25+ Seattle Date Ideas: Fun and Romantic Activities for Couples (2024)
Looking for some fun and unique date ideas in Seattle? You're in the right place! Seattle is a great city for couples looking to spend some quality time together. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and delicious coffee shops, there's something for everyone in the Emerald City.
Y'all know we loooove coffee shops, so Seattle is a place that's been on our bucket list for quite some time.
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One great option for a Seattle date is to head to Pike Place Market, one of the city's most iconic attractions. Here, you can sample some of the city's best food and drink, browse local crafts and art, and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling market.
If you're looking for a more active date, consider a bike ride along the Burke-Gilman Trail, which offers miles of scenic trails and beautiful views of Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains.
For a more romantic setting, head to Kerry Park, which offers panoramic views of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Whether you're looking for a fun day trip or a romantic evening out, Seattle is the perfect spot for your next date.
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Iconic Landmarks
Seattle is a city full of iconic landmarks that make for great date spots. Here are some of the most famous ones you should consider visiting:
Space Needle
The Space Needle is one of Seattle's most famous landmarks and a must-visit spot for any tourist – or local, if you haven't been in a while. You can take an elevator to the top and enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the entire city and beyond.
It's a great place to watch the sunset or have a romantic dinner at the revolving restaurant. The Space Needle is also a popular spot for marriage proposals, so… *hint hint* 😉
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a bustling public market that has been around since 1907. It's a great place to stroll around and explore the various stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, crafts, and more.
Watch the famous fish throwing at the Pike Place Fish Market or grab a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks. Pike Place Market is a popular spot for foodies, so if you and your date love trying new foods, this is the place to be.
Don't think Starbucks is the only option for coffee, though. It is Seattle, after all! Here are the best coffee spots in Seattle that aren't Starbucks.
Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel, located at Pier 57, is a giant Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city and the waterfront.
You can enjoy a 15-minute ride in one of the enclosed gondolas and take in the beautiful scenery. While a daytime date is perfectly fine, it is especially magical at night when the city lights up. *ooh la la*
Sky View Observatory
The Sky View Observatory is located on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center and offers breathtaking views of Seattle from above. It's the tallest observatory in the Pacific Northwest. You can see up to 60 miles in every direction on a clear day!
We think it's a great place to visit during the day or at night. If time allows, definitely make a visit for each!
Outdoor Activities
Seattle is a city that is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. While the weather isn't perfect all of the time, there are soooo many outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your partner. Here are some that made our bucket list.
Lake Union
Lake Union is a great place to visit if you are looking for a romantic outdoor date. Rent a kayak or a paddle-board and explore the lake. There are also many restaurants and cafes near the lake where you can grab a bite to eat – or a delicious coffee. 😉 Because what's a date without coffee?!
Discovery Park
If you're looking for a romantic date spot in Seattle, Discovery Park is a great option. With its beautiful trails and stunning views of the Puget Sound, it's the perfect place for a romantic hike or picnic.
You can also visit the West Point Lighthouse, which is located within the park and offers a picturesque backdrop for a romantic stroll, weather allowing.
Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a great choice for a date spot in Seattle. With its long beach strip stretching over 2.5 miles, it's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Made famous by its appearance in the film ‘Sleepless in Seattle‘, this nostalgic seaside town offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can cycle down the bike paths, enjoy stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, and even take a free tour of Alki Lighthouse on summer afternoons.
Be sure to snap a picture with a Statue of Liberty replica. And if you're feeling hungry, you must try some fish and chips at Spuds, Seattle's first fast food restaurant.
To see the beach from a different perspective, as long as you don't get seasick of course… take a harbor cruise or seaplane flight over Seattle. With so much to do and see, Alki Beach is a great choice for a romantic date.
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a former gasification-plant-turned-park located in the Fremont neighborhood. The park offers stunning views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline. It is a great place to go for a picnic or to fly a kite.
Bring your phone (or camera!) because you're going to want to take lotttts of pics. Trust us on this one!
Looking for even more outdoor date ideas? Visit Lakeside South Lake Union, Golden Gardens Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Snoqualmie Falls, Woodland Park Zoo, or hike along the Burke Gilman Trail. You'll never run out of new places to visit.
Art and Culture
Seattle is known for its vibrant art and culture scene. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there are plenty of places to explore and admire art in all its forms. My husband and I love art – whether it's in an art museum or graffiti art on the walls downtown, it makes our hearts happy to see art everywhere!
