7 Incredibly Romantic Things to Do in Seattle

If you’re looking for a romantic escape in the Emerald City, look no further than Seattle. With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, lush forests and vibrant city life, Seattle offers couples plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal.

From picnicking on Capitol Hill dinner and jazz in Columbia City, there are countless ways to make your romantic outing extra special. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best date ideas in Seattle for couples so that you can plan the perfect date.

These dates will take you to some of Seattle’s best neighborhoods with a range of price points in mind. I’ll lay out a basic plan, with ideas to extend the date, and tips to make the date run as smoothly as possible.

Each one of these ideas is sure to get you and your partner in the mood for romance!

Planning the Perfect Romantic Date in Seattle

Seattle has something to offer every couple looking for a romantic escape. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, lush forests, or vibrant city life, Seattle’s got it all.

Take in the sights at Pike Place Market and stroll along Alki Beach hand-in-hand for a romantic day out. Or explore one of Capitol Hill’s best restaurants and bars to enjoy an intimate dinner together.

And don’t forget about Seattle’s many parks and gardens where couples can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for some quality time together. With so much to do, Seattle is sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic outing with your special someone.

Romantic Things to Do in Seattle

Plan Your Stay: The Lotte Hotel in Downtown Seattle

Make it a truly romantic evening (or weekend!) by booking an indulgent stay at luxury downtown Seattle hotel Lotte.

Contributor Shaye Hubbard had the opportunity to stay at the Lotte Hotel and had this to say about this luxurious hotel:

The Lotte hotel is the perfect romantic getaway if you’re looking for the most incredible views, both morning and night. The hotel occupies 16 of the 44 floors of the F5 tower located right in the heart of downtown Seattle, with towering views inside the bar and lounge, giving you the perfect view of the city, lit up at night.

Sit and enjoy watching the city come to life at night, or enjoy some fresh brewed coffee while watching the sunrise over the Puget Sound.

The rooms are surrounded by gorgeous glass art and mirrors, and massive bay windows adorn each room. Live a life of luxury for a day or two by taking full advantage of the spa, the performance grandeur of Teatro ZinZanni, or exploring the museums nearby such as the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass, or the captivating Seattle Art Museum. And when you’re ready, you can go check out these Instagram-worthy spots in Seattle!

Whether you’re going to grab a drink in the lounge, enjoy breakfast by the window, or stay cuddled up in bed, there is a perfect view in every part of the Lotte Hotel, with plenty of ways to spend a romantic night in curled up together, or an exciting night out on the town.

Plants and Picnicking on Capitol Hill

This Capitol Hill neighborhood date is simple, relaxed, and budget-friendly. Just make sure to bring a picnic blanket and plan the date for a nice day.

On the day of your date, meet your partner at one of the awesome bakeries in north Capitol Hill.

There are three in particular that I recommend:

• Bakery Nouveau is one of the best bakeries in the city, known for delightful sweets and macaroons.
• Go to Macrina Bakery for amazing savory sandwiches.
• Nuflours Bakery is the best choice if you’re looking for gluten-free goods.

Whichever you choose, stock up on sweet and savory pastries and snacks.

Next, make your way to European Vine Selections and grab a good bottle of wine.

Got the goods? Perfect. Your next stop is Volunteer Park.

This is one of the most romantic parks in Seattle. There’s plenty of space in this historic, well-maintained park to spread out and have a laid back, yet intimate picnic.

Lay out your blanket, unload your food and eat, drink, and chat. After you finish, you can return your picnic gear to the car – BUT don’t leave yet!

Take a walk around the park for a bit, peeking at the ponds, flowers and various sculptures as you make your way to the Volunteer Park Conservatory. It only costs $6 per person (visit their website for discount information) to enjoy this pretty place.

The greenhouse is filled with tropical plants, cacti, ferns and other plant varieties.

Take your time perusing and admiring them. When you finish, head to the Palm House Gift Shop.

Here, you’ll find plants for sale, home and garden goods, and more little knick-knacks. Surprise each other with a little gift to remember the date before it’s time to pack up and leave.

Late-Night Dessert and Stroll in Ballard

If you and your partner are big chocolate lovers, Hot Cakes was practically made for you! Hot Cakes is a dessert restaurant specializing in rich and gooey molten chocolate cakes.

They have two Seattle locations, but for this date, you’ll go to the one in Ballard.

Meet there for dessert to start your date on a sweet note. Hot Cakes is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m, Monday to Friday, and 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (make sure to follow their social media accounts for any closures or updates in hours).

If you decide to stick with their specialty molten cakes, I recommend their classic, gluten-free(!) Dark Decadence or Peanut Butter.

Sharing will make the entire experience more romantic (and prevent a sugar crash – These cakes are super rich!).

Once you’re finished with your treat, head outside and prepare for a leisurely stroll around Ballard. This fun neighborhood has plenty of places to keep you entertained for the evening.

Wander along Ballard Ave and Market Street, poking into a variety of local shops to do some shopping.

For a second activity, head to Mox Boarding House to play board games over beers and/or visit The Sunset Tavern for cocktails and live music.

If you want to continue walking and chatting, you can also take a long stroll down to the Ballard Locks. The area is much calmer at night, making it a good place for conversation.

