13 Romantic Things to Do in Seattle: Best Seattle Date Night Ideas

One thing I love about living in Seattle is there’s always something to do. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities to participate in with your friends or want somewhere more relaxed, you’ll never get bored here. There are also many romantic things to do in Seattle, making it perfect when you need a date night in Seattle.

Whether you’re looking to have a special Valentine’s date in Seattle with your spouse or want a fun Seattle date night idea, I’ve got you covered. From wine tasting to amazing French food to exploring the city, there’s no shortage of things to do in Seattle for couples (or friends if you’re having a Galentine’s Day!).

I’ve compiled a list of the best Seattle date ideas, from places to go to where to eat to where to stay, so read on to start planning a fun day out.

This post was first written in 2018 and last updated in January 2023.

13 Romantic Things to Do in Seattle

If you’ve seen the Oscar-nominated romance film ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, then you’ll certainly know that this city is the perfect setting for falling in love. From exploring the city’s abundant parks and beaches to having panoramic views from the Great Wheel, there are so many things for couples to do in Seattle.

1. Go on a Harbor Cruise

If you’ve been to the city many times, you may be ready for a new view. That’s why I suggest taking your date on a romantic harbor cruise that treads along the major city attractions such as the Space Needle. 

This is a perfect plan for things to do for your anniversary in Seattle. It provides incredible vistas of the city as well as an educated and fun tour guide who will share their knowledge about these landmarks and answer any questions you have.

I’ve lived here most of my life and still found out new facts about Seattle when I went a few years ago. It’s one of the more educational couple activities in Seattle.

Want a bit more adventure? Book a thrilling whale-watching tour in Seattle!

2. Take Your Couple Picture at Kerry Park

In my opinion, some of the most romantic places in Seattle are the parks. The city’s reputation as the ‘Emerald City’ owes to it being extremely green and filled with parks. This is a free activity in Seattle that also makes a great Seattle date night idea.

This reputation can be attributed to the Olmsted Brothers. In 1903, the brothers designed a landscaping scheme to infiltrate more parks and beaching areas in the city.

Their scheme was highly successful, and its positive effects are felt today in the well-maintained lawns and swimming areas. There are many parks to enjoy, but I suggest you head to the one with the best views of the city.

Kerry Park’s highland view may seem familiar to you because photographers flock here to capture the panorama of the city. Many famous published photographs of the city have been taken here.

It’s also rated as one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seattle. Why not go all out and do a little couple’s photoshoot on Valentine’s Day here? 

The park is perched on the southern slope of Queen Anne Hill, allowing for skyline views of the city, Elliott Bay, and the snow-peaked Mount Rainier. The view alone makes an amazing Seattle date idea.

I suggest strategically arriving just before sunset for this scenic couple things to do in Seattle, to take advantage of the situation by taking a photo in one of the best free viewpoints in the city. This is one of the most romantic dates in Seattle when you’re looking to impress someone.

3. Stroll Along the Seattle Waterfront

Seattle is an extremely walkable city, and its promenade along Puget Sound is a great way to combine sightseeing and getting to know your partner better. You’ll also love one of the easier cheap date ideas in Seattle, and it’s a memorable activity during a Seattle one day trip.

The convenience of the city’s waterfront promenade is that it snakes along the major piers and harbors, with uncompromised views of the water when looking for romantic things in Seattle. 

You could choose to walk it (holding your partner’s hand) or bike along the route and add some fun to your date. Either way offers the opportunity to admire the city’s high-rise buildings and take in the fresh smells of the Bay’s saltwater, and it’s one of my favorite things to do in Seattle.

Once you’ve completed the walk, head for a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants along the waterfront for a scenic date night in Seattle.

You could even combine these two fun things for couples to do in Seattle. Ride bikes in the daytime and at night, and admire the city’s multi-colored skyscrapers and structures – both will ensure one of the best romantic Seattle dates. 

4. Take a Ride on the Seattle Great Wheel

This large Ferris wheel actually used to be the biggest of its type globally at the time of its construction in 2012. Once at the top, you’ll be 175 feet above the ground. This height offers the most expansive views of Puget Sound on one side and the entire city skyline on the other. 

This is one of the top couples things to do in Seattle and would be a great idea for Valentine’s Day date in Seattle. Bring along your camera for photos, or live in the moment with your partner while you ascend into the sky.

Doing this activity during sunset would be ideal, so plan in advance to ensure that you won’t miss it. Because the gondolas are enclosed, it also’s a great rainy day activity in Seattle and a fun thing to do in Seattle for an anniversary.

5. Rent a Boat at Green Lake Park

Being a local favorite, this inner-city park provides beaches to bathe in, as well as paddle boats to hire. What could be more romantic than strolling through the park with your loved one and then gliding across the lake with each other? 

