Unique and Romantic Date Night Ideas in Seattle
When you think of date nights in Seattle, you might conjure up a picture of hanging out on the revolving deck of the Space Needle or sipping coffee together while rain drizzles outdoors. Sure, you can do those things while you're in the Emerald City, but a plethora of other unique, romantic date ideas for couples exist if you know where to look for them.
With so many diverse, vibrant date night opportunities in Seattle across natural and urban settings, you and your partner are sure to find something fun to do that you're both excited to try out.
01 Pike Place Market After Hours Tour
Pike Place Market is a quintessential tourist hub in Seattle for a reason, but the bustling crowds it attracts can be distracting on a romantic date. Why not check it out after hours? After daily vendors pack up, several restaurants, bars and entertainment venues remain open for you to explore after the tourists have already tucked in for the night. From Radiator Whiskey to The Dressing Room by Can Can, you'll find plenty to do in the dark.
02 Seattle Great Wheel
Seattle's skyline is iconic and it's particularly well viewed from great heights. The Seattle Great Wheel sits right on Pier 57, sandwiched with panoramic views of Puget Sound on one side and the city's distinctive architecture on the other.
Guarantee that you and your beloved have the spot to yourself by purchasing VIP tickets. With this option, you go right to the front of the line, get a t-shirt and photo to commemorate your date, and you can sip at a delicious cocktail as you soak in the sights. Time your trip for sunset or night for truly stunning views.
03 Chihuly Garden and Glass
Get ready to explore a delicate blend of artistry and nature at Chihuly Garden and Glass next to the Space Needle. Discover an abundance of beauty and conversation pieces as you walk hand-in-hand through intricate glass designs amid carefully curated gardens.
Don't worry if you build up an appetite as you meander the galleries. The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass serves up delectable appetizers, meals and sweets, served alongside signature cocktails and local brews.
04 Argosy Cruises Harbor Tours
Sure, seeing the skyline from the Seattle Great Wheel is cool, but there's something extra special about exploring Puget Sound and admiring the beauty from aboard a cruise ship. Argosy Cruises offers numerous excursions through Seattle and local attractions. Depending on the trip you book, you and your sweetheart may take a trip on the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, drift past the iconic Gas Works Park or pass under the Fremont bridge.
Cruises come with access to a full-service bar with seasonal drinks or a menu of local sandwiches and salads.
05 Gas Works Park Picnic
Within walking distance of the University of Washington, you'll find Gas Works Park right on the waterfront. Wondering about the distinctive rusted structures? They're the remains of an old coal gasification plant that have been left in the park.
Pack up a picnic and trek up Kite Hill for gorgeous views of downtown Seattle across Lake Union. It's an ideal low-key date, especially during the warm summer months.
06 Alki Beach Bonfire
Alki Beach isn't just beautiful. It's historic. The first white settlers in Seattle landed there in 1851, where they were greeted by Chief Seattle (the Emerald City's namesake) and his tribe.
As a plus, this is one of the few sandy beaches in the Northwest. It greets you with views of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the background, and it's one of the more popular outdoor areas in the city. It's also one of two parks in the entire city that allows you to build a bonfire in designated fire pits. Get there early as the fire pits are first-come, first-served, but it's worth it for an evening of snuggling up with your beau under the stars and roasting marshmallows for s'mores while the fire keeps the nighttime chill at bay.
07 Smith Tower Observatory
Smith Tower Observatory is the oldest observation deck in Seattle, erected in 1914, and it holds a certain historic charm that makes for a memorable date night. While it was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at 35 floors tall, it's now the smallest of the three observatories in the city. What it lacks in height, it makes up in spades with character.
Dress up for an unforgettable time in a speakeasy-themed bar with a unique menu. While you imbibe, you're free to marvel at the 360-degree view of glistening city lights (or each other).
08 Underground Tour
Did you know that the Seattle you see today isn't the original one? After the Great Fire of 1889, much of the city had to be rebuilt. Remnants of old structures remain, now underground.
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour takes you on a 75-minute expedition through what's left while tour guides weave historic tales that bring the ruins to life.
This is one date you won't want to dress up too much for, though. Expect plenty of stairs and walking, so dress comfortably for the weather. If you get scared, you can always give your love's hand an extra squeeze for comfort.
09 Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden
Savor the flavors of the Pacific Northwest at Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden. With spacious outdoor seating surrounded with greenery during the summer months and heated and covered when the Seattle chill settles in, it's an amazing casual date location for brew connoisseurs.
You won't find much to munch on here, but the bar encourages you to bring your own takeout or order delivery. Order your favorites and tuck in while washing it down with seasonal drinks.
10 Seattle Pinball Museum
Are you or your date into gaming? Pick up tickets to the Seattle Pinball Museum and prepare for hours of nostalgic fun and friendly competition.
Once you pay to get in, you can play unlimited pinball games on over 60 retro machines, complete with flashing lights and bright colors. Some of these machines date back to the '60s and are sure to win over a gamer's heart.
