On the hunt for Seattle date ideas? I’m a local and I’ve put together this comprehensive list of creative and fun Seattle dates so you can plan the perfect date night!
Try something new and abandon the same old cookie-cutter outings. I’ve experienced the majority of these dates with my husband, and I’ve only included our favorites.
There are so many exciting things to do in the city, whether you’re looking for dates that are budget-conscious, rainy-day friendly, adventurous, or ultra-romantic. I’ve included it all here.
All right, prepare to impress your partner. Here are some awesome Seattle date ideas!
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
29 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
Take your date to The Alley if you want to really impress them. This well-hidden speakeasy is only accessible if you find the secret entrance (hint: pay attention to the lockers). Once inside, you’ll be treated to an intimate bar that’s practically made for romantic conversation.
Go on a Sunday or Monday evening to enjoy a live jazz band performance. The Alley’s drinks are expertly crafted and jazz-era inspired with a good dose of classics like the French 75 and Sidecar. Light bites are available as well.
Ice Cream Cruise
Munch on ice cream and root beer floats while cruising through Lake Union.
📍 Google Maps | Seattle Water Tours Website | 🎈 Best for: Birthdays
What’s one of the best ways to get out on the water in the city? By taking the Seattle Ice Cream Cruise through Lake Union. You’ll pay $18 to board, purchase ice cream or root beer floats for snacking, and settle in for a 45-minute ride.
The Ice Cream Cruise doubles as a tour. The captain gives passengers a good rundown of notable landmarks and Seattle history, so it’s a great experience for both visitors and residents. Learn all about the city’s houseboats, the creation of Gas Works Park, and other interesting tidbits.
Lounge on the deck and watch the seaplanes take off on this sweet and casual date. The cruise operates seasonally and is best taken in the middle of summer.
Finnriver Cidery
Take a day trip to a massive cider farm in Chimacum for delicious drinks and fun events.
📍 Google Maps | Finnriver Farm & Cidery Website | 🚘 Best for: Day Trips
Finnriver Cidery is a perfect destination for a relaxed and easygoing day trip from Seattle.
My husband and I adored our time here! We loved wandering through the massive farm full of colorful flowers and vibrant orchards, playing lawn games, and, best of all, sampling phenomenal cider flights.
Finnriver has a variety of food vendors, so it’s great for lunch and dinner. And there are always fun events to keep things interesting. You might see a live music show, join in on a dance party, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the cider barn, catch an artisan market, and more.
Century Ballroom
Go dancing at a classy ballroom in Capitol Hill.
📍 Google Maps | Century Ballroom’s Website | 🌃 Best for: Late Night Dates
Dance the night away at Century Ballroom. This welcoming space is on the top floor of the Oddfellows building in Capitol Hill and hosts dancing socials multiple nights a week. Try out various styles ranging from bachata and salsa to West Coast Swing and tango.
Prices usually begin around $15 for an instructional 30-minute intro class before the night transitions to the community dance. Expect a mix of dancers in attendance. The space is inclusive and judgment-free, so you’ll fit in no matter your level of experience.
Need to cool off between songs? Swing over to the bar 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 gorgeous place for walking, biking, 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. 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 enjoy the Ballard Farmers Market for a Sunday morning date. This year-round market is usually busy, but that’s only because it’s one of the best farmers markets in the city.
Easily find fresh and tasty produce and handmade goods. Stop and chat with farmers and artisans, sample delicious pastries and drinks, or find a place to sit for some top-tier people and dog-watching.
There are all sorts of food trucks available for breakfast and lunch. Pro-tip, the flower vendors bring only the best blooms — sneak away and surprise your date with a pretty bouquet.
Seattle Ballooning
Take a romantic ride in a hot air balloon with seriously unbeatable views.
📍 Google Maps | Seattle Ballooning Website | 💖 Best for: Engagements
Take a ride with Seattle Ballooning to guarantee an epic date for the most romantic occasions. This hot air balloon company takes you sky high during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views of Seattle, the Cascade Mountains, and 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. This is one of the pricier date ideas on this list, so it’s best reserved for a particularly special occasion like a proposal or honeymoon.
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 offers some unique viewing options too. Go for a “Heckle-vision” screening (making jokes and replying to the characters on the screen allowed), or the Music Video Sing-Along Nights (just as fun as they sound).
