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Whatever you enjoy doing with your special someone–eating, adventuring, or sightseeing in unique ways–these date ideas in Austin will have you building deeper connections with each other and with the city around you.
We’ve got it all on this list–adrenaline boosters, indulgent getaways, finger-licking Southern comfort food, and adorable dates worthy of a movie soundtrack in the background.
Build your itinerary around one, or incorporate a few for a whole day’s worth of romantic, Austin-inspired fun.
Pssst: If you want a romantic getaway in town, check out these romantic hotels in Austin, some of them have a jacuzzi in the room!
26 Date Ideas in Austin
These Austin date ideas will surely add a spark of romance to your time in the Texas capital! Read on to pick your favorites.
Chow down on barbecue at Terry Black’s
Although hand-held hunks of meat and barbecue sauce everywhere may not seem like the most romantic image, this date night in Austin is a must-do for foodies or anyone that wants to dig deeper into Southern cuisine.
Terry Black’s is a legend on the Austin barbecue scene, dishing up melt-in-your-mouth brisket, ribs, and more under the expert direction of 4th-generation pitmasters.
Read next: Romantic Restaurants in Austin
Watch a classic under the stars at Blue Starlite
As the self-proclaimed, “world’s first and only Mini Urban Drive-in movie theater,” Blue Starlite promises a cozy night full of old films, classic concession-style snacks, and plenty of opportunities to cuddle up next to your date.
They have 3 locations in and around the city, each with its own featured genres, dining options, and unique atmosphere.
Take to the water in style at Lady Bird Lake
Austin’s Lady Bird Lake is well known for its picturesque scenery, walking trails, and skyline views.
And what better way to take it all in than from the water–in your very own vintage vessel, to boot?
Retro Boats offers a host of colorful and oh-so-charming rental options, all refurbished with eco-friendly motors for clean, quiet cruising.
Try an old-school-style date at Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Couples have been enjoying the charming, cutesy grounds of this Austin institution since 1948, so an afternoon here is part of a long legacy of love.
Choose between 2 18-hole courses full of funky obstacles, or opt to play all 36 (which, at only $12/person, is a steal).
The course has a BYOB policy, so feel free to bring along a cooler full of drinks to enjoy between putts, as long as there are no glass containers.
Pack a picnic for a day at Zilker Park
Zilker Park is a gorgeous green space found in the heart of the city, and there are few better outdoor date ideas in Austin than a visit here.
Don’t want to spend time prepping a meal? The many food trucks in the area will be happy to furnish your picnic for you, serving up tacos, Thai food, gelato, and everything in between.
Enjoy world-class performances at the Parker Jazz Club
The intimate environment of this basement club is perfect for getting closer to your special someone.
With the help of moody candlelight, incredible musicians, and craft cocktails, let yourself be swept back in time in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Take your aim at Urban Axes
Whether you’ve got some frustration to work out or just want a not-so-typical date night activity, axe throwing is the way to go.
At Urban Axes, you and your special someone will compete to hit the bullseye, with help from onsite “Axeperts” who coach you on your technique.
Snap an iconic couple’s photo at Jo’s Coffee
Austin is a haven of music and art, and its downtown streets are covered in colorful murals perfect for photo ops.
One of the most famous can be found on the wall outside Jo’s Coffee. For more than a decade, lovers have been lining up to secure a snap in front of the oh-so-sweet “I love you so much” graffiti spraypainted there.
Embrace your inner child at the Original Pinballz Arcade
Travel back to simpler times, when nights out with your crush meant lighthearted competition over the pinball machine.
This spot has brought the arcade into the modern age, stocked with all the classics but also updated to include dozens of additional games and an escape room. You can even BYOB. Cheers to that!
Fawn over fresh fruits at Barton Creek Farmers Market
If the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, then Austin’s original farmers market is the perfect place to spark a connection.
Held every Saturday from 9 AM-1 PM, this event promises specialty foods, organic produce, and live music to enjoy while you shop.
Bonus points if you use all your fresh ingredients to cook up a meal for two!
Build trust with a trapeze class at Uprise Circus
Few date ideas in Austin are as uniquely daring as this high-flying adventure, sure to deepen the bonds between you and your partner.
Uprise Circus provides a 2-hour experience during which you’ll enjoy a demo from trained acrobats and then try your hand at your own trapeze experience, soaring 24 feet above the ground.
However, this is not for the budget-conscious traveler. A booking costs $595 for 1-10 flyers (so make it a double or triple date if you can) and must be completed at least 3 weeks in advance.
Share a giant breakfast at Juan in a Million
We’re all for a classic Austin date night, but morning outings are an extra sweet way to start your day.
Juan in a Million has been a hotspot since 1980 and continues to feed residents and tourists all the migas, huevos rancheros, and breakfast tacos they can eat. After all, this city loves TexMex for any meal of the day!
Stroll past masterpieces at Laguna Gloria
Contemporary installations, wooded pathways, waterfront views, and a colorful café await at Laguna Gloria, an indoor/outdoor museum perfect for a picturesque date.
Coincidentally, the grounds also hold the 1916 Driscoll Villa, one of Austin’s most popular wedding venues (wink, wink).
