February 14th is right around the corner and, if you are one of the lucky ones who’s been hit by Cupid’s arrow, it’s time to start planning the ultimate Valentine’s Day date! From picking the perfect gift to coming up with the most wonderful ways to spend the day, we know that planning the perfect romantic rendezvous can be tough.
While you can easily take some inspiration from your favorite Valentine’s Day movies or love songs, we’re going to try to help you out a bit! We’ve put together a list of the best Valentine’s Day date ideas for just about any type of couple.
20 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
1. An Adventure From Scratch
Since we know that coming up with unique ideas for dates is challenging, we’ve put together an entire book of incredible interactive activities for couples! Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition was created by exploration experts and couples who have stood the test of time. It includes over 50 challenges, tear-out “I Love You” cards, and other interactive elements to help you communicate, bond, and (most importantly) have fun together!
Plan a Valentine’s Day date that includes scratching off one of the adventures within the book—the only catch is that you must do whatever it suggests! There’s a key that will help you to ensure that the page you choose contains something that suits your circumstances, budget, and location.
Not only does this book make a fantastic Valentine’s Day present, but it’s also the gift that keeps on giving. Make it a point to uncover a new idea each week or each month. You’ll be covered on date ideas for a year or more!
2. First Date
If you and your significant other were one of those couples that had an epic first date, why not relive it? Taking a walk down memory lane to visit the first places you went together can be a great way to remember the early days, when just the thought of being together brought butterflies.
Whether you had a romantic dinner and a movie or bonded over a beer-drinking marathon and cringe-worthy karaoke, you probably didn’t want the date to end. So recreate that magic! Reliving those moments and building on them can go a long way to keeping those butterflies fluttering!
3. Ice Skating
In many ways, nothing feels more like winter than strapping on a pair of ice skates and going for a spin at your local frozen pond or ice skating rink. With rinks popping up everywhere from Central Park in New York City to the streets of Downtown Detroit, it’s likely there’s a rink close to you. It might not always be an outdoor rink, but beggars can’t be choosers here!
A few turns around the rink holding your partner’s hand (or the wall—no judging!) is the perfect way to bring out your inner kid. Finish off the date night with a cup of rich hot chocolate before heading home to tumble into bed and ease your not-so-child-like body.
4. A Night of Romantic Movies
If you and your partner enjoy nothing more than hanging out in your living room and having a movie marathon, why not create the ultimate Netflix playlist? From classic romantic love stories like Breakfast at Tiffany’s to modern rom-coms like Bridesmaids or The Proposal, there are plenty of options to choose from!
The best movies will have you laughing, crying, and everything in between. Make sure to have your favorite takeout meals lined up on a food delivery service so that you can order dinner at the touch of a button. If you prefer, create a little indoor picnic at home with fondue, delicious French bread, and a bottle of wine. Bonus points if you can grab some handmade treats from a local chocolatier to finish your V-day on a sweet note!
5. Virtual Cooking Class
There’s an old saying that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but we also think “the couple who cooks together stays together” A virtual cooking class is not only a great way to get out of your comfort zone and test out your culinary skills but also a fun way to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day. Learn how to cook your favorite cuisine or get some tips and tricks to improve your baking. Don’t forget to sneak some tastes (for research purposes, of course)!
If you want to take an in-person class but would prefer to have it at home, many personal chefs will be more than happy to come to your house and teach you there. This kills two birds with one stone, so to speak, as it helps you get comfortable cooking in your own kitchen while still giving you the attention of a private class.
6. Staycation
Even if unpredictable winter weather or other elements prevent you from planning an elaborate Valentine’s Day vacation, you can still enjoy a romantic staycation! Staycations are a great way to escape everyday life with a little taste of being on vacation, even though you stay at home or a nearby hotel.
If you absolutely must leave the house, you can choose anything from that quaint bed and breakfast you’ve been eyeing up to a five-star hotel with amazing room service. Plan to stay for one night or more—it’s completely up to you and limited only by your budget and the amount of time you have. A staycation is what you make it, and the most important thing is spending quality time with each other!
If you need a few more ideas, check out this list of Staycation Ideas for Every Budget.