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a world-class museum that features a diverse collection of art from around the world. The museum has three locations: SAM Downtown, Asian Art Museum, and Olympic Sculpture Park.
SAM downtown is located just one block from Pike Place Market. The museum offers a diverse range of art that bridges cultures and centuries. From ancient artifacts to modern installations, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
You can take a leisurely stroll through the galleries, admiring the intricate details of each piece, or participate in one of the many events and programs offered by the museum. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique date idea, the Seattle Art Museum is a great choice.
It's also worth noting that the Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that it is located on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. This acknowledgement demonstrates the museum's commitment to honoring the ongoing connection between these communities and the land.
By visiting the museum, you will learn about the rich history and culture of the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home for thousands of years.
A date at the Seattle Art Museum is not only a fun and engaging experience, but also an opportunity to learn and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up our world.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is an awe-inspiring museum that features the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. If you've never seen his work, it is life-changing. So beautiful! We've seen it across the US, including in St. Louis, Missouri at the Botanical Gardens.
The museum showcases Chihuly's glass sculptures in a stunning garden setting. You can explore the indoor galleries, which feature Chihuly's intricate glass sculptures, and then step outside to admire his larger-than-life installations in the garden.
You'll want to spend alllll day here, and take lots of photos! Talk about Insta-worthy! I mean, just look at my mom and dad! Aren't they the freaking cutest?!
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre park that features large-scale sculptures by world-renowned artists. You'll see abstract sculptures here as well as figurative.
The park is located on the waterfront and offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
The Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) is located in the historic Volunteer Park and features art from across Asia. The museum's collection includes ancient Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, and contemporary Korean art. SAAM also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the diversity of Asian art and culture.
Seattle's art and culture scene is rich and diverse, and these are just a few of the many places to explore and appreciate it!
Romantic Dining
Seattle is known for its vibrant food scene, and it's no surprise that there are plenty of romantic dining options in the city. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, Moroccan cuisine, or sushi, Seattle has something for everyone. Here are some of the best romantic dining options in the city.
The Pink Door
The Pink Door offers a variety of delicious food options that are sure to please any palate. The menu is inspired by the owner's Italian roots and features classic Italian dishes with a modern twist.
Some popular menu items include the spaghetti con carciofi, which is fresh artichokes, parsley, garlic, bread crumbs and the finest olive oil; and the lasagna Pink Door, which is fresh spinach pasta layered with besciamella, pesto, and topped with marinara sauce. Um, yum!!
The Pink Door also offers a variety of small plates and appetizers, such as the antipasti platter and the bruschetta. And for dessert, be sure to try the bongo bongos! They're delicious vanilla cream-filled puffs served with warm chocolate sauce. We're drooling.
Love wine? They have an extensive wine list featuring Italian and Pacific Northwest wines, as well as a full bar with creative cocktails. With its delicious food and drink options, The Pink Door is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, or even a group date.
Since 1981, The Pink Door has been a beloved establishment that pairs delicious food with a sense of community, culture, and generosity of spirit.
In addition to great food, The Pink Door offers a variety of alluring and compelling entertainment options.
“Cabaret. Trapeze. Music. Tarot. Surprises! Since 1981 The Pink Door has provided nightly entertainment to amuse and provoke. From the trapeze artist writhing above the dining room, to kinetic jazz ensembles, to our roving Tarot reader and popular cabaret acts, nights at The Pink Door bring delightful distractions.”
And with its intimate and cozy atmosphere, it's the perfect place for a romantic date night. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun night out, The Pink Door is sure to impress.
If you're wondering, yes, there is a dress code:
Our inhibitions are few and we favor individuality. You have a better chance of getting in if you don't look like a tourist from a cruise ship. Get inspired! Be creative. Try to match the aesthetically pleasing ambience we have worked hard to create.
Reservations are a good idea. You can make them here.
Mbar
Mbar is a rooftop restaurant located on the 14th floor that offers stunning views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as lamb kebabs and grilled octopus, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list.
You can't go wrong with the mbar old fashioned, sangria, or nitro espresso martini.
Feeling adventurous? Try the three girl rhumba (vodka, peach, elderflower, angostura bitters, lemon).
Their chicken wings get great reviews, especially the sweet chili pomegranate… now those sound interesting! They have oysters, rakakat (lebanese cheese rolls), and small plates like melon & tomato salad, and green pea falafel. Peep the entire mbar menu here.
The cozy indoor seating area is perfect for a romantic dinner, but the outdoor patio is the real star of the show. Snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy the breathtaking views with your significant other.
