27 Summer Date Ideas That Feel Expensive (But Aren’t)

Hey, dear reader! Passes you a frozen lemonade 🍹

The weather’s getting warmer, shorts are sneaking back into your daily outfit checks, and we both know what that means. Summer date season is around the corner.

But let’s be honest: if you’re already dreading another three months of “where should we go?” texts, you’re not alone.

Last summer, I spent way too many perfect evenings with my girlfriend, sitting in the same dimly lit restaurants, wishing I’d planned something more memorable.

Not this year! Before we all fall back into the dinner-and-drinks routine, I’ve lined up some date ideas that’ll actually have you excited to put down your phone and try them. 😍

Because this summer? It’s going to be different.

The Summer Date Bucket List That Broke The Internet

1. Midnight Pool Float Date

Last summer, I booked an Airbnb with a private pool for this exact dreamy date you saw in the video. And let me tell you, floating under the stars was worth every penny!

String up some fairy lights, grab those fun pool floats and don’t forget to select a romantic movie beforehand.

Fun Twist: Set up a floating snack bar using pool drink holders!

2. Local Food Truck Crawl

Ditch the fancy restaurants! Time for a food truck adventure. Hop from truck to truck, split everything you order (because sharing is caring, right?), and find your city’s hidden food gems together.

Fun twist: Order in a different accent at each truck. It’s hilarious when you both try!

3. Love Language Expression Night

Ever heard about the five love languages? Set up a special night where you both express love in each other’s preferred language.

Maybe they love gifts but you’re a words person. Trying to speak their language shows you’re really paying attention. It’s sweet, thoughtful, and you both end up feeling super loved!

Fun Twist: Try expressing each love language in the most creative way possible.

4. Kayaking + Waterfront Lunch

When I tried this with my Girlfriend in Goa, what started as a simple kayaking plan turned into the perfect date. Splashing around in the water, followed by amazing food at a beach shack with the prettiest sunset view. Just don’t forget to pack a change of clothes!

Fun Twist: Play “Spot the fish.” The first one to see 5 different fish picks the lunch spot.

5. Create Your Own Ice Cream Flavors

Grab all those toppings you love, maybe some you’re curious about (pickle ice cream, anyone? 😂), and go wild. Warning: Things might get messy, but that’s half the fun, right?

Fun Twist: Do a blindfolded taste test of each other’s creations.

6. Night Market Exploration

Ever been to a night market? The lights are pretty, everything smells amazing, and there’s so much to discover! Grab some street food, shop for quirky stuff, and get lost in the fun of it all.

Fun Twist: Pick a random color and buy each other small gifts in that color only.

7. Outdoor Game Cafe Date

Bored of regular cafes? These places let you sip coffee while playing tons of fun games! From huge Jenga blocks to old-school board games, you’ll never run out of things to do. Plus, watching your date try to win is pretty entertaining.

Fun Twist: The loser of each game has to tell an embarrassing story!

8. Moonlight Paddle Boarding

Want to try something different? Stand-up paddle boarding at night is super cool! The water’s calmer, the moon lights up everything, and yes, you might fall in… but that’s what makes it fun. Perfect for hot summer nights.

Fun Twist: Try doing a little dance on your board without falling.

9. Lakeside Bike Ride + Picnic

During our Goa trip, we cruised along the beach on a bike, and it was amazing! Just pack some snacks and find a pretty spot to stop. The journey’s just as fun as the destination.

Fun Twist: Stop at three new places you’ve never noticed before.

10. Stargazing + Wine Tasting

This one’s a perfect mix of fancy and fun. Pack your favorite wines, comfy blankets, and head somewhere dark. Use a star app to spot constellations, or just make up your own stories about the stars. Simple, romantic, and so relaxing!

Fun Twist: Invent your own constellation and name it after each other.

11. Cook a Themed Dinner Together

Pick a movie, country, or color theme and cook everything around it. Never made sushi? Perfect! The messier it gets, the more fun you’ll have. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about creating kitchen chaos together!

Fun Twist: Dress up according to your dinner theme.

12. Hidden Waterfall Hike

Skip the usual walking trails and chase some waterfalls. Pack snacks, wear good shoes, and get ready for a mini adventure. The best part? The reward at the end is a natural infinity pool with the prettiest view. Just Google “hidden waterfalls near me” and off you go!

Fun Twist: Leave a cute note in a waterproof bottle for the next couple to find.

13. Sunset Beach Volleyball

Want to add some action to your beach date? Set up a quick volleyball game just before sunset! Don’t worry about being perfect. Nobody keeps a real score, and falling in the sand is part of the fun. The golden hour lighting makes even your failed serves look awesome in photos.

Fun Twist: Loser has to run into the waves fully clothed.

14. Sunset Beach Frisbee

Beach days don’t need to be just about tanning! Grab a frisbee and enjoy the cooler evening air.

