31 Seattle Date Ideas for 2023 (By a Local)

There’s no shortage of date ideas in Seattle, especially since there are so many things to do in the city for a fun night out. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed and are struggling to find the perfect idea for your next date, I’m here to solve the problem. 

This list includes some incredible Seattle date ideas for people with a wide variety of tastes. I’ve personally experienced many of these dates with my husband, and I’ve included only ones that are guaranteed hits.

Whether you want something adventurous, budget conscious, rainy-day friendly, or ultra-romantic, you’ll find it here. Keep reading to get the scoop on awesome dates in the Emerald City!

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31 Best Seattle Date Ideas

The Alley

Sip jazz-era cocktails and listen to live music at an intimate West Seattle speakeasy

📍 Google Maps | The Alley Website | 💖 Best for: First Dates

If you want to impress your date, take them to The Alley. This well-hidden speakeasy bar is only accessible if you find the secret entrance (hint: pay attention to the lockers). Once inside, you’ll be treated to a small, but magical bar beyond. 

Go on Sunday for their live jazz band and all-day happy hour. Their drinks are expertly crafted and jazz-era inspired, and they have light bites to keep you full for the entirety of your romantic evening.

Ice Cream Cruise

Eat ice cream and root beer floats while cruising through Lake Union

📍 Google Maps | Seattle Water Tours Website | 🎈 Best for: Birthdays 

Get out on the water with your date on an ice cream cruise through Lake Union. You’ll pay $15 to board and then choose between ice cream and root beer floats to snack on for the 45-minute ride.

Check out the houseboats and watch the seaplanes take off as you relax on the deck. This is a great date idea for a birthday celebration (you can even book a private boat for the event). It’s also perfect for new transplants or people visiting Seattle since the tour includes commentary on notable landmarks and Seattle history. 

Finnriver Cidery

Take a day trip to a massive cider farm in Chimacum with delicious drinks and fun events

📍 Google Maps | Finnriver Farm & Cidery Website | 🚘 Best for: Day Trips

If you want to take a day trip from Seattle to somewhere with a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere, Finnriver Cidery is a perfect destination. It’s especially beautiful in the summer when you can wander the spacious farm and see the blooming flowers, check out the orchard, play lawn games, and try a phenomenal cider flight.

There are a variety of food vendors present, and they host tons of events to keep things interesting. You might catch a live music show, or can attend a paint and sip night, trivia, dance lessons, puppet performances, and more. 

Century Ballroom

Go swing dancing at a classy ballroom in Capitol Hill

📍 Google Maps | Century Ballroom’s Website | 🌃 Best for: Late Night Dates 

Dance the night away with your date at Century Ballroom. This cool space is on the top floor of the Oddfellows building in Capitol Hill, and they offer swing dancing socials multiple nights of the week.

Prices start at $15 for an instructional 30-minute intro class and the community dance after. There is usually a mix of dancers in attendance, from beginners to experts, so you’ll fit in no matter your level of experience. 

Need to cool off between songs? Swing over to the bar in the building for a cocktail, or pop out to Molly Moon’s around the block to grab some ice cream.

Green Lake Park

Picnic and play at a popular park

📍 Google Maps | Gas Works Park Website | 💖 Best for: Casual Dates

Green Lake Park is one of the most popular parks in Seattle, and it’s a prime place for walking, recreation, and a romantic picnic lunch. Pack a picnic blanket and some sandwiches and set up under a shady tree or near the water to enjoy a lowkey, casual date.

After you finish your lunch, play a game of frisbee or rent a waterbike from the Greenlake Boathouse to get on the water. Then end the night with a drink at one of the many places to eat or pubs in the surrounding area.

Ballard Farmers Market

Meander through a lively Sunday morning farmers market

📍 Google Maps | Ballard Farmers Market Website | 🌅 Best for: Early Birds

Early risers will like the Ballard Farmers Market for a Sunday morning date. While this year-round market can be busy, there’s enough to see and do to make it one of the best farmers markets in the city. 

Peruse the market for fresh and tasty Pacific Northwest produce and handmade goods, stop and chat with the farmers and artisans, and sample delicious pastries, drinks, and more. There are all sorts of food trucks available if you need to stop for breakfast or lunch, and the flower vendors are plentiful so you can leave with a pretty bouquet.