Time things right, and you can catch the sunset and add a little more romance to the evening.

Love desserts? Check out our recommended vegan desserts in Seattle!

Escape Room and Tapas in West Seattle

If you consider yourself adventurous and a little nerdy, you’ll like this date in the West Seattle neighborhood. You’ll start by booking an escape room challenge at The Escape Artist.

This is an exciting and immersive experience for a date, and The Escape Artist offers several options for two players. If you can’t decide on one, I highly recommend the “Trapped In Space” experience.

Work together to see if you can escape the room in the allotted time. You’ll get hints when you need them and have about an hour to work together and figure out the puzzle.

Once your time runs out and you’ve (hopefully!) successfully escaped, walk next door to The Beer Junction for a couple of celebratory beers. The Beer Junction is a laid-back tap room with a ton of rotating options, along with a huge selection of bottled beers.

Unwind and chat about your escape room experience until you start to get hungry.

Your next stop, Itto’s Tapas, is only a few blocks away. This restaurant serves amazing Moroccan and Spanish tapas. To take advantage of their happy hour, visit between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend.

A few popular options on their drool-worthy menu are stuffed dates, spicy harissa vegetables, and beef tenderloin. Go ahead and order whatever looks interesting, though, as everything is flavorful and delicious!

The dining room at Itto’s is small and intimate, making this a lovely, romantic environment to conclude your evening.

Sunset and Tacos in Queen Anne

Kerry Park is a great place for a view of the Seattle skyline, and one of the best times to see this view is during sunset.

It’s a great starting point for a sweet and simple date. Do a little scheduling so you can watch the sunset with your partner at Kerry Park. Take some photos of one another and together while you watch the sparkling light over downtown, the Space Needle and Puget Sound.

Once you’ve spent enough time at the park, begin the downhill walk to the commercial area of Lower Queen Anne. Make your way to The Sitting Room. It’s an eight-minute walk from Kerry Park.

This cute little bar is cozy with a romantic atmosphere and unique, festive cocktails. Their drinks change seasonally, and always have creative names like the “North Bend Shovel Slayer” or “I Made My Family Disappear.” Most importantly, though, they taste amazing.

Every day from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., they have a happy hour with $10 cocktail specials. If you’re able to make this, it’s a great deal!

In addition to cocktails, their menu includes Mexican dishes. Try different kinds of tacos (the Taco al Pastor is delightful). Or, if you’re really hungry, order their house specialties of the Ultimate Munchywrap or Crunchywrap.

Hungry for dessert? They serve a S’mores Churro, which is just as indulgent as it sounds.

Once you finish eating, you can call it a night, or walk another several minutes to get to the Seattle Center.

To keep the date low key and casual, walk around the Seattle Center and chat. To elevate it, book tickets to a show at McCaw Hall or buy tickets to ride to the top of the Space Needle for another view of the city at night.

Tucked-Away Dinner and Jazz in Columbia City

Columbia City is an underrated Seattle neighborhood with several great places for a romantic date. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, but with a more creative twist, come here.

First, you’ll need to find the tucked-away little restaurant, Off Alley. With a menu that’s posted daily (so you’re always in for a delightful surprise) and dishes that are creative and made with in-season ingredients, this little restaurant is a fantastic, local secret.

Previous menus have included items like Salt Black Cod with piquillo pepper, squid ink, smoked beets with fresh goat cheese, mizuna and pistachios. If you and your partner have adventurous pallets, this is the place for you.

When you finish your dinner at Off Alley, head a block down to The Royal Room. This is a venue known for its live jazz shows, and the performers don’t disappoint. You can get tickets ahead of time, or at the door. Check their calendar online to ensure you go on a day when they’re playing something you’re interested in.

They serve drinks and desserts at The Royal Room if you get hungry during the show. Otherwise, after the show, go up the street to Seattle’s favorite ice cream parlor, Molly Moon’s to finish the night with a delicious, cold and creamy sweet treat.

Go On a Tour 

Want to get cozy with your date but also like to be active? This one hour underground Seattle tour is perfect for those who are maybe on an early date or who simply prefer being active and getting outside with their sweetie. 

With this underground tour, you’ll explore three passageways and learn about the Seattle fire that destroyed the city. You’ll explore just over four city blocks of historic Pioneer Square along with a guide!

Prefer a dessert tour? This underground donut tour has you covered! For 2 hours, you’ll sample Seattle’s best donuts on the city’s only donut tour, and celebrate things all donut with like-minded donut aficionados.

Your guide is a “passionate donut expert” and will take you to four of the top donut shops around Seattle.

The Seattle Underground Donut Tour includes your tour guide and snacks throughout the tour.

Take in Amazing Views

Take in some of the most beautiful views of Seattle from Jack Block Park to the Downtown Waterfront. Whether you’re looking for a romantic picnic spot or just want to enjoy the panoramic view of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, Mt. Rainier and more, there are many beautiful sights all around Seattle. Enjoy a bottle of wine and watch the sunset over Seattle’s skyline’s at Jack Block Park – check out our article on the best views in Seattle!

Seattle is full of romantic activities for couples looking to spend some quality time together. From trying new restaurants and exploring the city, to taking a tour or enjoying amazing views, there’s something for everyone. So grab your partner and get out there and explore- you won’t regret it!