Whether you’ve been dating someone for two weeks, two months, or two years, date night is important. After all, it’s a time you both dedicate to spending time together and enjoying each other’s company.
That said, it’s easy to get in a rut when it comes to coming up with date ideas in a city like Seattle, Washington. Maybe you’re tired of the same old spots or interested in something new and exciting. Whatever the case, we’re here to help you plan a successful date!
In our guide below, we’ve picked some of our all-time favorite date spots in Seattle. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a laidback outing, our list of date ideas in Seattle covers it all!
The Seattle Waterfront is the epitome of romance, with its sweeping views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in the distance. For this date idea in Seattle, take a stroll with your sweetheart along the waterfront, stop in for a bowl of clam chowder at Ivar’s Acres of Clams, and then cozy up in a gondola on the Seattle Great Wheel. Towering 175 feet high, the Ferris wheel is the largest observation wheel on the West Coast and promises to serve up some legendary views.
Sure, the Seattle Waterfront is lovely to admire from the land, but why not see it from a different perspective? When you and your honey climb aboard a private charter, you’ll get to take in the views of the waterfront from a seat on your very own sailboat. This romantic date idea in Seattle invites you to cruise around the sparkling Puget Sound with the wind in your sails.
When it comes to cute date ideas in Seattle, we love nothing more than a day spent exploring the stalls at Pike Place Market. Considered one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the U.S., this market is a slice of history, where you’ll find everything from antique dealers to produce stands. You and your date will love getting lost in all the stalls, stumbling across trinkets and treasures, and sampling the tasty treats along the way.
If you’re interested in a quiet, intimate place where you can get to know each other better, look no further than the Washington Park Arboretum. This peaceful spot features 230 acres of gardens that offer a lovely backdrop for a picnic in the grass or a stroll along the walking trails. From the enchanting views of Lake Washington to the colorful blooms in the Japanese Garden, this park knows how to create a romantic ambiance.
When it comes to the best date spots in Seattle, nothing is quite as majestic as The Loupe, located in the Space Needle. The out-of-this-world restaurant sits 500 feet in the air and features a revolving glass floor where you can see straight down to the street below. Yes, the restaurant slowly spins, making a full revolution every 30 minutes, ensuring you get to enjoy all the best angles of the city’s skyline. Sip cocktails paired with some delicious fare, and rest easy knowing you’ve taken this date to new heights.
Why spend date night in Seattle at an ordinary bar when you could venture into an old-timey speakeasy? Invite your honey along for a drink at The Alley, arguably the best-kept secret in town, where it’s up to you to find the entrance to this hidden spot. Once you find your way in through the secret entrance, you’ll be treated to jazz-era cocktails and live music, setting the scene for a whimsical night out on the town.
If you and your date love cats and coffee, then this cute date idea in Seattle was made for you in mind! You see, NEKO is a cafe that features food and beverages with a side of adoptable cats. You and your partner can make reservations to enjoy some coffee (or beer and wine) and socialize with cats who are in need of forever homes. Just beware; the cuteness factor is real, and you might be tempted to bring a furry feline friend home with you!
Are you an adventurous duo? If so, then spend the day at Vertical World Seattle (considered America’s first climbing gym!), where you can scramble up the rock walls. Not only is this date idea in Seattle a great way to get a workout in, but it also poses physical challenges that you and your partner can work to overcome together. After breaking a sweat and conquering new heights, zip over to nearby Salt and Straw for some much-deserved ice cream treats!
The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh oysters, so it’s the perfect excuse to see if they truly are aphrodisiacs once and for all. Slurp some down at Frank’s Oysters House and Champagne Parlor—a favorite spot in town, where you’ll enjoy good eats and even better conversation. This laidback, rustic eatery welcomes you to stop in for happy hour or stick around for the delicious surf-and-turf dinner menu.
If you and your date have already visited all the art exhibits and cultural showcases in town, then it’s time to set your sights on a different kind of museum: The Seattle Pinball Museum. As you might have guessed, this museum is dedicated to the arcade machine. With vintage pinball machines ranging from 1961 to the present day, the expertly curated collection showcases the history of this ever-popular game. And the best part? There are over 50 pinball machines you and your date can try your hand at while challenging each other to some friendly competition!
If you’re looking to make a big impression, then our final date idea in Seattle is sure to blow your partner away. For this idea, reserve a private hot air balloon ride for two and take to the skies. You’ll gently glide through the air in a basket with a front-row view of epic sights from Mount Rainier to Puget Sound. As you’re cuddled close with the sun setting in the background, you’ll soon realize this magical date idea will be hard to top.
Whether you’re looking to score a second date or simply show your partner how much you care, be sure to consider these cute date ideas in Seattle.