59 Romantic Date Ideas to Liven Up 2024

It’s time to light a spark with new romantic date ideas. Dating is essential to a relationship whether you’re going on your first date or your 100th date. Going on regular dates can help you make memories with your partner that bring you closer together. Dates are also a good opportunity to improve communication and deepen a connection, so having a couple of romantic date ideas is always good. 

Dating is also a great way to add some romance to a relationship. But how do you build romance on a date? You can show romance through actions, but you can also build it through words. On a date, enthusiasm and engagement through conversations are a must as they help build a connection, according to Psychology Today. Connecting and bonding through stories is also a good way to build romance. Whether you’re spending the day out on the town or looking for a quiet night in, a good date can boost your relationship to new levels. Get inspired by these romantic date ideas for your next quality time together.

Jump to Section

• Romantic Date Ideas for Foodies
• Romantic Date Ideas for Your Girlfriend
• Romantic Date Ideas for Your Boyfriend
• Unique Date Night Ideas
• Romantic Date Ideas for Married Couples
• Romantic First Date Ideas
• Romantic Date Ideas at Home

Romantic Date Ideas for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class Together

What is the most romantic first date? For foodies who love trying something new, cooking classes can be great romantic date ideas. You can learn to cook a certain cuisine or brush up on your basic culinary skills.

It’s a great date for couples that like to be in the kitchen together or plan to spend more time preparing their own dishes. Go to an in-person cooking class, let the chef come to you, or select one of the many online cooking classes for a digital experience. 

2. Go Restaurant Hopping

For couples who have trouble choosing one restaurant, restaurant hopping might be one of the top romantic date ideas you need. With restaurant hopping, you can go to multiple restaurants in one evening to try different dishes.

Try going to different places for an appetizer, entree and dessert. Or, hop around to try different cuisines with various small plates. To avoid disappointment, always book ahead at each of the establishments with an estimated time, saying that you may be a little late. This way, you won't have to rush from place to place, which could create tension.  

3. Explore a Food Festival

Food festivals often bring the city’s best restaurants and food vendors together to enjoy in one place. Walk around a food festival and explore all the offerings. You might even find your new favorite dish or restaurant while you explore.

Spending the day at a food festival also makes great last minute date ideas if you’re looking to make a quick plan. To make this one of the most romantic date ideas, bring a small and thoughtful gift for your date — even a bunch of flowers or an ice-cold bottle of water on a hot day goes a long way. 

4. Have a Picnic

A picnic is one of those classic romantic date ideas due to the ambiance and intimate setting that a two-person picnic provides. How do you start a romantic date? Set the scene with flowers, a picnic blanket and pillows to create a cute and comfortable space to eat outside. Nice food and drink offerings can also help boost the romantic mood.

5. Try Cooking a New Recipe

If you and your date like trying new food, this is one of the best romantic date ideas. If you've already joined a cooking class, but want to find an activity for the kitchen, look for a new recipe online that you’ve never made before and make it together.

Spend time in the kitchen whipping up the new dish and then enjoying it together once it’s finished. And remember, it's not a competition, so make mistakes and enjoy the journey together! 

6. Make Homemade Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love an ice cream date? But if you’re looking to put a unique twist on one of the most classic romantic date ideas, consider making your own ice cream at home. There are plenty of recipes and techniques you can use in your own kitchen. Make your favorites or experiment with flavors to create something brand new.

7. Do a Cheese Tasting

There are so many varieties of cheeses out there to try. For great and unique romantic date ideas for foodies, you can taste all the cheeses from your local fromagerie. Find artisanal cheeses and do a tasting to see which you like the best. Maybe add a bit of wine and try out a pairing.

You can also find cheese-tasting classes or online wine and cheese pairings if you want to be led by a professional.

8. Do a Cooking Competition

Bring your competitive side to the relationship for one of the most fun romantic date ideas. Host a cooking competition where you’ll each compete to make a dish that you’ll share with each other. Set a theme for the competition or decide to make a different dish with the same ingredients. 

