Are you trying to plan a romantic date, but feel like you’re fresh out of ideas? Maybe it’s a first date, or perhaps you’re just trying to bring a little romance back into your relationship. Either way, it can be difficult sometimes to think of the perfect romantic encounter without a little inspiration.
Well, we’re here to help! These romantic date ideas are meant to give you inspiration for your next date. Some are free, while others cost a bit of money. But in this guide, we’ll talk about:
- Romantic ideas for first dates to sweep him or her off their feet
- Ideas that are good for romantics on a budget
- Dates that will help rekindle romance in a long-term relationship
Ready? Let’s get planning! Here are the best romantic date ideas!
1. Take her on a hot air balloon ride
If you and your partner have no fear of heights, you can always book a hot air balloon ride. These services are available in just about every place on the planet, and while they do cost a bit of money, they’re one of the most romantic date ideas out there.
Picture it. You and your date are sailing far above the earth, looking down at the little toy houses and tiny cars. It’s just you and your date (and the operator, of course) viewing the scenery in almost total seclusion. When you land, most hot air balloon services will provide champagne or wine and a picnic meal. Check with the service provider first.
If you’re not afraid to soar, a hot air balloon ride is super romantic, for first dates or beyond.
- Hot air balloon rides are very romantic, from liftoff to champagne
- Be sure your date isn’t afraid of heights before you book a ride
- Most providers will offer champagne and a picnic when you land – quite romantic!
2. Rent a houseboat
This romantic date idea is another that costs a bit of money, but if you’re looking to add a little romance to an existing relationship, a houseboat is the way to do it. Just go on a site like AirBnB or VRBO and see what’s available in your area.
Houseboats can be used on ocean waters, lakes or just about any other body of water. The romance in houseboats is the seclusion, of course, but also the feel of the water rocking you as you watch the sunset or sunrise.
We don’t really recommend a houseboat rental for you first date folks – not many people would agree to boarding a secluded boat with a complete stranger, and we don’t blame them! But for a romantic anniversary or just a weekend getaway, a houseboat is perfect for you and your partner.
- Houseboats can be rented on sites like AirBnB or through private booking companies
- This romantic date idea isn’t recommended for first dates – that’s kind of creepy
- For anniversaries or just putting spice back into your relationship, this idea is a great one
3. Take a sunset horseback ride
You don’t have to be a cowboy or girl to ride a horse off into the sunset. In fact, all you need is an internet connection or a phone book. There are many ranches, private farms and individuals who “rent” out their horses for those who want to ride.
No matter your experience level, this is absolutely an option. Never ridden a horse before? No worries! You’ll be given a gentle, tame horse to ride, usually an older mare. You’ll have a guide who will show you the ropes, then will accompany you on your trail ride. Your guide will give you your necessary privacy, of course.
If you’re an experienced equestrian or equestrienne, there are ranches and horse owners who simply don’t have time to exercise their horses properly. They’ll allow you to ride their animals for a specified amount of time, and they usually won’t charge too much at all.
Be sure to bring a picnic lunch with you if it’s allowed, and plan for an entire afternoon. With this romantic date idea, you’ll love looking at nature closely with your partner – riding a horse, you’ll notice things you’d never see while travelling in a car!
- You don’t need to be experienced with horses to use this idea!
- There are private ranches, owners and others who will rent their animals to those who’d like to ride
- Bring a picnic lunch, and prepare to see nature in ways you’ve never noticed
4. Consider the traditional candlelit dinner
It may seem like a cliché, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a dinner for two at a secluded table in a swanky restaurant. The first thing you’ll need to do for this romantic date idea is to make reservations! It would be a shame if you got “all dressed up with no place to go.”
Then, tell your date to dress up, because you’re taking him someplace nice. On date night, pick him up in a rented car, or hire a driver if you’ve got the extra cash. Give him the VIP treatment, then sit down for a full meal at a fancy restaurant of whatever cuisine you choose.
If you’re strapped for cash, that’s okay! You can still do the candlelit dinner. Simply prepare a great meal at home, or have a friend that’s an excellent cook come and prepare your meal for you. Set up the room to set the romantic mood, and enjoy the time the two of you have to chat and get to know each other.
- There’s nothing wrong with a traditional dinner by candlelight
- Tell your date you’re going all out – then do it!
- If you don’t have a lot of extra cash, you can replicate a candlelit dinner in your own home
5. Spend the day in the woods
No, seriously! Have you ever been in the woods alone with your partner, or a first date? It’s so romantic you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. You don’t have to go deep into the woods to experience this – any place with trees and wildlife will do the trick.
For a first date, we recommend a public park or trail, something where you’ll both feel comfortable. For you couples that have been together a while, the sky’s the limit. Go deep into the forest or stay close to civilization. It doesn’t matter, just get out there!
