10 Best Adventure Dates for Hikers and Outdoor Lovers
February is the month of love, and what better way to show someone you care than planning an adventurous date with the apple of your eye. Memories are definitely better than things, and trying something new together is a great way to get to know your partner in a new and maybe even deeper way. It can be challenging to come up with an adventurous date on your own though, so we’ve compiled a list to get you and your beau outside quicker! So if you’re looking for some inspiration for an adventurous date idea, read on to see what our favorite activities are!
Easy Adventure Dates
Weekends might be a bit crowded, but there can still be romance to found ic
Ice Skating with Hot Cocoa and Stargazing
Ice skating is a great way to… forgive me… but break the ice. It’s a lighthearted way to try something new together in a romantic setting, while creating beautiful memories together. It also offers the chance for light-hearted competition and playfulness, furthering your connection with your partner. While you’re ice skating you can also take a break for a cup of hot chocolate or, if you’re outside, stargazing! The hot cocoa will warm you up from the inside out and stargazing is romantic wherever you are. If there’s no outdoor ice rinks where you live, try going to an indoor rink! An indoor rink can be just as romantic as an outdoor one if you’re with your special someone!
Pro Tip: if you don’t have skates, make sure that the rink provides rentals! And I also recommend packing something warm to drink and/or something alcoholic to sip on ;)
2. Outdoor Yoga Session
Pick a local scenic area and get your stretch on together!
Imagine the waves crashing on the shore as you and your partner unfurl your yoga mats, preparing for a relaxing yet invigorating Vinyasa flow. If you live in a mild climate, a little outdoor yoga session is a great adventure date that gets you outside and gets you moving, and if you pick the right setting you have all the makings for a romantic and meaningful date. If it’s not possible for you to be outdoors, you can bring the yoga sesh inside! Dim the lights, burn some candles, and turn on relaxing music or sounds of nature. Indoors or out, stretching out together in a romantic yet adventurous setting is a fun way to create happy memories.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to a sandy spot, I suggest leaving your yoga mat at home! I did this on the beach once and had to throw out my mat because I couldn't get the sand out of it! Try bringing a towel or a thin blanket instead.
Even a chilly, cloudy day is romantic in Bar Harbor, Maine.
3. Beach Walk
Don’t forget to pack a hot cup of coffee!
Put on your long camel coat, a wool beanie, and your coziest scarf as you and your valentine hit the beach for a winter walk along the water. This adventure date gets you both outside and moving in a beautiful setting, without needing to put too much effort into it. Assuming you live a reasonable distance to the coast that is! Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine or a cup of hot cocoa to warm you up from the inside out as you stroll along the water’s edge.
Pro Tip: If you live near a bakery, stop along the way to grab a sweet little treat to go along with the coffee! I know nothing is sweeter than your valentine- but a croissant always hits the spot.
4. Escape Room for 2
Nothing brings two people together like solving a mystery, and being trapped in a room together as you both work to solve it! Solving an escape room will create memories with your loved one that you’ll hold onto as the years pass, and you’ll both have a reminder about why you work so well together.
Solving the mystery of the escape room will give you an idea of how this person responds to stress and if your styles match or complement each other, which will help to build trust and intimacy. This is the foundation for a happy friendship or relationship, and going on an adventurous date in an escape room is a great way to help that feeling along.
Pro Tip: Most escape room companies have a rating on their rooms, so make sure you pick a room that has a difficulty rating that is appropriate for your experience. If neither of you has ever done an escape room before, we don’t suggest going for the hardest rated room. Try an easier one to start!
Photo by Kyle Peyton on Unsplash
5. Have a Beach Fire
Grab your fire ring, some logs, a blanket to snuggle under, and a bottle of wine for this adventurous date! Nothing says romance like a cozy fire on the beach. Listening to the crackle and pop of the fire with the waves crashing in the distance, and inhaling the mingled scent of smoke and brine on the air as you take in a sunset all scream romance. The adventure aspect of this date is getting to the beach with all of your things, and finding the perfect (legal) beach spot to set it all up.
Make sure that wherever you decide to start your campfire allows fires on the beach, and that you go through the proper channels to secure a fire permit as needed. This date may take a small amount of planning, but that will only help build the anticipation- another important aspect of romance. Once you find your perfect spot, get the right permits, and gather your supplies, you can settle in for a relaxing few hours in the warm company of your loved one.
Pro Tip: don’t forget a headlamp! Once the fire goes out and it’s time to haul everything back to the car, you don’t want to be relying on cell phone light. Grab a headlamp and you’ll thank yourself. And so will your date!
Bigger Adventure Dates
Yosemite Falls in Yosemite NP in November.
