Choosing the perfect spot for a date is often tricky, regardless if it’s for a first date, anniversary, or just an open door to get to know one another. Now that you’ve asked your significant other out on a date, you need to be creative with your date night idea to make sure they’re impressed. Fortunately, if you’re looking to go on a romantic getaway in Austin, you’ll have plenty of things to bond over together. With its mild weather, vibrant nightlife, and lively art and music scene, Austin has a lot to offer people looking for interesting date night ideas. To assist you in creating an unforgettable date night, here are the top date night ideas in Austin, Texas.
Valentine’s Day in Austin:
- If you're thinking of celebrating Valentine's day in the city, Visit Austin, its official tourism portal, has a guide to Valentine's Day celebrations that will ensure you have the best time with your significant other.
Getting around:
- If you're planning romantic outings, transportation is the last thing you should be worrying about. Use Visit Austin's transportation guide to choose the best option for yourself.
1. Watch the beautiful sunset at Mount Bonnell
Set in the northwest of downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is 785-feet (239.3-meters) tall and probably the most elevated point in the city. It has been a favorite date night spot for many couples since the 1850s. While it’s somewhat of a trek up to the top, it is certainly worth climbing because there’s a major viewing stage where you can catch beautiful views of Lake Austin and the Colorado River.
This spot is particularly perfect for visiting in the evening, as you’ll get to enjoy the most romantic moment while viewing the gorgeous sunset. Just remember, you’ll have to bring a light for the stroll down in the dark.
Mount Bonnell
Address: 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731, United States
Website: Mount Bonnell
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Enjoy some live music at the Continental Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Famously known as Austin’s live music capital, the Continental Club is located on the iconic South Congress Avenue. This famous spot was first opened in 1955 and has since hosted legends like Robert Plant and Wanda Jackson. It’s a modest setting with a small stage, however, its reputation is enormous. It is known for hosting nationally recognized blues, roots, rock, swing, and rockabilly acts.
The Continental Club
Address: 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Website: The Continental Club
Opening hours: Mon: 6pm - 2am; Tue - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 2pm - 2am; Sun: 2pm - 12:30am
Price: 10 USD - 20 USD
3. Catch a live ballet performance
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We hope everyone had a happy PRIDE month—looking forward to celebrating ATX-style in August! ?
Posted by Long Center on Friday, 28 June 2019
Strategically located in downtown Austin, the Long Center for the Performing Arts is famous for hosting theatrical, musical, dance events, and more. Taking your date to this state-of-the-art venue ensures you will enjoy live performances of the Austin Lyric Opera, Symphony Orchestra, and ballet.
Experience Long Center’s Dell Hall the best way. You and your date will get the chance to dance on the famous stage that the Ballet Austin performs on.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Website: The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 34 USD
4. Enjoy a movie on the big screen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
While there are many cinemas in Austin, the Alamo Drafthouse offers you the perfect chance to dine while enjoying some of the latest movie releases in the same spot. A combination of a quiet theatre, superb projector, and sound gear, showcasing new and classic movies, you can be sure to have the best date night experience ever. Order some pizza, salad, burgers, and other delicious dishes, right from the comfort of your seat.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Address: 320 E 6th Street Austin, TX 78701
Website: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 7pm; Mon - Thur & Sat: 1pm - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 1pm
Price: 11 USD - 13.50 USD
5. Sing the night away at Highball’s karaoke night
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
As a hotbed of eclectic karaoke nights, you’re sure to enjoy the perfect karaoke date night in Austin. The Highball is a prime spot for karaoke in the city. The place features luxurious booths and an inviting stage, making for an unforgettable karaoke date night. The seven themed rooms guarantee each occasion has the perfect setting.
The Highball
Address: The Highball
Website: The Highball
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 12am; Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 1pm - 2am
Price: 20 - 50 USD
6. Learn how to two-step at Dancin Austin
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Dancin' Austin on Tuesday, 15 October 2019
Want something fun and engaging instead? Look no further, coupled with a cold beer, Dancin Austin offers you and your special someone the perfect chance to learn two-step or line dancing with their dance class. They also host several locally famous musicians who will set the perfect honky-tonk atmosphere to make your date night in Texas the best ever.
Dancin Austin
Address: 2121 W Parmer Ln #117, Austin, TX 78727, United States
Website: Dancin Austin
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 15 USD
7. Enjoy an evening paddleboat on Lady Bird Lake
Unlike a typical lake, Lady Bird Lake is more like a slight broadening of the Colorado River, as it goes through downtown Austin. In any case, you can take off onto the peaceful water on a pedal boat, specially designed for two, in the unmistakable shape of a white swan.
Paddle slowly on the water while enjoying the beautiful sunset and lush vegetation along the shore. With the towers of the downtown area out of sight, it makes for some stunning views. In the evening, you’ll get to watch the celebrated Austin bats take to the sky.
Lady Bird Lake
Address: Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: Lady Bird Lake
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Go on a romantic dinner at Mattie's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Austin is known for its astonishing dining scene, however, Mattie’s stands apart as a perfect date night dining spot in Austin. The setting is particularly romantic, being a lovely 19th-century home with white-feathered peacocks walking around the antiquated oak trees of the landscape.
The restaurant takes its name from the fact that it was once home to Martha Faulk and her better half, Henry Faulk, the parents of a renowned author and radio host John Henry Faulk. The menu at Mattie’s is comprised of high-end versions of the locally favorite dishes, for example, fried chicken and prime filet steak. From exclusively curated cocktails to scrumptious eggs Benedict, Mattie’s is guaranteed to satisfy all your food cravings.
