Looking for inspiration for your next date night in Seattle? As it turns out, Seattle is full of romantic places—some well-known, and others a little off the beaten track. We asked local Seattleites for the most romantic places in Seattle, and they delivered. The best part is that many of these places are free to visit! Of course, we also have some special restaurants, bars, and activities on this list for those who are looking to treat their date.
Here are the most romantic places in Seattle, according to locals:
1. Alki Beach
Multiple Seattleites mentioned Alki Beach as the most romantic place in Seattle. “Alki is great in the day and night,” one local said. Get coffee and go there in time for the sunrise, or pack a picnic for sunset.
2. Inn at the Market
Looking for the most romantic hotel in Seattle? One local said that Inn at the Market “is pretty awesome” and we have to agree. Its rooftop patio has cozy fire pits and an incredible view of the Seattle waterfront, Elliott Bay, and the mountains. If you can bring yourselves to leave the hotel, you’re right in Pike Place Market which has tons of romantic restaurants and shopping.
3. Lake Union
Whether you’re cozying up in a hot tub boat, taking a free rowboat rental out on the water, or just taking in the view at Gas Works Park, it’s true what locals say: Lake Union is one of the most romantic places in Seattle. And we think the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat really adds to the charm.
4. The Bainbridge Ferry
One Seattleite had this romantic date idea: “Walk on ferry…ride to Bainbridge and back… amazing skyline views!” We wholeheartedly agree. You can even make a weekend getaway out of it and explore Bainbridge if you like.
5. Maximilien Restaurant
One local recommended “Maximilien in the market for oysters, bourbon and the view.” It’s true: the view at Maximilien, a French restaurant in Pike Place Market, just can’t be beat. They also have a romantic patio.
6. Sunset Hill Park
This little pocket park located in the northwest corner of Ballard is a hidden gem that only locals know about. Go there at sunset for the stunning view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
7. The Pink Door
This is another restaurant in Pike Place Market that locals consider to be one of the most romantic places in Seattle. It’s not hard to see why, considering how The Pink Door has a beautiful view, mood lighting, and delicious Italian food.
8. Parsons Gardens
One local Seattleite called this secret garden in Queen Anne “a little gem of a park.” It is even sometimes used as a small wedding venue, which tells you everything you need to know in terms of its potential for romance.
9. Seattle rooftop bars
A few Seattleites called out Seattle’s many rooftop bars as a good bet for romantic vibes. If you want to treat your date to drinks with a view, check out our guide to Seattle’s best rooftop bars.
10. Dr. Jose P Rizal Bridge
Hot tip from a local: visit the Jose Rizal Bridge, “especially around sunset time 🔥.” Built in 1911 and renamed after Philippine national hero Jose Rizal in the ’70s, this bridge in Beacon Hill offers one of the best views of the Seattle skyline.
11. Olympic Sculpture Park
This nine-acre outdoor sculpture museum is free and open daily. You can wander around with coffees and take in stunning views, since it’s right on the waterfront. There is also a little pocket beach, which is a romantic spot to sit and talk.
12. Westward
This waterfront restaurant serves New American fare with Mediterranean influences. Best of all, however, is its incredible view of the Seattle skyline just across the lake. You can relax under an umbrella in one of their Adirondack chairs or, if you’re feeling especially romantic, book the whole venue for your wedding.
13. Smith Tower
Smith Tower certainly looks like one of the most romantic places in Seattle from the outside. Real locals know, however, that it has a view rivaling that of the Space Needle. Go up to the Smith Tower Observatory Bar on the 35th floor for cocktails, small plates, a moody speakeasy ambiance, and an incredible view.
14. Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a popular spot among Seattleites for a date. Pack a picnic and find a good spot on the hill to watch the sun setting over Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.
15. Asadero in Ballard
If your idea of a romantic date is going to steakhouse, one local highly recommends Asadero in Ballard. This popular Mexican steakhouse offers mesquite-grilled meat and a moody ambiance.
16. Bhy Kracke Park
As much as we love the view at Kerry Park (we’ll get to that one next) we have to agree that it can get crowded. One local recommends Queen Anne’s Bhy Kracke Park instead: “It’s one small bench overlooking the entire city—go late at night!”
17. Kerry Park
Ah yes, the iconic view at Kerry Park in Queen Anne. It can get crowded there but for good reason: you get to see all the Seattle icons (the Space Needle, Rainier, Elliott Bay) all at once. One local recommends having a picnic there. Just keep in mind the actual park is quite small and set on a fairly steep slope.
18. The Seattle waterfront
“The pier under the ferris wheel is nice at night,” one local says. It’s true that seeing the Great Wheel all lit up at night can be very romantic. And the waterfront is equally gorgeous in the daytime, when you get the view of the bay and the mountains.
19. Canlis
Canlis is every Seattleite’s go-to recommendation for a fine dining experience. The view, the midcentury-modern decor, the dress code: it all leads to romance.
20. Knee High Stocking Co.
Looking to slip into a romantic speakeasy in Seattle for a few drinks with your date? One local said that Knee High Stocking Co. has “a really special atmosphere. ✨”
21. The Hideout
This cozy bar in First Hill is full of mood lighting and framed paintings. One local described The Hideout as “really lovely, and intimate” with a “unique and romantic atmosphere.”
22. The Royal Room
Another bar recommendation for date night from a local, who says that The Royal Room in Columbia City is a “nice small place for jazz and live music.”
23. Lake Union hot tub boats
One local says their go-to for romance is the hot tub boats, “hands down!” You can read all about how to book a Lake Union hot tub boat for your next steamy date.
24. Samara
One Seattleite recommends Samara in Sunset Hill as a romantic restaurant in Seattle: “Wonderful atmosphere, delicious fine dining with a casual elegance that makes you feel welcome.”
25. Dinner with a show
Finally, a local shared their romantic date night go-to: a show with dinner at Can Can Culinary Cabaret. Located in the historic district of Pike Place Market, this intimate theatre will wow you with their talented performers and delicious food and drinks.