7. Weekend Getaway
If you have the time, money, and opportunity, why not plan a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway for your partner? Spend the night stargazing in one of the country’s national parks or take a road trip along any of America’s scenic byways—there are plenty of amazing places to visit and activities you can do. If the weather’s nice, you can even camp out! Immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of nature for an extra special Valentine’s Day adventure.
8. Vow Renewal
Life has a crazy way of turning into an unexpected roller coaster ride at times, and we aren’t talking about Kiddie Land coasters—we mean the big monsters with the huge dips that make you feel like you left your stomach at the top of the hill! So it’s nice to know that there is a constant pillar of support in your life to help you weather all of the ups and downs.
If you and your partner have been married for a while, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let each other know how much you still value each other and your relationship. Renewing your vows is a romantic reminder of the commitment you’ve made to a life together and how you have grown together as a couple. They also provide an opportunity for the special people that have come into your life (kids, friends, family) to stand as your witnesses.
While it’s possible to plan a vow renewal close to home, many all-inclusive resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean also offer special vow renewal packages. A vow renewal and amazing family vacation all-in-one? Yes, please!
9. Play Sports Together
Booking a court or signing up for sports lessons could be a great opportunity for you to get active and learn a few extra skills. If both of you are brand new to your chosen activity, you get a chance to learn something new together, which is always fun. It’s also an indication or a reminder of how your partner approaches new things, and it gives you a little glimpse into how his or her mind works.
If one of you is already the king or queen of the golf course, consider couples’ golf lessons. If you’re not golf fans, you can easily substitute another sport like tennis, horseback riding, scuba diving, surfing, etc. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that you are doing it together!
10. Bonfire
If the weather is dry where you are, another great Valentine’s Day idea is a romantic bonfire! Imagine being curled up in your warmest blanket next to the person you love the most in the world. As the smoke lazily weaves its way into the sky, you can roast marshmallows and giggle about all of the fun times that you’ve had together, talk about your childhoods, and fantasize about your future.
You can even spend the night sleeping under the stars, cuddled up in one another’s arms, before waking up the next morning to a colorful sunrise and the sounds of chirping birds calling out a hearty “good morning!”
11. Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking for an exciting way to spend Valentine’s Day in your city or one nearby, why not try an adrenalin-inducing scavenger hunt? It will have you rushing through the streets as you search for your next location, learning a lot along the way, and having a great time doing it!
These app-led excursions can be done when you want, where you want, and even at your own pace. And since there are more than 400 scavenger hunts, pub crawls, and art walks around the world, there’s sure to be one near you.
If it’s too cold outside, stay put with an intimate in-home scavenger hunt. Who says you need to get all dressed up and go out to enjoy a Valentine’s Day date? You can celebrate your love while in your comfy clothes, as you turn your place into a hunting ground and see who wins the right to choose a special dinner or dessert!
12. An Adventurous Dinner
If you love the idea of romantic dinner dates but want to spice things up a bit, why not create your own little Valentine’s Day dinner adventure by leaving a trail of clues that leads your significant other to you? The clues could consist of love letters or the lyrics of your favorite love songs, and leaving them around the house will help your date find you waiting with a lovely Valentine’s Day gift and a big smile! Then, you can indulge in a mouth-watering meal together thinking about all the romantic days in your future!
13. Game Night
If you want to keep your Valentine’s Day light and fun, you can always organize a game night full of your favorite board games, video games, or … ummm … slightly more risqué games. Games are a great way to get your creativity flowing and your problem-solving skills working as you continuously try to outwit one another. It’s a terrific way to engage your competitive spirit and discover skills you never even knew you had!
If you don’t have any board games to play, as long as you can get your hands on a deck of playing cards and some dice, you can also have a DIY game night where you make it up as you go! Otherwise, you can try a virtual game night. Test your knowledge with trivia, try some emoji decoders, play drawing games, and more!
14. Boat Trip
Life always feels a bit simpler when you’re out on the water. The sound of it lapping against the sides of the boat, the wind gusting through the sails, and the smell of seaweed in the air all combine to create a relaxing atmosphere. It somehow makes you feel a bit primitive and wild, yet a bit luxurious at the same time. (That’s not exactly a bad combination for Valentine’s Day if we do say so ourselves!)
Regardless of whether you’re spending a day out on your local lake or heading out for a snorkeling tour in the Caribbean, a boat trip can be an incredibly romantic Valentine’s Day.
