Looking for Phoenix date ideas? It can be hard to decide how best to spend time with your special someone with so many fun things to do in Phoenix.
Don’t worry, that’s where I come in. My boyfriend and I have been trying out the best dates in Phoenix for the last year. We’ve discovered gems all over the valley in search of the perfect date night ideas in Phoenix.
This guide covers everything from cheap date ideas to all-out extravaganzas, plus unexpected experiences I highly recommend!
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Best Phoenix Date Ideas
Tempe Town Lake
Rent paddle boats or go for a peaceful stroll on the outskirts of Tempe.
📍 Google Maps | Tempe Town Lake Website | ☀️ Best for: Outdoor Lovers
Tempe Town Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona and the perfect place to go on a date. Visiting is a great way to spend quality time with your special someone — without spending any money.
Take a romantic stroll along the shoreline or rent a paddleboard or paddle boat. This is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset with my boyfriend.
Spend a carefree evening on the water away from the hubbub of the city. This cheap date idea is equal parts wholesome and fun. You can easily get to know your partner on a peaceful night at this desert oasis.
Wonderspaces
Explore some of the coolest interactive art exhibits in Scottsdale at Fashion Square Mall.
📍 Google Maps | Wonderspaces Website | 💖 Best for: First Dates
Head to Wonderspaces if you want to impress your date. This trendy art exhibition inside Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale changes throughout the year. Each visit warrants a new experience.
Order cocktails at the full bar, then compare opinions on the 14 unique exhibits. I love how you can immerse yourself in the art here. This is a great first-date idea since it’s in a low-pressure and highly-interactive setting.
Phoenix Suns
Cheer for the Suns alongside your boo at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.
📍 Google Maps | Footprint Center Website | 🏀 Best for: Basketball Fanatics
Surprise your date with tickets to the next Phoenix Suns game at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. The basketball season typically runs from October through April.
You can find great deals at low-profile games, or you can get up close and personal for a higher price tag. This is a thrilling and unforgettable way to spend time with your Devin Booker-obsessed date (AKA you).
Old Town Scottsdale
Order fancy cocktails at swanky bars or go clubbing with the whole friend group.
📍 Google Maps | Old Town Scottsdale Website | 🕺 Best for: Group Dates
Scottsdale is one of the best places to visit in Arizona. Old Town is bustling with a million different date opportunities. You can take your sweetheart to a fancy dinner or get drinks at a high-end cocktail lounge. You’ll spend some money here, but it’s worth getting a little fancy now and then.
Old Town is one of my favorite places to go on group dates with my favorite people. It’s tons of fun to get dressed up and dance with your date and all your other friends. The clubs are second to none in this hopping area. Remember to drink responsibly!
Phoenix Art Museum
Peruse local and internationally renowned artists alike in this prolific art museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phoenix Art Museum Website | 🖼️ Best for: Art Lovers
The Phoenix Art Museum is easily my favorite museum in the city. There are a variety of displays for every kind of art-lover. This air-conditioned attraction is the perfect way to get out of the house with your loved one on a hot summer day.
You’ll enjoy the stimulating exhibits even if you aren’t a major art fan. There’s something for everyone at the Phoenix Art Museum. This is a great date idea if you want to spend quality time in a laid-back setting.
Imagine 3D Mini Golf
Nothing says “date night” like mini golf, but this hidden gem adds a unique 3D flair!
📍 Google Maps | Imagine 3D Mini Golf Website | ⛳ Best for: Double Dates
This popular mini-golf hangout is one of the best things to do in Phoenix. I went on a double date here over the summer and we all had a blast enjoying some friendly competition in a cool, glow-in-the-dark setting. This is a great date night idea in addition to dinner or a movie.
Mini-golf has always been a stereotypical date idea. That’s why I love how Imagine 3D brings a new twist to a timeless date. I guarantee you’ve never golfed in a place like this!
Japanese Friendship Garden
Walk hand-in-hand through beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
📍 Google Maps | Japanese Friendship Garden Website | 🎎 Best for: Peaceful Date Night
Okay, we get it. You’re more than friends. That shouldn’t stop you from watering the roots of your relationship at the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden! This place is home to some of my fondest memories with my boyfriend and I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable time, too.
This is easily one of the most romantic places in downtown Phoenix. The gorgeous flowers, ponds, and artwork make this Roosevelt Row attraction so wonderful. Check out its website for special monthly events to experience the gardens in a new light with your boo.
Rooftop Cocktails
Your date + the sunset = best views ever.