While you’re out in nature, pay attention to the things around you. The sparkle of the sun on the lake, or the way the wind makes the leaves shiver. You don’t have to do anything special while you’re out there – just listen. We promise. This is one of the most romantic date ideas yet!
- Spending time out in nature is very romantic if you just take the time to listen
- For first dates, staying close to populated areas is usually best
- For those of you in relationships, go for a hike and explore the natural world around you
6. Get a couple’s massage
Whether you’re a first time dater or a long term relationship couple, a couple’s massage is one of the most relaxing, indulgent and romantic date ideas you can try. Book a session at a local studio. Or, better yet, book several services at your nearby day spa. Then you and your partner enjoy being pampered together as you get to know one another.
If you’re intimidated by massage studios, don’t worry! You’ll have plenty of options, and your therapist’s job is – literally – to make you as comfortable as possible. You can get a massage fully clothed or stripped down to your skivvies – whatever works for you. She will never touch you in a way that’s uncomfortable to you. In other words, the ball’s in your court.
Couple’s massages are super relaxing, and you’ll love the downtime you spend with your date. After your massage, go home and stream a lighthearted movie and just continue to relax!
- You can book a couple’s massage or a full range of services at a day spa
- Massage therapists want you to feel comfortable, so don’t be intimidated!
- After your massage, spend the rest of the day just relaxing and enjoying each other
7. Take a trip down memory lane
If you’ve been together a while, why not revisit some of the places you and your partner used to go? That Mexican restaurant that no one else knew about. That park where you first saw the live bands. Or the little cabin you rented by the river that had a bunk bed and a bathroom, and that was it?
Revisiting your past as a couple is a very romantic date idea, and it can help you reconnect on a deeper level. But you don’t have to be a couple to use this romantic date idea. For a first date, why not take her to the places she’s told you about, like the park where she scored her first goal, or the neighborhood where she grew up?
- Revisiting memories is a great, romantic way to reconnect with your partner
- Nothing’s off limits – any place the two of you loved is fair game!
- Even first dates or new couples can do this idea, just get creative with your thinking
8. Discuss your futures
That doesn’t mean your future together. Especially for you first date folks – that’s just kind of off limits for a first date. What we mean is that you can learn a lot about one another by talking about what you see for yourself in the future, whether it’s your family life, your career or even the place where you imagine living.
The easiest way to pull off this romantic date idea is simply to ask either questions. Having trouble coming up with questions? That’s okay! Go online and order a pack of conversation cards. There are all sorts of these, and they have many topics to choose from. Then, take turns pulling a card from the deck. The rule is, you both have to answer! Or, you could simply look up conversation starters online for more ideas.
When you discuss your futures, you’ll get to know each other better. You’ll get to learn more about each other’s priorities and more, and you’ll be better able to gauge whether your futures might run parallel!
- When you talk about the future, you get to know a lot about your date
- You can pick up conversation starter cards online to make this easier
- First daters and long-term relationships can both do this fun and romantic date idea
9. Tour a vineyard
For this romantic date idea, you’ll get the best of both worlds. You’ll get to spend time with your partner in a gorgeous setting, and you’ll get to taste some of the best local wines in your area. You don’t have to travel to Italy or California to try this idea. Just look “vineyard tours” up on Google and see what’s in your area!
Vineyards are naturally beautiful. They’re well maintained and usually are located in quite lovely settings. The mountains of your country are a good place to start, but there are vineyards in all terrains, so just choose the one that appeals most to you.
Vineyard tours come in all sorts of “flavors.” Some offer a simple tour, but most will go all out. You may experience carriage rides, light meals or even candlelight dinner service. Of course, you’ll also get to sample wines, and you can’t go wrong with that!
- You don’t have to travel far to visit a vineyard
- Wine country is naturally beautiful and romantic, so it really doesn’t matter which vineyard you choose
- Pick a vineyard with activities that appeal to you and just go and enjoy your local flavors
10. Just stay home
Sometimes the most romantic dates consist of watching a reality television show and holding hands on the couch. Pop a bag of popcorn, pour some mugs of hot chocolate and just sit back and enjoy each other’s company.
Romance isn’t always what you say or do. Sometimes it just boils down to how you feel with the person you’re with. So sometimes it’s okay to skip the limo and opt instead for a simple night in with the person you love.
- You don’t need to go all out to be romantic
- You can stay in and just snuggle together for one of the most romantic dates you’ve ever had
- Sometimes romance is just about how you feel, not what you do
Conclusion
There are tons of things you can do to bring romance back into a relationship, or to create romance in a new one! Try one of these ten ideas, or make up your own, and see where your romantic date ideas take you and your partner!
