62 Summer Date Ideas That Are Anything but Boring, from Stargazing to Oyster Shucking

Now you finally have an excuse to break out the picnic basket. Not sure what to make? We’ve got you covered with 40 picnic side dishes that are easy and portable. If it rains, take the fun indoors—there’s something equally nice about throwing a blanket on the floor and mixing things up from your usual setting.

Go ahead: Fake a mini honeymoon. Just don’t forget to bring the sunscreen, snag a cozy beach chair and lounge in your favorite swimsuit. (Psst: If you’re not near a beach—or not one for sand and seaweed—you could also book a day pass at a nearby resort to enjoy its pool and amenities using Resortpass.)

Nothing like a nice assortment of wines and fine cheeses to get a pair of lovers giggling and feeling good. You can head over to your nearest winery or vineyard or make it an at-home date by getting it delivered to your door.

We’re all about a summer staycation on a Tuesday. Order some food, relax in your backyard and just enjoy being in each other’s company.

Windows down, tunes up. Rent a beach house for the week, relax and unwind at an all-inclusive resort or channel your inner cowgirl at a dude ranch.

Grab a bottle of wine, hang all the twinkly lights (bonus points if they’re mosquito repellent, which yes, is now a thing) and lounge in your backyard for the night.

We know, this is a bit rustic, but a day spent on the water makes for a great bonding experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll be making a nice branzino for dinner.

From pasta pomodoro with chicken and goat cheese to pan-roasted trout with walnut green sauce, these dinners for two will hit the spot. Set a fancy table alfresco and remember that there’s no such thing as too many candles.

You can search for one near you or even take a virtual class, where Maine oysters, gloves and a shucking knife are sent to your door.

At a nearby class, bar or right in your living room. Get all dressed up and cue up some of your favorite love tunes.

Lounge, read, set up a picnic and spend the day just reconnecting and maybe even having some serious talks about the relationship.

Romantic, nostalgic and a perfect way to make sure you and your boo are centered before the chaos of the day ensues.

Ahhh, nothing like the sweet relief of central air conditioning and a thrilling summer blockbuster to pass the time. Here’s a look at some of our top flicks to see in 2023.

Share a cone, gaze into each other’s eyes and stroll hand in hand like teenagers.

Between summer holidays and local events, there’s bound to be some in your area. Here are the best places to check out fireworks in every state.

Couples’ cardio is, indeed, a thing. Nothing like a nice sweat sesh to get the blood flowing.

Psst: Blueberries and strawberries are in their prime during the warmer weather days. (We’ve got recipe ideas for both, BTW: here you go, strawberry lovers. Blueberry fans, this list’s for you.)

(With those aforementioned berries.) Here are 25 recipes that are as boozy as they are muy delicioso.

Nothing like two lovers going down a winding road and reminiscing about their best memories. Cue up that summer playlist, roll down the windows and sing your hearts out.

Still hot. Even if you wipe out.

Date night hits differently when it comes after a long workday. Pick a nice rooftop bar, get the drinks flowing and completely unwind with your person.

Save this one for an extra scorching day and remember to keep the Lysol and sanitizer wipes on deck.

A trip to the museum is a summer staple.

Paging 1955. Here are the best drive-in movie theaters in the country. (Oh, and for NYC dwellers, movies in the park are back in full swing, baby!)

Yeah, funnel cake is mandatory and so are turkey legs, fried Oreos and caramel apples.

There’s nothing better than a feel-good activity to bring you and your person closer together whilst helping out the community. You can do something small, like picking up the trash in your neighborhood or dedicate the day to spend some QT with animals at a shelter.

Boozy popsicles? Right this way. We’re talking watermelon margarita poptails, bloody Mary popsicles and piña colada ice pops.

No pool nearby? No problem. Bring the fun to you with this inflatable pool that's perfect for the whole family. You can even treat yourself to an ice-cold summer cocktail.

Nothing says I love you quite like coming home with s’mores fixings.

No real destination needed. It’s all about the ride. You can bike a trail or simply ride around your neighborhood or city.

