The media have taught us the only places to have a truly spectacular night out are in major metropolises, like New York City and Seattle.
While these cities are awesome places for available men and havens for single women, there are still plenty of cities that offer great opportunities for fabulous dates.
Using Travel and Leisure’s annual list of America’s favorite cities, as well as some thorough research of our own, we were able to find 10 unexpected cities that have the dynamic date options you’re looking for.
From entertainment to eateries, these cities have everything you could want for a night (or day) out.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
Known for its beautiful weather, Honolulu makes for the perfect romantic escape.
Not only will the beaches provide you with infinite date activities — surfing, paddle boarding, sand castle building, etc. — but the city also is full of super coffee shops, delectable local dishes and the aloha spirit to ensure you have a great time.
Whether you two decide to enjoy some island music or follow the almost-daily rainbow, you’ll have the time of your life.
9. Cleveland, Ohio
An afternoon in the West Side Market or a shared sandwich at Melt Bar and Grilled are only two of the many date options Cleveland provides.
Theater thrives in Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York, and the Warehouse District offers the very best in dining, shopping and nightlife.
Living in Cleveland also means living in the moment, which makes for some pretty spectacular dates.
8. Atlanta, Georgia
Whether you’re flying across the world, taking a trip to the world’s second largest aquarium or simply sharing a Coke and waffle fries, you and your date have plenty to do in “Hotlanta.”
Even getting stuck in traffic can be the adventure you two are looking for (especially if it’s because of a little bit of snow).
Just don’t make any plans to meet on Peachtree — the only place you should be getting lost is in each others’ eyes.
7. Miami, Florida
There’s more to this city than just plenty of sunshine! Miami is home to gorgeous art, up-and-coming music and the best coffee on the planet.
You and your date will have a blast no matter what you do, whether that includes munching on Cuban food and enjoying the beach (or both).
You two can even indulge in the nightlife. Mind you, the nightlife typically entails being out until 5 a.m., but then you get to see the sun rise over the skyline. And there’s nothing more romantic than that.
6. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Fancy a visit to Old Town for the best steak around or a trip out to the International Balloon Fiesta? Here you can do both.
Albuquerque has the best of both worlds, offering big-city art and dining, as well as small-town charm and hospitality. Not only that, but you also get to enjoy the abundance of nature, even in the desert.
From Nob Hill to the Sandias, you will always have something new and exciting to do for every date.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
In this gorgeous Southern city, a great date can include a horse and carriage ride on cobblestone roads. As if that wasn’t magical enough, Charleston offers all you could want for a time on the town.
King Street has the best shopping, the beach is never more than half an half hour away and happy hours abound here.
Some high-end dishes for dinner concluded by a walk on the Ravenel Bridge? Sounds like you’ll have the best night ever.
4. Kansas City, Missouri
, Kansas, is nice and all, but nothing beats Kansas City, Missouri. The City of Fountains has more than 200 of these watery works of art, as well as supreme art, abundant green spaces and the best barbecue in the world.
All of these and so many more make wonderful options for planning a date night in KCMO.
Whether you’re enjoying a trip to the Country Club Plaza or Lamar’s Donuts, you’ll always have a great time.
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
From the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to the Mall of America, Minneapolis has plenty for you to do.
Take a trip through the skyways, indulge in a Juicy (or Jucy) Lucy or enjoy one of the countless festivals every years. There’s always something exciting going on, from the annual zombie pub crawl to the Polar Bear Plunge.
Ice fishing may not sound like the best date ever, but you’d be surprised. Weekend trip to the lake cabin, anyone?
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
makes it easy to have awesome dates. As a city that is what you make of it, there are so many options for unique experiences.
Hole-in-the-wall restaurants with delectable dishes are at every corner, the city reverberates with all sorts of art and there’s no shortage of music, no matter if its jazz or rap.
Not only that, but NOLA allows you to experience more than just a day of Mardi Gras — you and your date can share the month-long celebration of Carnival. Talk about fun!
1. Providence, Rhode Island
The WaterFire is just one piece of what makes Providence the number one place for dynamic dates!
From the Providence Athenaeum and Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, to Thayer Street and little Italy, this city is rife with night out options. An abundance of awesome museums and plenty to-die-for dishes make it unbeatable.
Well, all that combined with BIG NAZO, since nothing makes for a date you’ll always remember like exorbitant puppet extravaganzas.
No matter which of these 10 cities you pick for your next date night, you’re sure to have a good time!
