San Francisco is a famously romantic city filled with myriad date spots. But sometimes we want to hit the town with the friends and without the candlelight. It can be tough to make platonic plans that don’t feel like an awkward scene on The Bachelor. Good thing we’re here with a few helpful suggestions.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Time appears to have stood still at this tiny nook nestled deep in the heart of Chinatown. Watch workers craft cookie after cookie on a bizarre-looking machine, request a custom (or X-rated) fortune, and sample a warm, yet-to-be folded treat. Pick up a big bag of Golden Gate’s finest and head to Portsmouth Square for some noshing and people watching.
Lands End
Lands End is ideal for a friend date—after all, who cares if your pal sees you doubled over and panting after mounting the steps back up from the Labyrinth? Explore the ruins of the Sutro Baths, walk along the railbed of the old Cliff House Railway and check out informational signs offering the spooky details of shipwrecks just off the coast. Park by the Information Center, which also offers surprisingly good post-hike snacks and world-class views.
Alcatraz Island
The subject matter may be a bit dark for a date, but far too few locals have joined tourists in ferrying out to the city’s best historical museum. Everyone likes a good jail story, so gather up your friends and book tickets to The Rock. Don’t miss out on the legendary audio tour, complete with riot sound effects and gravelly voiced ex-cons. Reserve your spots a few weeks in advance to make sure you’re covered and remind pals that anyone who flakes will be thrown in the hole!
Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar
While not intentionally funny, the Tonga Room, located above the old pool in the Fairmont Hotel, is hilarious. San Francisco’s fanciest and most famous tiki bar is the perfect spot to laugh the night away. Tropical drinks are gigantic and colorful, there are some amazing happy hour deals that involve all-you-can-eat egg rolls and everyone hits the pirate ship dance floor when the faux rain and thunder announce a cheesy cover band on a floating stage. A roving professional photographer will capture your night in black and white, which will probably be all you remember from the rum-fueled evening.
Church of 8 Wheels
When’s the last time you laced up a pair of roller skates? Exactly! Church of 8 Wheels founder David Miles, Jr., otherwise known as the “Godfather of Skate,” converted a former Catholic church into this modern-day roller disco. LGBT Tuesdays are notoriously fun, as are the Saturday afternoon skating lessons led by “The Apostles.” Entry is only $10 and another $5 for skate rental, so it’s easy for everyone to afford an inexpensive adventure on wheels. Much like in the real world, it’s best to stick with friends who will help you up when you inevitably fall on your a**.