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 new 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
Seattle isn’t known for its beaches in the way that, say, LA is—but we do have some options worth taking advantage of in the summer! Golden Gardens in Ballard and Alki Beach in West Seattle are two beaches that actually have sand. They’re both 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 epic 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 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 night.
A summer plus is that they offer outdoor movie experiences as well as summer concerts. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a relaxed activity paired up with a glass of wine, this date is ideal for you!
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 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 steamy hot 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, 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 take your date on an immersive activity? Seattle has no shortage of restaurants and shops that offer unique classes. You can take a street tacos cooking class at The Pantry, learn to make donuts at Raised Doughnuts and Cakes, take a flower-arranging workshop at The London Plane, 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 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. See a free outdoor movie under the Space Needle
Here’s a summer date night idea: take your crush to see an outdoor movie! Marymoor Park has drive-in movies all summer, and if you’re on a budget, you can also catch outdoor movies for free under the Space Needle at Seattle Center.
11. Visit the Seattle Japanese Garden
Looking for a scenic and peaceful place to stroll and talk? Take your date to the Seattle Japanese Garden. Located in the Washington Park Arboretum (which also offers plenty of beautiful outdoor space for your date), the garden is open daily March through November. You can even participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Read all about the garden here.
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 seven 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 an outdoor brunch
Is your date a morning person? Treat them to pancakes and mimosas at one of Seattle’s many restaurants that offer outdoor brunch. We can’t think of a better way to start the day when it’s sunny in Seattle.
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 wizard’s pub, 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? Starting in September 2022, the Amtrak Cascades route between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. will be starting up again! You can read all about this train trip here.
16. Go on a scenic hike
While it’s true that not everyone enjoys hiking, 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 even if neither of you owns a car, thanks to Trailhead Direct—a service that drops hikers off at the trailhead on summer weekends. There’s also several 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. See our guide to Seattle’s best bike trails.
18. Visit the rose garden next to the zoo
Here’s a fun daytime date in Seattle: visit the Woodland Park Zoo and say hi to all the newest baby animals. Then, stroll over to the next-door rose garden. Entrance is free and the garden is beautiful year-round, even when the roses aren’t in bloom.
19. Grab a meal on a waterfront patio
When it’s nice out in Seattle, there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal outdoors with a gorgeous waterfront view. See our list of Seattle’s best waterfront patios here.
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 just 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 go on a self-guided tour of the lush indoor forest and then get coffee and donuts at the General Porpoise Doughnuts, or get a drink at Deep Dive under the Spheres.