It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which means lots of people are planning a very special date night for February 14th. Of course, you don’t have limit yourself to this romantic holiday to plan something spectacular that she or he will never forget. These spots for date night in the Northwest are sure to make for an incredible evening together.
Seattle waterfront with The Great Wheel and Space Needle
Space Needle and The Great Wheel, Seattle
Seattle’s most iconic landmark, the Space Needle, is home to SkyCity, a rotating restaurant where you two can take in 360 degree views while dining on delicious meals. With the panorama of soaring mountains and glistening water in every direction, it’s hard to beat. Afterwards, in the evening with a ride on The Great Wheel, a Ferris wheel located along the waterfront at Pier 57, with an overall height of 175 feet that offers more unforgettable vistas and the chance to cozy up together in the fully-enclosed gondola. The later you go in the evening, the greater the odds you’ll get to ride alone. On Fridays and Saturdays it’s open until midnight.
Bonfire on the beach
Camping in the City
While you won’t be able to stay overnight, you can enjoy one of the best parts of camping right in the city, an ideal night for outdoor lovers anytime of the year. Bundle up, bring a blanket, a thermos of hot chocolate or a bottle of wine and everything you need to make s’mores, along with a bundle of firewood. You and your date can enjoy a romantic bonfire on the beach at Golden Garden Parks in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, which offers bonfire pits right on the sand, and it doesn’t close until 11:30 p.m.
Argosy cruise with the Olympic Mountains as the backdrop
Take a Cruise
Going on a cruise doesn’t necessarily have to mean a week-long excursion in the Caribbean or the Inside Passage to Alaska. While that would certainly make for a great time, date night cruises are an option too. One of the best things about Seattle is all of that sparkling water, and gliding across it is an ideal way to really soak up the scenery while enjoy refreshing beverages and sometimes even elaborate feasts onboard. There are cruises on Lake Washington as well as a multitude of options on the Sound.
Rose Theater, Port Townsend
Dinner and a movie at the Rose Theater’s Starlight Room, Port Townsend
If you’re on the Olympic Peninsula, or have time for a longer date night, head to Port Townsend, one of the most romantic towns in the Northwest. Super fun and glamorous, the Starlight Room at the Rose Theater downtown provides seating on gorgeous, comfy vintage chairs and sofas, and also features a restaurant and bar. The Silverwater Cafe adjacent to the theater also offers special pre-movie three-course dinners, that guarantee to get you to the show on time.
Top Down Cinema, Portland
An outdoor movie in Portland
When it isn’t raining, outdoor movie theaters offer the ultimate date night. In Portland, Top Down Cinema at Hotel deLuxe is a unique wine-and-movie “drive-in” on the roof of a parking garage in Goose Hollow. The doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 8, and films begin around sunset. Food and beverages are available from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Aladdin’s Cafe, Gracie’s and Brass Tacks Sandwiches.
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, Portland
Classic gamers’ special
If you’re a couple that enjoys playing video games together, why not head to Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade in Old Town Portland? Even better is the second Thursday and last Wednesday of each month when the facility puts its games on free play and charges just a $5 cover. There’s also a full bar, making it ideal for those Pac-Man marathons.
sunset at Cannon Beach, Oregon
Watch the sunset alone on Cannon Beach
What could be more romantic than watching the sun go down from the beach when no one else is around? By heading to the extreme southern end of Cannon beach, south of the main Tolovana area, you’ll find a stretch of Hemlock that continues south after the Highway 101 exit, intersecting with the highway about one-quarter mile south of the 101 junction near Mo’s and the Tolovana Inn. Along these narrow little streets, there are hidden beach accesses. Take one of the most southern, and continue to walk south for about a half a mile, and you’ll reach of series of basalt slabs, dramatic cliffs, and a couple of sea stacks that look similar to iconic Haystack Rock. This is an area where few souls ever tread, and not only is it jaw-droppingly beautiful, you can enjoy time alone, gazing at fiery sunsets and the glistening expanse of the Pacific. Afterward, head to town to dine at the oceanfront Wayfarer Restaurant.
Fast Lane Indoor Kart Racing, Boise
The Fork & Fast Lane, Boise
Another great idea for adventurous couples who enjoy dining on decadent delights – you might want to save Tuesday night for date night as The Fork offers its amazing Chicken and Waffles special every Tuesday. After that mouth-watering meal, head to the outskirts of town where you can enjoy the heart-pounding through of racing go-karts that reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour.