34 Romantic Things to Do on Valentine's Day That You'll Never Forget
Get ready to fall in love with these ideas.
Chocolate and a bouquet of roses are great Valentine's Day gifts and all, but perhaps the best Valentine's Day idea is to give your loved one time spent together. Amendment: Time AND a sweet card expressing just why you love them. (Hint: Here are some Valentine's Day wishes and messages to help you articulate how you feel.)
Back to the quality time idea, we've put together a list of things to do on Valentine's Day for couples to inspire how you spend your night (or day) together. Some are low budget, others cost nothing at all. Some are unique activities, others make the everyday extraordinary. Some are fancy, others feel equally casual and comfortable. All are sure to make for a romantic date night.
If food says "love" to her or to him, you might want to cook up a romantic Valentine's Day dinner for two at home or a special Valentine's day dessert. If nothing says date night like comfy PJs, you can end the night with a romantic Valentine's Day movie marathon with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. Whether it's your first Valentine's Day together or it's been decades of deepening your bond of love, you're sure to treasure memories from February 14, 2023.
Plan a Coffee Date
This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday, which is, unfortunately, not the most romantic day of the week. Between work and getting kids where they need to go, you may need to sneak in a few romanic breaks in your day. Start off strong with a special coffee date for two. Either pick up Starbucks, meet at a coffee shop, or sit down together for a few minutes in your own kitchen.
Take a bike ride.
If you're fortunate enough to live somewhere with warm weather in February, head outside for a couple's bike ride. It makes a great low-pressure idea for those who are newly dating and still getting to know each other.
Plan a photo shoot.
When was the last time you had your picture taken, just the two of you? For a lot of couples, it only happens on vacations (or even at their wedding!). Hire a photographer, or, for an inexpensive option, have a friend or even one of your kids take a few casual snapshots. A selfie stick will do in a pinch! Then (and this is the most important part), actually print them out and display them in your home. Make this a new Valentine's Day tradition.
Dinner with friends.
This might seem counterintuitive, but it's actually a great idea for couples who have not been together very long, or for couples who have been together forever! Take the pressure off of planning the perfect night for two by making it a double date. Cook at home, or share a babysitter and it a fun restaurant.
Play a game.
When was the last time you played a game with just the two of you? Pick a favorite from the closet, or try a new Valentine's Day game for adults, like Talk, Flirt, Dare or Our Moments.
Make playlists for each other.
Spend some time putting together playlists for each other on your favorite streaming service. Choose Valentine's Day song that spark memories of your relationship or simply tunes you know your significant other will love. Then pour some wine, turn on the music, and reminisce. It's a gift you'll listen to year-round.
Take a hike.
Even if it's cold where you live, taking a scenic hike is a great way to unplug and unwind this Valentine's Day. Maybe there's a favorite spot where you live, or you might want to try one of the best hikes in the U.S. Either way, you're bound to have a fun time because you're in great company.
Volunteer together.
One of the best ways to spend the day together is to choose a cause you're both passionate about and sign up to volunteer—you'll do some good for others and yourself, as volunteering can make you feel more connected to each other and the community. Visit volunteermatch.org to search local organizations and volunteer opportunities.
Take an online mixology class.
Learn how to craft cocktails with a James Beard honoree who has been at the forefront of the NYC craft cocktail movement and the founder of the world’s best bar, and become each other's favorite bartender. You'll be ready to mix up some Valentine's Day cocktails in no time.
Go stargazing.
You don't need a telescope to set up a stargazing date. Just head to your own backyard with a warm, outdoor blanket and use a stargazing app to help identify constellations in the night sky.
Play tourist in your own town.
Is there a landmark in your town that you've always wanted to visit? Or a museum you've never seen? Become tourists in your own home and finally check off one or two of those bucket list items you keep putting off. Get into the role by snapping tons of pictures throughout the day.
Set up a waffle bar.
Is brunch your favorite meal to eat together? Build the waffles of your dreams by setting up a DIY waffle bar. All you need is some waffle batter, a waffle maker, and all the toppings your hearts desire. Try the Sautéed Apples, Pear & Cranberries shown here.
Make a scrapbook of your relationship.
Even partners who aren't so into crafts will get a kick out of this fun activity. Gather up photos of your relationship, old ticket stubs, and meaningful receipts, and make a beautiful book that you'll both treasure!
Bake something sweet.
Baking is a fun way to spend more time with your significant other. And you'll have a sweet reward to enjoy together, like these Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies.
Eat breakfast in bed.
Whip up a delicious breakfast spread on Valentine's Day and enjoy it lounging in bed. It will be a nice change of pace from the usual morning hustle and bustle.
Go for a drive.
No destination? No problem. All you need for this fun Valentine's Day activity is a sense of adventure and a full tank of gas! You'll both get out of your comfort zones while you explore new terrain. There's no telling what you might stumble across. You can also check out our list of the best road trips in every state.
Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting.
Wine and chocolate: Both delicious on their own, but even better together! Come up with your own pairings, or you can opt for a virtual wine appreciation class with wine critic James Suckling.
Craft something together.
Try your hand at some DIY Valentine's Day crafts at home. Consider an art project that you can hang somewhere in the house or craft creative picture frames for favorite photos.
Play hooky.
Take the day off from work and enjoy some R&R. Have breakfast in bed, do a crossword together, and binge-watch your favorite shows. Reminisce about how and why you two first fell in love.
Cook dinner together.
A special home-cooked meal can be so much more romantic than going out to eat at a super busy restaurant. Even if one of you doesn't have chef-worthy skills, you can still make a memorable dinner you'll both enjoy.
Romantic Movies to Stream on Netflix Tonight
Gifts Your Husband Will Love
Romantic Valentine's Day Quotes for Love Notes
You'll Both Crack Up Over These Valentine's Puns