Mattie's
Address: 811 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Website: Mattie’s
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 2pm; Tue - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 5pm - 11pm, Sat: 11am - 2pm & 5- 11pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 30 USD and under
9. Experience the magic of the theater
The ancient Paramount Theater on Congress Avenue features a wide scope of entertainment, from standup comedies to ballet performances and movies. Established in 1915 in an Art Nouveau design, it has a unique and outstanding look, with its roof being particularly flashy.
This spot will make you feel inclined to put on your best dress or formal attire. For the romantic touch, be certain to get tickets for the drama boxes by the stage. Whatever the case, it’s a great spot for that special someone and you can even get a balcony seat to add that extra special feeling to your date.
Paramount Theatre
Address: 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: Paramount Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 1 USD - 4 USD
10. Late night drinks at The Roosevelt Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Roosevelt Room is a cocktail bar and music venue located in Austin’s Warehouse District. The place boasts an industrial-chic space with two complete bars, where exclusively crafted cocktails are served. There’s a complete PA system, DJ booth, and an enormous mezzanine with a balcony and a luxurious lounge.
They hold private parties for all occasions and offer extensive craft cocktail services, as well as beer, wine, catering, and a DJ, among others, for the best night out.
The Roosevelt Room
Address: 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: The Roosevelt Room
Opening hours: Mon: 5pm - 2am; Tue - Sat: 4pm - 2am; Sun: 3pm - 12am
11. Dance the night away at The White Horse
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tired of going to the same formal fancy bar and just want to let your hair down for a change? The White Horse might just tick all the boxes! With live music, free dancing lessons and very friendly drink prices, this highly energetic bar could be just the place to start the date or to end it on a memorable high. Don’t expect anything less than a good old Texan night of fun.
The White Horse
Address: 500 Comal St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: The White Horse
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 3.00pm to 2.00am
12. Shop together at Austin County Flea Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Instead of going to the big malls to do shopping, how about taking your partner for a ride down the highway to the Austin County Flea market? This establishment is home to over 300 vendors who sell a huge range of vintage clothing, crafts, furniture, and even auto and truck accessories. Who knows, you might be able to find that timeless home ornament or classic jewelry that you have always wanted.
Austin County Flea Market
Address: 9500 Highway 290 E, Austin, TX 78724
Website: Austin County Flea Market
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 6.00pm
13. Admire the paintings at Blanton Museum of Art
If going to an art museum is your cup of tea, head to the Blanton Museum of Art located at the University of Texas at Austin. The museum hosts world-class temporary exhibitions all year round, so there’s always something to see. The murals and exhibits also make for nice background shots for your mobile phone or laptop, so be sure to whip your camera out if you see something that catches your artistic eye.
Blanton Museum of Art
Address: 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78712
Website: Blanton Museum of Art
Opening hours: Closed on Monday. Tuesday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm, Saturday 11.00am - 5.00pm. Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm, Third Thursday of every month 10.00am - 9.00pm
Price: Varies
14. Have a dinner date at Clark's Oyster Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Planning a romantic first date at a good restaurant but have no idea which places to go? We recommend bringing your date to the small but intimate Clark’s Oyster Bar to get things off to a great start. Be sure to book a reservation in advance as there might be limited seating. The main highlight is obviously the range of oysters that the restaurant offers but do also consider their lobster roll and Black Angus hamburger if both of you are still feeling peckish.
Clark's Oyster Bar
Address: 1200 W 6th St, Austin, Texas 78703
Website: Clark’s Oyster Bar
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11.00am - 10.30pm
Price: 31-60 USD
15. Watch a romantic movie at Violet Crown Cinema
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Score some points on the hipster scale and bring your partner to the Violet Crown Cinema for a unique movie experience after dinner. This arthouse cinema houses four screens that feature independent, documentary, international, and studio films. Pick a film together at the box office or online, order some drinks and snacks from the bar and then sit back on your comfortable seats.
Violet Crown Cinema
Address: 2nd Street District, 434 W 2nd St, Austin TX, 78701
Website: Violet Crown Cinema
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10.30am - 10.30pm
16. Have fun at Dart Bowl
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Are you on a budget but still want to have a night of casual fun with your partner? How about giving bowling a thought? The both of you can have fun in an air-conditioned environment without breaking a sweat. After all, they say you can get to know your partner more via some healthy sports competition. Dart Bowl is centrally located and has 32 lanes, so you and your date won’t have to wait long for a game. Food and drinks are available at the bar if you need some refuel. The rates and shoe rentals are very affordable, so you need not worry about burning a hole in your wallet.
Dart Bowl
Address: 5700 Grover Ave., Austin, TX 78756
Website: Dart Bowl
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 9.00am - 11.00pm, Friday to Saturday 9.00am - 12.00am
Prices: 6.50 USD (includes shoe rental)
17. Enjoy a relaxing day together at Viva Day Spa Lamar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pamper your partner with a gift certificate to the Viva Day Spa for relaxing spa and massage treatment packages to ease her/his weary soul. Or even better, you can book a couple package and enjoy the experience together. Most customers have praised the spa’s excellent customer services, so rest assured that you are definitely in good hands (no pun intended).
Viva Day Spa Lamar
Address: 215 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Website: Viva Day Spa Lamar
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9.00am - 8.00pm
18. Click some photos at The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy a lovely stroll with your partner at the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park located at The Contemporary Austin situated at Laguna Gloria. This contemporary art destination, which combines nature with its arts, has interesting exhibitions and permanent outdoor installations that make great photos for Instagram or for your personal blog.
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
Address: 809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Enjoy the best that Austin has to offer
From watching the latest movie releases to learning how to dance to country music, Austin offers you a plethora of options for your upcoming date night. Plan a fun and unique night date with your special someone in Austin and you’re sure to have the date of your life. Try out some of these excellent options for your next date night in Austin, Texas.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data