Catch a sunset from the peak of Mount Bonnell
At nearly 800 feet tall, Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin. Of course, that makes it the perfect spot to be when evening arrives and the sky fills with a famous Texas sunset.
In fact, tons of engagements take place up here, with the scenic vistas of downtown and Lake Austin in the background.
The short climb to the top takes only about 10 minutes, so you and your date don’t even have to break a sweat.
Travel tandem down Southern Walnut Creek Trail
Looking for a cheap date idea in Austin? Luckily, the city abounds with gorgeous trails that you can enjoy at no cost, and rentals start at only $14.50/hour for a tandem bike.
Southern Walnut Creek Trail is a clear highlight, offering 7.3 miles of forest, rolling hills, babbling brooks, and easy riding along wide, paved paths.
Wine and dine at Aviary Wine & Kitchen
Austin is right in the heart of Texas wine country, so you know there are plenty of quality reds and whites to be found around the city.
Some of our favorite bottles are at Aviary Wine & Kitchen, a cool, colorful wine bar in Austin. This hangout with a fresh Mediterranean menu and an extensive (to say the least) wine list, complete with award-winning bottles from all around the world.
Hunt for antiques, sweets, and more on South Congress Avenue
Austin’s most popular shopping street is a treasure trove of artsy boutiques, specialty coffee shops, and iconic murals.
Stop by Big Top, a retro candy shop complete with soda fountain, fine chocolates, and colorful aisles full of old-school confections.
Then, pick up a set of matching cowboy boots at Allen’s Boots, which has more than 4,000 options on display, or browse South Congress Books’ selection of used and vintage novels for a new read.
Want quirky antiques, funky clothing pieces, and odd trinkets to take home? Wander the varied collections at Uncommon Objects (open since 1921!), Feathers Boutique, and Off the Wall.
Indulge in an intimate evening at Justine’s
With a decadent, grandiose atmosphere and the menu to match, Justine’s Brasserie guarantees a night of unforgettable romance.
This avant-garde spot is known for its late-night dining, open from 6-11 PM daily except for Tuesday.
From an elegant array of French dishes, the most highly-recommended options are the Steak Frites, Poisson Béarnaise, and of course Escargots. They also boast an extensive wine menu complete with daily specials.
Get pampered at the Lake Austin Spa Resort
Ready to splurge on some serious luxury? This is one of the more expensive date ideas in Austin, but you and your partner will be so relaxed, you won’t even think about the price.
At this secluded retreat, water sports, aquatic spa treatments, and nourishing farm-to-table meals await, all designed to boost your mental and physical wellbeing.
Catch a concert at West 6th Street
West 6th Street has quite the reputation locally and across the world, known for its rambunctious nightlife scene and the large crowds that gather every weekend.
But it’s also one of the best spots to catch some of the live music the city is so famous for (Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, after all).
Check the event calendars for the area’s bars before you go, or just start strolling around as night falls and keep an ear out for live performances–you’re sure to find plenty.
Visit Austin’s famous urban bat colony
Nothing says date night in Austin quite like a sunset cruise as thousands of bats swarm out from under the Congress Street bridge.
It’s just the mix of romantic and quirky that the city is known for, and the sight is certainly a unique spectacle to behold! Keep in mind that this date is best done sometime between March and October before the bats migrate south for the winter.
Raise a glass at Jester King Brewery
One of our favorite no-fail date ideas in Austin is a stop at a beloved local watering hole–Jester King.
Although it’s 30 minutes outside the city center, the vistas found on the 200-acre ranch are well-worth it. Enjoy outdoor games, nature trails, picnic tables, and a goat barn, plus some of the best beers in the city.
Create your own ceramic piece at Café Monet
We’ve all seen the iconic Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore scene from “Ghost,” right?
For a movie-magic moment of your own, try the pottery class at Café Monet, where you and your partner can take a seat at the wheel and make a bowl or mug to take home.
For a less advanced version, opt for their painting class, in which you select a pre-made piece and spend your time decorating the exterior.
Go skinny dipping at Hippie Hollow
Did you know that only a 30-minute drive from downtown Austin, you can find the only legally recognized clothing-optional public park in the state of Texas?
Hippie Hollow offers a rocky shoreline with boulders perfect for sprawling out under the sun (and no need to worry about tan lines!), plus calm waters where you can swim.
Keep in mind, you must be 18 or older to enter.
Wear matching festival outfits to Austin City Limits
Every October, thousands of music fans flock to Austin to take part in the spectacle of ACL, a 6-day festival held over 2 consecutive weekends and featuring more than 100 artists.
Past performers include stars across all genres, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
If you’re interested, make sure to buy passes in advance. They sell out fast!
Take a dance lesson at Broken Spoke
Last but not least of our date ideas in Austin is an oh-so-Texan evening of live country music and two-stepping.
Broken Spoke offers dance lessons Wednesday-Saturday from 8-9 PM, although it’s recommended that you show up by 7:30 PM in order to claim your spot.
Their expert instructors will show you the basics of the Texas Two-Step, Western Swing, and the Cotton-Eyed Joe, and soon you’ll be boot-scooting with the best of them!