17 Amazing Romantic Date Ideas in Phoenix, Arizona
17 Romantic Date Ideas in Phoenix, Arizona
These amazing, romantic date ideas in Phoenix, Arizona aren’t your typical dinner and a movie soiree. Nope. These Phoenix dates are unique, fun, and sure to turn up the romance.
Looking for fun and romantic date ideas in Phoenix? Well, you’re in luck! Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the country, so, naturally, this town has a ton of options to choose from for your romantic night out with your sweetheart.
And I’m not talking about your typical dinner and a movie snooze-fest either. No way, José. I’m talking fun, exciting, go-out-and-do-something-new type of date ideas. Take it from an expert like me. I’ve lived in Phoenix for almost a decade, so I like to think I know what’s up.
Here’s a list of my favorite 17 romantic date ideas in the Phoenix Metropolitan that my hubby and I absolutely love.
Fun Date Ideas in Phoenix
These fun date night ideas in and around the Phoenix area don’t take a lot of planning, but they’re still guaranteed to make some great memories.
1. Get your thrill on at Castles and Coasters
Glendale
Let your inner child free at Phoenix’s local theme park. With more than 20 attractions, there’s no stop to the fun. Take your date out for a spin around the go-kart track, work as a team to get through the Ropes Challenge (a 3-story high obstacle course), get competitive in the virtual reality Beat Saber Arcade, or, if you’re up for an adventure, test your courage on the Desert Storm two-loop roller coaster.
Cost: A date at Castles and Coasters starts at just $13 per person if you’re only doing mini-golf (individual add-on passes for rides available) or is $55 per person for an Elite Pass if you want access to all the attractions.
2. Cuddle up while watching a Drive-In Movie at West Wind
Glendale
Go retro and take your date out for a romantic drive-in movie. Enjoy a spin on the classic dinner and a movie date by packing a picnic and snuggling up as you watch the movie from the comfort of your own car.
Pro tip: If you have access to a truck or SUV, my favorite way to enjoy a drive-in movie is to stick a blown-up air mattress in the bed of my pickup. I stuff that shiz full of pillows and blankets and pop lots of popcorn at home so we don’t pay movie theater prices. It’s so comfy and there’s lots of room for snuggles.
Cost: General admission at the West Wind starts at $8.25.
3. Find local vendors at a Farmer’s Market
Multiple Locations in the Phoenix Valley
I’ve got a riddle for you. What’s a date that’s different, low effort, and lots of fun? The answer? A farmer’s market.
Every Saturday morning, farmer’s markets open up across the Phoenix Valley. So, no matter what part of town you’re in, you’ll be able to find one close by.
Grab your partner and spend the morning sipping coffee from a local vendor, enjoy an acai bowl or Mexican corn from one of the food trucks on-site, and shop the booths from local vendors and artists.
Pro tip: Buy some of that organic, local produce and cook dinner together at home. Turn what was just a romantic date into a full day of romantic activities.
Cost: The experience is free, but the prices of products will vary from vendor to vendor.
4. Explore Tempe Town Lake and Mill Ave
Tempe
You know that cliché scene in every rom-com where the couple rides those pedal boats together out on the water and it always brings their relationship closer? Cute, right? But, have you ever done it in real life? Well, now’s your chance. Turn your life into a movie with tandem boat rentals at Tempe Town Lake.
Then, when you’re done playing on the water, walk with your partner to downtown Tempe and spend the day exploring Mill Ave. Here, you can see the old Mill that the street is known for, grab a bite to eat at any of the local restaurants that line the streets, and maybe even catch an art or music festival that is held here fairly often.
Cost: Boat rentals start at $35 per hour.
Artsy Date Ideas in Phoenix
If you and your S.O. are into all things creative, you’re going to love these romantic date ideas in Phoenix.
5. Get cultured at the Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix
I’m a firm believer that the art museum date is essential in any couple’s list of adventures. Not only is romance a major muse for many artists, but art museums, in general, can be pretty freaking sexy. I mean, that dimmed lighting? C’mon. Pair that with the emotional pull of a classical art piece and you’re sure to have a very romantic time.
