Leisure

The Dating Games

High-Adrenaline Dating

The fisherman’s tales. The feats of physical prowess. The ziplines. First dates can be fun... Here, our guide to the adreniline-packed date. Also, since it’s never technically a date without drinks, we’ve conveniently located the nearest watering holes for your post-exertion reinvigoration (and for whispering sweet nothings).

PLENTY OF FISH

Sportfishing in Sausalito

The Challenge: Hopping aboard a sportfishing boat and tacking 25 knots/hour toward the deep blue sea, where you’ll be expected to reel in a few whoppers by day’s end.
The Risk: The off chance you haven’t recently tested your sea legs...
The Reward: A sustainable seafood landmark by the name of Fish. Everything’s grilled over a wood fire—except for the vino.

TAKE A HIKE

Hiking Mount Tam for Beer

The Challenge: Hiking up Mount Tamalpais—for roughly 20 minutes—in search of a hidden German beer hall.
The Risk: Taking the wrong trail and doubling your hike time. (You’re heading to the Sun Trail by way of Dipsea.)
The Reward: The distinct honor of throwing back pints in a near-mythical establishment—only open on weekends from 2 to 6pm—known as the Tourist Club.

SEA WORLD

Sea-Kayaking in Tomales Bay

The Challenge: Man vs. the sea. (With date in tow.)
The Risk: We’ll repeat: man vs. sea. (Though a reason to “get out of those wet clothes” wouldn’t be so bad...)
The Reward: The Marshall Store, a little oyster shack hanging over the water—it’s on the pier—you can paddle up to. Order up your bivalves raw, baked or Rockefeller.

ZIPPED UP

Ziplining over the Embarcadero

The Challenge: Extreme when it comes to novelty—it’s a short ride and the danger is briefly palpable, but just think: you’re ziplining in the city.
The Risk: Your dinner jacket gets a wrinkle on dismount.
The Reward: Head directly to the Plant Cafe Organic, make your way to the greenhouse-like bar area and get started with some Honeycomb Coladas. If only they’d just extend the zipline there.

TAKE THE STAND

Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Crissy Field

The Challenge: To stay standing while paddling—and conversing.
The Risk: This stretch of coast is widely popular with the windsurfing set, thanks to its stiff breezes and choppy water. (Pick up a wetsuit along with your board.)
The Reward: Whiling away the remaining afternoon hours in the open-air courtyard of gastro-tavern Tipsy Pig, enjoying the company of your date, a Sazerac and Chimay-braised pulled-pork sliders.