10 Austin Date Ideas: Best Romantic Things To Do in Austin

This guest blog article is by Callie Musick.

Austin is known for being one of the best cities for singles, making it a city full of first dates and hopefully many others afterward.

Beyond the singles dating scene, anyone in a relationship has probably experienced how easy it is to get caught in a routine of go-to date night spots. Whether you’re craving something new with your current SO (significant other) or looking for an impressive first date idea, here are a few local suggestions that break the typical dinner-and-drinks mold.

Summer Date Ideas in Austin

The season of the day date. Mostly are inspired by sunshine and water, but sprinkled in are a few late night adventures as well.

1. Test Your Balance with Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on Town Lake

Grab a parking spot along Veterans Drive by Austin High and rent a couple boards from the Texas Rowing Center. Have fun being active, enjoying the water, and scoping out the Austin skyline together. If you’ve never been paddle boarding, it’s really not as hard as it looks. But if you do fall off, at least your date will enjoy a good laugh.

1541 W Cesar Chavez St

If you enjoy time on the water, here are some other date ideas:

• Canoeing on Lady Bird Lake
• Glass bottom kayaks in San Marcos
• Cable powered wakeboarding

2. Cool Off with a Sweet Treat from Lick on South Lamar

This ice cream shop is a favorite for its unique flavor combos and use of all local and super fresh ingredients. Grab a couple scoops and go for a stroll while you enjoy your delicious snack.

2032 S Lamar Blvd

If you enjoy cool treats, here are some other date ideas:

• Dolce Neve gelato
• Best snow cones in Austin

3. Enjoy the Sounds and Sights at Blues on the Green

Join thousands of other locals at Zilker Park for Blues on the Green. Not the most intimate of date nights, but it’s fun to be part of such a quintessential Austin summer experience. With your blanket and a few cold beverages, you’ll be all set to relax and enjoy the music and people watching in the heart of the city.

2100 Barton Springs Road

If you need a nearby place to eat before the music, here’s a list of Austinot recommendations.

4. Head Downtown for Cocktails and Live Music at Firehouse Lounge

Step through the sliding door bookcase from the outer hostel, and walk into the sexy speakeasy type venue that is Firehouse Lounge. Located in the city’s oldest standing fire station, this intimate date night go-to offers craft cocktails from an awesome bar staff, a red light ambience and great live music.

605 Brazos St

If you enjoy unique drinks in a classy environment, here are some other date ideas:

• Peche
• The Cloak Room

5. Escape to Hamilton Pool and Go for a Swim

If you’re ready to commit to a day trip with your date, these outdoor springs make a great mini-escape from the city. As anyone familiar with the park would tell you, the trick is to get there early enough (there will be a line of cars waiting to get in), pack a cooler, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX

If you enjoy swimming holes, here are some other date ideas:

• Krause Springs
• Inks Lake State Park
• Best Texas swimming holes

Fall Date Ideas in Austin

Not that the weather will have cooled off much by this time, autumn in Austin still lends itself to fun and interactive date ideas that won’t leave you sweating and sunburnt afterward.

6. Get Nostalgic at a Drive-in Movie

Reserve your car spot at Blue Starlite Urban Mini Drive then enjoy a quick drive over to the east side. They have classic concessions available on site, but it’s also totally cool to pick up your favorites beforehand and bring your own. Enjoy a rad view of the city skyline as the sun sets, tune in your car radio and settle in for an experience you usually only see in the movies.

1901 E 51st St

If you enjoy unique film venues, here are some other date ideas:

• Violet Crown Cinema
• Alamo Drafthouse
• Marchesa Hall and Theatre
• The Show!

7. Show Off Your Art Skills

…or just enjoy the step by step directions from an instructor during an art night at Art & Soul. Their “Paint & Wine” studio nights set you up with all the supplies you need to get a little creative, while sharing your favorite bottle of wine (it’s BYOB).

Even for those who don’t consider themselves the artistic type, the instructors make sure you walk out of there with a canvas you’ll be proud of – or at least a cool date night souvenir to laugh about later.

3801 Berkman Dr

If art is your thing, here are some other date ideas:

• Free Art Friday scavenger hunt
• Guzu Gallery art show
• Tour of the best murals in Austin
• Elisabet Ney Museum
• Art.Science.Gallery

8. Start a Little Friendly Competition at The Goodnight

Editor’s Note: As of May 2018, The Goodnight on West Anderson Lane has closed. A new location is planned for West Sixth Street.

The Goodnight has eight vintage bowling lanes, pool tables, ping-pong and shuffleboard set up in a swanky atmosphere. Paired with their great menu and drink selection, there’s an endless supply of flirting and fun to be had at this north Austin hotspot.

2700 W Anderson Ln

If you enjoy game spots, here are some other date ideas:

• Pinballz Arcade
• Blazer Tag
• Great Hall Games
• Geek spots in Austin
• The Common Interest

9. Turn Up the Romance with a Sunset Hike to Mount Bonnell

Not as much of a hike as a long staircase, your date shouldn’t mind the little trek to get to the top. Plan ahead by bringing a blanket and picnic and you’re all set for a night of (hopefully) great convo overlooking an amazing view of Lake Austin.

3800 Mt. Bonnell Rd

If you enjoy hiking spots, here are some other date ideas:

• Walnut Creek Park
• Favorite Texas state parks near Austin

10. Learn a New Skill at a Whole Foods Cooking Class

Classes vary from hands on to more demonstration style, but either way you end up with a delicious meal to enjoy afterward, and recipes to take home for later. Classes are kept fairly small and fill up fast, so be sure to book a little in advance. Your date will be impressed!

550 Bowie St and other Austin locations

If you enjoy cooking with your date, here are some ideas for sourcing local ingredients:

• In.gredients
• Mueller Farmers’ Market
• Monument Market

Austin has too much to offer to fall back on boring date night routines. Have fun switching it up!

Callie Musick is an advertising student at the University of Texas and social media coordinator at HMG Creative. Follow her Austin adventures on Instagram at @amityyy.

@theAustinot asks:

What is the best date night you’ve ever had in Austin?