Phoenix Art Museum entrance fees start at $23 a ticket.
6. Learn about music at the Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix
They say music is the language of lovers. You can’t get more romantic than that.
If you’re looking for something unique and fun, check out the Musical Instrument Museum. This romantic date idea in Phoenix is truly one of a kind as it is the only musical history museum that focuses on musical instruments played by people every day worldwide.
Whether you go to explore the museum, take a guided tour, enjoy a coffee at their coffee bar, or attend a concert, you and your better half are sure to have a great time.
Cost: Entrance fees to the Musical Instrument Museum start at $20 a ticket.
7. Experience extraordinary art at Wonderspaces
Scottsdale
If you and your partner are into the unique, cool, and a little weird, Wonderspaces is the date spot for you. Wonderspaces offers an ever-changing art show featuring 13 immersive and interactive art installations, plus a full bar. What’s not to love about that?
Cost: Book your tickets online for $24 per person.
Awesome Date ideas in Phoenix
If you and your date are looking for something fun, wild, and exciting, you’re gonna love these awesome date ideas in Phoenix.
8. Experience the epitome of romance with a hot air balloon ride
Phoenix
Basically, the most romantic experience in the world, there is nothing that tops a romantic hot air balloon ride above Phoenix.
My apartment is on the edge of the desert and, lucky for me, I get a perfect view of the hot air balloons taking off every morning and evening, 365 days a year.
In my opinion, this is the epitome of a romantic date. Imagine, being up in the sky, watching the sunrise or sunset from a view that no one else gets to see. Plus, there is no better view of the city than what you get from 2,000 feet up in the sky.
Cost: Prices vary, so contact Rainbow Ryders for more info on prices and booking.
9. Enjoy a romantic time at the Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix
Every blog on the internet talking about Arizona is going to tell you to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, and for good reason. There is no other date night that screams Arizona the way that the Desert Botanical Garden does.
Here, you’ll find romantic walks through stunningly-gorgeous desert foliage and plenty of photo stops where you can get that Instagram-worthy couple’s pic.
Cost: Enjoy this romantic date starting at $24.95 per entrance ticket.
10. Cool off with Salt River Tubing
Mesa
A fan favorite from the locals, Salt River Tubing is a great way to cool off in the summer and enjoy a romantic time with your hunny.
Rent a tube and float lazily down the river while enjoying some time in nature. One of the coolest sights to see is the wild horses running up and down the river. But, be careful! One time I saw a rattlesnake curled up on the river bank and my tube almost ran right into it!
Cost: Tube rentals and shuttle service are $17 per person.
Intimate Restaurant and Bar Date Night Ideas in Phoenix
If you’re going to have a dinner date, make sure you do it right.
11. Enjoy a unique dining experience with Cloth & Flame
The experience curators at Cloth & Flame create unique, temporary dinner venues wherever they can be imagined. And they do it all while working to conserve Arizona’s land.
Get away from the city bustle and enjoy a romantic farm-to-table dinner in an unexpected place out in nature. Cloth & Flame will provide a truly unique experience with chef-cooked meals under the stars.
Romance? Check. Yummy food? Check. Memories that will last a lifetime? Check.
Cost: Ticketed experiences vary in price. Check out Cloth & Flame’s website to find the right experience for you and your love.
12. Go back in time to the Roarin’ 20s and take your date to a Speakeasy
Multiple Locations in the Phoenix Valley
It’s been a hundred years since speakeasies were a necessity for the prohibition parties, but they have not gone out of style.
Take your date on a unique night out by finding one of the many speakeasies in Phoenix. These cool bars are full of atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and most importantly, the makings of a cool memory between you and your partner.
Some of these bars require passwords. Others you have to know the secret entrance to get in. All of them are sure to be a good time.
Check out this list of 11 speakeasy bars in Greater Phoenix.
Cost: Varies depending on your experience.
13. Enjoy a classic dinner date at Fox Restuarant Concepts
If you’re looking for a classic dinner date without the something extra that Cloth and Flame brings to the table, but you still want something more catered to you and your S.O. than the Olive Garden or Chili’s, I recommend checking out Fox Restaurant Concepts.
