37 Best Solo Date Ideas to Manifest More Self-Love in 2024
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, dating yourself is the ultimate form of self-love and source of happiness, but when was the last time you explored solo date ideas?
Spending quality time alone and getting to know yourself is the first step in loving and accepting who you really are. This is an important source of value and self-esteem that is healthy whether you’re single, dating or married.
According to Psychology Today, having low self-esteem can cause problems in the relationship like underestimating your partner’s love and viewing them more negatively. The more you know yourself and accept you for you, the better equipped you are to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of your relationship status.
Self date ideas can be a scary concept at first if you’ve never tried it, but once you do, you will be sold. And solo doesn’t have to mean alone! It’s also a great opportunity to learn how to make friends as an adult or how to meet people in a new city.
If you’ve ever thought about the concept of self-love or even wondered, “Where should I go for a solo date?” this guide of ultimate solo date ideas will set you in the right direction.
Jump to Section
- Creative Solo Date Ideas
- Foodie Solo Date Ideas
- At-Home Solo Date Ideas
- DIY Solo Date Ideas
- Free & Cheap Solo Date Ideas
Creative Solo Date Ideas
1. Paint and Sip
If you're considering taking yourself on a date, check out paint and sip near you. There’s something about creating art that helps you zone out (in a good way) and feel a bit of zen — sounds like a chill solo date idea to us.
Talented artists will lead you, step by step, through painting your own handpainted masterpiece as you sip your go-to beverage. Browse paint and sip in Portland, paint and sip in Los Angeles, paint and sip in Washington D.C. and everywhere in between.
2. Take a Pottery Class
If you love the idea of arts and crafts for adults but painting isn’t your jam, check out pottery classes near you. There are amazing pottery classes in Minneapolis, pottery classes in Portland and pottery classes in the Bay Area, to name a few.
This solo date idea is an artistic medium that a lot of us haven’t played around with since middle school, so it makes for an awesome throwback and a fun way to challenge your brain. Who knew clay pot making could be so fun?
3. Take Yourself Dancing
This solo date idea might take some initial bravery to get yourself out to dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in Orlando or dance classes in Los Angeles, but once you do you’ll have a ball.
Whatever dance classes near you that you choose to try, you’ll get a good sweat going and have so much fun that you’ll realize you don’t need someone with you to have a fun date. Online dance classes are always an option if you just want to bust a move in your living room.
4. Check Out a Live Show
Okay, so this one doesn’t involve creativity on your part, but it’s still an artistic expression. Head to a live show near you whether it’s a new band or your childhood favorite and jam out for a special solo date idea. Live music is always a treat and perfect for date ideas in Washington D.C. or wherever you happen to be.
5. Have a Photo Shoot
For your next solo date idea, put on your favorite outfit and have a photo shoot. When was the last time you updated your profile picture? If you’re camera shy or selfies aren’t your thing, head out into nature and capture some beautiful views or take pics of your pet.
6. Visit the Bookstore
Whatever your favorite genre, the bookstore always has something new to catch your eye. Hit up Barnes & Noble or a local bookstore for your next solo date idea and let your mind enter a new universe through a new book.
7. Book a Trip
Just because this is a solo date idea doesn’t mean the trip you take has to be. Set aside an evening or a weekend morning and plan the trip of your dreams, or at least the one you’ve been meaning to take.
Foodie Solo Date Ideas
8. Take a Cooking Class
Even if you know your way around a kitchen, taking a cooking class near you is a winning solo date idea. Cooking classes in Austin, cooking classes in Fort Lauderdale and cooking classes in Sacramento await you with cuisines from all over the globe.
Online cooking classes are always available too and they make for fun winter activities when the weather isn’t cooperating. You can treat yourself to spicy tikka masala, Eastern European pierogies or chewy and delicious Italian pasta from scratch with help from an expert.
Plus, Zoom cooking classes let you master new skills from your home kitchen with equipment you’re familiar with.
9. Learn the Art and Science of Mixology
Sip and savor a work of art that you’re responsible for after you take an online mixology class. This idea is perfect for foodies that also care about having a perfectly balanced drink.
It requires some creativity and finesse, but you’ll be on your way in no time with the help of experts. Virtual wine tastings are also an option if you prefer the complexity of a vintage glass of red.
10. Make Yourself a Snack Board
This solo date idea can easily go in conjunction with some of the others, like movie night or spa day. Create a visually appealing and delicious snack board with your favorite foods and savor the experience. It can be a traditional charcuterie board, a trendy new butter board or some hybrid of all your favorites.
