Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
By Kellyann Martin
It’s that time of the year again when we see red, pink and white covering the aisles of Target. While Covid-19 still looms over us, we’re starting to resume normalcy and learn how to live life again, or at least improvise. That means that Valentine’s Day isn’t canceled! Here are some fun date options for you and your significant other to enjoy each other’s company on this sweet day.
1. Dinner with a Pretty View
Dinner is an easy Valentine’s Day affair, but ramp it up a step by picking a place that has big windows and a phenomenal view. If you live near the ocean, this might look like finding a fantastic seafood restaurant on the beach so that you can spend the evening chatting and watching waves crash on shore. If you live in a city, look for a high-rise restaurant that overlooks the city, or a restaurant on the outskirts that allows you to admire a beautiful city skyline as the sun sets into deep hues of magenta and orange. Think nice attire, good cocktails, and perhaps, pre-dinner flowers! Whatever style of dinner you choose, don’t forget to make reservations! The good places will go quickly – so start doing your research now!
2. Date Jar
If you are looking for something a little more spontaneous for your Valentine’s Day date, we recommend creating a date jar where you both put three or four ideas in a jar and pick one to do. This way, if you’re feeling low on inspiration, you get to double the options and you both get some input!
3. A Day Out in the City
If your schedule allows, or you decide to celebrate Cupid’s day on a weekend, you can plan a day out and about in your nearest city with all of the things that you and your significant other like to do. That said, if you are in a budding relationship or just spending a day with someone, this option is a great way to get to know someone. We suggest picking two or three activities such as starting out at a cute breakfast place, then heading out to a favorite museum, and finally the day at a popular coffee shop. @_brewd on Instagram regularly documents cozy coffee shops around the US if you’re looking for inspo!
Pro Tip: If you are scheduling specific things throughout the day, be sure to leave plenty of time in between each activity so you can enjoy the sweet moments in between without feeling rushed!
4. Wine Tasting
If you’re looking for something more refined, a wine tasting is always a great way to go. What’s more romantic than having small chats while expanding your wine repertoire? To maximize the outing, pick a place that will serve cheeses or tapas to pair with wines. If you are spending the date with someone relatively new to your life, this date will allow you to relax with a nice glass of fancy wine, minimizing awkwardness by providing structure with a bit of a set itinerary.
5. Go to a Movie Theater to Watch a Movie
Amid Covid-19, many experience-based activities have shut down. Movie theaters, which are now suffering due to the pandemic’s economic downturn, used to be a classic date choice - and for good reason. Many movie theaters are offering discounted tickets as well as beginning to provide amenities like heated seats! Not only can you help movie theaters make a comeback by purchasing tickets, some theaters, like Star Cinema Grill, allow you to order dinner while you watch. All in all, this option is great for a fun night out watching a newly released movie that you might be interested in.
6. Take a Cooking Class
If both of you are into cooking, this option is a great way to have fun together and learn how to make a delicious meal! If you’re like me and you think you hate cooking, you may even discover a hidden hobby once you figure out how to make something other than turkey sandwiches. Either way, cooking classes are a fun way to get out and do something and can even be a source of laughter 😊.
7. Spend a Night in a Hotel
Who doesn’t love waking up to new scenery and room service? We aren’t talking about a motel on the side of a road; we’re thinking a luxury or boutique hotel with an in-room bath and great restaurants nearby. If you’re married, this is a fun way to get out of the ordinary home setting where you’re constantly reminded of the laundry that needs to get folded and the plates that need to be washed. Enjoy a posh night out where you can pretend to be a tourist in your own town.
Pro Tip: Some hotels also have spa areas that offer couple’s massages.
8. Board Game and Wine Night
For those looking to have a more laid-back evening, old-fashioned board games are the way to go. You can make it cozier by adding wine and a cheese/charcuterie board into the mix and having a classic movie ready to go! Some top board games include chess, checkers, and Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective (if you’re into mystery).
Pro tip: Decode beforehand on a prize for the winner!
9. Go bowling
Whether you want to do something just the two of you or make it a double date, bowling is a classic date idea for a reason. You don’t have to be an expert to play, and most venues will have snacks and drinks! This is a great option if you want to do an active activity and get out of the house!
Pro Tip: if you’re working around a budget, week nights are usually cheaper at bowling alleys!
Photo via Brenna Flynn