11 The Pink Door Dinner Show
A dinner date is nice, but elevating it with a show is even better. At The Pink Door, you'll find nightly entertainment of all kinds. Check the calendar and find a show that speaks to you from a robust selection of burlesque, cabaret, music, trapeze and more.
As the show captivates you, delight in mouthwatering Italian cuisine hand-crafted with locally sourced produce and meats. Pair the meal with some antipasti and hand-picked wines for a memorable experience.
12 Stargazing at Goldendale Observatory
Though Seattle shines with things to do, its skies aren't the greatest when you want an unadulterated view of the stars. Pack up for a road trip and traverse the 3.5 hours to Goldendale Observatory for crystal-clear skies (if the weather cooperates) and innumerable stars twinkling overhead on a romantic getaway.
Visitors without reservations can't access the park grounds after sunset, and you can't camp out here, but you're near numerous areas that offer lodging.
13 Escape Room Challenge
Need a quick, quirky date night idea? Check out one of the many escape rooms in Seattle. Race against time with your beloved as you communicate and corroborate to solve puzzles and discover mysteries.
It can be tough to find escape rooms for two, but they do exist if you want it to be a private affair. Otherwise, the more the merrier. Grab another couple you're friends with and test your wit while you search for your escape.
14 Volunteer Park Conservatory
The Victorian-style greenhouse sitting in the northern part of Volunteer Park is just begging to be explored. The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a stunning botanical garden conservatory designed to replicate London's Crystal Palace and features five distinct environments for the ultimate botanical adventure.
A nighttime trek through the conservatory shines the whole garden in a new light. The carefully crafted lighting accentuates the beauty of the exotic plants and flowers around you. Admire the thriving blooms as you stroll hand-in-hand or snap a few romantic pictures as keepsakes.
15 Jazz Night at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley
Get in the groove and let the rhythm of smooth jazz move you and your date night into a romantic mood. Jazz night at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley is always an eventful affair, and it gets even better when you pair it with dinner.
This jazz theater is best known for its delectable food, amazing music and intimate setting. Virtually every table has a fantastic view of the stage.
16 Chocolate Tasting at the Theo Chocolate Flagship Store
Theo Chocolate, started out in Seattle, and while it's gone global, the flagship store remains open to visitors. Indulge in delectable confections that can rival your date's sweetness together at an in-store tasting experience.
Led by an expert chocolatier, you'll explore the art of chocolate making and tempering while tasting a sampling of Theo Chocolate's finest morsels. Plus, you'll have plenty of sweets to take home after creating your very own chocolate bark.
17 Kerry Park Evening Views
Want to appreciate the beauty of Seattle's skyline twinkling at night? One of the quieter places to do so is at Kerry Park, where you'll have a front-row seat to the Space Needle. If you get there before sunset on a clear night, you might even be treated to a glimpse of Mt. Rainier in the background for a quintessential panoramic view.
Choose a spot and nestle in close for a peaceful, romantic moment as you bask in each other's presence.
18 Hot Tub Boat on Lake Union
What do you get when you combine a boat with a hot tub? You'll find out at Hot Tub Boats on Lake Union. You or your date must be 21 or older to rent one, but they're available seven days a week year-round for an adventure you'll never forget.
Don't worry about knowing how to boat—you control it with a simple joystick. Sit back, relax, and soak in nice, hot water while enjoying some of the best views Seattle has to offer.
19 Paramount Theatre Show
The Paramount Theatre might look like a simple brick building outside, but the interior is a true work of art. Inside, you're embraced by warm, inviting design elements that make it look more akin to a royal theater than a simple arts venue.
Year-round, all sorts of shows pop up, from quirky video game-themed symphony orchestras to Broadway shows. Check out what shows are taking the stage when you'll be in Seattle and see if one piques your interest. Don't forget to take a few pictures together while you navigate its ornately decorated halls.
20 Moonlit Kayaking on Lake Washington
If you or your partner fancy yourself as an outdoor enthusiast, a nighttime kayaking tour on Lake Washington may be just the kind of date to spice things up. As the sun sets beyond the city skyline, it paints the lake's surface in vivid colors. When darkness finally blankets over, downtown dazzles in the distance.
For a more romantic evening, take a tandem boat, letting you stay close together as you embark on your adventure. With the sound of gentle waves serenading you and good company, you're sure to have a good time.
Some kayak rental companies will run regular tours for an adventure like this, providing all essential gear. All you have to do is show up to the right place at the right time.
21 Wrapping it up
Planning a date night in Seattle is far from difficult. From kayaking to soaking in a hot tub or appreciating the city's breathtaking views with your partner at your side, there are plenty of unique, romantic, quirky and fun date opportunities in the Emerald City. Pick something you both can enjoy and watch your relationship blossom and flourish as you make the most of your time in Seattle.
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