Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for 2024

When Valentine’s Day rolls around, you want to make your partner’s day a little bit better than the rest. The trouble is, that’s harder than it sounds! Whether you’ve been together for a few weeks or multiple decades, it’s always tricky planning a day Cupid would be proud of. To make things easier, we’ll let you in on a little secret: the most important part of a great Valentine’s Day is spending time together! With that said, we understand if you want to make the day a bit out of the ordinary. That’s why we’ve gathered ideas on how you make this Valentine’s Day extra special, no matter if you want to spend the day at home or head out on the town. Pick one of these ideas and get ready for a love that will keep blooming all year long.  

Go Retro with Roller Skates

Roller skating is making a comeback, and with good reason. It’s the sort of thing that’s fun to do together even if one of you has never put on a pair of skates. For the uninitiated, the best kept secret about roller skating dates is you’ll need to hang onto each other to keep from falling! Check out your local roller skating rink, or if the weather’s nice where you are, head for a park.

Take a Class Together

Talk about what you’d both enjoy learning, but keep an open mind. There are lots of places that offer classes, and you may come across some you’d navar thought of. Check with the local libraries and museums, and on local event sites like Meetup and Eventbrite. If you’re both foodies, check with local restaurants to see if they offer food or beverage related classes. If you search for classes in your area, you may find some unique Valentine’s Day date ideas.

Be Tourists in Your Own Town

Whether you live in a big city or a small town, there are attractions and events you might think of as “for tourists”, and that most residents bypass. Most towns have an online visitors’ guide, or a tourism bureau. Check pages like that for Valentine’s Day date ideas that might show you a different view of your hometown, and actually make you feel like you’re a tourist!

 

Go Out of Town, Just a Little

If you’ve been there, done that in your own hometown, try a neighboring town. Perhaps there’s a nearby town that you haven’t explored, with restaurants and activities you haven’t experienced. You can have a real “out of town” experience just by visiting a neighboring city for a day trip, or overnight.

Play Hooky Together

Let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day goes into high gear after 5:00, and some of us would rather avoid crowds in restaurants and popular venues. If you’re able to, taking the day off and planning your date during daytime hours can take a lot of pressure off. You won’t be the only ones with this brilliant date idea for Valentine’s Day, but you’ll have the whole day to enjoy, and smaller crowds – or no crowd at all – to contend with!

Hit the Bowling Lanes

When’s the last time you went bowling? When it comes to retro, you can’t do much better than a bowling alley. And same as roller skating, bowling is beginner-friendly, and more about fun than skill. This is a great double-date idea for Valentine’s Day, with the added benefit of being inexpensive. Most bowling alleys have a snack bar, and sometimes a bar with bar food, so a Valentine’s Day date full of bowling alley fun and food will definitely be memorable. 

Do a Gallery Hop for Two

Check local art galleries and museums for times when they’re open to the public, and schedule a self-guided tour of the local art scene. Often you’ll encounter an artist or educator who’s happy to tell you about the work that’s on display. This is a nice daytime date, and lunch or dinner at a restaurant that features local art is the perfect way to complete this Valentine’s Day date.

Take a Flying Lesson

Feeling adventurous? Whether you’re both adrenaline junkies or just up for some Valentine’s Day adventure, flying above the city and taking over the controls will definitely give you a rush.

 

Go Skydiving

Maybe flying the plane isn’t daring enough, and if that’s the case, pack your parachute and jump out of it! Skydiving is a popular Valentine’s Day date idea for adventurous, risk-taking couples, with lessons for first-timers.

Make it a Desserts Only Date

Does the thought of Valentine’s Day make you dizzy with anticipation of all the decadent desserts? Why not lean into that and make your Valentine’s Day all about the sweet stuff! You can start with the traditional gourmet Valentine chocolates, of course. After that, the choice is yours to hit a hot restaurant or two for fabulous desserts and drinks, or stay home and create decadent sweet treats yourselves.

Take a Note From Your Favorite Bakers

If there’s anything sweeter than love, it’s a day filled with triple-tiered cakes and cookies still warm from the oven. Start the day snuggling on the couch while watching The Great British Bake Off. Once your mind is spinning with visions of plum pudding and your mouth is watering, head to the kitchen to do some baking. Decorating heart-shaped cookies is a classic option, or you can pick a favorite recipe from the show.

Make DIY Gifts

DIY sometimes gets a bad rap, conjuring memories of corny childhood homemade gifts. But DIY can be as extravagant as you want, with some help from the internet. Put some extra thought into what your Valentine loves in life and create a DIY gift full of meaning. Exchanging gifts that were personally crafted by each other, for each other, might become a Valentine’s Day tradition!