From the downtown skyline to the Olympic Mountain Range, the views from Mbar are truly impressive. The terrace is an impressive 2,800 square feet, with two-thirds outside and one-third inside. It is the perfect spot for social and sunny cocktails during Happy Hour, vibrant sunset photo opps, or cozy gatherings by one of the fire-pit lounge areas.
This place is poppin', so reservations are recommended.
Love rooftop dining? Here's a list of the best rooftop bars in Seattle!
Unique Date Ideas
If you're looking for something a little different for your next date in Seattle, consider these unique ideas that are sure to impress.
Cooking Classes
Get hands-on and learn to cook a new dish together at one of Seattle's many cooking classes. Not only will you get to enjoy a delicious meal, but you'll also get to spend quality time together and learn something new.
Check out Sur La Table for their date night cooking classes or Blue Ribbon Cooking for their couples cooking classes. Expect to pay $150-ish per person, or $250-ish for a couple for date night cooking classes at most mid-range places. Prices can be higher or lower.
Glass Blowing
Create a one-of-a-kind keepsake together with a glassblowing class. You'll learn the basics of glassblowing and get to create your own glass piece to take home.
Check out Seattle Glassblowing Studio for their classes and workshops. They even have a virtual option, if you're looking for a nice date night in.
Hot Tub Boat
Take to the water in a Hot Tub Boat for a truly unique and relaxing experience. You'll get to soak in a hot tub while cruising around Lake Union and taking in the stunning Seattle skyline. Doesn't get much better than that.
I'm not a boat person, but a hot tub boat? Sign me up! Check out Hot Tub Boats Seattle to book your hot tub boat adventure.
Fun fact: Each Hot Tub Boat is handcrafted in Seattle.
You must be 21 to rent a hot tub boat, but no boater's license is required. The hot tub boat capacity is 6 people, and it's $400 for 2 hours.
Haunted Pub Crawl
Experience the spooky side of Seattle with a haunted pub crawl. You'll visit some of the city's most haunted pubs and learn about the ghostly history of the area.
Check out Spooked in Seattle for their haunted pub crawl tours:
“REAL Ghost Stories, by REAL Ghost Hunters.Spooked in Seattle has been taking folks on a ghost adventure since 2004 with their walking tours, haunted pub tours, bus tours and even ghost hunts. Join us for a night of true stories of ghostly encounters, evidence collected on their investigations and the city's history.”
Tours are offered everyday at 6 and 8:15 pm with 10pm tours in October. Prices vary depending on the tour, but average $15 up to $25. Discounts on Military, Students and those over 65yrs. ID is required to receive these discounts.
Day Trips
Seattle is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, making it an ideal location for a day trip. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or just a change of scenery, there are plenty of options for a day trip from Seattle.
Bainbridge Island
Take a 35-minute ferry ride to Bainbridge Island and explore the charming town of Winslow. This picturesque island is just a short 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle and offers stunning views of the Puget Sound.
The ferries run every hour (or less), and the tickets cost around $15-$35 each way. Check the schedule here for the best times to leave (and return to) Seattle.
Once you arrive, you can rent a bike and explore the island, visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, or enjoy a wine tasting at one of the island's many wineries. We love this one-day itinerary for visiting Bainbridge Island from Cultural Foodies.
San Juan Island
If you're looking for a more adventurous day trip, consider taking a whale watching tour to San Juan Island. This beautiful island is home to some of the best whale watching in the world, with orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales all frequently spotted in the waters surrounding the island.
The San Juan Clipper ride from Seattle to San Juan Islands is about four hours. It runs April through October and leaves from Pier 69. You can also take a sea plane, if you're into that kinda thing! I'd lose my lunch…
Because we've never personally done a whale watching tour in San Juan, here's an article that tells you all about the best ones.
You and your honey can also explore the charming town of Friday Harbor, where everything is within walking distance of the ferry landing. There are shuttles, a trolley, and moped rentals so you can get around the island easily.
If weather allows, take a hike in the San Juan Island National Historical Park, and visit the San Juan Island Sculpture Park. It is home to over 150 unique creations (!!) by emerging and world-renowned sculptors. The 20-acre Park is dog-friendly, features five trails, and offers interactive exhibits for both children and adults.
They even offer a monthly bird walk. *swoon*
Mount Rainier Day Trip
For a truly breathtaking day trip, head to Mount Rainier National Park. It's different in every season, so don't write it off if you're a local and you've been there “plenty of times” – it's always worth a visit! We love taking tours with Viator/TripAdvisor… here's one for Mt. Rainier:
Just a two-ish hour drive from Seattle and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire Pacific Northwest. Totally Instaworthy!
