Where to Go on a Date in Seattle This Fall
Let the romance commence.
We’ve said our tearful goodbyes to summer, and now all that’s left to do is embrace fall: that season which, no matter how many times we experience it, always surprises us with its beauty, temperature drops, and rain. And while it may be getting colder (and darker) by the day, that’s no reason to abandon your pursuit of romance. On the contrary, indoor dates can be just as spontaneous as their outdoor counterparts, and, as a rule, they’re generally pretty cute and cozy, too. Ahead, 19 date ideas for your next romantic outing in Seattle.
Uptown
Chihuly Garden and Glass opened almost a decade ago in Seattle Center, and it’s been one of the most popular destinations in the city ever since. It’s not hard to see why: Glass-blowing is an equally demanding and beautiful art form, and seeing it IRL is pretty magical. Prepare to spend a few hours here and, pun intended, to be blown away.
Capitol Hill
If orange wine is the booze trend that just keeps on giving, then La Dive is the bar in which to enjoy it. Here, sip on some of the best skin contact wine in Seattle, order some snacks to keep you going, and you’re all set for an afternoon of extremely tasteful day drinking.
Downtown
Rainy season is officially upon us, and that means many outdoor dates are off the table. Not to worry: SAM always delivers, and has enough upcoming exhibitions to satisfy the most eager art enthusiasts. Start with “Monet at Étretat”, which is on view through October 17, then mark your calendars for “Imogen Cunningham: A Retrospective,” which opens November 18.
International District
Everyone has their favorite dumpling spot, but Dough Zone arguably trumps them all. Take your date to the ID for a casual, cozy lunch of fresh soup dumplings, dim sum, milk tea, and more. Or, if you’d rather cook at home, just grab a packet of their frozen dumplings to go.
Capitol Hill
Mourn the end of summer all you want, but at least it brought us this piece of good news: The opening of Goose Magees vintage mall, inside the building that used to be home to Totokaelo (RIP). Do some light shopping with your date (old school Nike, anyone?) then pop in to Oddfellows afterwards for a bite to eat, which is right next door.
Vashon
While far-off destinations are off limits right now, a weekend jaunt to Vashon Island—for a remote cabin in the woods—feels like a no-brainer. Explore 10 acres of forest, visit Dockton Marine Park, and get very cozy in this rustic log hideaway.
Kenmore, Washington
Is there anything more romantic than an (almost) private plane tour? For $75, you can buy a seat on one of Kenmore Air’s 75th anniversary flights, which depart from the Kenmore terminal on Lake Washington and fly all over the greater Seattle area. Expect stunning views and a one-of-a-kind bird’s eye perspective of the Emerald City.
Bremerton, Washington
Consider this the pandemic alternative to dinner-and-a-movie dates. Rodeo has new movies playing every week, and all films are broadcast straight to your car via FM radio, so you don’t have to worry about rowdy movie-goers ruining your night. Check their schedule and bring your appetite—those corn dogs are no joke.
Vashon
There is no shortage of picturesque islands in the Puget Sound, nor ferries to take you there—and Vashon just happens to be one of the largest and most scenic. Check out Point Robinson Park for those aforementioned scenic views, then pay a visit to Palouse Winery for some adult refreshments, which is currently open by appointment only.
Belltown
If you’re going on a first date and still taking precautions when it comes to social distancing, let us suggest Olympic Sculpture Park—with nine acres of expansive green lawn to tour, you’ll have plenty of room to stay six feet apart. And now that the PACCAR Pavilion is back open, you’ll be even better equipped to explore to your heart’s content.
Various locations
When Oprah endorses the chicken, you know it’s good. Do your Southern alter ego a favor by picking up some Heaven Sent fried chicken, which tastes exactly as good as the name suggests.
Belltown
Sushi is the name of the game in Seattle, and almost no one does it better than Umi Sake House. Grab a table in the back for some extra romantic vibes, complete with cozy sofas, sky lights, and lots of greenery. As far as food, we recommend sake (duh), agedashi tofu, tempura udon, crispy calamari, and lots and lots of sushi.
Alki
Alki Beach is sort of famous for having spectacular views of the Puget Sound; bring lunch to-go and settle in for an afternoon of coastal bliss. While you’re there, take a walk on the Alki Beach Trail, which runs four miles and will lead you to the industrial area of West Seattle.
Ballard
Seattle is like the Mecca of craft beer, so we won’t limit you to just one brewery. Instead, take a self-guided, socially distant pub crawl and pay a visit to the likes of Fair Isle Brewing, Stoup Brewing, Reuben’s Brews, and Lucky Envelope, all of which are open (and within a few blocks of each other) with coronavirus precautions in mind.
Pioneer Square
Get ready for your most meditative date yet. This garden, which memorializes the location where UPS was founded in 1907, will calm your nerves and—here’s hoping—prompt some deep, thoughtful conversation. Win-win.
Fremont
The best things in life are (almost) free. Case in point: a coffee on a waterside bench on the Burke-Gilman Trail, which will run you about $4 and provide the perfect backdrop for an early morning romance.
Bainbridge Island
Highside Distilling is not your average gin distillery, so be prepared for a taste of something truly unique. Other than gin, this Bainbridge Island institution also specializes in amaro, fernet, and single-malt whiskey. Order a tasting flight for a taste test of all five spirits, or go for a classic cocktail, like a Negroni or a fernet and coke. You really can’t go wrong here.
Pike Place Market
The Gum Wall is obviously a tourist trap, but consider reclaiming it to commemorate the occasion of actually going on a successful date (no small feat). As you probably already know, it’s literally right next door to Pike Place Market, so you have your pick of activities pre- or post-photo-op.
Pioneer Square
Lots of offices downtown are still totally closed, meaning that art galleries and other cultural mainstays are feeling the pain of lost foot traffic. Silver lining? No crowds. Take your date to Pioneer Square to support and explore SOIL Gallery, the local artist collective and nonprofit which has been doing the work of exhibiting, developing, and advancing “innovative art of diverse media and content” since 1995.