You won’t need to travel far to get here for one of the more active Seattle date ideas. If you’re more of the adventurous type of couple, there’s also stand-up paddleboarding available to try out. I love doing SUP here because the water is calm and ideal if you’re a beginner.

Afterward, there are tons of restaurants and bars to visit. Some of my favorite Greenlake restaurants include Shelter Lounge, which is fun on the weekends for brunch with specials like their POG Mimosa and pancakes, as well as Duke’s Seafood for their Lobster Mobster chowder.

6. Explore Nearby Wineries Together

If you’re finding things to do in Seattle for couples to be limited to summer activities in Seattle, then a trip to Woodinville will solve this. Seattle is in the perfect location in terms of the diversified nature that surrounds it and is popular for date ideas in Seattle.

While Seattle hiking may only appeal to the warmer months, one year-round natural feature destination is Woodinville Wine County. It’s located just under 30 minutes by car from the city and tours are offered too so that you won’t need to drive. 

You can easily dedicate an entire Seattle day trip to your romantic date in Seattle (and I have many times!), as there are 130 wineries to explore. This is the perfect way to break the ice with a first date or to rekindle the spark on a Seattle Valentine’s date with your soulmate.

Some of my favorite wineries in Woodinville include:

• Chateau Ste Michelle for outdoor wine tasting and live concerts during the summer
• Alexandria Nicole Cellars for a cozy place to wine taste during winter (they have a fireplace that I love sitting by)
• Cave B Estate for their delicious sparkling rosé (plus I love their Quincy location)

If you want to make it an overnight trip, I suggest staying at Cottage Lake Bed and Breakfast as a fun anniversary idea in Seattle.

Don’t feel like driving but want to visit multiple breweries? Hire your own limo so you’ll stay safe.

7. Visit a Speakeasy Bar

During the roaring 20s, speakeasy bars were known for operating illegally, selling liquor within the prohibition period. Contemporarily, the owners of these bars have tried to ignite that same vibrancy and retro decor in order to transport visitors back to the 1920s. 

In accordance with the speakeasy bars of the 1920s, the ones still around today are concealed behind alleyways, cafes, and hotels. This is one of the more unique things for couples to do in Seattle as you discover hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

Here are a few I recommend for fun date night ideas in Seattle:

• Bathtub Gin & Co.
• Knee High Stocking Co.
• Backdoor at Roxy’s

8. Go on a Hot Tub Ride

One of the best fun things to do in Seattle for couples is taking a hot tub boat ride. I’d seen this on Instagram forever, so I was thrilled when my husband and I finally had the chance to go on one. We went in the winter, but it’d also be great to do this as a Seattle spring activity when the weather gets a bit warmer.

You’ll get to steer the boat yourself and float yourself around Lake Union. I loved seeing views of downtown Seattle, Queen Anne, and Gas Works Park. You can also hook up your phone to Bluetooth speakers to play whatever music you’re in the mood for.

9. Have Happy Hour With a View

One of my favorite places to go for a view of the city during dinner is the Mountaineering Club. This romantic restaurant in Seattle is located in the U-District on the 16th floor of the Graduate Hotel.

You can make an online reservation in advance and ask to sit inside or outside. Weather permitting, I recommend sitting outside so you have a view of the U-District and downtown Seattle.

They have specialty cocktails, but I always get a flute of champagne because it just feels like that kind of place. You’ll get even more bonus points for your Seattle date night idea if you surprise your partner with this!

10. Book a Romantic Dinner in Seattle

There are plenty of amazing romantic restaurants in Seattle I’ve been to, so it’s hard to narrow it down, but here are a few of my favorites.

AQUA by El Gaucho

This is my absolute favorite place for a romantic dinner in Seattle, and my husband and I have gone here for our wedding anniversary time after time. You’ll want to request a table outside so you have beautiful views of the waterfront and be able to watch ships passing by.

The menu is always changing, but I tend to get the seasonal salad and whatever salmon dish they have. This is one place you’ll want to save room for dessert, as they have mouthwatering dishes such as caramel bread pudding.

Maximilien Restaurant

If you really want to sweep your date off of his/her feet, why not book a dinner with a view? Located in the Pike Place Market, Maximilien is one of the most romantic spots in Seattle. 

This is because of its charming setting, with far-stretching views of the bay. It is one of the most romantic restaurants in Seattle as you start off with some sunset cocktails and then lead into a scrumptious French dinner. 

I suggest arriving in the late afternoon before the sun sets and starting off with some cocktails. It’s also great for dinner when you need anniversary date ideas in Seattle.

This restaurant was actually voted as the best restaurant for rooftop drinking, so you’ll want to sit outside if possible. They even have little “bubbles” you and your date can sit in in case it’s raining or if you want more space from the people around you.

