50 States of Perfect First Dates
Your guide to great dates in every state — plus D.C. and Puerto Rico!
50 States of First Dates
Gone are the days when dinner or a movie were the only options come date night. Here's our list of amazing date ideas that are sure to wow your special someone, whether it’s your first date or your forever date.
Alabama – Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise
Orange Beach
Show your date your nautical side. Take a two-hour cruise of the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the ocean breeze while watching dolphins swim and play. Pro Tip: Take the cruise at sundown for a romantic sunset photo out on the water!
Alaska – Anchorage City Trolley
Anchorage
The Anchorage City Trolley is a one hour, 15-mile tour of Alaska’s most populous city. Aboard, you’ll be able to take in the sights, learn some of the city’s amazing history and even see Alaskan wildlife. This is the perfect date for both Alaskan natives and tourists alike.
Arizona – Slide Rock State Park
Sedona
No matter what you and your date are into, Slide Rock State Park has a lot to offer! Go hiking, bird watching or visit the swimming hole and natural waterslides. Slide Rock State Park also has many events and programs throughout the year that are worth checking out!
Arkansas – Adventureworks Zip Lining
Hot Springs
If you and your date are seeking some fast-paced fun and thrills, check out Adventureworks! Here you can enjoy the beautiful Arkansas flora and fauna from up above as you zipline through the trees.
California – Safari West
Sonoma
You don’t need a passport to go on a safari. This safari, nestled in wine country, has it all: exotic animals, adventure, and California sunshine! During the ride, an open-air truck will drive you around the safari park where you can see nearly 900 animals, including giraffes, zebras, and lemurs.
Colorado – Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Cañon City
Take your date to new heights at the Royal Gorge Bridge! This historic tourist attraction is the highest bridge in the United States and, with a ticket to the park, you and your date can walk the entire length, which is suspended over the gorge. Not feeling up to walking? There’s plenty of fun activities in the park, including as gondola rides, zip lining and a skycoaster. The best part? If your date went well, you can validate your admission ticket and come back the next day.
Connecticut – Mark Twain House & Museum
The Mark Twain House is perfect for bookworms, history buffs and supernatural enthusiasts alike! The prolific American author’s home boasts guided living tours that are led by costumed members of Twain’s family or staff, a themed murder-mystery, and a ghost tour.
Delaware – Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Rehoboth Beach
You won’t get bored on this boardwalk! Plan an all-day date that is packed with fun and sun. Visit one of the coffee shops for breakfast, spend the day making sandcastles and lounging at the beach, and then end the night with dinner and some of the fun amusement park rides located right on the boardwalk. In the summer, boardwalkers can find live concerts and other seasonal events, as well.
Florida – The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Key West
Want a beautiful, calming backdrop while getting to know your date? Take a trip to The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. There, you can stroll through the grounds and admire butterflies and flamingos. Make sure you and your date wear bright clothes — it’ll attract more butterflies to you!
Georgia – Movie & TV Tour, Atlanta
Atlanta
Did you know that more than 1,500 movies and 20 television shows have been filmed in Georgia? Take your pop-culture obsessed date on a unique tour of locations from your favorite films and TV shows. The tour guides from Movie & TV Tour, Atlanta are dying to give you and your date behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts that’ll make for a great time.
Hawaii – Paradise Cove Luau
Kapolei
Take your date to a Hawaiian luau that’s both entertaining and educational. Learn about traditional foods, cooking methods, dances and games, all while participating in them! There are different packages with exciting luau experiences to choose between, so no matter your budget or how hands-on you’d like to be, you'll enjoy an immersive experience.
Idaho – Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Boise
Enjoy a summer night out at the theater. See plays and musicals, both classic and contemporary, at this outdoor amphitheater. So grab your date, share some snacks, snuggle up under a blanket, sit back and enjoy the show!
Illinois – Chicago Skydeck
Chicago
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world with your date at the Chicago Skydeck. Located on the floor 103 of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), you and your date can look out onto Chicago’s skyline from the city’s highest point. If you are feeling daring, take a step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony overlooking the city.
