Top 15 Romantic Date Ideas for Couples

It can be tricky to come up with romantic date ideas, regardless of whether you’ve been with your S.O. for years or you’re in a relatively new relationship. There needs to be a mixture of time spent doing the actual activity and time for letting sparks fly, which is why it’s important to break away from the standard dinner-and-a-movie mould every so often. And we have to say—it’s not always the activity, but sometimes the setting that qualifies a date as romantic. (For example, dinner at a busy pizza joint likely isn’t romantic, but cooking dinner for two at your place amidst the glow of a few candles definitely qualifies.) It’s always wise to have a few go-to romantic date ideas up your sleeve, so we polled friends, family, and colleagues for some of their most memorable date nights. Take note: The below dates are sure to impress. 

Here are our picks for the top 15 romantic date ideas to try tonight.

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Take a Language Lesson

Learn a romance language together (whether in an in-person class or online). It’s like you’ll have your own “secret” language.

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Go to a Carnival or Fair

Indulge in all the traditional snack foods, and then compete in a few games (winner takes home a prize). Don’t leave without riding the Ferris wheel—and stealing a kiss at the top.

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Watch a Classic Movie

Old Hollywood did it better. Look for a public showing of a classic love story that you can watch while eating on popcorn and holding hands, of course, or keep it casual with an “at home” date on the couch.

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Spend the Day at the Farmers Market

There’s something cute about spending time picking out fresh produce together at the farmers market and then whipping up a pie or seasonal dinner afterward. Plus, it’s a pretty affordable date idea.

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Look Through Family Photo Albums

Make an afternoon out of reminiscing about your pasts together. Pull out the family photos (and don’t leave out any of the “embarrassing” pictures). This will let you get to know each other on a completely different level.

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Take Dancing Lessons

Salsa, ballroom—we don’t care. Learn to have some rhythm on the dance floor and get close.

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Explore on a Tandem Bike Ride

Teamwork is key while riding a tandem bike together. Be sure to stop for an iced coffee or ice cream cone along the way.

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Make Your Own Wine

Some vineyards will actually let you crush your own grapes and then produce a barrel of your own “vintage” to share with family and friends. How’s that for charming?

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Go for a Nighttime Boat Cruise

Temps always drop as it gets later in the day, so going for a nighttime boat cruise will be a nice excuse to cuddle up on the ride home. You can look at the stars and truly connect during this unique date.

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Fly a Kite Together

It’ll bring out a sense of playfulness that you likely haven’t experienced since you were a kid. Wait for a sunny day, and then head to a gorgeous park or sandy beach.

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Take in a Fireworks Show

If you know of any scheduled fireworks nearby, take them in. Or light some sparklers together. There’s a reason couples are using them at the end of their wedding.

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Pack a Surprise Picnic

An element of surprise ups the romantic factor on a picnic. Text your S.O. to meet at a certain spot and arrive early to set up all of the fixings.

For an extra surprise, make their favorite treat (cookies, brownies, and the like are all easily packable) and include it in the basket too.

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Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

Have a meaningful conversation if you can get your horses to trot alongside each other. Add in a sunset or sunrise and you’re golden. If there’s not a beach nearby, don’t worry—a trail will be just as charming.

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Take a Trip to Your Hometowns

What better way to dig deep (or spend quality time together) than by visiting the places where you grew up? Do a mini tour of your favourite childhood haunts.

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Visit a Wishing Well

Bring some coins and then get tossing at a wishing well. (But remember to keep your wishes a secret, or else they won’t come true.)