Ready for some romantic date ideas? Romance is essential to any relationship. Not only does it help the bond between you and your partner grow stronger, but it is also something that you and your partner share solely with each other.
Fun times, laughs, adventures, friendships – these are all things that you share with multiple people in your life (friends, family, etc).
But romance is something that is unique to your relationship with your partner.
So as your relationship grows, so should your romance. Read on to see how to be romantic for date nights.
Why Romance Is Important
But why is romance so important? And can a relationship survive without it?
Let’s start with the latter question. We can’t speak for all relationships. In theory, a relationship could survive without romance – and we’re sure there are some that do.
But we’re pretty confident in saying that the majority of relationships do require some degree of romance to survive, or at least to thrive.
Why is it so important?
- Romance brings you and your partner together in so many different ways.
Firstly, romance shows that you are putting your relationship as a priority. In most cases, romantic acts take some degree of time, planning, and preparation.
A romantic act shows your partner that you are willing to make time for your relationship and that they are a priority in your life. In return, this allows your partner to feel closer and more bonded to you.
2. Secondly, romance can help to keep your relationship new.
Research has shown that romance is even more important in long-term relationships.
New relationships are fun and exciting, but once the honeymoon phase wears off, they take a little more work.
Romance is a way for you and your partner to come together, spend some quality time, and remind each other why you are together in the first place.
Romantic Dates
So let’s talk about romantic dates. Here are some of our favorite romantic date ideas:
Go on a Picnic
We’re not sure why, but there’s something so romantic about the simplicity of a picnic.
It doesn’t take a lot of time or preparation, but it’s a great way for you and your partner to wind down, forget about life for a minute, and just connect with one another.
Plus, there’s so many things you can do for a picnic date– indoor picnics, outdoor picnics, rooftop picnics, mountaintop picnics, beach picnics, picnics in the park, picnics in the woods – there’s literally so many romantic places that you can pop up a picnic completely for free.
And if you really want to go all out, you can arrange for a planned picnic.
There’s tons of companies out there that arrange picnics for you. They find the perfect location, bring the perfect food, and plan the perfect layout. All you have to do is show up and enjoy!
At Home Spa Night
We’ll never discourage you from spending a night with your partner at the local spa – it’s super relaxing, calming, and romantic too!
But there’s something about an at-home spa date that goes above and beyond. After all, you won’t find a hot and steamy bubble bath at the spa.
Here’s how to set it up – Think candlelit rooms and roses on the bed. Think hot bubble baths and relaxing facial masks. And when the bath is all said and done, treat your partner to a nice full body massage. Now that’s effort – and that’s romantic.
Take a Dance Class
If you’ve ever seen the movie Dirty Dancing, you won’t debate us that dancing is unbelievably romantic.
There’s so many romance movies based around dancing – Footloose, Grease, West Side Story, Step Up – the list goes on and on. And it’s for a reason. Dance brings more romance into your life.
When you dance, you align yourself with your partner. Your breathing, your steps, your movements, your heartbeat – they all start to align and allow you to connect with your partner on a deeper level.
Not only that, but dance creates a silent conversation. It allows you to be vulnerable and authentic, without ever saying a word.
Think of it as your own personal love language between you and your partner – what’s more romantic than that!?
Build a Snowman
When’s the last time you embraced your inner child together? Most of us don’t take the time to go and play out in the snow.
As adults, we look at it as a nuisance rather than fun. But you’re with your one true love – bundle up and remember what it’s like to be kids again.
Remember, you can have fun doing anything together! And acting like children is a great way to let down your walls and bring out your silly, fun sides.
Building snowmen is also a great way to build your teamwork skills together. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for a snowball fight! Then you can head inside, curl up beside the fireplace with a delicious hot chocolate, and keep each other warm.
No snow where you live? Head to the beach for a beach date and build a sand castle instead!
Kayaking in Bioluminescence
Okay, so we are well aware that this isn’t your everyday activity. And unfortunately, it might not be an activity close to you.
But if you do have bioluminescent creatures nearby, we literally can’t think of anything more romantic.
For those who have absolutely no idea what we’re talking about, think stars in the ocean. That’s what bioluminescence looks like. Bioluminescence is a “light emitted by living things through chemical reactions in their bodies”.
Glowworms, fireflies – these are both examples of bioluminescent creatures.
In certain waters, when there is no moon and the skies are completely dark, bioluminescent algae can light it up like fireflies in the ocean.
Kayaking through it is like swimming in the night sky. There are few things in this world more amazing if you have the opportunity to do it. And if not, just go skinny dipping! Both are romantic!
Take a Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride can be a romantic and unique date idea. Many hot air balloon companies offer flights at sunrise or sunset, which can make for a particularly beautiful and memorable experience.
