14 Unique Date Ideas to Try in Seattle

For those who want to keep it simple, coffee is always great, especially on a first date, and even more so in Seattle. How do you spice up this age-old tradition? Try a pinch of paprika and a coffee tour. There are a few great options around town that will provide the opportunity to learn something new in a group setting while exploring the city and a bit of its history. Alternatively, head to Elliot Bay Books and explore books together.

Take to the air via water! Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Emerald City in a small group. Share a new and unique experience, get to know each other, and find out pretty quickly who is afraid of heights! Companies that offer this sensational opportunity include Seattle Seaplanes, Kenmore Air, Northwest Seaplanes, and Seaplane Scenics.

Want to explore your partner’s competitive side? Check out places such as Flip Flip Ding Ding, the Seattle Pinball Museum, and GameWorks. Including pinball, arcade games, and drinks, this type of date will give away whether you’re a graceful or sore loser.

Pick a team—any team! Seattle has enough pro sports to keep this an option year-round. Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Sounders, or Reign—all will give you something to focus on when conversation lags and moments to memorialize moving forward. Pro tip: Mariners’ fireworks nights add an extra show at the end of the game that’s bound to impress!

Three times a year, the Seattle Art Museum throws a party. With dancing, art creation, performances, and tours of exhibits, SAM Remix can satisfy cultural and club cravings all in one. Impress your date with this truly unique event while learning and sharing different perspectives on art in all of its forms.

No, the Market is not just for tourists. It’s practically unending, so it’ll be hard to run out of things to do. Taste new things; discover each other’s likes and dislikes. This date even gives you the opportunity to get some gift ideas for down the road or purchase that one thing on the spot that your date can’t seem to take their eyes off of. The date can be paired with snacking, a casual picnic in the park, or a fancy meal without ever leaving the Market!

Seattle’s Pacific Science Center contains “the most full color lasers permanently installed in any Laser Dome in America.” Why not take advantage of it? Laser shows, which cost between $4 and $12 per person, bring light to musical artists across generations every weekend. With a variety including the Beatles, Beyonce, and Seattle’s own Soundgarden, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find something you’ll both enjoy.

Take advantage of living in an internationally known musical hot spot. No matter the genre of music you and your date have already connected on, be it classical, grunge, hip-hop, jazz, or something else, Seattle has the concert venue for you. Alternatively, check out MoPop for a more modern museum experience that also encourages playing together.

Sweep your date away to a romantic island! Catch a ferry from Seattle and enjoy the sunset views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains. Keep your eyes open for orca whales, too! Enjoy dinner on Vashon Island, Whidbey Island, or the San Juan Islands, and then revel in the city skyline all lit up at night on the ferry ride back.

Forget bringing a bouquet of flowers to the date—bring your date to the flowers! Walk through the Washington Park Arboretum for a gorgeous backdrop to your “getting to know each other” conversation. For an international experience, make appointments for a Japanese tea ceremony at the Seattle Japanese Garden.

Embrace the Emerald City: cycling, breweries, and all! For less than $30 per person, travel via a 16-passenger pedal-powered vehicle on a Brewery Tour in Ballard and Fremont. The Cycle Saloon might also be considered for double-date nights.

To really get your blood pumping, learn how to fly! Sign up for a class at Emerald City Trapeze to learn some trapeze basics—no experience required. Go ahead: “take the leap!”

At the end of the day, most people want the same thing: someone who will make them laugh. Make that a priority with a date at a comedy club. Consider ComedySportz, Jet City Improv, or Unexpected Productions for hilarious improv, and Laughs Comedy Club for outstanding stand-up.

Even though we see it every day towering above us, that doesn’t mean that every Seattleite has actually been to the top of the Space Needle. Even for those who have, it’s still an impressive experience each time. Plus, with the renovations taking place in 2017 and 2018, there will be new aspects to check out! Depending on your budget, consider stepping down a level for a meal pre- or post-observation deck at the world’s first and oldest rotating restaurant.