Everyone has seen (and probably been on) the cliché dinner-and-movie date. You know, the type of date where the guy puts his arm around his date with some not-so-sly move during the movie. And while that can be fun, it can also be hugely predictable.

Maybe you’re trying to impress someone you just met or maybe you and your special someone are embarking on your two-year anniversary. Either way, you want to make the date memorable – and that requires a little bit of creativity. I’ll admit that I’m not very creative (actually I lack creativity in every form of the word) – and lucky for us girls, we rarely have to plan anything elaborate. But for those of you who want to put some effort in, here are a few of the unique and successful date ideas I’ve heard of:

1. Gondola ride on Lake Merritt

Price: $$$

When I first heard that my friend was taking her boyfriend on a gondola ride for his birthday, I was a little skeptical. I mean, a Venetian boat ride in Oakland doesn’t sound right to me. But after hearing more, I was intrigued. The company, Gondola Servizio, offers a wide array of private gondola cruises on Lake Merritt in Oakland. They also allow you to bring your own beverages if you don’t want to purchase one of their food and wine packages. This date may be a bit pricier than the others on this list, but from what I’ve heard it’s completely worth it!

For more information, click here.

 

2. Berkeley Rose Garden

Price: $

What’s more beautiful than a stroll through a rose garden? Very few things come to my mind. The Berkeley Rose Garden is considered to be one of the best rose gardens in Northern California. With over 3,000 rose bushes and great views of the San Francisco Bay, this spot would work for a daytime or nighttime date. You can get to the gardens by car, the 65 bus line, or foot if you’re willing to take a long and leisurely walk.

For more information, click here.

 

3. Berkeley Marina and 4^th Street

Price: $$

Why not take your date on dinner and then replace the movie part with a breath-taking view of the sunset? The Berkeley Marina, with its multitude of docked boats, is a fun place to visit while it’s still warm! I would suggest watching the sunset by the Marina and then grabbing a bus to 4^th street, where there are several really great restaurants.

 

4. Lawrence Hall of Science

Price: $

My good friend went to the Lawrence Hall of Science on her very first date with her boyfriend and she said it was amazing. There is so much to do here that there is no way you or your date will get bored. From the various exhibits, to the live science demonstrations and the Planetarium, the Lawrence Hall of Science has lots to offer for a fun first date. My friend said the most romantic part of her evening was picnicking with Cheeseboard (yum!) and gawking at the gorgeous view of Berkeley and San Francisco.

For more information, click here.

 

5. Walk down College Avenue to a nice restaurant

Price: $$

This one is pretty self-explanatory and classic, but nonetheless very fun. Elmwood is adorable, and the restaurants on College Avenue are absolutely delicious. A nice candle-lit dinner – and devouring some Ici afterwards – are bound to impress your date.

 

And of course, there’s always the option of taking your date up to the top of the Campanile.

So there you have it! I hope these ideas inspire you to take that special someone on the most unforgettable date of their life.

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