Date night is coming up, and whether you're planning something for a new match or your long-time love, you've got options. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots and venues around Seattle to help you plan a night that feels a little more unique. From intimate live shows to cozy crafting, quirky activities to late-night desserts, there’s something here that’s different from your usual routine.
Photo via Waterways Cruises
Waterways Cruises offers a unique way to see Seattle: from the water, with a drink in hand. Cruise from South Lake Union and unwind with a glass of wine as you take in the breathtaking sunset over the city skyline. Enjoy a leisurely cruise through Lake Union, with picturesque views of iconic landmarks and luxurious waterfront estates. Whether you're into sunset dinners, weekend brunches, or themed events like wine and whiskey tastings, there's a cruise for every vibe. With skyline views, seasonal menus, and a little bit of sparkle, it’s one of the city’s most scenic ways to celebrate.
Photo via Matt McDonald
Grab your favorite dance partner for a night full of fun at Honky Tonk Tuesdays at Conor Byrne Cooperative! You can enjoy FREE dance lessons from 8 PM to 9 PM, followed by a live country band from 9 PM to midnight that will keep you moving all night long. Perfect for date night!
Photo via Seattle Symphony
Whether you're looking for a surround sound experience of thrilling symphonic works or just a way to spice things up from your typical date, nothing compares to experiencing live music in the pitch-perfect acoustics of Benaroya Hall. From Stravinsky to Sir Mix-a-Lot, Beethoven to Bowie, the Seattle Symphony has concerts and one-of-a-kind events to suit all different styles and schedules. Check out upcoming shows and get tickets at seattlesymphony.org.
Photo via Matt McDonald
Seattle makes it easy to drink well, no road trip required. You can head to Woodinville and hop between dozens of tasting rooms, each with its own vibe and varietals to sample. Stay closer to home with a day wandering Pike Place Market, then pop into Wine of Washington to explore local pours. Or keep it casual with a glass of Pinot Grigio or a wine slushie at Revolution Wine Shop, because sometimes tasting wine should feel more fun than formal. Check out our full wine tasting guide here.
Photo via Matt McDonald
Head to the Center of the Universe, Fremont, for a date night that blends good food with even better music. Start with dinner at one of the neighborhood’s cozy restaurants like Local Tide or Red Star Tacos, then make your way to Nectar Lounge, a beloved indoor-outdoor venue known for its eclectic shows and high-energy dance nights. Whether you're grooving to live funk, hip hop, or global beats, Nectar has music for all. Come for the vibe, stay for the dance floor.
Photo via Matt McDonald
Get crafty, find love, and repeat. What’s better than getting your hands dirty and trying new things to ignite a new (or constant) flame? Fall in love with the mesmerizing smell of pine at a Wreath Making workshop or level up your mixology game with an Herbal Bitters class. The Works Seattle offers these and many more, so there’s never a dull moment! View the class list here.
Garage in Capitol Hill is a retro-cool bowling alley and bar that makes for a laid-back, fun date night. Between bowling lanes, pool tables, strong drinks, and solid snacks, there's plenty to keep the vibes going. It’s playful, low-pressure, and just the right amount of nostalgic.
Photo via Matt McDonald
Head to Capitol Hill and spend an hour with NEKO's adoptable kitties! You can sip on a meowmosa or catnip infused beer while you kick back with the kitties. It's a purrrrfect setting for a romeowntic date night. Whoever you decide to take, they're sure to be impurrrressed!
GRAB LATE-NIGHT DESSERT
Dessert is non-negotiable on date night, and Seattle has plenty of sweet spots to end the evening right. For something cozy and a little boozy, Pie Bar in Capitol Hill serves up cocktails and fresh-baked pie until 2 a.m. Hot Cakes in Ballard and Capitol Hill keeps the sugar rush going with gooey molten cakes served until midnight. For something colder, Salt & Straw’s unique ice cream flavors are worth the line, and Bell’s Cookies delivers warm, gooey goodness if you're staying in.
VISIT AN arcade BAR
Rainy nights make the perfect backdrop for a cozy, competitive date. Head to one of Seattle’s arcade bars and challenge your date to Pac-Man, ski hockey, or pinball. Add-a-Ball in Fremont is 21+ with strong drinks and weekend shows, while Raygun Lounge in Capitol Hill is all ages and packed with classic games and chill vibes.
Photo via Salty's
DINNER WITH A VIEW
Take in the epic view of Elliott Bay and the Seattle cityscape while enjoying a fine meal from Salty's. Try out the award-winning Northwest seafood, steak cuisine and five-star diamond award friendly service. Some of our other favorite spots with great dining views are Happy Crab, Aqua Verde Cafe, and The Pink Door.
Photo via Matt McDonald
Holding hands on a ferris wheel? Yep, we went there. The Great Wheel might be a bit cliche, but regardless of the weather outside it's a great way to spend some time with the one you love while taking in the view of the waterfront.
Laugh Together
Laughter is key to any date night. Make it easy on yourself and try visiting the Laugh Comedy Club, partaking in ComedySportz and/or some improv comedy. It is a guaranteed way to keep you and your date laughing all night long.
Photo via Matt McDonald
Pike Place Market makes for a surprisingly great date spot, especially if you take your time and explore without a plan. Wander through the stalls, sample local bites, and ask the vendors questions; You might learn something new about Seattle (or each other). With great food, hidden gems, and plenty to see, it’s effortlessly charming.
Photo via Matt McDonald
You’ve never experienced the water until you’ve tried a hot tub boat rental from Lake Union Hot Tub Boats and it makes for a great date idea. Float by Gas Works Park, take in the view of the city and then cruise by the house boats featured in Sleepless in Seattle. Water and epic views make every adventure better.
*Updated 1/16/26
Do you have an idea you want to add to the list? Feel free to send it on over to [email protected]!