15. Picnic in the Park
If you love to spend time relaxing outdoors, a Valentine’s Day picnic in the park could be the perfect way to spend the day. The great thing is that it doesn’t need much planning! All you need to do is pack up some of your favorite cheeses, vegetables, fruit, a fresh French baguette, and a tasty bottle of wine and throw it into your favorite tote bag. (Don’t forget the corkscrew!) If you have a ready-made picnic set, this makes it even easier.
Don’t forget to grab a blanket to lie on and voila—you have everything you need to have an incredible Valentine’s Day afternoon or evening with your significant other. Plan a lunch date and work up an appetite with a bike ride, or plan a sunset meal and spend some time stargazing! Either way, this romantic date is sure to be a winner.
16. Broadway Musical
Broadway musicals have been proven to increase serotonin in pretty much everyone … ok, ok, I may have made that up. However, it can’t be denied that Broadway musicals tend to make people very, very happy.
If you’re in a relationship with an aspiring singer or someone who can barely resist the urge to belt out a tune, this Valentine’s Day date idea might just be box-office gold. If you don’t live close to New York City, no problem. There are frequently traveling Broadway casts or regional theater groups that will bring your favorite musical to life.
17. National Park
With more than 2,000 parks and recreational sites across the United States, the National Park Service offers thousands of romantic spots! Spend Valentine’s Day hiking along a gorgeous trail that leads you through dramatic canyons, biking through miles of pristine forests, or swimming in tranquil waters.
If you’d like to learn more about America’s national parks, you can visit the NPS website or check out this guide to the best national parks in the United States. Get out there and explore with your loved one!
18. A Cruise
If you are lucky enough to live next to a cruise port, you may want to consider a “cruise to nowhere” for V-Day! These cruises will generally set sail for just one or two days and give you the opportunity to enjoy all of the onboard amenities such as pools, lounges, nightclubs, and casinos. It’s a great way to get the full cruise experience even if you don’t have the time or the money to invest in a longer vacation.
If you want to embark on a full-fledged cruise, there are some fantastic offers on Caribbean cruises right now!
19. Beer With Your Boo
Microbreweries have swept across the U.S. leaving a slew of beer aficionados in their wake. With so many new options available, brew lovers are bound to have at least one of their “hoppy” places just a short drive away. Why not simply spend the evening there?
A visit to a microbrewery is a great way to try new types of beer that haven’t been released for wider sale. This gives you the chance to try freshly-brewed beers straight from the source. You can usually then soak it all up with a filling meal that is sure to leave you going to bed with a full belly and a happy heart.
Most microbreweries are pretty laid back, so this is a particularly good option for people who want to do something special for the day but don’t necessarily dig the whole V-day vibe.
20. Breakfast in Bed
If you want to start Valentine’s Day off with a bang, it’s a great time to prepare a mouth-watering breakfast in bed for your significant other. Even if you aren’t the world’s greatest cook, don’t worry—it truly is the thought that counts! Your partner is sure to be a bit tickled by the effort you’ve put in. Besides, everyone loves to feel a bit spoiled every now and then.
Not much can make you feel like a king or queen more than having someone you love wake up early to prepare something special for you. Just make sure that you both don’t have the same idea, or you may end up with an unexpected early morning cooking date in the kitchen, not that that would be such a bad thing!
If breakfast in bed seems like a bit too much hassle but you still love the idea of spending the morning dining in bed, then you can always place an order for a food delivery service the night before to save yourself from having to prepare a meal in the morning.
In the Mood for Love?
We hope that this list has left you inspired to plan the ultimate Valentine’s Day date. With so many fun and romantic options to choose from, we are sure that you will find something absolutely perfect for you and your partner!
If you’re in need of the perfect present, we’ve got suggestions for him and for her. Pressed for time? Head over to our article full of Last-Minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for an adventurous Valentine’s Day date, take a “cruise to nowhere,” hike in a national park, go on a scavenger hunt, or uncover a mystery challenge in a scratch-off book for couples!
On your Valentine’s Day date, take a walk on the beach, ride bikes and have a picnic in a park, or go ice skating! Alternatively, make any location fun with a scavenger hunt or scratch-off adventures!
If you’re staying home on February 14th, you can still have a greater Valentine’s Day date! Try an in-home scavenger hunt, enjoy a romantic movie marathon, or plan a secret dinner for your partner.