Peruse the menu and choose from snacks like fried cheese curds, warm soft pretzels, and tasty pizzas. The servers will bring your food directly to your seat so you don’t have to miss a minute of the showing.
Pike Place Market & Alibi Room
Explore the famous 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, picking out a flower bouquet, and browsing trinkets from hundreds of vendors.
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 cozy and laidback and it’s typically uncrowded considering the location.
Go during the daily happy hour for $5 drinks and the best prices on a wide range of grub like mini pizzas, apples and brie, and spicy mac and cheese.
Flatstick Pub
Play mini golf and other games in a huge pub while sipping tasty beers.
📍 Google Maps | Flatstick Pub Website | 🧑🤝🧑 Best for: Group Dates
I’m convinced you can’t go wrong with a group date at Flatstick Pub.
Go 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, the crowds don’t feel that overwhelming even when at their busiest.
👉 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 favorite mountain .
📍 Google Maps | Mount Rainier National Park Website | ⛰️ Best for: Adventurous Couples
A visit to Mount Rainier, Seattle’s favorite mountain, is an always-worth-it date idea. Many of the hikes in Mount Rainier National Park made my list of the best hikes near Seattle. Summertime hiking is great, but going during winter presents yet another fun activity: snowshoeing.
There are tons of snowy trails you can tackle. Take on beginner-friendly treks or try advanced, multi-hour, higher-elevation journeys. Rent your snowshoeing equipment at Crystal Mountain Resort. They’ll also provide 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 the perfect neighborhood for this. It’s a bit more under-the-radar than the popular Ballard Brewery District. But it still has a good concentration of Seattle’s top breweries within walking distance of one another.
Start at Georgetown Brewing Co., then make your way down to Jellyfish Brewing and end at Great Notion Brewing. The best thing about ending at the Great Notion? It’s right next to Deep Sea Sugar and Salt, one of the best cake shops in Seattle (and a perfect way to soak up all that beer).
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 bike with Wheel Fun Rentals. Ride along the waterfront path to Marination Ma Kai to grab Hawaiian-Korean fusion snacks while admiring the beautiful views of downtown Seattle across Puget Sound.
After you ride back, grab beers from Future Primitive Beach Bar. Then indulge in ice cream from Pepperdock Restaurant to finish off your sweet date in one of Seattle’s best neighborhoods.
Zootunes at Woodland Park Zoo
Attend a summer evening concert at the zoo.
📍 Google Maps | Woodland Park Zoo’s Website | 🎵 Best for: Music Lovers
Throughout the summer, Woodland Park Zoo hosts ZooTunes, a series of music acts with a variety of artists. This is the perfect way to enjoy the zoo after hours while supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Purchase your tickets in advance online, and bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the concert in the meadow. You can bring food in coolers or purchase snacks and drinks there. The atmosphere is casual and laidback and the concerts (usually) attract more adults than kids.
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 $31 for a day pass and shoe rental, sign a waiver, and then watch an intro to climbing video before getting the chance 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 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
The Pantry is a culinary school in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood that offers some of the best cooking classes in the city. Instead of going to a sit-down dinner, attend one of its classes with your date and make a meal together.
The Pantry’s in-person cooking classes emphasize global dishes. Past classes have taught attendees how to make Persian kebabs, Northern Mexican Asada, classic Somalian dishes, and more.
The venue is intimate and class sizes are small. Overall, it’s 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 Islandfor a date, but one of the best is an all-inclusive wine-tasting tour!
You’ll begin the excursion with a ferry ride across Puget Sound with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains from the front of the boat and the Seattle skyline from the back.
Your tour guide will meet you upon arrival. Tours are kept small to ensure the experience feels more personal, and you’ll be taken to several top-rated wineries on the island. Dinner and transportation are included to further simplify the experience and guarantee a great date.
Southgate Roller Rink
Roller skate, sing your heart out, 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.
Southgate Roller Rink has 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.
Not big on roller skating? Stop by the bar for drinks, trivia, karaoke, and drag cabaret instead.
Treehouse Point
Spend a romantic weekend in a treehouse sanctuary.
📍 Google Maps | Treehouse Point Website | 💖 Best for: Seattle Weekend Getaway
Interested in a romantic getaway in a literal treehouse? Check out Treehouse Point, which made my list of the best things to do in Washington State!
This little slice of paradise is tucked away in a forest in Issaquah. It’s just over 20 minutes from Seattle, but you’ll feel even further away when you arrive at this secluded and beautiful treehouse village.
