Looking for romantic date ideas in Seattle?
You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re trying to plan a first date or looking for new things to do with your significant other, coming up with fresh date ideas can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed list of some of the most romantic things to do in Seattle. From outdoorsy adventures to cozy rainy-day activities, there’s something here for everyone. You could even make it your mission to check off every date idea on this list!
The best part is that many of these date ideas are cheap or even free! So if you’re looking to spend some quality time with your boo while on a budget, there’s options here for you.
Read on for our list of the most romantic date ideas in Seattle:
1. See a romantic Candlelight Concert
Seattle has several stunning venues that become illuminated with candlelight while talented musicians play tribute to popular artists such as Taylor Swift. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that! You can get your Candlelight Concert tickets here.
2. Have a sunset picnic on the beach
A bonus of winter in Seattle is that the beaches get less crowded. It’s the perfect time to warm up in front of a cozy fire on the beach. Golden Gardens in Ballard and Alki Beach in West Seattle are two beaches that are gorgeous spots to watch the sunset with your date.
A pro tip is to check out the Beach Fire Boys setups. These professionals will help you with everything you need for an romantic beach picnic. The only thing you’ll have to do is select your package, and they’ll get it ready for you to enjoy!
3. Go on a “Night Walk Amongst The Stars”
You and your sweetie can bundle up for a romantic evening date at Astra Lumina: A Night Walk Amongst The Stars. This illuminated night walk at the Seattle Chinese Garden will be an unforgettable date night. Tickets are on sale now!
4. Go wine tasting in Woodinville
Does your date love wine? Although Seattle is well-known for its brewery scene, there is also nearby Woodinville: a sanctuary for wine enthusiasts. Woodinville offers a variety of wineries, but one of the most popular and oldest wineries there is Chateau Ste. Michelle. This Washingtonian favorite is one of the most beautiful wineries and it’s perfect for a date during the day or evening.
4. Take your taste buds on a trip to Marrakesh
Looking to take your date on a unique restaurant experience? This classic Marrakesh restaurant will instantly transport you away from chilly, gray Seattle! You’ll be able to try traditional Moroccan food while watching belly dancers.
5. Soak in a hot tub boat on Lake Union
Ready to get a little steamy? You and your date can warm up together in a hot tub boat on Lake Union! You’ll relax in the warm water while cruising the lake, taking in mesmerizing views of the city, and enjoying your choice of music with a glass of wine in hand. The best part of this date is that you can enjoy it pretty much year-round—and your other half will be impressed by its novelty.
6. Take a romantic weekend trip
If you’re looking to plan a luxurious date away from the city this winter, these unique vacation rentals around Seattle are the perfect option. You can squeeze in a romantic weekend getaway with your boo, enjoy each other’s company, and relax!
7. Take a class together
If you’re nervous about running out of things to say, why not do a hands-on activity with your date? Seattle has no shortage of restaurants and shops that offer unique classes. You can take a cooking class at The Pantry, learn to make donuts at Raised Doughnuts and Cakes, or partake in a variety of hands-on activities such as jewelry-making and terrarium-crafting at The Works.
The best part is that if things don’t work out with your crush, at least you get to come away from it with a new skill or something cool that you made!
8. Pick out vintage records for each other
Does your date love talking about music? Take them to one of Seattle’s amazing used record stores. You can easily spend an hour browsing, and then afterwards have a fun discussion about what you each found.
9. Browse for poetry in a bookstore
If your date is more into books than music, they’ll love being taken to a cozy Seattle bookstore. Luckily, Seattle has lots of amazing bookstores (and winter provides plenty of rainy days for that extra cozy factor). If the date is going well, get coffee afterwards and talk about the books that you picked out.
Budget tip: If you and your date both have library cards, visit the Seattle Central Library downtown instead! It might seem unusual to go on a date to the library, but once you see the building’s stunning architecture you’ll be glad you did.
10. Go snow shoeing
Many of our favorite hikes are shut down in the winter months, but you can visit Longmire in Mount Rainier National Park for a winter date of snow shoeing. It’s romantic, adventurous, and scenic!
11. Visit the Washington Park Arborteum
Looking for a scenic and peaceful place to stroll and talk? Take your date to the Washington Park Arboretum. It’s free and remains beautiful year-round. If you can spend a little money, get tickets for the Arboretum Winter Solstice Walk on December 22.
12. Explore a local farmers market
Looking for something casual to do with your date? Meet up with them at your local farmers market! In addition to the famous Pike Place Market downtown, Seattle has multiple neighborhood farmers markets. Some of them operate year-round while others are seasonal, but they’re all an excellent place to try some new foods and do a little shopping with your boo.
13. Meet up for brunch
Is your date a morning person? Treat them to pancakes and a hot beverage at one of the best brunch spots in Seattle. We can’t think of a better way to start the day.
14. Grab drinks at a themed bar
Getting a drink at any old bar on a first date is over-done. Instead, surprise your date by taking them to a bar with an unexpected theme! Seattle loves a good themed bar, so you can delight them with a trip to a pirate ship, a 1920s speakeasy, and more. See our full guide to Seattle’s most creative themed bars.
