11 date ideas for a love-filled Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you might be in need of some date inspo. If so, don’t fret because we’ve got you covered.

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Perhaps you fancy going all-out with a big, romantic gesture, or maybe you want to keep things low-key. You might be in a long-term relationship, or maybe you’re still getting to know someone.

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However you’re spending Valentine’s Day and whoever you’re with, here are some ideas to have the most love-filled celebrations.

Shutterstock Plan a pamper day

If you aren’t into candlelight dinners in fancy restaurants, what could be better than a chilled day at home? Put on your favorite movies, dig out the face masks and robes, and enjoy your very own spa experience. You can give each other massages, enjoy some deep, existential conversations, and wind down if you’ve been feeling stressed.

Two Norwegian women embrace after hiking to a secluded spot Shutterstock Go on a hike

If you’re a more adventurous kind of person, and you love the great outdoors, a Valentine’s hike could be the date for you. This date idea would be great if you’re at the start of a relationship, as it gives you plenty of time and space to talk and get to know one another, but without those awkward silences sitting beside each other on the sofa. You could even take a picnic for when you arrive at a spot with a scenic view.

Shutterstock Go to a drive-in theater

Love watching movies together but reckon the cinema is probably the least romantic place on Earth? Try a good old drive-in theater! No small children kicking the back of your seat or annoying cinemagoers asking you to stand up so they can go to the toilet. You can take your own snacks and snuggle up while watching a retro classic.

AdBridg.cmd.push(function() { AdBridg.display("div-gpt-ad-inarticle2"); }); Shutterstock Arrange a movie-watching party

If you’re going to be apart from your date this Valentine’s, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Choose a movie each, FaceTime or Skype each other, and press ‘play’ at the same time, then you can watch along as if you’re cuddled up on the bed together.

Shutterstock Go stargazing

What’s more romantic than stargazing? Cozying up under a blanket beneath the twinkling night sky is about as magical as you can get for Valentine’s Day, and it’s impossible not to feel the love for your significant other as you enjoy deep conversations and reflect on life while the universe sparkles above you. It’s also an opportunity to snap some pretty amazing photos.

Shutterstock Try a new restaurant

You might be tempted to head to your favorite restaurant this Vals, but why not go for something a bit different? Make a reservation at that place you’ve always wanted to visit but have never got the chance to. It can be exciting going somewhere neither of you has been to before.

AdBridg.cmd.push(function() { AdBridg.display("div-gpt-ad-inarticle3"); }); Shutterstock Do something wild

Throw caution to the wind and do something daring! Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be posh dinners and soppy movies – who says you can’t go skydiving? And there’s nothing like jumping out of an airplane to really bond with the person you’re dating, right? Let all your inhibitions go and make this a Valentine’s neither of you will forget in a hurry.

Palm Springs style with The Yoberts and the Angelinos Screenshot Take a road trip

Head somewhere you both really want to visit and get rid of all technological distractions. Instead, do some exploring, sing along to the radio at full volume on the way, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

An image of the display case from “Illegal to be You: Gay History Beyond Stonewall,” an exhibit case at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Museum Visit a gallery or museum

This is a great first date idea or for if you’re in the early stages of a relationship. It gives you chance to get to know someone, but also reduces the chance of awkwardness if you’re at least able to chat about the paintings or statues, right? It’s also bound to make you less nervous if you’re to be surrounded by a bunch of other people. And, if it goes well, wandering around museums or art exhibitions together could become your signature thing!

AdBridg.cmd.push(function() { AdBridg.display("div-gpt-ad-inarticle4"); }); Shutterstock Play tourists in your own city

It’s likely you’ll have those spots you go to over and over in your city, leaving the rest of it unexplored. But, you can use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to become a tourist and see the sights. You might find some quirky hidden gems!

Shutterstock Learn a new skill

Why not sign up for a pottery class? Archery? Watercolor painting? Rock climbing? Cocktail making? Whatever it is, you could use this Valentine’s as a chance to learn something new. This is a great date idea if you’re in a stable relationship and just fancy a laugh, or you’re still in the early stages and want to break the ice.

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