to do: Head to this “Greek-inspired amphitheater with hundreds of flowers” tucked near Grand Lake. Walk the paved paths hand-in-hand, smell the roses, and relax on a bench together in the shade of the pergolas. Because it’s usually quiet and not very crowded, it’s perfect for sweet conversation or even bringing a sketchbook or camera. (Thrillist even describes it as one of the best Oakland spots to “Get romantic”.) If one of you is up for it, climb the amphitheater’s steps together for a fun little workout. And if your date ends up being the one, note that the garden is also a wedding venue – a sure sign it’s a romantic place!
8. Visit the Chapel of the Chimes
Why go: For a date that’s a bit offbeat and atmospheric, explore the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland’s Montclair district. It’s a historic columbarium designed by Julia Morgan with a Moorish-Gothic style.
What to do: The Chapel of the Chimes isn’t your typical tourist stop, but couples who enjoy architecture or haunted history will find it fascinating. It’s like a hidden labyrinth of fountains, archways, and stained glass, where sunlight filters through trees and water. As the guide explains, it’s a “Moorish-Gothic labyrinth of fountains, trees, natural light and Oakland’s notable dead”. (It’s a peaceful place to reflect – and take memorable photos.) You might stroll the narrow paths, admire the mosaics and urns, and even catch a small concert if you time it right (they sometimes have music events in the garden area). Visiting this eerie yet beautiful space together can be surprisingly moving and intimate.
9. Have Fun & Games – Plank, Bowling & Comedy
Why go: When you want a playful date night, Oakland has great spots for games, trivia, and live shows.
What to do: For a lighthearted evening, head to Plank in Jack London Square – it’s part restaurant, part games center. Grab a craft beer or cocktail in the beer garden, then challenge each other to bowling or bocce ball (they even have old arcade games!). The casual competition and big-screen games create a fun vibe. After that, you can catch a live improv show or trivia night at The New Parkway Theater in Uptown. Parkway is known as “the people’s theater” – a reclaimed old movie house turned indie cinema/bar. They screen cult and indie films and also host events like trivia or karaoke. It’s cozy (couches instead of chairs!) so you can relax with snacks and laugh together. As Visit Oakland suggests, you can simply “cozy up on a couch with your favorite movie snacks and drinks” at New Parkway. Altogether, games and live entertainment add laughter to your date night.
10. Temescal Eats & Brews
Why go: Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood is a hotspot for awesome restaurants, breweries, and cafes. It’s perfect for foodie couples who want to eat and sip their way through a date.
What to do: Plan an evening (or entire afternoon) in Temescal. Start with dinner at Pizzaiolo, a cozy Italian eatery where you can share gourmet pizzas or pasta over glasses of wine – it’s “wine and dine with your sweetie” in a romantic setting. Afterwards, hit up nearby spots like Temescal Brewing for craft beer (they often have live music or food trucks). For something sweet, indulge in mac ‘n’ cheese at Homeroom or local ice cream. If you enjoy wine, consider a private wine tasting experience (some Oakland vineyards or even Airbnb experiences offer tastings with charcuterie). Later, you could stroll around the area – Temescal Alley and 49th Street have cool boutiques and dessert cafes. By the end of the night you’ll have had great food, good drinks, and good conversation – a simple recipe for a perfect couple’s evening in Oakland.
Bonus ideas: If you have time, consider an Oakland beer or wine trail (Oakland has local brewers like Ghost Town and Drake’s) or even take a night hike up Skyline Boulevard for a Bay Area sunset drive. And of course, keep an eye on Oakland’s lively events calendar – things like First Fridays art walks or seasonal festivals can make great dates too.
Conclusion: Oakland’s mix of cultural spots, outdoor spaces, and local flavors means couples will never run out of date ideas. Whether you’re picnicking by the lake, hiking in the redwoods, sipping wine by the bay, or dancing to live jazz, the city offers endless possibilities. Embrace the adventure together – as couples write in reviews, “Lake Merritt is a remarkable place… peaceful to just sit on a bench, view the lake, and enjoy the weather”. Get out there, explore Oakland’s charm, and create your own romantic story in The Town!
FAQs
What are the most romantic spots at Lake Merritt?
Couples love the Lakeside Park areas – picnic lawns and benches – and attractions like the Bonsai Garden. For romance, try a sunset gondola ride or dinner at Lake Chalet.
Is Oakland Museum of California good for a date?
Yes! OMCA is great for couples interested in art and history. The museum often hosts Friday night events with food trucks and music, making it a fun, casual date night.
When is the best time to visit Redwood Regional Park?
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for hiking among redwoods. Even in summer it’s cooler under the trees. Weekend mornings can be quiet for a private picnic.
How can we get to Jack London Square from downtown Oakland?
You can drive or take BART to 12th Street/Oakland City Center and then either walk or catch the free Oakland ferry shuttle to Jack London. It’s a short ride and very scenic along the waterfront.
What events are there for couples in Oakland?
Check local listings for live concerts at Paramount or Fox Theatres, comedy at Punch Line Oakland, and seasonal festivals (like Art & Soul or Oaktoberfest). Also look for dance nights or workshops (like salsa dancing classes).
Any unusual date ideas in Oakland?
Yes – visit the atmospheric Chapel of the Chimes, explore the hidden stairway gardens, or try something quirky like a “try curling” session at Bay Area Curling. Oakland has lots of offbeat charm.
Are there good food tours or cooking classes for couples in Oakland?
Definitely. You can join wine and cheese tasting tours, brewery tours on the East Bay Ale Trail, or fun classes like tandem pottery or mixology (ClassBento often lists creative date workshops).
What outdoor activities suit couples?
Besides hiking Redwoods, you can kayak or paddleboard on the Oakland Estuary, bike the Bay Trail, roller-skate at Brooklyn Basin, or simply enjoy the rose garden and Lakeside trails together.
Is Oakland Zoo a good date spot?
The zoo is more family-oriented, but it can still be fun for animal-loving couples. The gondola ride at the zoo offers a romantic view over the treetops and isn’t just for kids.
What’s a cozy indoor date option in Oakland?
Try the New Parkway Theater in Uptown – you can cuddle on couches with snacks while watching classic or indie films. Or grab coffee at a quiet café (like Atlantic Coffee or Plank’s lounge) and enjoy a slow conversation.