Seattle Ballooning

Take a romantic ride with unbeatable views in a hot air balloon

📍 Google Maps | Seattle Ballooning Website | 💖 Best for: Engagements

A ride with Seattle Ballooning is one of the most epic date ideas for the most romantic of occasions. This hot air balloon company takes you sky high during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views of Seattle, the cascade mountain range, and even Mount Rainier. 

You can book a private or shared flight, and the balloon operator will detail all that you’re seeing and answer all your ballooning questions. After the flight, you’ll celebrate with toasts of champagne.

The entire experience lasts about two and a half hours from start to finish. Since this is one of the pricier things on this list, it’s best reserved for a particularly special occasion like a proposal or honeymoon activity.

Central Cinema

Watch nostalgic movies over a tasty dinner in a beloved Central District theater

📍 Google Maps | Central Cinema Website | ☔ Best for: Rainy Days

Dinner and a movie may be a traditional date idea, but it’s an elevated experience when done at the Central Cinema. This indie movie theater in the Central District is a good rainy day experience for movie aficionados. 

The theater screens nostalgic movies, and also offers a few unique options in the form of “Heckle-vision” (jokes and replying to the characters on the screen allowed), and Music Video Sing-Along Nights (just as fun as it sounds). Whatever you choose, they’ll serve you food directly to your seat so you don’t have to miss a minute of the showing.

Pike Place Market and the Alibi Room

Explore Pike Place Market and enjoy cheap bites at a hidden gem near the gum wall

📍 Google Maps | Pike Place Market Website | 💰 Best for: Budget Date Ideas

Pike Place Market is a classic Seattle date spot that can also be quite budget-friendly. Start by wandering the market, grabbing samples, and picking up a flower bouquet together. Then escape the crowds by heading to the Alibi Room.

This hole-in-the-wall with more locals than tourists is a hidden gem right across from the gum wall. The atmosphere is intimate, laidback, and cool. Go during their daily happy hour for the best prices on a wide range of grub like their pizzas, apples and brie, and spicy mac and cheese.

Flatstick Pub

Play mini golf in a huge pub while sipping tasty beers

📍 Google Maps | Flatstick Pub Website | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Best for: Group Dates

You can’t go wrong with a group date at Flatstick Pub. Come to either location in Pioneer Square or South Lake Union to play mini golf, “duffleboard”, corn hole, air hockey, and more. One location has tacos, the other has pizza. Both have excellent beers and zany artwork decorating the walls. 

Flatstick is popular so expect crowds at either spot. However, since both pubs are huge, they don’t feel too overwhelming even when there are a lot of people.  Come for the beer and games and stay for the good vibes that guarantee a fun night out.

👉 Pro-Tip: You can often find special deals and discounted rates for visits to this pub on Groupon, so be sure to check before you go!

Mount Rainier

Go snowshoeing on Washington’s tallest mountain 

📍 Google Maps | Mount Rainier National Park Website | ⛰️ Best for: Adventurous Couples

A visit to Seattle’s favorite mountain is a great date idea for adventurous couples who like to get outdoors. Many of the hikes in Mount Rainier National Park made my list of the best hikes near Seattle. While summertime hiking is great, going during winter presents yet another fun activity to partake in: snowshoeing. 

There are tons of snowy trails you can tackle with a range of options from beginner-friendly treks to advanced multi-hour, higher elevation journeys. Rent your snowshoeing equipment from places like Crystal Mountain Resort, which also provides you with a snowshoe trail map and helpful tips.

Georgetown Brewery Tour

Explore the thriving brewery scene in the Georgetown neighborhood

📍 Google Maps | Georgetown Brewing Co Website | 🍺 Best for: Beer Lovers

Delicious craft beer is easy to find in Seattle, which is why taking self-guided brewery tours is so much fun. 

Georgetown is one neighborhood well-suited to doing this. There’s a good concentration of Seattle’s top breweries within walking distance of each other in the main commercial district, making it easy to taste a range of Pilsners, IPAs, Stouts, and more.

