Romantic Summer Date Ideas

Women's Dating

10 Best Summer Date Ideas (Active, Easy & Romantic)

Amber Brooks

Written by: Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted as a dating expert by The Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, Bustle, Salon, Well+Good, and AskMen.

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Edited by: Lillian Castro

Lillian Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.

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Dates are special moments where you have fun while getting to know your partner. And the summer provides you with a great opportunity to break free from your traditional dinner-and-movie dating style and give outdoor dating a go. Going on outdoor dates will give you a chance to enjoy the warm weather and longer days with your partner, and you can try tons of new things. 

Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just getting to know a new person, putting effort into planning outdoor dates will be worth your while. Outdoor dating can reveal personality quirks, how they react in unusual situations, and how they embrace experiences. Additionally, outdoor dating can help you build dating skills that will be handy for years to come.

If you’re ready to make this summer one to remember, keep reading to explore the 10 best summer date ideas. You can use these ideas for first dates, second dates, or dates with your long-term partner to make sure you don’t get stuck in the same old rut. 

1. Head to the Beach

Heading to the beach in the summertime is a classic choice that never fails to create a memorable experience. The beach offers a combination of relaxation and excitement, depending on how you set your date, and it can be pretty cost-effective.

If you want to have a casual date, you can go to your nearest beach, hold hands and walk on the sandy shore while talking and bonding with your partner. If you’re worried about the sun’s rays, you can go to the beach when the sun is almost set when there’s less need for sunscreen or an umbrella.

leisure, relationships and people concept - happy couple with food eating and having picnic on beach
If you’re planning a beach date, you may want to stick around to watch the sun set.

To make your date at the beach even more fun, you can play a game with your partner. You can see who can collect as many seashells as possible in five minutes. Building sandcastles while sharing stories or even having laughs by throwing sand at each other. Make sure you don’t get sand in your partner’s eyes!

You can upgrade your beach date by renting beautiful AirBnB accommodations or booking a room at a top-rated resort. You could stay for a couple of nights to enjoy the rhythm of the waves and immerse yourself in the beach vibes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or go for a swim in the ocean. Don’t forget to make a bonfire (if it’s legal) and enjoy dancing under the moon with your date. 

2. Go to an Amusement Park

Summer is here, and it’s the best time to enjoy the sunshine and have a laugh. Going to an amusement park can bring excitement to your relationship by nurturing the child in both of you. An amusement park gives you the opportunity to let your guard down and discover how playful and adventurous your partner is  and how they react to challenges.

You and your partner can hold hands and embark on thrilling rides that send your hearts racing or have a competition on shooting games to see who’s best. Don’t forget to buy cotton candy to share. If you start to feel tired or unwell, find a comfortable place to sit and relax. If this happens, you’ll see how your partner reacts when you’re not feeling good. 

If you don’t enjoy challenging rides, a ride on a Ferris wheel can give you unforgettable memories. If you feel comfortable, perhaps you can share a light kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel or put your head on your partner’s shoulder and gaze at the stars.

3. Attend a Concert

Attending a concert offers a completely different vibe from listening to music on streaming services. Whether you and your partner share the same favorite artist or simply enjoy the atmosphere, going to a concert can create excitement in your relationship. In summer, a lot of outdoor concerts allow you to bring chairs and picnic baskets so you can enjoy the music while relaxing with your date. 

Attending a concert can be the perfect option for you if you’re looking for a setting that allows you to dance to romantic ballads and build intimacy.

4. Plan a Hike

When you go hiking with your partner, you can see how they act in an environment where anything can happen. You can sense if they care about your safety, how they treat others, and if they have an adventurous side that matches yours.

Photo of a hike
To get the most out of your outdoor hiking date, choose a trail with good views.

When choosing the route for your hike, why not research local trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls? You and your date can spend a day reconnecting with nature, take in the sights and sounds of the wilderness, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural waterfall pools.

Mark sure to match the hike you’re going on with your date’s fitness level. If neither of you’re very active, going for a hike on a challenging trail might not be such a good idea. You want to make sure you both enjoy the experience to maximize your chances of having a successful date.

5. Go Rock Climbing

First and foremost, rock climbing isn’t for everyone. This dating idea works best for couples who are interested in fitness, love outdoor activities, and are not afraid of heights. If this sounds like you, rock climbing might be a fun date idea for you to try in the summer. 

But it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and personal comfort before you go rock climbing. It’s best not to choose rock climbing if you’re planning a surprise date, just in case it’s not your partner’s cup of tea. 

If your partner is up for the challenge, suggest the proper clothes and gear needed. And most importantly,  promise your partner that you’ll catch her if she falls.