11. Visit a Winery or Brewery
Depending on where you live, you might be conveniently located to check out some local wineries or breweries. It's also a perfect backdrop for some creative divorce party ideas, too, because it’s built for hosting groups.
Even if it’s just you, there’s usually some information to be learned about wine or beer making and maybe even games like Bingo or bean bags.
12. Have a Sunset Picnic
You don’t need a partner to enjoy a beautiful sunset and some snacks. Next time you’re looking for an easy solo date idea, pack a picnic of your favorite foods (or pick up your favorite carry-out!) and head to a spot with beautiful views. Your backyard, patio or local park all make great spots.
13. Have Dinner at a Fancy Restaurant
Just because you’re on your own doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an extravagant meal. Plus, booking a table for one is much easier than larger parties, so it might be your ticket into that booked new restaurant. Take a typical date and turn it into a lovely solo date idea.
14. Treat Yourself to Your Favorite Dish
Whether you set aside a couple of hours to prepare a batch of cookies or slow-cooked short rib ragu, or you decide to order carryout from your favorite spot, eating your favorite food is an easy solo date idea to show yourself some love.
If it’s cooking for yourself, make a point to really savor the process and act like you’re making dinner or a treat for someone you love — yourself!
15. Visit the Farmers Market
Something about seeing all that fresh, beautiful produce lined up just inspires you to get cooking. The perfect Saturday morning self date idea, take yourself to your favorite farmers market and get set up for a gourmet meal or a week of healthy meal prep. You’ll thank yourself later!
16. Organize Your Pantry
Ultra-organized pantries are all the rage right now, and we’re not here to judge but how is yours looking? You might want to make a visit to the Container Store to grab some supplies before you get started.
Hello, new spice containers! Knowing where everything is and having it easily accessible makes it all the more enjoyable to utilize your home kitchen.
At-Home Solo Date Ideas
17. Build Your Own Bouquet
As Miley Cyrus sings, you can buy yourself flowers, and now you can make them look stunning. Take a virtual flower arranging class to take those grocery store blooms to the next level.
You’ll be treating yourself to a fresh bouquet every other week once you get the hang of things, and it is an easy way to make your space feel cheerful.
18. Have a Game Night
Solo date ideas don’t have to consist of going out to dinner alone or buying yourself flowers, you can also have some fun from the comfort of your couch.
Check out virtual game nights, virtual scavenger hunts, online trivia games and even virtual escape rooms for some interactive fun that you can treat yourself to any time.
19. Online Shop
Taking a shopping spree is a great solo date idea, but sometimes you just don’t want to leave the house. Enter online shopping spree.
Something about online shopping is almost more satisfying than trekking around a mall. No lines, no traffic and no trouble finding a parking spot. Order whatever catches your eye — a new spring or summer wardrobe or that bag you’ve had your eye on.
20. Plant Your Garden
Each and every year, people get a little garden envy when they see their cousin, neighbor or friend plant a blooming garden and they put it off, yet again. Not this year!
Set aside a weekend day and take a trip to the nursery for some seeds and plan out your dream garden. This DIY solo date idea at home keeps on giving all through the summer and fall as you reap the rewards from your garden.
21. Take a Yoga or Pilates Class
Even if you’re a regular yogi, every class is a treat. Next time you’re looking for ways to unwind, sign yourself up for a yoga, pilates or even barre class for an hour of activity and a boost of endorphins to follow. Bonus points for treating yourself to an açai bowl or smoothie right after.
22. Spruce Up Your Space
Don’t we all aspire to live a totally organized life, all the time? But the week gets hectic, things get in the way and by the time Friday hits your space can be left looking a little disheveled and disorganized.
While this solo date idea at home might sound more like work than self-care, we promise the end result is worth it. For some, cleaning is soothing while for others it’s a chore. Blast your favorite playlist and crank through that to-do list so you can start the week or weekend with a nice clean and tidy space.
DIY Solo Date Ideas
23. Take a Craft Class
You can take tons of artsy classes near you like jewelry making classes, woodworking classes, sewing classes and even glass blowing classes for a relaxing and rewarding solo date idea.
Getting into creative hobbies like the ones above leaves you with new skills that you can put to use and the built-in ability to create awesome gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
24. Visit Trader Joe’s Wine Section
Did you know that every Trader Joe’s has a sommelier on staff in their liquor department? Next time you’re looking for a solo date idea that is useful, head over to your neighborhood TJ’s for a wine lesson.
Then go ahead and walk yourself into the grocery store for some cheese and crackers to go with that new bottle.