11. Explore a Waterfall

I’m obsessed with hiking, and if the hike can end up at a waterfall, even better. I love them so much that I have an entire article on the best waterfall hikes in Seattle, but here are some easier ones I recommend:

• Snoqualmie Falls actually has a small hike you can do to the bottom, and you’ll be able to walk along the river to get a different vantage point
• Bridal Veil Falls is off Highway 2 and you only need to hike a few miles to find a giant waterfall (pictured above)
• Wallace Falls is a fun one because there are three different waterfalls, so you can either make this a short or a long hike

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like hiking to see a waterfall, here are some of the best waterfalls in Washington that you can visit. You can also get a permit to visit Scenic Hot Springs.

12. Relax at a Brewery

Having two young kids, my husband and I sometimes want a low-key Seattle date night idea where we don’t have to worry about dressing up. That’s why we love nothing more than visiting a brewery or two and relaxing by watching the local sports game on TV or playing a board game.

There are so many breweries in Seattle, so it’s impossible to list all of them, but here are some of my favorite breweries and taprooms in the area:

• Pike Brewing is convenient if you’re already downtown, and they have a vast selection of beer, so I recommend getting a sampler to try a half dozen
• Old Stove Brewing is also downtown and right on the water, so you’ll have beautiful views
• Optimism Brewing is on Capitol Hill, has dozens of beers to choose from, and is nearby tons of restaurants to visit after

13. Explore the City

Even if you’re a local, chances are you haven’t explored every part of Seattle, and a guided tour will help you with that.

Here are some of the top Seattle tours to check out:

• The Haunted Seattle Ghost and Pub Tour is a “spirited” tour that will take you to some of the most haunted bars in Seattle while telling you spooky stories.
• The Seattle City Tour will take you via bus to some of the most popular spots in the city, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking or reading a map.
• The Seattle Donut Tour will take you to the best places in Seattle to get donuts – do I really need to convince you further?

Romantic Places to Stay in Seattle

No romantic Seattle experience would be complete without having charming accommodation options to return to. Fortunately, the city and its surroundings offer visitors diverse accommodation types. From stylish inner-city hotels to surrounding nature escapes, here are some of the most romantic places in Seattle to stay in.

Salish Lodge and Spa

For those of you who don’t mind being a little outside the city, then this luxurious nature resort is your best option. Being 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, Salish Lodge and Spa is actually situated on the top of the almost 270-meter Snoqualmie Falls. 

It’s enclosed by the Cascade Mountain Range and is sure to ignite your love with your partner with its verdant, luscious scenery and insane views and one of the most romantic spots in Seattle. 

It took me years to finally come here, but now that I have, I’m hooked. This was probably one of the most relaxing hotel stays I’ve ever had.

Over and above having a luxurious, cabin-style room with a fireplace, you’ll have access to the on-site award-winning spa. And you’ll never be short of fine cuisine here as the hotel boasts a wide range of wines, a fully-equipped bar, and 2 Pacific Northwest restaurants. 

You’ll also have direct access to skiing, swimming, and hiking nearby. This is certainly the best place for spending a romantic anniversary in Seattle. Read more about it in my review of Salish Lodge.

Check rates and book your room for Salish Lodge.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

If you and your partner are spending time downtown, Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a great option. It’s a unique hotel with French-design finishes and is even inscribed on the National Register of Historic Places, so stay here for one of the most memorable Seattle date night ideas.

The hotel comes equipped with an indoor pool for you and your partner to laze at on Seattle winter days. It’s also conveniently near some of the city’s best beaches to enjoy in summer.

The location is central and nearby all the Seattle landmarks, but it also has lots to offer within its proximity. From an oyster bar to a piano bar to drinking cocktails on the terrace, it’s perfect for romantic date ideas in Seattle.

Check rates and book your room for Fairmont Olympic.

The Edgewater Hotel

When you need Seattle anniversary ideas, consider a stay on the water with the best views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Staying at The Edgewater Hotel will ensure lots of quality time with your partner and direct access to the on-site full-service restaurant. You may not ever want to leave this hotel!

This hotel is certainly one of the most romantic places in Seattle, where you won’t have to worry about the sounds of rushing cars or street noises. Rather, you’ll hear the sweet sounds of the seagulls and the crashing of the waves. 

This luxurious hotel may be scenic, but it’s only 15 minutes away from downtown Seattle, so it combines convenience and privacy in one.

Check rates and book your room for The Edgewater.

You’ll love all the romantic things to do in Seattle, no matter what time of year it is. Whether you’re looking for anniversary ideas in Seattle or just general date night ideas in Seattle, you’ll find something for any occasion.