15. Take a train ride to Vancouver, B.C.
What’s more romantic than whisking someone away on a scenic train trip? The Amtrak Cascades route between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. has started up again! The winter scenery is sure to be stunning. You can read all about this train trip here.
16. Go on a scenic winter hike
Not everyone enjoys hiking but if you live in Seattle there’s a good chance that your date is the outdoorsy type. You can easily get out in nature together this winter even if neither of you owns a car, thanks to these hikes that you can do without even leaving Seattle!
17. Explore Seattle on bikes
If you both own bikes already, this is a great free date idea. But even if you rent bikes, this date won’t break the bank and it is a great way to explore the city together without too much pressure to keep up a conversation. All you need is a reflective rain jacket! See our guide to Seattle’s best bike trails.
18. Visit the rose garden next to the zoo
The rose garden next to the Woodland Park Zoo is seriously underrated. Entrance is free and the garden is beautiful year-round, even when the roses aren’t in bloom. Afterwards, you can continue the date with a trip to the zoo!
19. Grab a meal at a classic Seattle diner
When it’s chilly out in Seattle, there’s nothing better than enjoying some comfort food in a classic diner setting. See our guide to the best diners in Seattle.
20. Meet for cocktails on a romantic rooftop bar
If you really want to impress your date, take them high above where they can watch the sun set on the city. Seattle has several rooftop bars with stunning views. Many of them are set up with fire pits and covered seating so you can enjoy the view year-round.
21. Have dinner in front of a fireplace
If it’s cold and wet out, treat your date to a cozy dinner date by the fire. There are actually several bars and restaurants with fireplaces in Seattle.
22. Cheer on your favorite team together
Seattle’s first women’s sports bar Rough & Tumble opened recently. They play all the big games on their screens, but with a special focus on women’s sports. This is a great place to take a sporty date for a meal, a drink, and a good time.
23. Find a hidden Seattle speakeasy
If you really want to surprise and impress your date, take them to one of Seattle’s hidden speakeasies for a drink or two. Pictured above is Bathtub Gin & Co. in Belltown. We also love Founders Club, which is tucked away inside the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
24. Get cultured together at a Seattle museum
Seattle has a wealth of really interesting and unique museums, such as the Nordic Museum in Ballard and the Museum of Pop Culture located at Seattle Center. Whichever museum you choose, it will make for a fun rainy day date. If you’re on a budget, check out our guide to Seattle’s free museum days.
25. Explore the Seattle Spheres
This one takes some advance planning, but if you reserve your spot ahead of time you can visit the Seattle Spheres for free. Inside you can warm up with a self-guided tour of the lush tropical forest and then get coffee and donuts at the General Porpoise Doughnuts, or get a drink at Deep Dive under the Spheres.
26. Try an exclusive omakase experience
Omakase experiences often give you an intimate ambiance as well as incredible sushi. Here’s where to find the most exclusive omakase sushi in Seattle. Any foodie will be impressed.
27. Watch the sunset at these scenic viewpoints
The sun is setting earlier and earlier as winter overtakes Seattle, so make the most of every sunset! Get bundled up and bring a hot beverage in a thermos before taking your date to one of the best sunset spots in Seattle.
28. Make a reservation at one of Seattle’s top French restaurants
What says “romance” more than dinner at an elegant French restaurant? These are the best French restaurants in Seattle.
29. Get dinner and a show
If your date isn’t easily wowed by a simple dinner, consider taking them out for more of an experience. Seattle is full of over-the-top dinner theaters and live music venues that serve incredible food. Here are the best Seattle restaurants with live music and shows.
30. Bundle up in a beer garden
Getting cozy by the fire while sipping a beer sounds like the perfect winter date to us. Luckily Seattle is full of beer gardens that can be enjoyed in all sorts of weather. Check out our guide to the best beer gardens in Seattle.
31. Watch Authentic Flamenco
Have you and your significant other ever seen flamenco performed live? Attend an event that is full of passion at Leo K. Theatre where one of the most spirited and complex art forms will be expressed by award-winning professionals. Brought to you by the Royal Opera of Madrid and SO-LA-NA, this mesmerizing show will move you both with every precise step and traditional note.
32. Enjoy an intimate concert on a historic steamship
This concert in Seattle is not your typical date night plan. The Steamer Virginia V, a historic steamship, invites music lovers to come aboard and hear two up-and-coming singer-songwriters perform an intimate concert. While there is something to be said for the energy at a standard concert in an arena, what could be more romantic than a raw performance on one of the only remaining steamships from the early 1900s?
33. Reach 360-degree views at Sky View Observatory
Get into the ultra-fast elevator at Sky View Observatory to be brought up 73 floors in 70 seconds. After the immersive elevator ride, the two of you will be at the top of the tallest public observatory in the Pacific Northwest. Take in the 360-degree views and talk about your dreams while looking at the Northwest’s magnificent scenery.