Dating can be nerve-racking, especially for those who don’t go out often or are prone to overthinking. And the one thing a lot of people often overthink about is where to go on a date to ensure it would be most conducive to romance.
Dating is the best opportunity for you to make a connection, but it’s also supposed to be about having fun. When having a good time is your goal rather than just trying to close a deal, it becomes much easier to plan your date. But if it doesn’t, here are some romantic date ideas to help you get started.
#1. Classic Old Coffee Shop Dates
Meeting for coffee is one of the oldest and simplest courting rituals. It has universally been the beginning of so many relationships. If you can’t make up your mind about what to do on a first date, there’s nothing wrong with starting simple. Everyone drinks coffee or tea.
Pick a cafe/eatery with a scenic view or ambiance and use your conversation to bring excitement to the table. A cafe with live music would also be a good choice. It’ll give you a break every once in a while from having to talk and carry a conversation.
Coffee shop dates are a test of your small talk skills. If you’re not good at small talk, you can come prepared with things you’d like to talk about. If you are unable to hold an engaging conversation, you may come across as boring, and you don’t want that.
#2. Watch A Sunrise Together
Watching the sunrise or sunset can be a cathartic experience, one you should definitely try to share with the person you’re seeing. It can also lead to some very stimulating conversations and intimacy.
The best spot to go watch the sunrise would be the beach, a cliff, or any beautiful coastline area. You could also go to the park, or simply hang out on the roof.
#3. Go On a Rock-Climbing Date
Either of you the adventurous type or into fitness? If your brain’s craving some adrenaline, a simple movie and dinner may not cut it.
Remember, a date can be anything you want it to be. It doesn’t need to follow the movie and meal at a fancy restaurant structure. If you and your date like chasing thrills, you’d have a lot more fun on a rock climbing date. It’ll also work up your appetite for a good meal later.
#4. Go To the Movies with Your Bae
Going to the movies is another simple date plan anyone will appreciate. When it comes to picking the movies, remember to take your date’s taste and preferences into account. It shows that you care about their likes and dislikes too.
You don’t have to limit yourself to the romance genre. Watch something exciting. Horror or thriller movies are known to bring a couple closer. Select a movie that you both can enjoy, and remember to keep the movie stubs.
#5. Spend The Night at Home with Netflix & Bae
If you’ve been seeing each other for a long time and feel comfortable together, why not just watch a movie at home. The seating will be more comfortable, you end up saving money, you can pause the movie whenever you like, change it if you’re not feeling it anymore, and you don’t have to change out of your everyday clothes.
Netflix at home beats going to the movies for a date. Being able to enjoy a movie together at home is a much more peaceful movie experience. You can unwind and be on a date at the same time.
#6. A Lavish Dinner Date for An Anniversary or Birthday
Anniversaries and birthdays are not only a reason to go out but also to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than an upscale dining experience.
You don’t necessarily have to go out to a 5-star luxe restaurant. A venue that’s famous for its unique dining experience will also do. And if you’re a skilled chef, you could prepare a fancy dinner at home, set up your dining table with some luxurious linens, and set the mood with candlelight.
#7. Step Out to Have Tasty Street Food
Only have time for a quick date? Restaurants can take a while to get you seated and prepare your order.
If you’re pressed for time but want to do something fun, why not step out to have some tasty hot dogs or a pretzel instead? It will give you a chance to walk, talk, and grab some fresh air while you’re at it.
If you are traveling to Pennsylvania, make sure to try these places to eat in Erie PA, as they are the top restaurants in the city.
#8. Propose Under a Thousand Stars
If you’re reached a stable place in your relationship and want to take the next step, there’s no better place to pop the question than under the starlit sky. Have the heavens bear witness to the significant step you’re about to take.
However, if you don’t want to ask them to marry you but still want to create a special moment while the stars are watching, use the opportunity to expedite your relationship. You can ask them to move in and propose with a key to your place.
#9. Simple Ice Cream Date
Here’s another idea if you’re ever pressed for time but want to squeeze a quick date in, perhaps on your break at work or right after. There are loads of ice cream shops and trucks almost everywhere. Just go get some ice cream.
An ice cream date is simple, delicious, romantic, and timeless. Nobody’s too old for ice cream. If you have a bit more time, you could also go to a sundae shop and indulge in a medley of ice cream flavors with different toppings.
#10. Explore The City Together on A Bicycle
If you and your partner love going on wandering around the city and discovering hole-in-the-wall places, why not take a trip together around the city on your bicycle.
It’ll be fun, you will have plenty of opportunities to talk, get some exercise, discover some cool new places together, and build lasting memories. You may even end up finding a common hobby with your date.
#11. Afternoon Baking Date
Who said love can’t come from an afternoon spent baking together at home? Working together to prepare a meal or dessert can help you build chemistry and bring you two closer.
There are so many delicious recipes you can try your hand at. Whip up a classic chocolate cake or bake some delicious cookies. You can also take turns baking each other’s favorite dessert. It may also give you an opportunity to gauge each other’s strengths and weaknesses in the kitchen.
#12. Attend A Live Concert
Live concerts are not only fun but they also create an atmosphere of high energy and excitement, which is more than enough for you to help set the mood later on.
Pay close attention to your partner’s music tastes and try to pick a concert you’ll both enjoy. Better yet, keep an eye out for when your partner’s favorite band will be performing and surprise them with the tickets!
#13. Date On a Beach
The beach is a perfect spot for romance and relaxation. The cool breeze, sand between your toes, and the calm sound of waves and birds in the distance are ideal for putting you in a good mood.
Remember to bring a beach towel and pack some snacks. If both of you love water sports, it’s a great way to liven things up.
#14. Cute Picnic Date
Picnics are one of the most underrated date ideas. Sometimes, a picnic in the middle of a beautiful park or a nature reserve can be even more elegant than upscale dining. It’s closer to nature, so you’re likely to get some exercise, and it’s a romance catalyst if you have private space.
Picnics can also be an opportunity for you to showcase some of your culinary skills since you’d most likely be packing a lunch. Make sure you also ask your date about their allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences.
#15. Dance Together at The City’s Best Club
Proud of your dancing skills? Clubs are the best place for you and your date to grab a few drinks and let loose. Dancing can lead to all kinds of things. We’ll let you use your imagination.
But keep in mind, clubs tend to get very crowded on certain days, and that won’t be a fun experience. Pick a good day to hit up the club, that way you don’t get an empty or a packed club. Although clubs are not the best place to have a conversation unless you can get a private booth.
But if it’s a first date, having a few drinks and just dancing the night away may just be the ideal way to get past any awkwardness.