6. Hike to a Waterfall
Regardless of the season, waterfalls are beautiful and romantic. Imagine walking through a wooded path with a fresh snowfall hanging from the branches above you, as you and your lover make your way towards a waterfall that is surrounded by snow and ice collecting on the rocks. As you approach you unfold a blanket as the pair of you sit down to enjoy a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, taking in the romantic setting.
Now that sounds like an adventure date that I would remember for years to come. You can plan this date for yourself and your loved one with a little research and planning. Begin by doing some research in your area and see what you can find for short hikes that are within driving distance.
I’ll bet that wherever you are, you’ll be able to find at least one. Don’t forget that if you’re hiking in the winter you will have to pack extra gear and be extra aware of the weather.
Once you have a hike planned out and the weather looks good for your planned day, don’t forget to pack the essentials in addition to any romantic extras that you deem necessary. If you aren’t sure what to pack for a day hike, we’ve got you covered with a free checklist for summer AND winter- claim your free download below!
Pro Tip: don’t rely on your memory for packing the right gear for a day hike0 download your free checklist below so that you are always prepared.
7. Go for a Ski or Snowboard Day
Stay for an apres and enjoy the day together
Nothing says adventure date like hitting the slopes with your valentine for the day. Skiing together is a fun way to get out of the daily routine of life and into a space of fun and adventure, which will deepen your connection with each other. No matter your ski level, getting out in the brisk winter air and making some turns will make for a great adventure date and some funny stories.
If you don’t have gear you can rent some for the day, or if that’s not in the budget ask some friends to borrow their gear. If they seem unsure, remember to mention that this is for love- and it’s sure to melt their hearts!
Pro Tip: if you have the budget in time and money, try making it a weekend getaway and get a hotel room for the night. That way you can both enjoy an apres and a hot tub soak to rest your weary limbs. Not to mention spending the night together really ups the ante for this adventure date!
A beautiful sunset on Cowles Mountain in San Diego CA.
8. Go for a Sunset Hike
Like hiking to a waterfall, there’s something romantic and special about watching the sunset over a stunning landscape while in the company of your chosen one. The added adventure of hiking to this view will stick in your memories for years to come, creating a sense of adventure and excitement in your relationship.
To plan this adventure date, do some research in your area for a hike that has a great view facing to the west, and isn’t too long. Remember that whatever trail you hike on, you will have to be hiking back in the dark! With that in mind, it is critical that you pack a working headlamp for each person on the hike along with other essential day hiking gear.
For a complete list of what to pack for a day hike (including a winter day hike!), download the checklist below and you can simplify the planning process! Once you have what you need packed, remember to check the weather for the day that you plan this, and if it looks bad don’t be afraid to cancel it. The suspense will build the romance ;)
Biggest Adventure Dates
9. Try Rock Climbing
Follow it up with a drink at a bar or a drink at home
Trying new things together is a great way to strengthen your bond and build trust, and nothing builds trust faster than rock climbing! You don’t have to go outside or do anything too crazy. Although if you wanted to, hire a guide and go for it because it’s seriously so much fun!
But if you don’t have time for an outdoor adventure date simply head to your local indoor climbing gym, rent some gear, get a free belay lesson, and get the fun started! Even if you don’t see yourself becoming a rock climber, this rock climbing adventure date will get you both out of your comfort zones (assuming neither one of you climb!) as you try something new and challenging together.
Pro Tip: if the fear of heights is stopping you from trying out this adventure date, don’t let the fear stop you. Pretty much every human has that fear, but rock climbing, especially indoors and with a guide outdoors, is very safe. This could be a really fun opportunity to face your fear while holding your partner’s hand for guidance and support.
Overnight Adventure Date
10. Weekend Road Trip
Que Tom Petty because it’s time to pack an overnight bag and grab some car snacks as you and your valentine hit the open road. Who doesn’t love a road trip, even in the winter it can be a truly adventurous date! If you and your valentine are looking for a fun and adventurous way to spend some more time together, and you both feel ready for an overnight date, a road trip could be a great place to start.
Road trips are great because you can explore new music together, swap favorite podcasts, and get the fun of planning out a whole weekend just for the two of you. You can choose your own adventure for where you want to go, how long you want to stay, how much your budget is, and what adventures you’re both interested in. Enjoy the road trip, and cherish the memories that this adventure date is sure to bring.
Pro Tip: combine this adventure date with a ski trip! Try going to a new resort that’s far enough away to warrant a hotel stay.
February offers a perfect opportunity to infuse some adventure into your dating life and create unforgettable memories with your partner. From scenic hikes to cozy indoor yoga sessions and everything in between, there's no shortage of exciting experiences to embark on together.
Whether you're seeking thrills or quiet moments of intimacy, these 10 adventurous date ideas are sure to spark joy and strengthen your connection.
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Thanks for reading!