If you have a furry friend, you can make them two different dishes. The one that your fur baby goes to first is the winner!

Romantic Date Ideas for Your Girlfriend

9. Spend the Day on the Beach

Treat your girlfriend to a day at the beach for this romantic date idea. Pack food for a nice beach picnic, set up an umbrella or tent and lay out some towels. Bring some games for your day at the beach like Rummikub or Bananagrams or some buckets and spades to build a sandcastle together.

Not anywhere near the beach? No worries, there are large bodies of secluded water in almost any city for you and your lady to enjoy. You just may need to do a little research online for places with fewer people to make this one of the more romantic date ideas.

10. Have a Spa Day

If you’re looking for romantic date ideas for your girlfriend, consider joining her for a spa day. You can either take her to a professional spa, a luxury hotel or host one in your own home.

Do some research online about the best techniques or take some secret courses. Then pamper her with facial treatments, a massage or body treatments. The surprise will be much appreciated, leaving her feeling relaxed and at her most beautiful.

11. Go Horseback Riding

If you’re looking for romantic date ideas that encapsulate the feeling of your woman's favorite rom-com, go horseback riding. This is a fun and active date that will feel cinematic. You can go horseback riding through the mountains, on the beach or along a nature trail. It’ll be a unique and tranquil way to spend time together.

12. Walk Around a Farmer’s Market

What is a cute date to go on to build your relationship? Walk around a local farmer’s market. Not only is it a simple way to enjoy your time together, this is one of the top romantic date ideas to enjoy quality time at a slower, digital-free pace. Purchase ingredients for a new recipe or try some of the homemade foods and goodies. As you'll be shopping local, you'll be supporting your community too. 

13. Go Apple Picking

If you’re looking for fall date ideas, apple picking is always a good idea. And because of the change of seasons, it could be one of the more romantic date ideas to go on. Head to an orchard to pick your own apples. Along the way, you can get cute pictures for Insta or for your digital photo display. Then, use your apples to create a delicious dessert for the two of you; maybe one you learned from your cooking class...

14. Try Stargazing

On a really clear night, head out to somewhere dark and go stargazing. Spending a night under the stars is one of the top romantic date ideas right out of a movie. You can point out constellations or make a few special new ones. Bring some food, blankets, pillows and torches to have a starlight picnic.

15. See a Movie at a Drive-in 

Drive-in movies are classic romantic date ideas for you and your girlfriend. It also puts a new spin on your regular movie date night. Head out to the drive-in to see the latest blockbuster or a classic movie. Don’t forget to take tons of snacks from the snack bar to enjoy with the show. 

16. Go Camping with a Bonfire

Go completely digital-free and camp at your favorite spot to spend the night together in the wilderness. Sit together and roast marshmallows or s’mores and because your phones (and the rest of society) are long gone, you can have a deep conversation under the stars. Sitting around a bonfire is one of the calmest and coziest romantic date ideas that will delight outdoor lovers. 

17. Do Couples Yoga

Get closer together emotionally and physically with this romantic date idea. Couples yoga is a great way to bond because you'll be doing poses and moves that require synchronization, concentration and silence. Not only will this be great exercise, but it’ll also help you bond and build your communication.

Romantic Date Ideas for Your Boyfriend

18. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

What's the best romantic date to surprise your man? Something that reminds him of all the good moments in your relationship! Create a scavenger hunt where the hints are about memories or places from your past — or inside jokes. Go around the house or the city collecting the clues until you reach the grand prize at the end.

19. Go Hiking or Fishing

If your boyfriend loves being outdoors and you’re looking for romantic date ideas that incorporate nature, consider a day spent hiking or fishing. Spending quality time together and engaging in a hobby the other loves will make it thoughtful and fun. Make it romantic by bringing some wine, blankets and chairs for the fishing or a little gift for the end of the hike.