From Viator:
This Mt Rainier day trip begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Seattle or near the SeaTac Airport. Then prepare for a narrated, scenic drive featuring Alder Lake Park and the town of Eatonville at the foothills of Mt Rainier.
Stop at Longmire, the visitor center at the southwest corner of the park, to explore their museum and National Park Inn.
Visit Christine Falls, with one of the signature views in Mt Rainier National Park (look for the bridge). Then walk along the Nisqually River up to Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt Rainier State Park.
It’s taller than Niagara Falls at 188 feet. Then it’s off to the pinnacle event of the day: the view at Paradise, which is 5,400 feet above sea level. Purchase lunch here and take in the incredible view of Mt Rainier and the valley below.
Be on the lookout for wildlife wandering around the mountain at any time. During the wintertime, choose from an optional snowshoe or sled adventure, if conditions allow. During the summertime, simply enjoy the scene at Reflection Lake, which provides one of the most iconic views of Mt Rainier. It’s absolutely stunning.
Be sure to bring a camera. Finally, visit the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise to learn more about the history of Mt Rainier, including a brief film about it. Then it’s back down the mountain to hit the road back to Seattle.
Woodinville
If you're a wine lover, a day trip to Woodinville is a must. This charming town is home to over 100 wineries and tasting rooms!
Explore the town's many art galleries and boutiques, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
Feeling rich? We suggest splurging ($305 *cough* thats 4 dollar signs on Google, y'all) on the 9-course menu at The Herbfarm (check their current menu here)!
The Barking Frog is another option (strange name for a fine dining establishment, eh?), with reviews touting it's “the best food you will ever eat” – let us know if you visit… we wanna know if it's really the best!
Don't worry, there are a few places that aren't quite as expensive if you're livin' that budget lifestyle:
- Hollywood Tavern (may want to take an Uber, parking is limited)
- Vivi Pizzeria
- Irene Thai Cuisine
Neighborhood Exploration
Seattle has many neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring with your date. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring each one. Here are a few neighborhoods that you should check out:
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is a great neighborhood for bar hopping. You can find some of the best craft cocktails and beer in the city here.
If you are looking for an intimate setting, check out the speakeasy-style bar, Knee High Stocking Co. They have amazing cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.
Ballard
Ballard is a great neighborhood for a low-key date. There are plenty of breweries and restaurants to choose from, and the neighborhood has a laid-back vibe.
If you are a seafood lover, you should check out The Walrus and the Carpenter. They have some of the best oysters in the city. They're open 4PM-10PM as of the time of this posting, but be sure to check before you go.
After dinner, head over to Stoup Brewing for a pint of beer. They have a great selection of IPAs. For snacks, they've got “Dorito powder popcorn” and spicy sambal cashews, and root beer floats for dessert. Feeling full? Don't worry, your dessert stomach is a totally different stomach – it'll fit!
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is the oldest neighborhood in Seattle and is full of history. You can take a tour of the Underground or visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
After your tour, head over to Damn the Weather for a cocktail. They have a great selection of drinks.
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Entertainment and Nightlife
If you're looking for a fun night out in Seattle, you won't be disappointed. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. From bars and clubs to live performances, there's no shortage of options.
Garage
If you're into live music, you'll definitely want to check out The Garage. This venue hosts a variety of local and national acts, so there's always something new to see.
The Garage has a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for a casual night out. Plus, the drinks are reasonably priced, so you won't break the bank.
Flatstick Pub
For a more low-key night out, head to Flatstick Pub. This bar offers a unique experience that combines craft beer and mini-golf.
You can enjoy a pint while you play a round or two of mini-golf with your date. Flatstick Pub also hosts trivia nights and other events, so be sure to check their calendar to get in on one of the extra fun nights!
Smith Tower
For a romantic night out, head to Smith Tower. This historic building offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
Sip on a cocktail while you take in the sights. Smith Tower also has a speakeasy-style bar, The Observatory, that's perfect for a cozy night out with your date.
What are some late night date ideas in Seattle?
Seattle has plenty of options for late night dates. You can visit one of the city's many rooftop bars, such as the Nest at the Thompson Hotel or the Mbar (mentioned above).
You can also go on a late night food tour, where you can taste some of the city's best food and drinks.
Locals who know their way around town will have no shortage of date night ideas in this beautiful city. If you're a tourist, check out a guided city tour.
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