Summer is one of the best times to enjoy dates, especially here in Seattle. Whether you just met someone or have been with your SO for years, we have some ideas on how you can make this summer’s dates the best yet. So here, are 18 romantic summer date ideas in Seattle

Enjoy a drive-in film

What’s more romantic and old timey than heading to the drive in movie theatre? Whether you’re looking to see old classics or new flicks, there are plenty of drive ins around the Sound. We of course, made a whole list of them for you.

Have the picnic of your dreams

 

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If you and your SO have been meaning to have a summer picnic you might as well go big. You can have custom picnics created for you and your sweetie depending on what you want out of the experience. You can dine in a park, in a bubble, or even on a boat in some cases. You can choose from a few different local picnic providers as well.

Where: Rainy Day Picnics and Picnic Party Seattle
When: By reservation
Cost: $200+

Tune in to a summer concert

Between summer concert series and music festivals, there are tons of concerts to see this summer. You can see plenty right here in Seattle or venture out to places like the Gorge for bigger festivals. Best of all, we compiled a list for you so you know what’s in store.

Take a long walk on a beach

 

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If you’re looking to get outdoors with your SO can’t say no to some time at the beach. Whether you want to chill on the sound, Lake Washington, or elsewhere, the city has a lot of beaches to check out. Might as well bring an umbrella, some snacks, drinks and make a whole day out of it.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

Might seem a little cheesy but we think it’s one of the best ways to see the sound. And honestly who doesn’t love a good old Ferris wheel? If you really want to kick your experience up a notch you can book the VIP glass-bottom car for a breathtaking ride. Just don’t scare yourself too much, might be a little awkward on a date.

When: Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm, Friday & Saturday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Where: 1301 Alaskan Way
Cost: $16+

Hop on the ferry

 

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Whether you want to take a day trip or see the sound up close and personal, taking a ferry is an amazing experience. You and your SO can walk, bike, or drive on and enjoy the upper decks or sit inside and take in the views from the seating area. Plus you can always zip over to an accessible island like Bainbridge for a little hike or meal.

When: Service daily
Where: 801 Alaskan Way
Cost: Varies by route

Go chasing waterfalls

Ignore what TLC said… you should definitely go chasing waterfalls, especially here in the PNW. There are tons of waterfalls both near and far and big and small that you can visit. Don’t worry, we made a whole list of our faves just for you.

Get your brunch on

 

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There’s nothing quite like bonding over delicious food. We think grabbing brunch is the perfect date idea for people on a first or hundredth date. After all, everyone loves food and with so many amazing restaurants in the city, you have plenty of options to choose from. That being said, we did make a little list for you guys.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Hike to see some wildflowers

What’s a more PNW date than hiking? Well double down on that and hike to see some wildflowers! They’re in bloom and will only continue to get better throughout summer. There are hikes both near and far and we’ve listed them out for you.

Explore Lake Washington on kayaks

Agua Verde is one of the coolest spots to dine right on the lake but they also happen to offer some pretty sweet boat rentals. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard by the hour depending on your preferences. You and your sweetie can rip around on kayaks in Lake Union or head over towards the Arboretum for an unforgettable nature experience.

When: Monday & Friday 10 am-6 pm (Last Rental – 4:30 pm), Saturday & Sunday 10 am-7 pm (Last Rental – 5:30 pm)
Where: 1307 NE Boat St
Cost: $23+

Try stargazing

Laying in the grass looking at the cosmos with your SO? Talk about romantic. Seattle may be a bright city but there are a few places in the metro area where you can get away from the bright lights and get a good look at the night sky, yes we listed them out for you.

Take to the skies

 

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Yea you probably won’t be doing this on a first date. But if you’re really looking to wow your SO or maybe even pop the question, this is a great way to do so. You can choose from a whole host of different airborne tours and they aren’t as expensive as you think they might be.

Visit a botanical garden

Another great first date idea is to enjoy a beautiful walk. We recommend checking out one of our cities stunning botanical gardens. It actually turns out that there are a ton and we’ve gone ahead and created a list for you so that you don’t have to look too hard. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Check out some art

 

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Museums, galleries, and shows are happening again so it’s time to see what’s going on out there. You can see some amazing shows at the Frye, Henry, Seattle Art Museum, Greg Kucera Gallery, and more. Viewing art with a date is always a fun way to learn and see how others think and a great excuse to see some art.

Where: Varies museums and galleries around the city
When: Throughout summer
Cost: Free/Varies

Cool down with some ice cream

Ice cream dates seem crazy old-fashioned but we have to say we love them. They’re another great option that people at all levels of a relationship can enjoy. Luckily, Seattle has so many amazing spots to grab ice cream with locations all over the city. Of course, we made a whole list for you guys.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Have a drink on top of Seattle

 

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Forget bar hopping when you can enjoy a drink on top of the Smith Tower. The iconic Seattle building has a bar and observatory where you can enjoy drinks and look out on one of the best views in the city. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience and will definitely impress your date.

When: Wednesday-Sunday 3 pm-10 pm
Where: 506 Second Avenue
Cost: Varies

Hit the road on a day trip

One of our favorite ways to bond with people is through adventuring. Honestly, Seattle is probably one of the best places to do just that. After all, you have the outdoors just a stone’s throw out of the city and plenty of cool things to check out like this town full of murals. If you’re looking for something scenic, we made a little list for you.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Enjoy all you can eat berries

 

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Yes, folks, late summer means berry picking time. It has to be one of our all-time favorite summer pastimes and it happens to be a great one to share with someone you love. Now, this won’t be doable until closer to August but it’s an excellent way to cap those warm summer dates.

Where: Click above to see our picks

Enjoy the summer date ideas Seattle!