20. Have a Ski Weekend

If your boyfriend loves hitting the slopes, take him on a ski weekend out one the powdered hills. Book a weekend to stay at a cozy lodge and spend your days skiing together. Make this one of the most romantic date ideas by getting all snug next to the fire, sipping hot chocolate or gluwein and talking about your day. Even if you don't ski and he loves it, you can always relax at the spa or cheer for him on the sidelines. 

21. Play Video Games Together

If your boyfriend likes to play video games, spend the night playing together. Let him guide you on how to play his favorite game and battle him in a competition. Sitting next to each other on the sofa will be both competitive and as well as romantic because you’ll be engaging with his favorite hobby while spending quality time together.

Maybe you're a gamer too, so make this one of the more fun romantic date ideas and do some cosplay, dressing up as your best characters while you play.

22. Take a Brewery Tour

How do you make dates feel romantic? Consider your partner's interests when planning your day or night to show them you listen and care. For example, beer lovers will be delighted to go on a surprise brewery tour. If he loves artisanal brews, book a tour at a local brewery. Or maybe he's a huge fan of one of the major labels — they most likely have tours too (and some swag to take home).

He’ll love seeing where his favorite pint is made and may even get to sample a few glasses. His gratitude to you for organising this tour will surely turn it into one of the most romantic date ideas.

23. Go Rock Climbing

Try something a little extreme and go rock climbing. Before you head to the outdoors, beginners can go rock climbing at the gym, guided by professionals. More experienced couples can enjoy rock climbing out in nature.

If you don't climb and your boyfriend does, organize a trip to one of the most beautiful locations and cheer him on as he scales the rock face. Make it one of the more romantic date ideas by bringing along a picnic or booking a nearby lodge so you can stay the night. 

24. Race Go-Karts

Another one of the more exhilarating yet romantic date ideas is to hop in a cart and race for the win. Head to a racing track and take a couple of laps to see who will be crowned the champion. This date can also bring out a little bit of friendly competition that can add a playful side to the relationship.

25. Play Laser Tag

If you're a couple of extroverts, you can play a game of laser tag with your besties. Work together and compete on the same team or have a little friendly competition and play against each other. With all that adrenaline, it will hopefully turn into romance and passion when you get home. To create one of the most surprisingly romantic date nights, tell him to go pick up something from the store. Then, get home before him and draw out a bath to complete the date night. 

26. Watch Sports Together

If your man is a die-hard sports fan, then spending the day and watching his favorite team compete will show him that you care. Purchase some tickets and go to the stadium with him. Or make it an event at home and have a spread of food to enjoy while you watch.

If you've been together a while, make this one of the more sexy romantic date ideas by wearing his team's favorite jersey over your birthday suit. Win or lose, you’ll enjoy quality time together.

Unique Date Night Ideas

27. Do Karaoke

Whether you have a voice like an angel or you have no idea how to hold a tune, karaoke can be fun and unique. Go to a karaoke bar and take turns belting out your favorite songs. It’s a good way to create fun memories but it's even better to let off some steam. This is a great place for double date ideas. Or turn this into one of the more romantic date ideas and book a room just for you and your partner, like they do in Japan and South Korea.

28. Go Antique Hunting

Spending time around vintage objects can bring out a certain romance in the air. There are so many stories living among these oddities that it can feel quite charming. Spending the day antique hunting could be a magical way to spend time together, looking for things to put around the home. You can venture to an estate sale, an antique store or a yard sale to search for some treasures.

Make this day one of the more fun romantic date ideas by donning new personas and pretending you're from out of town as you wade through pieces from yesteryear. 

29. Play Tennis or Pickleball

Get active before turning on the romance by hitting a game of tennis or its trendier cousin, pickleball. Enjoying sweating together while having a couple of laughs on the court. Most cities have free courts and basic equipment that's relatively inexpensive to hire.

Dress up in your best Williams-Nadal attire as you bring out your competitive side. Turn the energy down a bit by taking the afterparty to a spa, making this one of the more romantic date ideas. 