 

Throw a Dance Party for Two

Put on some tunes and hit the dance floor, aka kitchen, with your favorite partner! The best thing about dancing at home is you don’t have to worry about trying out your latest moves, no matter how ridiculous they are. And if you’re looking to improve your moves, you can always pull up an online dance lesson.

Go Camping Indoors

If the winter weather is a bit too cold to spend the night outside in a tent, then bring the camping experience indoors! Spread out sleeping bags or blankets, cook some marshmallows on the stove or in the microwave, and gather around a campfire made of candles.

Hold a Poetry Reading

If you are a romantic at heart but have a hard time expressing your feelings, a poetry reading might be just what you’re looking for. Head to the local library to gather some romantic texts then spend the night exchanging lines with your partner. Don’t forget to order some red Valentine’s flowers for that extra touch of romance!

Create Valentines for Your Loved Ones

Is there such a thing as too much love? We don’t think so. While there’s no doubt you love your partner dearly, they probably aren’t the only person that deserves a valentine. Gather cardstock, glitter, glue, stickers, and whatever else your crafty self can think of then get to work creating some handmade valentines. After you’ve got a good stack, sign them from the two of you and mail or hand-deliver them to your loved ones.

Pull Out the Board Games

Raid your closet for your favorite board games, clear off your table, and prepare your best smack talk – things are about to get serious! To add an exciting flair to your game night in, put some wagers on victory. Maybe the winner gets a massage or gets to pick where you order dinner from.

 

 

Hold a Chocolate Tasting

In case you don’t already know, you can now find all sorts of specialty chocolates! Single-origin, 80% cocoa, milk chocolate filled with matcha – the options are basically endless! While Hershey might be a little jealous, a chocolate tasting will show your partner just how sweet you are. Gather five to ten chocolates and split them between the two of you while taking notes along the way. Don’t forget to remember your partner’s favorite for future occasions!

Learn How to Make Top-Notch Cocktails

Are you tired of heading to the bar whenever you want a good cocktail? Then learn how to make your own! Head online to find a virtual mixology class (or head to YouTube if you’re looking to save a few dollars). By the time the night’s over, you and your partner will have more than a few winning cocktail recipes up your sleeves. To make the night extra special, order some special glassware, liquor, and mixers ahead of time. Not only will this make it a Valentine’s Day to remember, but you’ll also be ready for future date nights.

Plan a Themed Dinner

Even if you’re staying home for the night, you can still use your tastebuds to travel the world! Pick out a country or city to serve as inspiration for your romantic meal – if you can’t choose, close your eyes and pick a place on a map! Next, find recipes for an appetizer, main course, and dessert then gather the ingredients. Put on some tunes, grab a drink, and get cooking!

Take a Hike

If you’re really looking to get away from other people, head to the woods or beach! A scenic hike will help you blow off some steam and get your blood pumping. Pack some snacks (and maybe a flask) and enjoy the fresh air.

Picnic Under Moonlight

Since the full moon falls on February 16th, the Valentine’s Day sky will be awash with moonlight. Use this as an opportunity to head out for a romantic picnic dinner, complete with a cozy blanket, candles, and Valentine’s Day flowers. To keep food and drink simple, order takeout from your favorite restaurant and grab a six-pack or a bottle of wine. You may find this romantic night away is exactly what you need!

 

 

Plan a Bike Ride

Another Valentine’s Day option for the fitness-minded is a bike ride through your city! If you don’t have your own bikes, check to see if your city has a bike-share program or rent some bikes from an outdoor store. When planning your route, consider taking a trip down memory lane by cruising past local landmarks that share special importance to your relationship.

Go Sledding

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with white winters, don’t miss out on the opportunity to relive a fun childhood favorite! Grab your toboggan, throw on that wool hat, and pack a thermos of hot chocolate. Once you’ve found a good hill, hop onto your sled with your partner and get ready for a good ride. Don’t forget to hold them tight!

A Scavenger Hunt to Remember

If your partner loves a challenge, send them out on a scavenger hunt. To keep things romantic, mix in clues that relate to your time together – think things like “the location of our first kiss” and “our favorite brunch spot.” While the end prize is up to you, you can’t go wrong with one of our gift bundles for Valentine’s Day.

A Hot and Bubbly Night

When the weather is cold and winter seems like it’s never going to end, a warm soak makes the mind feel at ease. Plus, is there anything more romantic than a secluded hot tub? Head to Airbnb or VRBO to check for vacation rentals with hot tubs. Add in some rose petals, chocolates, and other treats then get ready to relax the night away!

Couple’s Massage

If you and your partner could both stand to relieve some tension, treat yourself to a couple’s massage. After you’ve got your knots and tightness worked out, head out to a relaxing night at a wine bar.

Escape Room

While being trapped with your partner may sound idyllic, have to push this thought aside in an escape room. Not only will the two of you have fun working together to break out, but you also might learn a thing or two about your partner!