Indiana – Dream Car Museum
Evansville
Shift your first date into first gear at this museum. The Dream Car museum is a favorite amongst tourists and locals in Indiana. The museum has over 30 different types of cars on display, including vehicles from television and movies. One of the best parts? Admission is only $5 — perfect for a cheap date (hey, we won't tell!).
Iowa – Iowa State Fair
Des Moines
You’re never too old to enjoy a day or night out at the state fair! The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa. Ride amusement rides, catch a live performance, eat classic fair foods or just take in the sights and sounds of the fairgrounds. There’s something for everyone.
Kansas – Topgolf
Overland Park
You don’t have to be a PGA Master to have a great time at Top Golf. Top Golf is a driving range with a fun twist. There are targets to hit instead of holes, and you and your date can compete to see who can hit the most and rack up the highest score. After you’re done golfing, hang out at the facility and play a game of cornhole, watch sports on TV, or grab a bite to eat.
Kentucky – Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Louisville
Give your outing ideas a major league upgrade with a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Here, you and your date can learn more about the great American pastime of and how the equipment used in the game has helped shape it. See how baseball bats are made and even give them a try at the on-site batting cages. This date is sure to be a home run!
Louisiana – New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
New Orleans
Bring your bae on a trip down to the bayou on the New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour. On this tour, you will earn about Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole history and culture, get up close to alligators and even visit a Cajun village that is only accessible by boat!
Maine – Scenic drive on Park Loop Road
Park Loop Road is a popular drive in Maine that offers stunning views of the water, sunrise and sunset. This is the perfect low-key date option that will allow plenty of time and opportunity to get to know each other in a more intimate setting. If you want to extend your date, there’s plenty of places to park, stretch your legs or take a scenic photo of the beach!
Maryland – Urban Axes
Baltimore
This date idea will hit the bullseye. Have you and your date tried your hand at axe throwing? It’s one of the hottest recreation crazes and for good reason! This date idea is completely out-of-the-box unique and your partner will surely never forget it.
Massachusetts – Tour of Martha’s Vineyard
Dukes County
Take a trip just south of Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard. You and your date can enjoy the historic towns of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Take a bike ride along the coast or visit one of the many lighthouses!
Michigan – Fowling
Hamtramck
This date idea is sure to be a strike. Let your date see your competitive side by taking them fowling. The object of the game is to knock over your opponent’s bowling pins by throwing a football at them. Raise the stakes a bit by making a friendly wager before the game: the loser has to treat the winner to dinner or drinks afterward.
Minnesota – Up Down Bar
Minneapolis
Game on! Impress your date with your gaming skills by taking them to the Up Down Bar in Minneapolis. The Up Down is the perfect place to channel that 90’s nostalgia and play all sorts of retro arcade games, pinball machines, skee ball and more.
Mississippi – Farmer’s Table Cooking School
Flora
Throw on your apron! Instead of going out to eat, you and your date should take a cooking class. The Farmer’s Table Cooking School is located in Flora, Mississippi, just outside of Jackson. There, you can take classes and learn how to make delicious meals, such as Chicken Parmesan, pan-roasted Red Snapper and even sushi.
Missouri – Painting with A Twist
Springfield
Channel your inner Picasso! At Painting with A Twis, you can bring your favorite bottle of wine or other beverage to the painting studio and sip while you paint a picture under the guidance of an instructor. Not only will you leave with a great memory, but with a spectacular work of art as well.
Montana – Horseback Riding
Philipsburg
Enjoy the fresh air and mountain views by taking a tour of Yellowstone County on horseback. Saddle up, make the trek down the famous Continental Divide Trail and marvel at sights from the bordering states of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming!
Nebraska – Gondola Ride
Omaha
You don’t need to book a flight to Venice to enjoy a romantic gondola ride—you and that special someone can enjoy one in downtown Omaha. Enjoy a sunset or moonlight cruise in the fountain at The Heartland of America Park. End the night with some wine and cheese and it’ll be a date you’ll both remember for a long time.