Start at Georgetown Brewing Co, and make your way down to Jellyfish Brewing and Machine House Brewery. Then venture to wherever your heart desires. This is one of the easiest date ideas in Seattle for people who already love beer, or want to be introduced to Seattle’s awesome beer scene. 

Alki Beach Park

Ride along the Alki Beach waterfront and sample Hawaiian food, beer, and ice cream

📍 Google Maps | Alki Beach Website | ☀️ Best for: Sunny Day Excursions

Alki Beach Park is the epicenter of activity in West Seattle throughout the summer, making it a fun place for a warm-weather date. 

Rent a surrey or electric bikes with Wheel Fun Rentals, and bike along the waterfront to Marination Ma Kai to grab Hawaiian-Korean fusion snacks while admiring the beautiful views of downtown Seattle across the Puget Sound. 

After you ride back, grab ice cream from Homefront Smoothies and Ice Cream to finish off your sweet date in one of Seattle’s best neighborhoods.

Chocolate Factory Tour Theo Chocolate

Tour a chocolate factory in the Fremont neighborhood

📍 Google Maps | Theo Chocolate Website | 🍫 Best for: Sweet Tooths

Take your date on a tour of Seattle’s chocolate factory in Fremont if you have a sweet tooth. The Theo Chocolate Factory Tour experience is a good way to enjoy the confections of this local maker and popular brand. 

Learn about the chocolate-making process all while getting to sample delectable chocolate bars, caramels, and ganache. After the tour, you can stock up on chocolate in their retail shop (with your handy tour discount), and then take a leisurely walk around Fremont to pop into specialty shops and more in the Center of the Universe.

Woodland Park Zoo

Attend a summer evening concert at the zoo

📍 Google Maps | Woodland Park Zoo’s Website | 🎵 Best for: Music Lovers 

You can enjoy the Woodland Park Zoo after hours for a unique date idea. Throughout the summer, the zoo hosts Zoo Tunes, a series of music acts with a variety of artists. 

Purchase your tickets in advance online, and bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the concert in the meadow. You can bring food in coolers or purchase snacks and drinks there. All ticket purchases go to helping animal conservation efforts both locally and globally, so this is a concert you can feel good about attending.

Bouldering at Momentum Indoor Climbing

Go climbing at a bouldering gym and follow it up with locally-made seltzers

📍 Google Maps | Momentum Indoor Climbing Website | 🧗 Best for: Active Couples

Momentum Indoor Climbing is the perfect date destination for active couples. This bouldering gym is a rainy-day friendly spot where you can test your strength and coordination on numerous climbing walls. 

You’ll pay $26 for a day pass and shoe rental, sign a waiver, then watch an intro to climbing video before getting to challenge or cheer on your date on their way up the wall.

After you’ve worked up a sweat (and rinsed off in the on-site showers), head down the street to San Juan Seltzer for some locally made refreshments and a tasty meal.

Cooking Class with the Pantry

Whip up global eats at a small cooking class in Ballard

📍 Google Maps | The Pantry’s Website | 🥘 Best for: Foodies

Instead of going to a sit-down dinner, attend a cooking class with your date and make a meal together. The Pantry is a culinary school in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood that offers some of the best cooking classes in the city.

The Pantry’s in-person cooking classes emphasize making global dishes. You’ll have options for learning how to make Persian kebabs, Northern Mexican Asada, Parisian gnocchi, and more. The venue is intimate and class sizes are small, making it a fun and stress-free environment to hone your cooking skills with your date.

Bainbridge Island Wine Tour

Take a wine tasting tour on an island across the Sound

📍 Google Maps | Bainbridge Island Wine Tour | 🍷 Best for: Wine Lovers 

There are some really fun things to do on Bainbridge Island for a date, but one of the best is booking an all-inclusive wine tasting tour for a stress-free date night experience. You’ll begin the excursion with a ferry ride across the Puget Sound with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains on one side and the Seattle skyline on the other.

You’ll meet up with your tour guide once you arrive. Tours are kept small to ensure the experience feels more personal. The tour will take you through several top-rated wineries on the island, and dinner and transportation are included to further simplify the experience.