Do it for the cotton candy and the bumper cars. You can even get the kiddos in on this one, but really, you’re never too old for some amusement park thrills.

The harder to find, the better. Here are seven near NYC to inspire you.

Many big stadiums and arenas are fully operational this summer so why not take bae out for an action-packed evening? How about those Yankees or Dodgers or...Texas Rangers?

Flowers are always a good idea.

Nature, the best place to unplug and reconnect. Here’s what to bring, here’s where to go and here’s what to cook.

You can never go wrong with a date night that’s seemingly written by Nicholas Sparks himself. You can plan for a night trip or head to one of these famed places to go stargazing in the U.S.

If a special occasion (cough, proposal) calls for it.

It’s time to refresh your love nest. Fingers crossed you finally spot that floor length, vintage mirror you’ve been hunting for some time now.

Nothin’ like physical activity to get those endorphins up. And please, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate gear. Our guide on what to wear hiking here.

Fluffy towels, cucumber water and couples’ massages. Sounds like a date in heaven if you ask us.

Day drinking is classy if you call it a “tasting.”

Riri may not be giving us new music just yet, but plenty of stars (like Taylor Swift!) are back on the road. If you’re not up for the big crowds, you can always check outa low-key local performance.

Because fresh fruit is the best fruit and nothing beats the taste of a freshly picked mango or peach. Are we right?

Nothing like some lightly charred meats to wind down the day. Here are 77 BBQ sides to accompany those yummy ribs.

Pastel polos optional. Make sure you play for (fun) keeps—loser pays for the next five dates or does the dishes for the month…you get the drill.

Take a little road trip to the nearest beach town and bask in the amber glory.

Or canoes and explore a local waterway.

One is never too old to take pictures of cute baby animals and you can bring your little ones along.

Invite your besties over, too. Here’s an easy recipe you can follow.

The real reason for the season. Scout for a local swimming hole that you and your person can sneak off to.

An easy way for you and your beau to get a full-body workout in. And perhaps an excuse to score some new workout sets. Can’t go rock climbing in your regular gym leggings now, can you?

Just for the two of you or for your nearest and dearest. (Feeling shy? Check out our roundup of easy karaoke songs.)

Stretch those culinary muscles and create a meal you’ve never made before. Here are some of our favorite online cooking classes to get you started. Learning how to make a red wine poached egg with asparagus and mushrooms from the Gordon Ramsay doesn’t sound too shabby, huh?

A couple that indulges their sweet teeth together, stays together. You can’t go wrong with one (or more) of these fun things to bake. We highly recommend those homemade Milano cookies.

Make this a family activity by incorporating the kids.

Streaming services have a slew of summer movies available to watch right now. Take your pick and reminisce about the good ole days. From heart-tugging romantic dramas such as The Notebook to laugh-out-loud comedies such as Dazed and Confused there are almost too many to choose from.

Put that long-running argument of who’s the better artist to rest with an in-person or virtual painting class. You can search for a local Sip and Paint or cue up one of Masterclass’s slew of videos on various types of the art form.

From “Cards Against Humanity” to “Watch Ya Mouth,” there are plenty of party games that you and your betrothed can play by yourselves or with your pals.

Of course, you love your person, but sometimes you just need the company of other people. Delight your company with one of these ultra-delish easy summer dinner recipes. (And here are some alternatives if you’re gunning for clean and healthy options­­.)

Enjoy endless blooms at your local nursery and maybe walk away with a few for your home. Pick out some seasonal perennials such as peonies, yarrows or mums which revel in the summer heat.

If you both own rollerblades, dust ‘em off and head to the boardwalk; otherwise, rent a pair and spend a few hours at an (air conditioned) indoor roller rink. Either way, a roller-skating date is sure to be a ton of fun, and hand-holding is practically guaranteed.

Gaming is always a good time, but it’s a lot more romantic when you get off the couch and enjoy the friendly competition at an arcade—namely because the atmosphere is far livelier than your living room and charmingly nostalgic, too. (Dave and Buster’s, anyone?)