Nevada – Escapology Escape Rooms
Las Vegas
Put your brainpower to the test and find some clues to solve an escape room challenge with your date. Escapology in Las Vegas has 9 different escape room challenges at every level of difficulty, so whether you are a novice or puzzle master, there’s something for you to enjoy. Work together or race each other — either way, it’ll be a blast!
New Hampshire – Fruit Picking
Hollis
Summertime means fresh fruit! Take a trip to the Brookdale Fruit Farm and pick your own summer berries and cherries. You’ll get to spend some quality time together, plus you’ll be treated to a tasty treat, courtesy of Mother Nature! Eat them raw, or take them home and make a dessert. No matter what, it’ll be delicious.
New Jersey – Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
Hoboken
Dates don’t have to always have to be nighttime affairs — why not schedule your date before noon? Stop for coffee and a bagel, then take a morning stroll down the Hudson Waterfront Walkway and marvel at the New York City skyline. Not a morning person? That’s fine, too! This is the perfect locale for a park bench picnic or to go ride bicycles or skates!
New Mexico – Fort Union Drive-In Theater
Las Vegas, NM
Here’s a way to put an interesting spin on a classic date idea. Instead of taking your date to the movie theater, take them to a drive-in theater! Stock up on snacks, blankets and get ready to enjoy this summer’s blockbusters from the comfort of your own car. Your date will love all the nostalgia the drive-in evokes and they’ll be sure to rave about their visit for weeks to come.
New York – Visit Roosevelt Island
New York City
While there’s no shortage of things to do in New York City, there are also exciting things to do just outside the city. Roosevelt Island is a hidden gem in New York that even locals sometimes forget about. On Roosevelt Island, you can take a tram to view the Manhattan skyline, visit the historic lighthouse or visit the Blackwell house. Whether you grab a bite to eat at the Cornell Tech Campus or walk along the East River, it’s sure to be a fun time!
North Carolina – La Cueva Underground
Raleigh
Dance the night away at La Cueva Underground! For $8 a person, you and your date will be treated to an entire night of Latin music, dancing and fun. Show off your best moves and, if the feeling is right, maybe your date will too. You don’t have to be professional dancers to have a great time.
North Dakota – Fargo Air Museum
Fargo
Show your date that they make your heart soar with a trip to the Fargo Air Museum. You will be able to look at amazing aircrafts, including a recreation of a Wright Brothers' flyer, military memorabilia and prominent aviation exhibits that rival the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. This is the perfect place to let your love take flight!
Ohio – Landoll's Mohican Castle
Loudonville
Live out your medieval fantasies and stay the night in Landoll's Mohican Castle. In addition to having rooms for guests to stay, the castle has many events including ghost hunts, comedy shows and live concerts.
Oklahoma – Michael Murphy's Dueling Piano Bar
Oklahoma City
Ebony and ivory never looked — or sounded — so cool! Head over to Michael Murphy's Dueling Piano Bar where you and your significant other will be treated to an energetic hangout with fun music, light comedy, and plenty of food and drinks.
Oregon – After Dark at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
Portland
No matter how you felt about science in middle school, you and your date will have a blast at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry After Dark. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine while learning about robots, fossils, tornados, digital animation and other fascinating topics.
Pennsylvania – Magic Gardens
Philadelphia
A cute way to show your date that you two fit well together is to take them to the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, a mixed-media art environment that is covered wall-to-wall in mosaics. The Magic Gardens consist of two art galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. They offer live music, art exhibits, garden parties and other activities year round so no matter when you visit, there’s always something exciting happening!
Puerto Rico – Night BioBay Kayak Tour
Take a kayak tour in the translucent waters of Puerto Rico. In addition to this nighttime float, you and your date will learn more about the history and culture of Puerto Rico, and what causes the natural phenomenon that is bioluminescence.
Rhode Island – WaterFire Providence
Providence
Light up the night by attending a WaterFire live sculpture showcase in downtown Providence. The WaterFire live sculpture consists of over 80 bonfires lit in the river and is a treat for the senses. This is a summer favorite for both locals and tourists alike. Shows are only on Saturdays, so be sure to get to the riverfront early and secure a good viewing spot. This event is very popular and gets crowded fast.