You’ll receive a freshly cooked breakfast every morning and can also attend yoga classes or book a massage on-site to amp up the relaxation.
Secret Concert with SoFarSounds
Attend a secret concert in various Seattle neighborhoods.
📍 Google Maps | So Far Sounds Website | 🎵 Best for: Music Lovers
Spontaneous, music-loving couples will adore the secret concert series by So Far Sounds. Simply choose a date, neighborhood, and the style of venue you want to go to. The exact location isn’t revealed until 36 hours before the show, creating an element of excitement and exclusivity.
Try out a living room or backyard concert in a residential venue for a more intimate experience. The concert will feature a line-up of three up-and-coming artists with a small audience.
Laser Show & Views at the 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
Visiting Seattle for the first time? Go on a date at the Seattle Center.
Start in the Pacific Science Center to attend an epic evening laser show. Plan to book 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 admire the glittering 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 Rob Roy in Belltown to finish off the night with well-crafted drinks at a moody bar.
Chocolati Cafe
Drink hot chocolate and nibble truffles in one 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 is in Greenwood. It’s a sweet place to meet up for that classic Seattle coffee shop date.
The cafe is cozy and homey, with plenty of seating indoors and out, and little corners to spend some quality time with your date.
Discovery Park
Search for wildlife in Seattle’s largest city park.
📍 Google Maps | Discovery Park Website | 🌲 Best for: Nature Lovers
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest city park in the Magnolia neighborhood and it’s a beautiful setting for a date. Wander its forest, bluff, and beach trails to enjoy breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Listen and watch for the abundant birdlife living here while you hike along the forested paths. Bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls, and hummingbirds are some of the most common critters you’ll see.
Make your way down to the shore to search for sunbathing sea lions, fishing herons, seals bobbing in the water, 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. Sign up for 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 too. Visit during a live glass-blowing demonstration to do this date on a budget. These demos are free, and give you a good glimpse into how these gorgeous creations are made.
San Juan Islands
Escape to Washington’s northernmost islands for a special getaway.
📍 Google Maps | San Juan Islands Website | 💖 Best for: Anniversaries
The San Juan Islands 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. In my opinion, they’re also one of the most romantic spots on the West Coast. Save this date for a special occasion 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.
Cherry Blossoms at the University of Washington
Marvel over 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 the campus’s gorgeous gothic architecture. After viewing the cherry blossoms, wander up and down the Ave. Here, 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
Visit the Nest Rooftop Bar to make a good impression on a first date. The views from the top of this downtown bar are phenomenal, especially at sunset. Make a reservation in advance, and dress up.
Admire the waterfront, the Great Wheel, and the glittering waters of Elliott Bay. Don’t worry — the cocktails are just as good as the views, and there are tasty small bites too.
👉 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
Bellevue is known for being on the pricey side, but you can have a budget-friendly date here.
Start at Tres Sandwich House, a small takeaway restaurant with a vast selection of Japanese sandwiches. Pro tip: arrive early or order ahead of time since this is a popular spot and the sandwiches go fast.
After grabbing your sandwiches, go to one of Bellevue’s many great beach parks on the shores of Lake Washington to munch. 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 Seattle. It’s a perfectly picturesque place for blueberry picking.
Go on a date here to pick all the blueberries your heart desires so you can make jam, cobblers, and smoothies. There are six different varieties of blueberries 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
Is Seattle a good place to date?
Seattle can be a good place to date because it draws interesting people from around the USA and globally. The best way to meet people to date in Seattle is to seek out activities and groups that have people with similar interests, and be willing to put yourself out there to get past the “Seattle Freeze.”
What is there to do on a date in Washington state?
There is a lot you can do on a date in Washington state. In Seattle, you can go to Pike Place Market, hike through Discovery Park, drink cocktails at rooftop bars, and do self-guided brewery tours. Outside of Seattle, you can travel to the San Juan Islands, go to Mount Rainier, take a trip to the coast, visit small towns, or even stay in a treehouse.
Is Seattle an unfriendly city?
Seattle is sometimes considered an unfriendly city because Seattleites are more reserved than people in other cities throughout the USA. This is referred to as the “Seattle Freeze.” It might take extra time to get to know people in the city, but they will open up with some effort.
***
That’s a wrap on the best date ideas in Seattle! I hope you feel confident in planning something fun and romantic for your next date night in the Emerald City. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time creating wonderful memories.
