10 Cute Date Ideas for Berkeley Students
So you’re planning a date. If you’re leaning towards GBC or Dwinelle for some reason PLEASE put down your Peet’s and read this. After all, this could be the start of something new (you’re welcome) and exciting! Keep reading for the top 10 cutest date ideas for Berkeley students and try one of these out with your special someone.
*ranked from most casual to big bucks
1. Hike Big C.
Sure the hike up is sometimes steep and definitely sweaty, but the stunning view at the top during sunset with a new date is amazing. Make sure to bring lots of water, grab a seat on the C, and talk while the sun disappears and the moon and stars emerge.
2. Getting Yopo and strolling around campus.
Nothing like a sweet treat after class and an evening stroll around campus! This is a great first date because it’s casual, fun, and close to the dorms. 10/10 would recommend getting to know someone better on the Glade or under the Campanile with a chocolate froyo.
3. Take in the view at Indian Rock Park.
I only discovered this fantastic spot a couple months ago, and it’s high up on my date list. Just split an Uber to get there (it’ll take about 10 minutes from campus) and make sure to wear comfortable shoes to show off your impressive climbing skills (or take the stairs to spare those hip boots). Bring some snacks and take in the impressive view!
4. Watch a play at the Greek Theatre.
If you’re new on campus, you might think concerts are expensive. Think again, golden bear! You can pack a blanket and snacks and sit behind the Greek Theatre free of cost. Sure, you might not get to ~see~ the band and there will be lots of other people sitting on the grass, but you can still sing along and talk about music with your date. I “saw” Hozier this way on an awesome double date that I’ll always remember because of the lovely music, pita chips, and fun company!
5. Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge and nearby beach.
Make your way to Baker Beach or Crissy Field, two awesome beaches on either side of the Golden Gate Bridge. I took a day trip to SF with my high school friend and her roommate (who’s now my sorority sister) during my first week at Cal and we hit up the beach, jumped into the water, and took cute pictures with the GGB behind us. This would be a cool date idea with someone adventurous who’s down to splash in the water then dry off while taking the trail up to the Bridge!
6. Hit up Ferry Building and walk along Pier 39.
This is my go-to date in the Berkeley area. Just BART to the Embarcadero station and hit up the Ferry Building for Blue Bottle Coffee before walking along the piers to Pier 39! The sunny, 25-minute walk can be topped off with sushi at Hana Zen (which offers stunning views of the GGB) and a quick look at the lazy sea lions.
7. Watch a Giants or A’s baseball game.
So this date idea is a time commitment and a little pricey (be sure to wait till the day before or day of to buy tickets) so make sure you’re really digging the person you take to a Giants or A’s game. Baseball is a great idea because even if you’re not an SF/Oakland (or even a baseball) fan, the energy at a home game is absolutely electric. You’ll have lots of time to get to know each other better, munch on Cracker Jack, and root for the home team!
8. Go bowling!
Bowling is a nerdy date. The neon lights, music from the 2000s, and old-school shoes evoke strong memories of middle-school birthday parties. But like swings on a playground, bowling is one of those things that’s weirdly fun to revisit, especially with a fun person who’s down to dance along to the Black Eyed Peas. Split the game and pizza before schooling your date with your fun and flirty skills at Albany Bowl, a quick walk from the El Cerrito Plaza BART stop
9. Go to dinner and a movie.
This is a classic date idea for a reason: it works. Swing by a quick downtown dinner spot like Top Dog, Sliver, or BurgerMeister before catching a new movie at Shattuck Cinemas or California Theatres. If you’re looking for a spot in the quieter Elmwood area, you can grab sushi at Manpuku before watching a film at Rialto Cinemas. Don’t forget your Cal Card, it can get you sweet student discounts at the movies!
10. Take someone to a NICE dinner.
So you’ve been dating for a while and there’s a birthday or Valentine’s Day to celebrate. Or you’re just feeling fancy and want to shell out on a nice dinner date. Spending time over a candlelit dinner and good food is a great way to reconnect after classes and exams, especially if you’ve been stuck in the dorm food and Asian Ghetto rut. Spend a little time getting ready and have a nice dinner at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen, Gather, Great China, or Eureka. Berkeley’s Asian influence comes through at Joshu-ya and Kiraku, so be sure to check those out if you love Japanese food.