The last time we played in Goa, we were so rusty that we missed nearly every catch. 😂 But even if you’re terrible (like us), chasing the frisbee across the sand makes for great laughs and even better photos.

Fun Twist: Each successful catch earns you a dare for the other person.

15. Karaoke Night

Time to show off those shower-singing skills! Find a karaoke bar or rent a private room if you’re shy. Pick those songs you always sing in the car, and don’t worry about hitting the right notes. It’s all about having fun and being silly together.

Fun Twist: Do a duet of a song neither of you knows.

16. Sunset Sail

Ever dreamed of feeling like a movie star without spending like one? Hop on a sunset sailing trip.

Most cities with a waterfront offer these rides, and they’re perfect for date night. Just chill on deck, watch the city lights come alive, and pretend you’re in a fancy music video. The wind might mess up your hair, but hey, that’s what candid photos are for!

Fun Twist: Create sailor nicknames for each other for the entire trip.

17. Sunset Kite Flying

Remember how exciting kites were as kids? Grab a couple of colorful kites and find an open space. The evening breeze is perfect for flying, and there’s something so special about watching your kites dance against the sunset sky.

Fun Twist: Tie a sweet note to your kite before letting it soar.

18. Stand-Up Comedy Show

They are something that my girlfriend and I absolutely love. We started watching live comedy shows last year, and trust me, nothing beats the energy of a real show.

Those YouTube and Netflix specials are fun, but watching comedians live, and hearing that crowd laugh is a whole different vibe.

Fun Twist: Sit in the front row if you’re brave enough for some crowd work. 😏

19. Sunset Fishing Trip

Don’t worry about actually catching anything because this date is all about the peaceful vibes. Rent some basic gear, pack some snacks, and find a quiet spot by the water. Sitting together, watching the bobbers, and chatting without distractions is really soothing.

Fun twist: Whoever catches the smallest fish chooses next week’s date spot.

20. Build a Blanket Fort + Movie Marathon

Who says blanket forts are just for kids? Grab ALL your blankets, add some fairy lights, and create the coziest movie spot ever. Pro tip: string lights make everything look magical, and extra pillows are always a good idea!

Fun Twist: Only watch movies from the year you both were born.

21. Rooftop Pillow Fort Picnic

Take blanket forts to the next level. No, literally! Find a safe rooftop, bring all your pillows and blankets, and create a cozy nest under the open sky. Add some fairy lights, simple finger foods, and you’ve got the perfect setting for deep talks and stargazing.

Fun Twist: Create “roof rules” where phones stay in a basket all night.

22. Visit a Waterpark

This one’s been on my summer bucket list forever, and this year it’s finally happening!

I’ve been putting it off since last year, but come on, what’s better than acting like kids again, racing down slides, and probably getting water up your nose? Sometimes the best dates are the ones where you just let loose.

Fun Twist: Try going down every single slide at least once.

23. Ice Skating

Who says ice skating is just for winter? Indoor rinks are perfect summer escapes when the heat gets too much! Hold hands for “balance” (we all know that’s just an excuse), laugh at each other’s wobbly ankles, and cool off while staying active.

Fun Twist: Try to learn one simple skating trick together.

24. Plant “Our Tree” Together

This is a date that actually grows with your relationship. Pick out a small tree or plant, find a special spot, and plant it together. Visit it on anniversaries and watch it grow year after year.

Fun Twist: Bury a tiny time capsule near the tree to dig up next year!

25. Drive-In Movie + Tailgate Picnic

Netflix who? Turn your car into the coziest little nest with ALL the pillows and blankets you own.

Add your favorite snacks and boom! You’ve got yourself the perfect mix of retro charm and modern comfort. Plus, you can chat during the movie without getting shushed.

Fun Twist: Pack snacks that match your movie theme!

26. Couples Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball, but make it double-date style. Team up with your partner and challenge another couple to a sandy showdown.

The real fun? The dramatic dives that end with a mouthful of sand and the victory dances that make everyone around you cringe. Beach sports are 90% showing off anyway, right? 😉

Fun Twist: Winners get piggyback rides from the losing team down the beach.

27. Sunset Boat Ride Dinner

Saving the fanciest for last! Imagine eating dinner while literally floating into the sunset. The gentle rocking of the boat, the changing colors of the sky, and food that somehow tastes better on water.

Fun Twist: Exchange tiny paper boat messages across the table.

End of the Line

So, there you have it. 27 ways to make your summer dates a whole lot more exciting!

See, you don’t have to plan the perfect Instagram-worthy date though these definitely have potential). You just have to create moments where you both can laugh, try something new, and maybe even embarrass yourselves a little.

The best part? You don’t need to break the bank for most of these date ideas. Sometimes the simplest ideas create the most memorable moments.

So which date idea are you going to try first? Drop it in the comments below! Or if you have an amazing summer date idea that I’ve missed, please share. I’m always looking to add new ideas to this list.

Now go make some summer memories worth telling stories about! ✨