15 Places to Go on a First Date to Ace the Date and Land the Second

You landed yourself a first date with someone you really like. All you need is this perfect list of places to go on a first date to keep the vibe going.

Before we get to the ideal list of places to go on a first date, let’s get this straight. When it comes to first dates, you probably have a couple of options popping into your head. Maybe it’s going for coffee, grabbing dinner, or heading to the movies. Aside from going to watch a movie, these date ideas aren’t bad at all.

If you’re wondering why going to the movies is a bad idea, well, think about it. Your first date should be based on getting to know each other, not sitting next to each other in silence for an hour and a half. So, scratch that date idea off your list.

The first date is really important because you two don’t know each other. And by going on the first date, you’re able to gauge whether there’s chemistry or not. So, it’s an important step.

How to pick the right kind of places to go on a first date

Now, if you’re in charge of planning the date, I understand the pressure you’re under. You want to impress this person and make them all goo-goo-eyed over you. But take it easy. If you’re reading this, you’re in good hands because I’m going to give you some great first date places to go to.

Remember, when choosing a place, try your best to keep this person in mind and decide whether or not this is something they’d enjoy. For example, if they’ve managed to tell you they can’t swim, maybe going kayaking isn’t the best idea. Get what I mean? Anyways, let’s get started and give you some of the best places to go on a first date.

[Read: 15 first date rules everyone should follow for a memorable time]

The most ideal places to go on a first date to make a perfect impression

Rock the first date; land the second. Some of these ideas may be unconventional, but you’ll definitely get brownie points for being unique and creating an experience your date would find comfortable. And memorable!

#1 Walk your dog together. Or their dog. Basically, someone’s dog. They need to be walked, and it’s a great simple and inexpensive first date idea. Plus, dogs have great intuition, so if your dog doesn’t like your date, you won’t need a second one.

#2 Grab your bike. Who would have thought biking riding would be a great date idea? Well, I remember going on a bike ride on a first date, and it was so much fun. We rented bikes in the city and explored together. You can pack a small picnic or stop for lunch; it’s something different, but won’t put a dent in your wallet. [Read: What you need to do on a first date to make your date fall for you]

#3 A quick coffee. A first date doesn’t need to be extravagant. Your goal is to get to know this person and vice versa. You may think that the first date needs to be long, but in reality, the first date can be quick. You meet for coffee or a drink, talk for a little bit, and get going. You’re leaving the meeting on a high note, which will get you a second date. [Read: How long should a first date last? Your guide to timing it right]

#4 Trivia night. Not every city will have this, but if your city does, then why not take your date to trivia night at a bar or pub? A drink or two will calm the nerves, and you’ll have a good time laughing and yelling out answers together. Not all dates need to have sunsets and candle-lit dinners.

#5 Be a tourist in your city. Are there tourist sights you haven’t been to? Why not explore them with your date. Most people don’t see the tourist attractions in their own city, and they’re missing out. Why not share this moment with someone you like? Grab a tourist guide, and go explore the city together.

#6 Go to the amusement park. If they’re into getting an adrenaline rush, take them to the amusement park. You can let loose, laugh, scream, maybe even cry from fear when you’re at the amusement park. The energy is upbeat, and you can spend all day running from ride to ride. Plus, you’ll have something exciting to talk about. [Read: 18 things you HAVE to avoid doing on a first date]

#7 A comedy show. A comedy show isn’t like watching a movie in the theatre. It’s much more interactive. You can have a couple of drinks, laugh, and even have conversations in between sets. You’re not bound to complete silence. And making your date laugh is always a plus.

#8 A music festival or concert. If you both like music, head to a concert or festival, the atmosphere is relaxed and upbeat; there’s no room for you to have a bad time. Plus, you don’t need to talk with each other constantly. You can dance together, jump up and down, join the mosh pit – whatever. You want the first date to be a positive one.

#9 Haunted house. The whole idea of a haunted house works in your favor. You’re both terrified, holding onto each other for dear life while ghosts, goblins, and ax-murders chase you around. If this doesn’t get the blood rushing, I don’t know what will. [Read: 13 things every girl wishes for on a first date]

#10 Head to the beach. If it’s summertime, why not use the weather as an excuse to have your first date on the beach. It’s an expensive date, and you’ll get a tan in the meantime. Bring a beach volleyball or board game and get to know each other. It’s a beautiful atmosphere to be in when connecting with someone.

#11 Go to a flea market. You can spend a couple of hours walking through a flea market, checking out second-hand and antique items. It’s a fun date idea, and who knows, maybe they’ll find something they like. Grabs some drinks and fast food and walk through the flea market together.

#12 Food festival. Everyone likes food, so that makes a festival one of those ideal and unique places to go on a first date. Just make sure they don’t have any food allergies, or else your date will end up like Will Smith from the movie Hitch. Whether it’s a Chinese, Jamaican, or Spanish food festival, walk around a taste all the different treats they have. [Read: 18 signs your date clearly likes you on your first date]

#13 Cook a meal together. If you can take a cooking class, that’s a great way to look completely lost together while trying to make handmade pasta. If a cooking class isn’t something you want to do, cook a meal together at your/their place. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and if worst comes to worst, order take-out.

#14 Get your cards read. Ooh, exciting. This is probably because I’m someone who loves reading their horoscope. But, it’s a fun date idea even if you’re not into this type of thing. Get your cards or palm lines read, and share some laughs with your date. It’s nothing serious, and come on; you secretly want to know what your future holds.

#15 Watch a movie – outside. So, I’m not saying watching a movie is a bad idea for a first date, but don’t want it in a theatre. If you can put a projector on your roof, watch it there. Or if there’s a movie playing outdoors, go there. It’s much more romantic and atmospheric if you watch an outdoor movie.

[Read: Texting before the first date – How to make plans without being too pushy or awkward]

Planning a first date can be stressful, but if you know the right places to go on a first date and be yourself, you’ll surely land yourself a second date.