Southgate Roller Rink

Roller skate, sing karaoke, and watch live performances in White Center

📍 Google Maps | Southgate Roller Rink Website | 🌃 Best for: Late Night Dates

You’re guaranteed to have a fun time at the Southgate Roller Rink. It’s just outside of Seattle in King County’s unincorporated White Center neighborhood. They have adult-only skate nights every night of the week with different themes (80s, hip hop, old school, etc) to satisfy all crowds. Entry and skate rentals are cheap, and the vibe is upbeat and welcoming. 

Even if you’re not into roller skating, stop by to hang out at the bar which plays great music and has some awesome karaoke and live music performances. 

Treehouse Point

Spend a peaceful and romantic weekend in a treehouse sanctuary

📍 Google Maps | Treehouse Point Website | 💖 Best for: Seattle Weekend Getaway

If a romantic getaway in a literal treehouse sounds intriguing, check out Treehouse Point, which made my list of the best things to do in Washington State. This is the perfect date idea for someone searching for romantic things to do for an anniversary.

To get here, drive to Issaquah where you’ll find a Pacific Northwest forest transformed into a secluded and beautiful treehouse village. When you book a stay at one of their treehouses you’ll get a freshly cooked breakfast every morning and can attend yoga classes or book a massage on-site.

Secret Concert with SoFarSounds

Attend a secret concert in various Seattle neighborhoods

📍 Google Maps | So Far Sounds Website | 🎵 Best for: Music Lovers

Spontaneous couples will enjoy the secret concert series put on by So Far Sounds. Simply choose a date, neighborhood, and the style of venue you want to go to. For a more intimate experience, try out a living room or backyard concert in a residential venue. The concert will feature a line-up of three up-and-coming artists with a small audience. 

The exact location isn’t revealed until 36 hours before the show, creating an element of excitement and exclusivity. This makes it both a fun date idea for music lovers and people who like surprises. 

Seattle Center

Watch an epic laser show then view the city from 600 feet above ground

📍 Google Maps | Seattle Center Website | 💖 Best for: First-Time Visitors

This popular attraction is a top Seattle date night destination for first-time visitors.

Start in the Pacific Science Center for an epic evening laser show featuring a popular artist. Plan to attend one no later than 9 pm because when the show ends you’ll head to the icon of the Seattle Center: the Space Needle.

Ride to the top of the Space Needle and enjoy looking at the glittering nighttime lights of the city with 360- degree views around you, and the revolving glass floor below. After your Space Needle visit, walk an easy half mile to Navy Strength in Belltown to finish off the night with strong drinks at an awesome tropical bar.

Chocolati Cafe

Drink hot chocolate and nibble truffles in some of Seattle’s sweetest coffee shops

📍 Google Maps | Chocolati Cafe Website | ☕ Best for: Coffee Dates

Chocolati Cafe is part coffee shop and part chocolate shop with delectable chocolate truffles and delicious coffee. There are multiple locations throughout north Seattle, though the most popular one is in Greenwood. It’s a sweet place to meet up for that classic Seattle coffee shop date.

The cafe is cozy, and roomy, with plenty of seating indoors and out, and little corners to spend some quality time with your date. If you want more coffee shop options, be sure to bookmark my article detailing additional Seattle coffee shops next.

Discovery Park

Search for wildlife in Seattle’s largest city park

📍 Google Maps | Discovery Park Website | 🌲 Best for: Nature Lovers

Seattle’s largest park in the Magnolia neighborhood is a beautiful setting for a date. Wander through the trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

While you hike along the forested paths, listen and watch for the abundant birdlife living here. Bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls, and hummingbirds are some of the ones you might see. Then make your way down to the shore to see sea lions sun-bathing, herons fishing, seals bobbing in the water offshore, and other sea creatures at low tide. 

Seattle Glassblowing Studio

Make cool creations in a glassblowing class

📍 Google Maps | Seattle Glassblowing Studio Website | ✨ Best for: Crafty Couples

Glass art is big in Seattle, which is why Seattle Glassblowing Studio is such a cool date idea. The studio is located in the Belltown neighborhood and they offer classes to make glass art creations with an expert to guide you through the process.

The studio doubles as an art gallery that you can visit throughout the week, and they even have live glass-blowing demonstrations visitors can attend for free, so you can get a taste of what you’ll be doing.