 

 

Ice Skating

No matter if you can land a double axel or barely stay on your feet, a nice on the ice with your significant other is a nice change of pace. Pair it with some warm beverages and you can’t go wrong. Even if you live in a warmer area, there might be an indoor ice-skating rink nearby.

Laser Tag

Start your date and work up a good appetite with a few rounds of laser tag. Some friendly but fierce competition and the flood of endorphins are sure to kick off an exhilarating Valentine’s Day.

Spend the Day at a Theme Park

If you both love to indulge your inner child, what better way than a day full of roller coasters, tilt-a-whirls and other exciting rides. Valentine’s Day at a theme park is sure to create lasting memories.

Go to an Arcade

Whether it’s a classic arcade or a pinball bar, any place filled with old-school games is bound to be fun. Get ready to duel your partner in skee ball and take bets on who can get a higher score on Pac-Man.

Sing Your Hearts Out at a Karaoke Bar

Do you and your partner love to sing? Then head to a karaoke bar to belt out your favorite tunes. Even if you aren’t much of a singer yourself, you can spend the night cheering on your partner and rating the other vocalists.

Enjoy the Plants at a Conservatory

If your partner is itching for a taste of that spring greenery, take them to a date at a conservatory. As soon as you step inside these lush, plant-filled houses, you’ll feel transported to another world. As a bonus, they’re nice and warm!

 

 

Enjoy Some Live Music

Check your local concert listings for Valentine’s Day concerts, and enjoy a romantic evening listening to live music by local artists, or ones passing through. You might even luck out and find a restaurant that’s featuring a local musician for Valentine’s Day.

Check Out a Play

Check your local theaters for plays showing on Valentine’s Day. They may offer special packages for the holiday, so it’s definitely worth consulting their websites for Valentine’s Day date ideas.

Long-Distance Valentine’s Day Ideas

There’s no denying that long distance is hard – especially on Valentine’s Day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with your partner! Swap the phone calls and video chats for one of the creative ideas below to create a day to remember.

Play Board-Games

Even if you’re miles apart, you can still sit down together for a game of Monopoly or Settlers of Catan. Thanks to a little thing called the internet, it’s easy to play classic board games virtually. Grab some snacks, wager a bet, and start playing. Try Boardgame Arena for a great site where you can play all your favorites through your browser.

Order Each Other Dinner

Browsing through Door-Dash or picking up takeout from your favorite Thai restaurant is fun, but being surprised by dinner is even better! Set a date and time for dinner, but don’t make plans for food. Instead, leave it up to your partner to provide you with your grub (and vice versa). Order delivery from one of their favorite restaurants or mix it by picking something from that new place in their town. Bonus points if you order dessert!

Sign Up for a Virtual Cooking Class

If you’d rather take advantage of your kitchen, sign you and your significant other up for a virtual cooking class! Most classes allow you to tune in from multiple locations, so you’ll both be able to learn and cook from your own homes. When the class is done, you’ll both have a homemade meal you can enjoy together over video chat!

Write Love Letters

Even if you’re already in the habit of exchanging letters, there’s no such thing as too many love notes. Write out your feelings, draw some hearts, and let your partner know how much you appreciate them.

Flowers for Valentine’s Day

However you celebrate, you don’t want to forget flowers for Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re looking to send roses for Valentine’s Day or order some Valentine’s Day tulips, Vancouver Red Rose is here to help! We even have you covered if you need a little help writing your Valentine’s Day messages.

We source our flowers from sustainable farms and deliver Valentine flower bouquets right to you or your partner’s door. All you have to do is unpack, arrange, and enjoy!

Did we mention you can order ahead of time? By taking care of the flowers now, you can focus on creating the perfect Valentine’s Day celebration. And if you’re planning on doing something for Galentine’s Day, the day before, we have you covered there too with our Galentine’s Day party guide.

FAQ

What Should I Do On Valentine’s Day?

When you’re figuring out what to do on Valentine’s Day, start with your relationship! What do you and your partner enjoy doing together? Is there a new activity or place they’ve been wanting to try out? If you’re still stuck on what to do, try ice skating, plan a themed dinner, or play board games at home.

What Can I Do for Valentine’s Day at Home?

Valentine’s Day at home doesn’t have to be boring! Put on some music and dance, learn how to cook a new dish with an online cooking class, or have a board game marathon.

How Can I Make Valentine’s Day Really Special?

The best way to make Valentine’s Day special is to put some thought in ahead of time. By planning a special date night and ordering flowers, your partner will see how much you care.

What Should I Do for My Partner on Valentine’s Day?

That depends on what your partner likes! At the bare minimum, you should spend a few hours with them, whether that’s virtually or in person. To go the extra mile, order their favorite food or plan a great date involving one of their favorite activities.