🍸 Best for: Special Occasions
Want an easy date idea that’s sure to wow your special someone? Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar at sunset in downtown Tempe.
There are several spots you can check out. My favorite is Skysill at The Westin — one of the best places to stay in Phoenix. Sit close and admire the beauty of Arizona from the top floor as the sun dips over the valley.
The Van Buren
Fall in love with the music and your date at this intimate venue in downtown Phoenix.
📍 Google Maps | The Van Buren Website | 🎶 Best for: Concert Goers/Music Lovers
Music and love are in the air! The Van Buren is one the best concert venues in Arizona. This small theater lets you get up close and personal with incredible talents. Tickets are usually less than $50, so you won’t break the bank for this special date.
This is bound to be one of your favorite Phoenix dates if you and your hunny have the same taste in music. You can also explore other fun downtown attractions and grab dinner together from one of the city’s best restaurants before the show.
Desert Botanical Garden
Sonoran plant life and love blossom at this enchanting Phoenix hotspot.
📍 Google Maps | Desert Botanical Garden Website | 🌵 Best for: Nature Lovers
We support conservation and your relationship around here. Let your love bloom at the Desert Botanical Gardens. This major Phoenix attraction is one of the most beloved in the city, and for good reason. It’s a gorgeous place filled with Sonoran Desert flora and fauna.
Explore beautiful artwork and plant life through the vibrant garden walkways with your special someone by your side. This is a pricier date since tickets aren’t exactly cheap, so you might opt to do this on a special occasion.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
You’ll literally be on Cloud 9 overlooking Phoenix with your significant other.
📍 Google Maps | Rainbow Ryder’s Website | 🎈 Best for: Anniversaries & Thrill Seekers
Take your relationship to new heights! This enchanting experience with Rainbow Ryders is sure to make it into your scrapbooks. It’s a bit pricey, but a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride is worth every penny. Book a sunrise or sunset flight, but do note that sunset flights don’t run year-round.
A hot air balloon ride over Deer Valley is an unforgettable date idea with an unforgettable person. Consider it as an anniversary gift or a thrilling addition to the weekend plans. You can even book a private two-person ride (best proposal spot ever!!). This is hands down one of the coolest things to do in Phoenix, date or no date.
First Friday
Spend a few hours perusing artwork and local creations at this popular downtown event.
📍 Google Maps | Roosevelt Row Website | 🎨 Best for: Creative Couples
Downtown Phoenix is one of the biggest hotspots for arts and culture in Arizona. This statement is never more true than on First Fridays.
This self-guided event features art galleries, local pop-up shops, street art, live music, food trucks, and more on Roosevelt Row. This event will get you and your partner into the spirit of Phoenix culture. Buy your date a creative gift to really put the ‘art’ in ‘heart.’
Hike in Papago Park
Take a relaxing hike through the red rocks to romantic lookouts over the city.
📍 Google Maps | Papago Park Website | 🥾 Best for: Outdoorsy Couples
Tell your date to take a hike (with you, of course). I get that it’s not always the cutest look to aggressively sweat in front of someone you want to impress. That’s why Papago Park is the perfect place to hike with your special someone.
Some of the best hikes near Phoenix are quite hard, like those in South Mountain Park. The trails in Papago Park are very mild, so you won’t be wheezing all the way to the views. You’ll have the perfect glisten that will be sure to catch your date’s eye. I recommend setting out a little before sunset so you can admire nature along with your SO.
Bowlero
Bowling and arcade games are the fastest way to your honey’s heart.
📍 Google Maps | Bowlero Website | 🎳 Best for: Weekday Date Night
You’ll love date night at Bowlero if you’re a competitive partner like me. My boyfriend is an impressive bowler (which is kind of concerning to me), so we spend quite a bit of time at the lanes. We always have a ball together, especially on weekdays when it’s not super crowded.
Make sure to end your night with some lighthearted competition at the arcade. The photo booth is a must! This old-school date idea is super fun, simple, and guaranteed to succeed.
Puzzle Effect Escape Room
Find out how well you and your partner work together in this challenging setting.
📍 Google Maps | Puzzle Effect Website | 🤔 Best for: Those Who Like a Challenge
Everybody loves a challenge. Puzzle Effect is one of the most highly-rated escape rooms in Phoenix. Even those with exceptional detective skills will need to think outside of the box to conquer this challenge. See how well you and your date work together at this quirky attraction. You’ll both rave about this thrilling experience for weeks to come.
Board and Brush
Get creative (and a little tipsy) with this super fun activity you and your SO will love.