30. Spend the Day at a Waterpark

Research by Psychology Today revealed that excitement can spark attraction, which leads to romance. The study concluded that exciting activities can enhance passion, adventure, and playful spontaneity, as long as the "three relationship-maintaining activities" are present, which include communicating effectively, joint activities, and autonomy.

So, what have we learned? Not all of the top romantic date ideas have to be intimate, in a dimly-lit setting. They can be exciting and exhilarating. That's why we suggest going to a waterpark to get your thrill on with your partner. This unique romantic date idea is spent riding down massive slides in tandem, hanging by the pool and even feeling like a kid again. A waterpark is a creative and active date that will add some variety to your date rotation.

31. Take a Dinner Cruise

Put a spin on the humdrum weekly dinner date at the local restaurant and book a dinner cruise instead. This is one of the most unique romantic date night ideas to elevate and enhance your date night. Gaze into each other's eyes as you drift gently down the river while enjoying a fantastic dinner and a few drinks. For that extra romantic edge, book a sunset cruise to have spectacular views as drift away.

32. Build a Snowman

If you’re looking for cute winter date ideas, make the most of a snowy day. When there's powder outside after a snowstorm, go and build a snowman, just like you did when you were kids. You can build one together or make competing snowmen. After the exhilaration of being outdoors and the accomplishment of creating a new friend, go inside and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a snuggle.

33. Go Kayaking

Active romantic date ideas spent on the water are always fun, and this one will keep you active. Spend a day kayaking on a lake, down a river or through a nature reserve. Drift slowly along the calm waters or bash through the rapids, depending on your fitness level. Then find a nice spot to have a picnic in nature, alone and unseen.

This will be a fun way to get outside and spend time together and the picnic will bring on the romance. Guided tours are suggested for newbies, or you can explore the wonders of nature on your own.

34. Create a Book Club

If you’re both avid readers, selecting books for each other can be one of the most romantic date ideas yet. Either select books for each other to read or pick out brand new ones, set a time to complete a chapter and turn your weekly date into a weekly book club.

Find out more about your partner's opinions and outlooks by discussing the complexities of themes and characters. Or you can select a self-help or couple's activity book and work though it together. You may find out something completely new about your partner or your relationship that you never knew. 

35. Teach Each Other Something

This date idea will give you a chance to discuss something you love with the person you love. Create a mini TED Talk or presentation for your partner and then open up a Q&A session afterward. Then, it's your partner's turn! Trade concepts, expand your horizon and show how interested you are in your date's hobbies.

You can talk about an artistic hobby, a sport you play, an idea that's been on your mind recently or a video game you’re good at. It’ll be a fun way to learn something about each other and share what you love to do. Sharing breeds caring which makes this one of the top romantic date ideas to spark passion and excitement. 

Romantic Date Ideas for Married Couples

36. See a Play

For romantic date ideas married couples could love, try to bring out your theatrical side and spend the evening seeing a play. Support your local theater or dress up and go to a major extravagant Broadway production. It’ll be nice to get dressed up in fancy clothing and see a different kind of entertainment than the usual Netflix doomscrolling.

37. Tour an Art Gallery

For another one of the sophisticated romantic date ideas, spend the day looking at beautiful works of art. Visit the smaller local galleries to support up-and-coming artists. Who knows, you may even walk away with a new feature piece for your wall — a beautiful reminder of your perfect date night out.

Or, you can visit a major gallery, spotting famous works of art and having a lively discussion with your partner about the artist's intention and the audience's perception. Smaller galleries tend to be in trendy neighborhoods, so end your date night with a bite out at a vibey local eatery. Larger galleries usually have a restaurant attached too. 

38. Go Dancing Together

If you’re looking for romantic date night ideas for married couples that will ignite the fire, spend the night twirling away. Head to a dance club where you can hold each other close and sway to the music. Try a Latin influence by visiting a salsa club or a bachata party as you get up, close and intimate.

