The dating scene has changed a great deal in recent years. Ever the slaves to the screen, most of us now rely on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge to find that special spark with someone. Once you’ve endlessly swiped left and right and found a potential match, you’re then stuck with the ordeal of thinking of something fun to do with them. With so many unique date ideas in Austin to enjoy, there’s no reason why we should always bank on a typical candlelit dinner for two or a standard cinema date to woo.
Needless to say, a good old-fashioned dinner date certainly won’t scare someone off, but there’s also no harm in branching out and trying something a little different now and again. Besides, in a city as big and as vibrant as Austin, the possibilities for a hot date are endless. Whether you’re trying to make a first date a little less awkward or you’re just looking to rekindle the flames with your long-term lover, these date ideas in Austin are a foolproof way to get the sparks flying.
1. Have a romantic meal with Dining in the Dark
Hold your loved one by the hand, step into complete darkness and prepare to put your taste buds to the ultimate test at this unforgettable dining experience. You’ll choose between a three-course meat, seafood or vegan menu before slipping on your blindfold and embarking on a culinary adventure. You and your partner will test your senses of smell and taste as you both try to determine the heavenly flavors and interesting textures of the delicious food on on your plate. Taking place at Verbena ATX, this unique gastronomical experience makes for a magical evening plan, and you won’t want to miss out.
Grab your tickets to this super romantic Dining in the Dark experience here.
2. Get all pampered at a relaxing spa
The only thing that beats a soothing spa day is indulging in the relaxing experience with your significant other. Massages, aromatherapy, facials, yoga, meditation, mud masks – all sorts of effective treatments are available at Austin’s best spas to alleviate stress, stimulate the senses and promote relaxation.
With top-notch procedures at a reasonable price, Spa Sway and milk + honey are some of our favorite spots in the city to channel your inner zen in. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy a little couples spa therapy while making sure to look after yourself, too. Besides, if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?
3. Get the giggles at a comedy show
Austin has heaps of comedy joints promising to tickle your funny bone for hours on end, but Cap City Comedy Club holds a special place in our hearts. Hosting side-splitting sets from some of the best comedians hailing from Austin and around the country, this place is truly a barrel of laughs. And who knows? You could even get up on stage at their Wednesday Open Mic nights and try your hand at a bit of comedy while your date watches from the sidelines (although, if you’re hoping to see them again, we’d probably recommend against it).
See what Cap City Comedy Club has on offer here.
4. Feel the romance at a Candlelight concert
Not much sounds more romantic than an enchanting candlelit concert. Let the soothing sounds of a string quartet wash over you and your boo as hundreds of candles flicker around you. You can hear classical takes on contemporary hits by the likes of Coldplay and Taylor Swift or feel all the feels while listening to the compositions of legendary composers including Vivaldi and Schubert. Sit back, relax and let the magic of Candlelight and Cupid’s bow and arrow do the rest.
Get your tickets to a magical concert by Candlelight here.
5. Take on a self-guided art tour of Austin
Street art combined with a city tour is a match made in heaven, especially when it comes to dating. A romantic stroll through the city streets is the perfect way to up the romance while admiring the finest street art that Austin has to offer.
By following the Art Is Everywhere guide, you can seek out the creative offerings from the city’s artists and even add your own pin to the map if you come across some cool street art that hasn’t been registered yet. From sculptures to graffiti, murals to stickers, you’ll run into all sorts of artwork en route. So, get a coffee to go and enjoy a wander around the city with your date while you both channel your inner art critic together.
Find out more about Art Is Everywhere here.
6. Enjoy a glass of the good stuff at a snazzy cocktail bar
Whether it be to raise a toast to another year together or to enjoy some first date drinks, making a trip to one of Austin’s fancy cocktail bars is a sure-fire way to fan the flames of any long-lived relationship or future romance.
The city is overflowing with dreamy dimly-lit bars and swanky watering holes that are sure to impress any date. Take Small Victory for instance – this speakeasy-like cocktail spot is a nice little hideaway in downtown Austin and is a great choice if you’re looking to enjoy a bit of one-on-one time. Let a Moscow Mule or Espresso Martini loosen you up and keep the conversation flowing as the sun sets on your romantic evening.
7. Admire the views at Mount Bonnell
It doesn’t get more romantic than trekking to one of the highest points in Austin and taking in the stunning views of the city’s skyline with your loved one. Mount Bonnell is open from 5 am to 10 pm, so you can take in an early morning sunrise or enjoy a spectacular evening sunset depending on what time the both of you are willing to wake up.
To get to the impressive lookout you’ll have to walk up a total of 102 steps, giving you ample time to have a good chat with that special someone and get a workout in while you’re at it. Take a picnic, get your steps in and enjoy the views of Lake Austin and the rest of the city with your fellow hiking companion.
Find out more about Mount Bonnell here.
8. Head to the Cathedral of Junk
Sick of the typical cinema date or classic wine bar rendezvous? If the answer is an overwhelming yes, then why not try something a little off-the-wall and take a trip to the weird and wonderful Cathedral of Junk? Made from tools, dolls, bicycle wheels, bells, mannequins and any other object you could imagine, this gigantic structure is a shrine to all things used and unwanted.
The creator and owner of the cathedral of trash goes by the name Vince and always adds new features to the sculpture to make it a truly ever-changing piece of artwork. Explore this garbage sanctuary with your partner in crime and see which one of you can find the wackiest object first.
Get more info about the Cathedral of Junk here.
9. Become an Italian chef for the day
Nothing says a romantic date quite like an Italian cooking class led by an expert chef. You’ll learn how to make fresh hand-made fettuccine and papardelle from scratch before whipping up a creamy porcini mushroom and pancetta sauce or a traditional ragu to add to your pasta.
Once you’ve cooked up your Italian creation, you’re welcome to sip on your own beer, wine or Champagne and enjoy your delicious pasta dish with your partner à la Lady and the Tramp. Create delicious memories at this fun-filled cooking class and indulge in the finest of Italian delights with your special someone.
Get your tickets to Handmade Pasta with Classic Sauces Fort Worth – Austin here.