the diner

The Peninsula Creamery, located in downtown Palo Alto, is a perfect restaurant for a first date. The Creamery is loud and fun, making it easy to break the ice and get to know your date. From salads to mac ‘n’ cheese to burgers, The Creamery is sure to have something you and your date are in the mood for.

The farmer’s market

You can find the Palo Alto Farmer’s Market any Sunday of the year from 9 am to 1 pm on California Avenue. If going out at night isn’t your thing, the farmers market is a perfect way to take someone out for a first date together.

nola

Nola brings New Orleans’ cool vibe to Palo Alto. Nola is not only known for the delicious Cajun dishes, but also the N’awlins-style decorations and art that cover the walls of the restaurant. With balconies on all four sides overlooking an open-roof courtyard, Nola allows dates to take a quick, romantic trip to the Big Easy.

drive-in movie

A renovated relic of 1950s movie culture, the West Wind Capitol 6 Drive-In theater in San Jose is the perfect opportunity to cuddle up and enjoy a movie in the privacy of your own car. Don’t like old-fashioned films? No worries — theaters like West Wind are stocked with newly-released movies.

ice skating

As the weather gets colder, cute date ideas aren’t as limited as they may seem. The Winter Lodge in Palo Alto is a local ice rink equipped with a cozy fireplace, well-maintained ice and fake snow that falls from the ceiling at the end of the night. Skating also provides adorable photo ops and excuses to hold hands.

concert

Finding a good concert can be a great bonding experience. From sitting on your date’s shoulders to visiting foodtrucks to just dancing the night away, you’re bound to have a good time. As Shakespeare once said, “If music be the food of love, play on!”

brunch

Tootsies at the Stanford Barn is a tiny cafe on campus, perfect for weekend brunches with bae. Their ricotta pancakes may be the most raved about item on Yelp, but the cozy barnhouse ambiance is what really sets this cafe apart. With a field of lavender, copious amounts of roses and ivy growing on the brick house, Tootsie’s oozes with a countryside feel.

sunset

If you’re looking for a peaceful, inexpensive evening, take a drive up Page Mill Road to Skyline Boulevard to watch the sunset. Whether you want conversation or complete silence, this is the perfect place to relax and appreciate the Bay Area’s natural beauty. Check out our previous edition for other great sunset locations!