Date ideas

Universal date ideas for any city

A list of date ideas for US cities, sorted by how common they are for people going on first or second dates.

Most flexible options

Available in most cities

  • Dinner

    Table service only, better if it's an uncommon cuisine.

  • Drinks

    Should be a nice bar

  • Drive around town

    Not a standalone date, but can be a great filler in between other activities.

  • Bookstore

    Best if the bookstore has a cafe inside.

  • Cozy tea shop

  • Billiards or pool

    Private table recommended.

  • Mini golf

  • Ice skating

  • Arcade bar

  • Karaoke

    Has to be a private room or very uncrowded.

  • Escape room

    Ensure it's just the two of you; rooms solved with strangers are a bad fit.

  • Dancing

    Only if both of you can dance well; otherwise, it's just awkward.

  • Concert

    90 minutes max. Think jazz or small indie band, not Taylor Swift.

  • Rock climbing

    Remember that the other person won't be able to belay you in US gyms without a test.

  • VR arcade

    Should be private or uncrowded.

  • Hookah lounge

  • Go-karting

  • Pottery class

  • Shooting range

Seasonal

Only in warm weather or summer

Plan these only when the weather is reliable.

  • Walk in a park

  • Ice cream stop

  • Bicycle ride

  • Zoo

  • Amusement park

  • Paddle boat or kayak rental

  • Day trip to a nearby city

    By train or short drive. Max 60 minutes away.

Regional options

Available in some cities

Avoid list

Not recommended

These make for weak first or second dates.

  • Movie theater

    You sit quietly and look at a screen for most of the date. Do it when you're actually dating later on.

  • Bowling

    Usually loud and repetitive, and your conversation gets interrupted every time you get up to bowl. Do it with your mates instead.

  • Axe throwing

    Some US places only let you do it with supervision which ruins the vibe. Even without supervision it's kind of lame.