📍 Google Maps | Board and Brush Website | 🍷 Best for: Wine/Art Lovers
You’ve probably heard of this one before. This artsy date idea isn’t all that original, but it’s undoubtedly a blast. Split a bottle of your favorite wine while painting a beautiful (or not-so-beautiful) scene.
The creative prompts change daily at Board and Brush, so you and your date will create something new with each visit. You’ll smile every time you look at that hideous desert scene that you and your boo hung proudly on the wall.
Phoenix Zoo
Get a little wild at this world-class zoo in central Phoenix.
📍 Google Maps | Phoenix Zoo Website | 🐘 Best for: Animal Lovers
Does anyone ever grow out of their zoo phase? I know I haven’t. Zoo dates are a super sweet way to spend a wholesome day with your loved one. Book admission tickets and take your time exploring exhibits featuring over 3,000 animals across 125 acres. You two can definitely spend all day here.
Make sure to get tickets for Zoo Lights if you’re in town in December, one of the best times to visit Arizona. This dazzling holiday event is breathtaking, just like your date.
Tempe Improv
Laugh with your lover at one of the funniest comedy clubs in the Southwest.
📍 Google Maps | Tempe Improv Website | 🤣 Best for: Comedy Fans
Do you know your date’s sense of humor? Go catch a show at Tempe Improv to find out. This popular place features a wide range of comics from local performers to international headliners. My boyfriend and I were in tears at Sarah Berner’s show this year. It’s impossible to have a bad time at this comedy club. Bonus – general admission is super affordable!
Dinner on Roosevelt Row
Get dressed up and indulge in the finest food and drinks in the greater Phoenix area.
📍 Google Maps | Roosevelt Row Website | 🍽️ Best for: Special Occasions
This date idea in Phoenix offers a ton of freedom. Roosevelt Row is the most artsy part of the entire city. You can grab dinner at one of the best Phoenix restaurants, then grab a drink at a cozy brewery or speakeasy. This idea is simple, sweet, and never misses.
Sometimes getting dinner and drinks is the best kind of date. You can switch up the restaurant for a brand-new experience every time. And it’s always fun to get dressed up after a long span of the same-old-same-old. Roosevelt Row is sure to offer a myriad of options for the two of you to enjoy every single visit.
Drive-In Movie
Old-school romance is alive in Glendale, AZ. This one’s perfect for summer nights!
📍 Google Maps | West Wind Website | 📽️ 🚙 Best for: Old-School Romantics
A drive-in movie is the perfect date idea if you’re a classic romantic. West Wind brings the magic of the silver screen to Arizona as the largest drive-in theater chain in the U.S. It’s located in Glendale and easy to get to from nearly anywhere in the greater Phoenix area.
Choose from six films a night, including some of the newest releases in theaters. Tickets are super cheap (less than $10) and the drive-in runs specials now and then with even cheaper deals. This is a wonderful way to have a laid-back yet unforgettable date with your favorite person.
OdySea Aquarium
Experience the magic of ocean life in the desert at the largest aquarium in the Southwest.
📍 Google Maps | OdySea Aquarium Website | 🐠 Best for: First Dates
If you’re an ocean lover like me, you and your honey will delight in an aquarium date. OdySea is the largest aquarium in the Southwest. Admire the beautiful marine creatures and don’t forget to tell your date you think she’s prettier than all of them. Try to mean it. 😉
You’re guaranteed a day’s worth of entertainment and awe amid over 65 exhibits and 6,000 animals. Even the bathrooms are incredible (you’ll find out why). Come face-to-face with an adorable penguin, hand-feed stingrays, and more. This cute date idea will leave you and your sweetheart feeling mesmerized by the beauty of sea life in the desert.
FAQs About Planning a Date in Phoenix
What are some romantic date ideas in Phoenix?
A hot air balloon ride,drive-in movie, or paddle boat around Tempe Town Lake are some romantic date ideas in Phoenix.
What are some good first-date ideas in Phoenix?
Wonderspaces and Tempe Town Lake are some good first-date ideas in Phoenix because they offer interesting things to do in low-pressure settings. They’re also cheap or free!
What are some good anniversary date ideas in Phoenix?
Fancy dinner on Roosevelt Row, a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden or Japanese Friendship Garden, or a hot air balloon ride are good anniversary date ideas in Phoenix. They’re a little pricier than other recommendations, but special occasions call for extravagance!
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Now you’re ready to conquer Phoenix with that special someone! I hope this article gave you plenty of fun Phoenix date ideas to keep things interesting for months to come. Share your favorite dates in the comments, and don’t miss my guide on day trips from Phoenix for even more suggestions!
