When is the last time you went out on a date night? Honestly, we can’t even remember, ourselves. For some of us it’s been far too long because of the pandemic. Want ideas to help plan a date night with your significant other? Treat yourselves to some grown-up conversation and delicious food in a pretty, stress-free setting at one of these romantic spots. You deserve this!
10 Date Night Ideas in Austin:
— Admire city views from a retro boat.
Renting a boat is undeniable fun. Renting a retro boat? Incredible. Spend your next date on the water with a view of the city during the day or evening, to admire the city lights. We also recommend the specially focused bat cruises, where you can experience a classic Austin attraction, the Congress Bridge bats, in a new luxurious fashion. Another bonus is that while these vintage cruisers have been restored to their original beauty, they have also replaced motors that used to be heavy polluters (a win for the environment!). Find out more about booking rentals and prices.
— Wine and dine from the privacy of a Yurt.
When you and your date dine at the Line Hotel’s Yurt Village, not only are you transporting to your own personal Arlo Grey and savoring the special menu prepared exclusively by Chef Kristen Kish, you are doing so from the luxurious comfort of a heated Yurt by the poolside. An experience like this is what turns an ordinary evening into one overflowing with romance. Embark on a truly blissful night with your significant other by reserving your Yurt here.
— Experience the sunset on a dinner cruise.
When you take a dinner cruise with Capital Cruises, you get to experience romance and intimacy from the water. Spend two hours on a private boat rental admiring the sunset while dining on food catered by the four-diamond Hyatt Regency Hotel — an experience we know will bring you and your SO closer together. Set sale on your romantic cruise by booking here.
— Enjoy a romantic dinner at a beautiful restaurant.
We didn’t feel it would be right to curate a list of romantic date ideas without including at least one classic dinner date out at a restaurant. But Austin has SO MANY amazing places to choose from with outstanding menus, dazzling interior design, and exquisite presentation. That said, reservations at some of these hot spots can be hard to come by. Here’s just a few of our personal suggestions for a grand restaurant experience:
— Cozy up in a heated winter igloo.
Snuggle up with your true love in a private, heated igloo. You can reserve rooftop igloos with sweeping city views at both Geraldine’s at the Hotel Van Zandt as well as Otopia at the Otis Hotel where you can enjoy bites and drinks, comfy seating and more. For a similar scene in Dripping Springs, Dreamland also offers reserved igloos with twinkly lights for your next night out.
— Swing into a smooth night of jazz.
With a dimly lit atmosphere, Parker Jazz Club transports you into the intimacy of a different generation. Grab a table and watch the curtain fall back for an evening of great music and even better drinks. A true jazz club, the formal setting makes for the perfect date night or night out on the town. Check their show calendar and book your reservations for a swanky evening full of song.
— Picnic in luxury.
If you haven’t heard, fancy picnics are all the rage lately and perfect for a romantic date. We’re talking beautiful blankets and pillows, candlesticks, elegant tableware and floral arrangements– you name it. The Posh Picnic has it all so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own set up. You simply choose a package on their site, ranging from BYO snacks to a full-fledged mimosa brunch, pick a date, and show up ready to share a sweet night of photo-worthy fun with your SO.
— Share dinner & drinks overlooking Lake Travis.
Dining at the Oasis on Lake Travis is like dining at a tropical travel destination, without the travel time or jet lag. The view of Lake Travis is truly one you have to experience for yourself. Regardless of how beautiful photos on your screen may seem, we promise they don’t do it justice. The budget-friendly menu makes this breathtaking experience that much more worthwhile.
— Step into a masterpiece of nature at Zilker’s Botanical Garden.
Explore the depths of what nature has to offer of art, from gorgeous waterfalls to whimsical art structures to charming Koi ponds and much more. Not only is Zilker’s Botanical Garden one of the cutest places to have a date, it’s also one of the most stunning, romantic, and iconic places in Austin to pop the question, take engagement photos (or casual ones), or even say “I do.” Learn more about taking one of the most visually stimulating and relaxing strolls of your life at the Botanical Garden.
— Relax at a spa.
Wouldn’t you just love a massage and some pampering? There’s several local spas that could treat you and your partner to the ultimate relaxing kid-free date. Let worries melt away with sauna time, massage, leg wraps, aromatherapy, or other treatments to help you unwind. Viva Day Spa is a local favorite for couples, check out the infrared sauna at Zen Blend Mind + Body Spa Austin, or make a daycation out of your experience by going to a local resort spa such as the W Hotel, Omni Barton Creek, Lakeway Resort, or checking out Resort Pass for 1-day packages.
Of course, there’s a million other things you can do in and around Austin! These just happen to be on our own Editor’s wish list. 😉 No matter how you spend your quality time away from the kids, we hope you have a wonderful date night experience!
Here’s a few other lists from Do512 for date night inspo:
- Breweries in Austin
- Wineries & Distilleries Around Austin
- Comedy Shows
- Best Margaritas
- Best Food Trucks
- Where to Hear Jazz in Austin
Many thanks to Erin Crosby and Lake Mason for originally contributing to this post.