25. Create an At-Home Spa
Treating yourself to a home spa day is the ultimate solo date idea and act of self-love. Pick up some bubble bath, a hair and face mask and a soothing candle to burn and you’re got yourself a great plan for the evening.
You can even make some little tea sandwiches or cookies and enjoy a refreshing bite after a long steamy shower — talk about a relaxing staycation idea.
26. Visit the Craft Store
If you haven’t stepped foot inside a craft store in a while, you’re missing out. If taking a craft class sounds too intense for you, take a trip to your local craft store and see what catches your eye.
This solo date idea is great when you’re not sure what you want to do — you’re sure to come across something that inspires you or at the very least looks super fun. Get yourself some supplies and have a chill night at home working on your new project.
27. Get a Mani/Pedi
Getting a manicure or pedicure is a classic act of self-care and a great solo date idea. Get your hands off your phone and let your mind relax as you treat yourself to a fresh coat of polish that makes you smile.
28. Visit Sephora
You can treat yourself to a makeover or just visit your favorite beauty store for a treat. Something about getting a new product or re-stocking your favorites just feels so luxurious.
Go home and doll yourself up and head out on one of the other amazing solo date ideas for a double-date day.
29. Treat Your Pet
This one isn’t technically a solo date idea for you, but since your pet probably can’t take you out to dinner or the movies, it’s nice to do something special for your four-legged friend.
Whether that’s a bath, a nice walk outside or a trip to the doggie bakery, doing something nice for them somehow makes your day a whole lot better, too.
Free & Cheap Solo Date Ideas
30. Take a Walk
Wherever you live, chances are good you have access to a nice trail or a beautiful neighborhood to stroll around. Even a city center is great, as long as you’re out in the fresh air moving your body.
This totally free solo date idea is a great way to get your mind into a relaxed state and beat the stress of a long day or week.
31. Have a Snuggle
We’re talking about heading to your local animal shelter and spending the afternoon with some sweet animals that would love snuggles from a stranger. You’ll feel great and so will those pets after a few hours of loving.
32. Go For a Drive
Something about sunny weather just makes you want to get in your car, crank your favorite tunes and drive around with nowhere to go. We’ll classify this as a pretty cheap solo date idea since gas isn’t free…and you’re probably just taking a spin around town — not a cross-country road trip!
33. Volunteer For Your Favorite Cause
While all these great solo date ideas are about self-love, you can still show love to someone else, too! Spend the afternoon or the day volunteering for a cause near and dear to your heart and let the love flow. You’ll go home tired but with a special sense of fulfillment that can’t be found any other way.
34. Visit a Museum
Most people don’t take advantage of local museums or art galleries in their area, but rather they reserve those activities for vacations and new cities. But have you ever thought about what you could be missing out on?
You just might be in one of the best cities for artists, and if you live in or near our nation’s capital, this is a perfect solo date idea in D.C. because it’s home to some spectacular museums.
Next time you’re looking for a solo date idea for a rainy day, check out a local art installment or museum and stroll around taking everything in.
35. Watch Your Favorite Movie
When it comes to free solo date ideas and self-love, sometimes it’s about the little things, like an evening at home alone watching your favorite movie. Take it up a notch by adding your favorite movie snacks and you’ve got yourself an ideal situation.
36. Plan a Weekend With No Technology
This doesn’t have to mean no TVs or lights, but you can take it as literally as you like. Solo date ideas are all about reducing stress and relaxing, and sometimes we don’t realize how attached we are to our phones.
Challenge yourself to set your phone to Do Not Disturb or, better yet, just turn it off and enjoy a weekend of peace and quiet.
37. Get a Workout In
If you’re a gym-goer then you know nothing feels better than a good sweat session. Even if working out is a daily thing for you, it can still make for a great solo date idea.
Plan to wear that workout outfit that makes you feel the best, make a new playlist and go crush a workout. You’ll leave the gym feeling a million times better than before.
Honestly, there are well over 100 solo date ideas we could name but these are just a few of our favorites. If you’re in a relationship, on the dating scene or totally single, dating yourself is a necessity in self-love and something we should all make time for.
You might be wondering “how to date yourself alone?” or “is it normal to date yourself alone?” (by the way, the answer is yes!) and this list should give you plenty of ideas to get started on your self-love journey or to continue on with a good thing.
The bottom line is, there’s no shame in this game and there’s no wrong way to date yourself. There’s no better time to start taking yourself on a date, and these self date ideas have something for everybody.
For even more fun solo date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