South Carolina – South Carolina Aquarium
Charleston
Go on an adventure under the sea to gaze at all of the beautiful sea creatures at the South Carolina Aquarium! You can go during the day or during the adult-only after-hours specials, where you can enjoy a glass of wine as you peruse the exhibits.
South Dakota – SculptureWalk
Sioux Falls
Take a stroll in downtown Sioux Falls and check out SculptureWalk! SculptureWalk is comprised of over 50 statues and sculptures done by artists from all over the world. Every year, the city showcases new sculptures and, in the summer, locals and visitors can vote on which sculpture they think is the best. The winner gets the "People’s Choice” award and their art becomes a part of the city’s permanent collection!
Tennessee – Full Moon Pickin’ Party
Nashville
Your date will two-step into your heart when you take part in this time-honored Tennessee tradition! The Full Moon Pickin’ Party features Bluegrass music, singing and dancing, local food trucks and vendors, and photo booths for multitudes of memories.
Texas – George Observatory
Needville
Go on a date that’s out of this world at George Observatory. The observatory is home to three telescopes that are perfect for gazing at the stars from down below. Watch a meteor shower, gaze at the Milky Way or try to count all of Saturn’s rings and moons — this romantic date night is one for the ages.
Utah – Park City Mountain Coaster and Alpine Slide
Park City
Experience the Park City Mountain Coaster, the state’s longest mountain coaster. Just like your favorite amusement park ride, you and your date will whip through turns and loops at a speed of 25 miles per hour! Want more? Head over to the Alpine Slide: 3,000 feet of a luge-like track that is one of the world’s longest slides. You and your date can race to the bottom, and the loser can treat the winner to post-slide snacks.
Vermont – Rock Climbing
Burlington
Show your date that they rock by taking them on a rock-climbing date. Visit the Petra Cliffs Indoor Climbing Center, get an all-day pass and try out all the different bouldering and rock-climbing walls they have to offer. Regardless of the weather outside, the conditions inside this rock climbing gym will always be perfect, ensuring your date will reach new heights.
Virginia – Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Dulles
Put the pedal to the medal at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway, with locations in both Manassas and Dulles Virginia. You and your date can race to the finish and see who the next big racing champion is. There are no speed limits on these courses, so don’t be afraid to floor it. Just like the race, you won’t want this date to end!
Washington – Granite Curling Club
Seattle
Beat the heat by taking a trip the the Granite Curling Club in Seattle and try your hand at this bizarre, yet popular Olympic sport! See if your sweeping skills are up to par while you and your date not only learn more about this interesting game, but share laughs and a good time by doing something completely out of the ordinary!
Washington, D.C. – The Board Room
This is one board meeting you and your special someone won’t want to miss! Mosey on down to The Board Room, a board game themed bar in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Here you can order your favorite beer, wine or cocktail and enjoy them while playing classic games such as Uno, Sorry and Monopoly. This is a truly unique D.C. bar and a hidden gem in the city.
West Virginia – Yoga Power
Charleston
Find a moment of zen with your special someone and take a yoga class at the Yoga Power studio in Charleston, West Virginia. The classes are super affordable and yoga is a great way to de-stress and focus your mind. Finish up the yoga date by treating yourselves to a fruit smoothie or another healthy snack.
Wisconsin – Wheelhouse Studios
Madison
Pay a visit to the Wheelhouse Studios on the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus. Wheelhouse is an open art studio, meaning you and your date can take classes in a wide variety of art forms such as painting, pottery, jewelry making, printmaking and more. At this studio, the possibilities are endless!
Wyoming – Cody Night Rodeo
Cody
Giddy up, partners! At the Cody Night Rodeo in Cody, Wyoming, you and your date can experience an authentic rodeo with real-life cowboys and cowgirls who will participate in classic rodeo activities such as bull and bronco riding, lassoing and roping. This date is perfect for couples who are interested in different, authentic American experiences.
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