Based out of Phoenix, Fox Restaurant Concepts aims to create innovative restaurant concepts, paired with a fun atmosphere, and, of course, really good food. The brand has 12 different restaurants located around the valley for you to choose from. If you’re looking for a recommendation, my personal favorite is Flower Child.
Cost: Varies depending on the restaurant. For restaurants and locations, visit Fox Restaurant Concepts here.
Seasonal Date Ideas in Phoenix
In a place where it only rains about 33 days out of a year and the average annual temperature is 70 degrees, it’s no wonder that Arizona is known for its festivals and seasonal events. Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, here are my favorite seasonal date ideas in Phoenix.
14. In the spring, go to the Renaissance Festival
Gold Canyon
The Arizona Renaissance Festival is my all-time favorite seasonal date and I look forward to it every year.
It is so much fun to get dressed up (yes, of course, I dress up) and forget the modern world for a few hours at the Renaissance Festival. My favorite thing is to peruse the shops and browse the fantasy art of local vendors. But there is so much more to do than shop.
The Arizona Renaissance Festival has 16 stages, and, with performers of all kinds, you and your date are sure to be entertained. You can also enjoy the jousting show or get competitive and challenge your partner in the bow and arrow section. There are enough activities here to keep you entertained all day.
Cost: Tickets are $29 per adult.
15. In the summer, go to Phoenix Fan Fusion
Phoenix
Sometimes the best romance doesn’t come from going someplace quote-unquote “romantic” with your partner. Sometimes, something fun, entertaining, and with the person you love is enough to offset the lack of low-light ambiance and roses. With that in mind, the Phoenix Fan Fusion can totally be a romantic time.
Dress up (or don’t— again, I am that type of nerd and if that doesn’t float your boat then that’s okay!), and live out your favorite fandom in real life at the Phoenix Convention Center.
My husband and I love going to Phoenix Fan Fusion together and spending time with each other doing the things we love. My hubby’s really into merch so we like to peruse the vendors for a few hours together. I personally love the workshops, so we always make sure to sign up for a few of those, too!
Cost: To attend, you need to purchase a membership. These start at $40 for a single-day pass.
16. In the fall, go see Ballet Under the Stars
Multiple Locations in the Phoenix Valley
The name of this Phoenix date is pretty self-explanatory— it’s literally professional ballet in the evening outside, and it is trés romantique.
Even if you’re not into ballet, I encourage you to try out this date idea in Phoenix. It isn’t stuffy like most ballet performances get a rep for being. Instead, Ballet Under the Stars is super casual and fun. Grab a blanket and cuddle up with your bae under the moon and enjoy an exquisite ballet performance, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
Cost: The best thing about this date night idea? It is totally free!
17. In the winter, experience Las Noches De Las Luminarias
Phoenix
Celebrate the holidays with the person you love most at this beautiful holiday spectacular. Las Noches De Las Luminarias is held at the Botanical Gardens. Here, you can enjoy live music, entertainment, and thousands of sparkling luminarias as you walk with your date through the gardens. How romantic is that?
This event is sure to remind you and your loved one what the holidays are really about.
Cost: Tickets for the general public are $49.95.
Want more ideas on things to do in Phoenix for a date night? Here are even more great ideas!
Are you visiting Pheonix soon? Book a romantic stay for two!
Booking a trip to Arizona?
Here are a few helpful services:
Booking.com | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.
Vrbo | If you’re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.
Expedia | Whether you’re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.
Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.
TSA | If you’re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.
Arizona Travel Guides:
If you’re visiting Phoenix, here’s my 5-Day Phoenix Travel Guide to help you plan your stay.
Only staying in Pheonix for a day? Check out my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary.
Need help figuring out what to pack? Here is my Arizona Packing List Essentials for Every Time Of Year Packing Guide.
Visiting Sedona? You might want to check out my Day Trip to Sedona Guide to help jumpstart your itinerary.
If you’re staying in Phoenix but want to spend a little time in the desert, these 9 Little-Known Hikes in Phoenix will help you get that nature connection.
Click Here to see more from the Adventuring Dreamers Resources.