6. Enjoy a Stargazing Date

A stargazing date is easy to set up and very romantic. Prepare cozy chairs and let the sky become your theater while you share stories about life. Or spread a blanket out, cuddle up, and marvel at the beauty of the night sky while trying to spot constellations and shooting stars. 

As for locations, couples can stargaze from a backyard, a nearby park, or even venture out to a secluded spot away from the city lights. Of course, if you’re going to visit a secluded spot to stargaze with your date, make sure you trust the person you’re on a date with so you stay safe.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set off, as you don’t want to get caught in heavy rain or a thunderstorm!

StarWalk app
If you have the right app, you can put on a show during stargazing.

If astronomy is your thing, do some research before you go stargazing to find out if any astronomical events are taking place, such as meteor showers or lunar eclipses. Or you may learn about astrological signs so you can impress your partner with your knowledge.

Don’t forget that you can combine stargazing with other activities, such as going to the beach or walking home after a fun evening. When you sense your date is coming to an end, perhaps you can have a quiet moment wishing on a star together to see if your hopes align.

7. Set Up an Outdoor Picnic

Outdoor picnics help you recharge with your partner. You can make your outdoor picnic date by buying sandwiches from a store and using a plaid blanket for comfort. If you want to go the extra mile, you can cook and prepare the dishes yourself, which will add a touch of romance to the occasion.

To spice things up, you can plan an outdoor picnic as a surprise for your date. Ask your partner to close their eyes, and then hold their hand and lead them to your chosen picnic spot.

Another idea that will help you create romantic vibes is playing a food guessing game. Prepare several foods, ask your partner to close their eyes, and then hand-feed your partner in a sensual way and ask them to guess what they’re eating. If they get it right, you can promise them that you’ll plan something special as a prize. Don’t forget to slip your date a few kisses in between bites to make your picnic one to be remembered!

8. Find or Create an Open-Air Cinema

Experience a unique and refreshing twist on the traditional movie night by opting for an open-air cinema. If the city you live in doesn’t offer open-air cinemas, it’s time to get creative and make your own outdoor movie magic. Grab your tablet and stream a movie from YouTube or Netflix, and enjoy watching a movie with your date from the comfort of your car or backyard patio.

Photo of drive-in movie
Drive-in movies are a classic and fun option for a summer date night.

To make this date even more exciting, add an element of surprise. You can write down the names of five movies, roll the pieces of paper up and place them in a jar, and let your partner decide which movie you’ll be watching. Don’t forget to buy snacks so it will feel like a real cinema.

To ensure everything goes well, select a location that’s well-lit and provides a secure environment. Remember to adhere to any local regulations regarding parking or outdoor activities. The last thing you need is the police knocking on your window in the middle of the movie.

9. Go to Local Park and Have an Ice Cream

Enjoy the nostalgia of visiting your local park, eating ice cream, holding hands, and sharing stories with your date. If you both have a passion for books, you can bring along a captivating novel, sit side by side, and lose yourselves in the pages.

If the park happens to be empty, why not let your inner child emerge and dive into the joy of playing on the swings? You can take turns pushing each other and forget about the stress of adulthood for a moment. As you soar through the air, memories of your carefree days will resurface, invoking a sense of freedom and happiness.

10. Watch Fireworks

You can create lasting memories with your date by attending a fireworks show in the evening. Begin the evening with a delightful dinner that sets the tone for a romantic night ahead, and maybe watch a movie afterward or go for a stroll hand-in-hand as you wait for the fireworks show to begin.

Photo of a couple watching fireworks
Fireworks are a fun and romantic activity for a summer date.

To pull this off, you need to keep an eye out for fireworks displays that are happening nearby. Of course, if you’re thinking of summer dates in the U.S., the best time to catch fireworks lighting up the sky will be the week of the Fourth of July.

Certain summer festivals, concerts, or carnivals may have fireworks and light shows as well in the summer months. Don’t forget to book the following day off in case you and your date don’t get home until late or end up spending the night together.

How to Make The Most of These Ideas?

You can choose a particular outdoor date idea, combine several ideas into one date, or take inspiration from this article and plan something all your own. The possibilities for summer romance are endless when you’re willing to be creative and think about what you enjoy doing most. You just need to find out what types of outdoor dates are going to work best for you and your partner.

If you have no idea about your partner’s preferences, don’t be afraid to ask them. Dating isn’t about guessing what your partner’s thinking, it’s about asking the right questions. This shows that you’re putting extra effort into making them happy and planning dates that you know they’re going to enjoy. Remember, what truly makes a date special is the connection that is forged through your shared experiences. So, be intentional in your choices, and cherish your moments together.

And most importantly, enjoy your date!

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