Before the flight, you and your partner can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch at a nearby cafe or restaurant.
After the flight, you can celebrate with a champagne toast and perhaps even a picnic on the ground.
It’s a good idea to check the weather in advance and make sure the conditions are suitable for a hot air balloon ride.
It’s also important to dress warmly, as it can get chilly up in the air.
Overall, a hot air balloon ride can be a fun and exciting way to spend time with your partner and create lasting memories.
Movie Night At Home
Have a romantic DIY movie night at home. To set the mood, you can dim the lights and light some candles to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
You can also create your own movie snacks, such as popcorn, nachos, or chocolate-covered strawberries.
For the movie, you can choose a romantic comedy, drama, or classic film that you both enjoy. You can also make it a double feature and watch two movies back to back.
Or make it a binge watching night and choose a TV series that you both love and watch a few episodes together.
To make the experience even more special, you could set up a blanket and pillows on the floor in front of the TV and snuggle up together.
An at home movie night can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time with your partner.
Candlelit Dinner
Maybe this one sounds a bit cliche, but it’s a cliche for a reason! A candlelit dinner at home or at a restaurant is such a romantic date.
At home, you can set the table with candles, flowers, and your best dishes to create a special ambiance. You can also cook a delicious meal together, whether it’s a homemade pizza, a gourmet pasta dish, or a fancy steak dinner.
Or, you can go out to a nice restaurant and enjoy a romantic meal together. Many restaurants offer candlelit tables or outdoor seating, which can add to the atmosphere. (Our favorite outdoor restaurants are usually on a pier or overlooking the water.
You can also choose a restaurant with live music or a stunning view to enhance the experience. Whether at home or at a restaurant, a candlelit dinner is a classic way to spend a romantic evening with your partner.
Rooftop Bar Date
There’s something romantic about a rooftop bar. Many cities have bars or restaurants with rooftop decks or patios that offer beautiful views of the city skyline or surrounding landscape.
You can enjoy a drink or meal together while taking in the scenery.
A rooftop bar can also provide a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere than a traditional bar or restaurant. Some rooftop bars also have live music or other entertainment, which can add to the experience.
To make the date extra special, you can plan to go at sunset and watch the sky change colors as the night falls.
Pottery Date Night
Hello, “Ghost”?! If you don’t know the infamous movie scene, you probably need to start with a movie night…if you do, then you know exactly why a pottery date night is on this list of romantic dates.
A pottery date night is a fun and creative date to try with your significant other.
You can take a pottery class together and learn the basics of working with clay. The instructor will guide you through the process of creating your own pottery pieces, such as bowls, mugs, or vases.
You can also listen to music or chat with each other as you work.
After the class, you can admire your creations and perhaps even glaze and fire them to make them food-safe or water-tight.
Or try one of those paint ceramic places and create your own artwork to display in your house.
Mini Golf/Golf
Confused why mini golf is on our list? You shouldn’t be! It’s the same reason the pottery scene is a romantic one. Walk around the course and have a friendly, flirty game of mini golf.
Maybe even let him “teach” you how to make a hole in one, with his arms wrapped around you.
More Romantic Dates
- Go out for a fancy candlelit dinner at a nice restaurant.
- Plan a picnic at a local park or beach with wine.
- Take a dance class together.
- Go for a walk or hike in a scenic area.
- Visit a nearby city for the day and explore together, pretending to be newlyweds.
- Attend a concert or show.
- Have a DIY movie night at home, with homemade popcorn and snacks.
- Go stargazing in a remote location.
- Visit an art gallery or museum together.
- Take a hot air balloon ride.
- Go wine tasting at a local vineyard.
- Cook a special meal together at home.
- Have a game night with your favorite board games or video games.
- Go to a jazz club or lounge and listen to live music.
- Visit a local fair or festival, holding hands and sneaking kisses throughout.
- Take a scenic drive and stop at a picturesque spot for a picnic.
- Go to a rooftop bar or restaurant and enjoy the view.
- Take a painting or pottery class together.
- Go to a trampoline park or indoor rock climbing facility.
- Have a spa day at home, with homemade facemasks and massages.
- Plan a romantic scavenger hunt around your city.
- Go to a chocolate- or dessert-making class.
- Have a bonfire on the beach or in your backyard.
- Go to a comedy club or improv show.
- Plan a night of karaoke at home or at a local bar.
- Snuggle up and have a romantic Breakfast In Bed
- Take the truck out and have a Truck Bed Date.
- Head to the drive in theater for a special Drive In Movie Date.
- Get creative and host your own Paint & Sip Date Night at home together.
If your relationship feels like it’s falling flat, you might just need a little romance to relight the spark.
Try some of these romantic date ideas, or create some of your own! What’s really important isn’t what you’re doing, it’s how much effort you put forth into doin it.
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.