San Juan Islands

Escape to Washington’s northernmost islands for a special getaway

📍 Google Maps | San Juan Islands Website | 💖 Best for: Anniversaries

The San Juans make for a great weekend getaway from Seattle. They’re accessible only by ferry and the islands are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Washington State, and one of the most romantic spots on the west coast. This is best for a special date like an anniversary or birthday trip. 

Go to San Juan Island, book a whale-watching tour, and watch the sunset from Lime Kiln State Park. Visit Pelindaba Lavender Farm to admire the manicured rows of blooming lavender in the summertime, then eat a romantic dinner at McMillin’s Dining Room.

Museum of Museums

Spend an evening at a contemporary art museum with unusual and interesting exhibits

📍 Google Maps | Museum of Museums Website | 🖼️ Best for: Art Connoisseurs 

Museum of Museums is one of the newer art museums in Seattle. It makes for an artsy date night experience. This contemporary museum in the First Hill neighborhood is a cool place for a midweek or after-work date since the museum opens late on most days and usually stays open until 10 pm. 

Stop by to peruse outside-the-box exhibits by local Seattle artists in a venue well-suited for an immersive art experience. After the museum, finish off the night with a drink at The Hideout, a bar brimming with unique art, making it a sort of mini-museum of its own.

Cherry Blossoms at the University of Washington

Marvel over beautiful beautiful flowers on the University of Washington campus

📍 Google Maps | 🌸 Best for: Springtime Dates

You can only see the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington campus when they’re blooming in late March to early April. Even though this is seasonal, the flowering trees make a romantic setting for a date and are one of the reasons spring is a great time to visit Seattle.

Wander among the pink blooms surrounded by gorgeous gothic architecture. After viewing the blossoms, be sure to stick around and wander up and down the Ave, where you’ll find restaurants and shops offering food, drink, and shopping specials as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

The Nest Rooftop Bar

Savor strong cocktails at an upscale rooftop bar with waterfront views

📍 Google Maps | The Nest Rooftop Bar Website | 💖 Best for: New Couples

Visiting the Nest Rooftop Bar is one of the most romantic things to do for a Seattle date night and a good way to make an impression on a first date. Make a reservation in advance, and dress up to get in the mood.

The views from the top are of the downtown waterfront, the Ferris wheel, and beyond the Sound. The cocktails are just as good as the views. Worried about the rain? They have tent covers in place in case of a drizzle, making this a place you can enjoy even on a rainy day.

👉 Don’t Miss: Rooftop bars aren’t the only places for great views in Seattle. Check out Kerry Park, the Olympic Sculpture Park, Gas Works Park, and the Sky View Observatory in the Columbia Center if you and your date want to see more views of the city and beyond.

Bellevue

Grab Japanese sandwiches to eat on the shores of Lake Washington

📍 Google Maps | 💰 Best for: Budget Date Ideas

While Bellevue is known for being on the pricey side, it can be a great place for a budget-friendly date. Start at Tres Sandwich House, a small takeaway restaurant with an abundant selection of Japanese sandwiches. Hint: arrive early or order ahead of time since this is a popular spot and the sandwiches go fast.

After grabbing your sandwiches, bring them to eat on the shores of Lake Washington at one of Bellevue’s many great beach parks. I strongly suggest Meydenbauer Beach Park, a gorgeous option that made my list of the best things to do in Bellevue.

Bybee Farms

Go blueberry picking in the foothills of an epic mountain

📍 Google Maps | Bybee Farms Website | ☀️ Best for: Late Summer Dates 

Bybee Farms is a blueberry farm at the base of Mount Si about 45 minutes from downtown Seattle, and it’s a perfectly picturesque place for blueberry picking. 

Go on a date here to pick all the blueberries your hearts desire to make jam, cobblers, and smoothies. There are six different varieties of blueberries you can pick yourself and the farm provides all the blueberry picking containers and take-home containers you need. Make sure to bring cash or a check to pay, then get picking.

FAQs About Planning a Date in Seattle

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And that’s a wrap on the best date ideas in Seattle! I hope now you feel confident in planning some romantic things for your next date night in the Emerald City. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time creating some wonderful memories.