Got two left feet? No worries, multiple dance academies teach dance lessons of all types. Too embarrassed to go offline? Never fear because an array of online dance classes are here!

39. Take a Workout Class Together

Taking workout classes can be fun date ideas for married couples that could ignite some passion, not only because exercise increases the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins; it will also make you fitter — and more attractive. Working out together will help keep you accountable and ensure you’re both staying healthy.

You can choose your skill level and workout type and spend some time exercising and encouraging each other at home. Or you can take a workout class online or at your local gym. 

40. Have a Staycation

Get away for a lovely little weekend and stay at a quaint bed and breakfast. You don't have to go far for this romantic date idea. You can even get an Airbnb in a neighboring city or a luxury hotel in your own city. Just taking a break from your same ol' same ol' can spark a sense of intrigue and wonder.

This staycation will have you relaxing and moving slowly to help unwind. Explore your city like a tourist, stay in at the hotel or B&B, or explore the new city or cute little town. This little getaway could be one of the most romantic date ideas you've ever been on. 

41. See a Local Band

If you’re looking for romantic date night ideas for married couples that are lively and entertaining, with long-lasting memories, look no further than your local music scene. There are lots of local bands playing at venues around your area. Grab a drink and a meal as you enjoy the music together and explore new faces, sounds and experiences.

42. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

What's more romantic than flying through the air like Jasmine and Aladdin and witnessing a whole new world from above? Taking a hot air balloon is one of the most romantic date ideas to gain a new perspective on life — quite literally!

This memorable, beautiful exploration of the world is fantastic for igniting wonder. Go during the sunset and sip champagne or a picnic up in the air. Hot air balloon rides make fun anniversary date ideas to celebrate a special occasion.

43. Recreate Your First Date

This is one of the most uniquely romantic date ideas for married couples because you get to fall in love all over again. Look into your memory bank and set up your first date piece by piece, down to the clothes you wearing (if you still have them). For extra points, make it a complete surprise date so that your partner will be pleasantly shocked and impressed by all the effort you put in. 

Romantic First Date Ideas

44. Play at an Arcade

A visit to your local arcade can be one of the most fun romantic date ideas for a first date. Why? Because it's nostalgic, competitive and entertaining. You can play classic arcade video games and pinball or you can shoot some hoops and win big prizes for your date. Grab some food and drinks when you're all tired out and enjoy each other's company in the neon glow of the arcade.

45. Meet for Dessert

Skip the boring Starbucks meet-up or the chaos of a bar and mix things up a bit. Have your first date with something sweet and delightful. Meet cutely at a dessert shop like your local froyo or ice cream store. Share a triple scoop and let your partner choose the toppings. Then you can sit inside and enjoy your delight together or you can take a walk while sharing scoops and conversations.

46. Play Bar Trivia

Show off your knowledge and head to a bar for an evening of trivia. Many bars have weekly accessible trivia nights that could be interesting, as well as romantic. This is one of the most fun first date ideas because it’s laid back while being slightly competitive.

You can grab a few drinks, answer some crazy questions and have some great conversations along the way. This is one of those romantic date ideas where you can see your date's true personality right off the bat.

47. Go to a Carnival or Fair

As carnivals and state fairs are usually open when the weather is hot, it's one of the top romantic date ideas for the Summer. You can explore the many rides, play fun games and devour the fair food. Plus, as you walk around the grounds, you can talk and get to know each other. And of course, if you win a prize you can give it to your partner as a romantic gift. 

48. Visit the Aquarium

Seeing the world from below could be one of the top romantic date ideas due to the dark and mysterious ambiance of the aquarium. Peruse the exhibits, try to name all the fish and get active at the touch pool. This date will give you plenty of time to talk and learn more about each other while exploring a new magical world.

