Best Romantic Date for Outdoorsy Types

You haven't seen the bay till you've seen it by moonlight -- in a kayak, wearing a life jacket, paddling with your sweetie. Dappled waves, starry skies, illuminated bridges, the stray egret or blue heron: These are just a few of the sights you're likely to encounter at the Full Moon Paddles offered by UCSF's Outdoors Unlimited and UC Berkeley's Cal Adventures. Even if you're not a seasoned skipper, these nautical adventures beat the typical dinner and a movie. The guided sea kayak tours test your date's ability to handle rough waters -- literally. The bay can get a bit choppy after dark, but the instructors make safety a priority. (During one ride, it took guides less than 30 seconds to fish a sheepish kayaker out of the drink.) The Berkeley trips feature nighttime views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the moon rising over the East Bay hills ($35-45), while Outdoors Unlimited's expeditions tour the Sausalito waterfront ($42-60). No prior kayaking experience is necessary and beginners are welcome: Tours start with a quick lesson on basic paddling techniques.