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I don’t know about you but this summer has felt magical to me. After spending last summer (mainly) indoors, it’s been such a treat to venture back out into the world this year. Since we’ve been making good use of these warmer months, I figured I’d round up my favorite summer date ideas. Whether you’re looking for something unique or low key, I’ve got you covered.
10 Unique Summer Date Ideas You’ll Love:
Outside Summer Date Ideas
Mini Golf
Let’s start with this rediscovery. Last month Joe and I decided to take a trip to Golfland. We hadn’t been mini golfing in ages and I forgot how fun it is. It’s an easy, inexpensive summer date option. We started with dinner, played a round of mini golf then ended the evening with ice cream. It’s the quintessential summer date.
Picnic with Charcuterie Board
I’ve been seeing the charcuterie board/grazing box trend going around recently. And I’m on board. I love making charcuterie boards at home. While I haven’t gotten a chance to try out any grazing box service yet, I definitely want to order one for my next picnic. I love a good picnic in the spring or summer. One of my favorite picnic spots is the San Jose rose garden.
Outdoor Movie or Drive-In
There is something about watching a movie outside in the summer. It feels carefree and romantic. Joe and I have been going to drive ins since we first started dating. In fact, one of our first dates was at the drive in. We went to the Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo, where we went to college. Nowadays we visit the West Wind Drive-In in San Jose. Another favorite: movies in the park. I discovered these a few years ago and think it is such a great concept. We went to several when we lived in New York City. This year we did some digging and found several options in the Bay Area. Last week we went to Starlight Cinemas in San Jose. This program offers free weekly movies in St. James park. You can pick up kettle corn or hot chocolate from local vendors. We packed our beach chairs and enjoyed watching Up under the stars.
Pool Day
Being in the water in the summer is one of my absolute favorite things. Unfortunately I don’t have easy access to a pool. I recently discovered ResortPass. This service allows you to book day passes to hotel pools. I’ve used it once and found it nice and easy. I will note not all the hotels are truly resorts. Think more Hyatt or Crowne Plaza. There seem to be a range of offerings in my area. The hotel I visited was on the less expensive end. It wasn’t glamorous but it allowed us to get in an afternoon of swimming and reading in the sun.
Mystery Picnic
I normally wouldn’t suggest something I’ve never tried but mystery picnic dates have been on my list for quite a while. I got a random ad for this service and have been dying to try it. According to their website, mystery picnics are: “self-guided food and adventure experiences with a difference.” You pay a fee upfront then everything is covered day of. They send you clues to take you all over your city and you collect food from local artisans along the way. You end up at a beautiful destination with a full picnic. While this is certainly up our alley, I figured some of you may be interested too.
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is always a good option. I’m fortunate enough to live in the Bay Area so I’m able to take day trips to Napa and Sonoma. If you need recommendations, you can check out my favorite Napa wineries.
Boating
Whether it’s kayaking or paddle boats, getting out on the water always makes for a fun summer date. I loved the paddle boats in Central Park when we lived in New York City. I’ll also never forget the first birthday trip I planned for Joe. We were living in San Luis Obispo, CA at the time. I surprised him with a kayaking excursion in Morro Bay. We even saw sea lions! We went on a picnic on the beach after – see the picnic trend?
Indoor Summer Date Ideas
Cooking Class
I’ve always been a fan of cooking classes. Whether it’s in person or online, cooking with others is a blast. I always learn helpful tips and tricks to use in the kitchen. Last year, Joe and I did a French date night class at Sur La Table. We liked it so much that we went back a few weeks later with my parents for a cast iron skillet class. Joe and I even did a cooking class when we visited Thailand in 2019. That one was extra fun because we got to visit a market beforehand to pick up ingredients. All that to say: cooking classes make for a great date.
Date Night at Home
Trying to save money or just can’t make it out of the house? Opt for a date night in. There are endless possibilities for a evening of romance at home. My ideal night in is dinner (cook or order in), movie and end the evening with s’mores on the balcony. We recently picked up a tabletop s’more maker. It gives you a taste of summer in the comfort of your own home. My trick for the perfect s’mores: use Reese’s peanut butter cups!
Cat Cafe
This one is for my feline lovers out there. When we lived in New York City, we visited some cat cafes. Meow Parlour is a place to play with adoptable cats for an hour or two. They sell coffee and baked goods to enjoy during your visit. We even did a cat yoga class once. There is also Brooklyn Cat Cafe, which follows the same concept. I haven’t been to any cat cafes since moving back to California, however, I discovered one last year. Dancing Cat (San Jose) offers hour long cat visits and art classes. Now that it’s open again, I can’t wait to visit!
This post is all about summer date ideas.
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