49. Go Mini Golfing

One of the top classically cinematic and romantic first date ideas is to play a round of mini golf. Just like in your favorite 80s rom-com, the competition and excitement as you walk around in your own fabulous montage will bring you closer. While you’re on the course, you can talk with playful banter, spurring your date on as they take their shots. Make it fun by having the loser pay for ice cream at the end of the date.

50. Explore a Museum

Another active first date where you can have a relaxed walk and talk, enjoying each other’s company, is to visit a museum. Exploring museums are time-tested to be some of the best romantic date ideas for first-timers. The exhibits will give you plenty to talk about as you discuss the featured art or objects. 

51. Go to an Amusement Park

If there aren't any fairs or carnivals in your area at the time of your first date, you can get your heart pumping at an amusement park. Explore the thrilling rides and talk to each other while you’re waiting in line. Play the games and try your best to win a prize, a keepsake for your epically romantic first date.

Romantic Date Ideas at Home

52. Do a Puzzle Together

Simple date ideas can quickly turn into romantic date ideas if you set the ambiance just right. Light some scented candles, break out your most expensive bottle of wine and work together to solve a massive jigsaw puzzle. Working together, improve your communication and rejoice in a sense of accomplishment — if you make it to the end. It also allows for a nice conversation, so you can ask questions to get to know someone better. 

53. Paint Something Together

Have a painting night for a simple and romantic date idea at home. You can purchase brushes and paint and spend the evening painting canvases, flower pots or ceramic objects to enhance your dull household items. It’ll be a fun way to express your creative side and spend quality time together. You can even take a few online art classes from the comfort of your own home for some epically fun romantic date ideas. 

54. Share Your Favorite Shows

Sharing your favorite things with your partner can be some of the best romantic date ideas at home. Set time aside for your partner to finally watch your favorite shows or movie trilogy that you've been wanting to share for a while. Cuddle up on the sofa together under a warm blanket and set out an array of snacks and drinks.

55. Play Board Games Together

Learn all about your partner's competitive side with a board game evening at home. Get out an array of your top board games from the intellectual Scrabble to the mysterious Cluedo to the cash-forward Monopoly. Or maybe you love more strategic games like Settlers of Catan or classics like Battleships.

If you don't have the physical board game — which is suggested as there will be no digital disruptions — most of these games are now on apps for an accessible price.

56. Make Cocktails for Each Other

Show some creativity at the bar by making cocktails for one of the more eccentric romantic date ideas at home. Experiment and surprise your partner by crafting exclusive cocktails from ingredients in your kitchen. Make something you think your partner will love and let them give it a rating out of 10.

If they love it, give it a fun name so they can ask for it in the future. Spend the evening sipping while talking with each other in your own personal cocktail lounge. And if you want to surprise your partner with astounding mixology mastery, take an online mixology class beforehand — or take one together!

57. Dual Spa Treatments

You don't have to visit the spa to enjoy a massage at home. You can either take turns massaging each other or you can call up the local masseuse and have them pop in for a couples massage in the comfort of your bedroom. Create an ambiance of romance with scented candles and freshly cut roses. This can turn into one of the more romantic date ideas you can do at home. 

58. Take a Bubble Bath

Simple and romantic date ideas at home include taking bubble baths together. Fill the tub with a bath bomb or bubbles, light candles and play romantic music as you splish and splash while you take your bath. You can spend the evening relaxing and talking with each other. It’s simple, but because you're breaking the norm of a solo shower, it becomes a delightfully romantic evening.

59. Have a Classic Pajama Party

Have a little throwback to your early slumber party days and have a pajama party for this incredible romantic date idea. Make a pillow fort, pop some popcorn and spend the night in your pajamas. You can play games, watch movies and spend quality time, just like you did when you were little, that will bring you closer.

Romantic date ideas can be fun, but more importantly, the activities you do will work to make deeper connections. Whether you’re going on a first date with someone new or looking to elevate your weekly date night with your long-term partner, a well-planned date can benefit any relationship. Get inspired by these romantic date ideas to ignite the spark and keep it burning through fun activities and memory making.

For even more date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!