Pacific Northwest Date Day Ideas
Tired of dinner and a movie?
Check out these 6 unique date ideas! There's something for every budget.
1. Take the Ferry to Friday Harbor
If you or your partner love being on the water and enjoy exploring small towns go spend the day at Friday Harbor! Enjoy an hour and a half ferry ride departing from Anacortes. Spend the day window shopping at local boutiques before you enjoy a meal at the locals favorites, Cask & Schooner Restaurant. It has a huge selection of wine and beer plus great food!
Bonus: San Juan Island also boasts lavender farms, a large alpaca farm, a whale museum, and several short, historical hikes.
Budget breakdown: around $70 roundtrip for the ferry plus $60 for lunch. Total $130
2. hike a Mountain
Want some beautiful photos of you and your partner on top of a mountain? Look no further than Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park. Located just over 2 hours South of Seattle, it has paved trails that abound with wild flowers and incredible views. The trails range from easy to hard and are clearly marked. On your way up to the summit be sure to get breakfast at the Copper Creek Inn.
Bonus: you will go past Pizza Express in Elbe on your way home. They make the best homemade pizza and serve it out of a 1910 refurbished train car. Or if you're up for another adventure, stop by Northwest Trek Wildlife Park as you pass through Eatonville.
Budget Breakdown: $30 for the Mount Rainier National Park day pass, plus $40 for breakfast. Total $70
3. Act like tourists in Seattle
The emerald city really is a gem! Start off your date visiting the Space Needle. Enjoy looking out over this gorgeous city while standing on see-through glass floors! From there browse through the famous Pike Place Market and be sure to pick up some coffee from the original Starbucks! Afterwards take a ride on the Great Wheel during sunset and enjoy a dinner at upscale Elliott's Oyster House overlooking the Puget Sound.
Bonus: within walking distance of the wheel is the Seattle Aquarium. Often along the piers where you will be walking is local artists and street entertainers!
Budget Breakdown: $44 for the Space Needle, $12 for coffee, $26 for the Great Wheel, $85 for dinner, and $25 for parking. Total $192
4. Channel your inner hipster with a trip to Charming Bellingham
This college town is clean, friendly, and offers every type of outdoor activity - it's the perfect place for day date! Start off by taking Chuckanut Drive to get there. It's winding road with beautiful views of the sea. This road will also pop you out in Fairhaven. Enjoy strolling through the massive Village Books store, then lunch at locals favorite, Skylark's Hidden Cafe.
From Fairhaven, you can walk along the South Bay Trail. It's a flat 4 mile round trip hike with views of the sea and islands. Grab a coffee at Wood's which is directly on the trail!
Bonus: if you're a glutton for punishment, try hiking the 6.5 mile Oyster Dome trail off of Chuckanut Drive. On a clear day you can see all the way to Canada! If you're just a regular glutton (like me), go to Mallards Ice Cream instead. They offer unique ice cream flavors like cardamom, jalapeno, lemon cheesecake, or vanilla black sesame!
Budget Breakdown: $40 for lunch, $10 for coffees. Total $50
5. A day in The Country
Head to 1st Street in Snohomish and enjoy lunch at Fred's Rivertown Alehouse for unique American and British meals. As well as a huge beer selection. Spend the afternoon strolling hand in hand through the country's best antique shops. Top off a special day by heading down to the Balloon Depot at Harvey Airfield to take a romantic hot air balloon ride during the sunset!
They even serve snacks and a toast when you return to land.
Bonus: starting at Snohomish is the 30 mile Centennial Trail. Bring your bikes (or roller blades if you feel brave!) along for a ride on a safe, paved path (that's mostly flat).
Budget Breakdown: $50 for lunch, $480 for the hot air balloon ride. Total $530
6. Escape to Leavenworth!
Only a two hour drive from Seattle, but feels like your standing in the middle of the Bavarian Alps of Germany! Enjoy beautiful views while you shop, go wine tasting, and enjoy authentic German food. Be sure to check out The Hat Shop! And while you're there, go to Studio 1890 Old Time Photos for a memorable keepsake. A short walk from town is Icicle Junction Activity Center where you can find a mini golf course as well.
Bonus: in the winter you can find great sledding spots, go on horse drawn carriages, and watch the famous Christmas Tree Lighting. In the summer enjoy hikes and tubing the Wenatchee River.
Budget Breakdown: $50 for lunch, $80 for wine tasting, $41 for Old Time Photos, $18 for mini golf. Total $189