Where to Go on a First Date: The 17 Best & Worst Dating Spots Ever

First dates are hard enough. Make the entire process easier with this guide on where to go on a first date for the best vibe.

First dates are almost always awkward. But with the best suggestions for where to go on a first date, you can create awesome vibes, and create a memorable time with your date.

The awkward first date

There is the introduction where you don’t know if you should hug or shake hands or kiss on the cheek. So, you go in for a hug but start shaking their whole body. And you end up with a red shameful face of embarrassment for the rest of the night.

If you’re meeting online, you might be worried that you won’t remember what they look like or that they might look nothing like their photo.

You could get a bad reaction to food if you try a new restaurant and can’t tell someone you just met you’re having diarrhea.

There is also the dreaded awkward silence that it seems like some first dates of made of.

But, your first date does not have to be this horrible or even slightly awkward. If you pick the right location for a first date, it can expunge all of this from the first date itinerary. [Read: The first date rules everyone should follow for a good first date]

Where to go on a first date with a stranger

Before I give you a straight forward list of where to go on a first date and where not to, these are some general pointers on first dates.

If you are going on a first date with a coworker or friend, you don’t have to have the back-ups you will want when you are meeting someone online or with a blind date.

When it is your first time meeting, always do so in public. Never let them pick you up at your house or your job. If things go south you don’t want them having that much information about your whereabouts. [Read: Texting before the first date – A guide to do it right]

Choose a shorter date. Some people think short dates don’t offer enough time to get to know each other. But I have never needed more than an hour to know if I wanted to see someone again. Go for coffee or drinks rather than dinner and a movie on a first date.

Go somewhere you feel comfortable. This doesn’t have to be your neighborhood bar or favorite restaurant. It can be a chain restaurant you’re familiar with. A first date with a stranger brings up enough anxiety, so a location that calms you will help. [Read: How long should a first date last? A guide to perfect timings]

Where not to go on a first date

I know you came here for first date ideas. Before I recommend where to go on a first date, steer clear from a few places that are a recipe for disaster on a first date.

#1 The movies. I feel like you should already know this one. Unless your first date is happening while in middle school, the movies are a terrible place for a first date. You learn next to nothing about your date. There is no time to talk. And you get greasy buttery fingers. [Read: What you should and shouldn’t do when you have to cut a date short]

#2 A concert. This is the same idea as the movies. It can be even worse since watching people play music doesn’t always capture your attention as much as a movie. Screaming to each other over speakers of a band you may not even like will not result in a second date.

#3 Your house. Unless your date is a hook-up and nothing more, inviting your date to your house on night one is a major no-no. This gives the wrong idea on so many levels. It adds the assumption that something physical will happen.

Even if you made dinner from scratch, inviting someone you barely know in your home can get weird or dangerous. [Read: 14 signs you’re unintentionally ruining your first date]

#4 Hiking. You can go for a walk in a major park, but hiking through the woods on a first date seems a bit too risky if you ask me. Sure, maybe I watch too much Dateline. But it is better to be safe than sorry.

If you want to do something healthy and active on a first date, there are plenty more public options.

#5 A party. This may sound like an ideal first date, but unless you share a group of friends, it will just be wildly uncomfortable for one of you. Chances are you will know everyone, and they will know no one.

A party is for mingling, but if you are just getting to know each other, one of you will be left in the corner nibbling pretzels while the other makes the rounds. [Read: 18 things you HAVE to avoid doing on a first date]

Where to go on a first date

I’m sure you can see how the previous ideas were not so great for a first date, but have no fear, I have plenty of ideas for where to go on a first date for the best vibes.

#1 Coffee or drinks. This is the least creative or original idea, but if you aren’t one to put effort into a first date without knowing how interested you are, it is ideal. There is a reason going for coffee has been the number one date for so many years *according to me*.

It is simple, and it is quaint. You get to actually talk and you only have to stay for one coffee if you’re not feeling it. But, if all is going well you can get a croissant and keep chatting. [Read: The top 50 amazing first date ideas to wow and impress any date]

#2 Volunteer. Volunteering your time to a good cause is a great way to connect on a first date. You can go to a soup kitchen, animal shelter, or even pick up trash at the park or beach.

This lets you get to know each other while giving back.

#3 Explore. Going for a walk is a lot more than it sounds. You can explore a new neighborhood or another area of yours. You can do some window shopping, people watching, or chow down on some handheld foods.

#4 A book store or record shop. Sharing your music or book preferences on a first date can show you how compatible you are. You can introduce each other to some of your favorites and discover something new.

#5 The mall. There is a reason middle school dates have a warm place in our hearts. Heading to the mall with $20 to buy a soft pretzel and a fancy Starbucks drink while you walk around without buying anything is actually really fun. 

#6 An amusement park. Face your fears by heading to an amusement park. You get to talk a ton while waiting in line. Bonus! The adrenaline from the rides can boost your connection. [Read: 20 fun and unconventional date ideas that’ll impress your date]

#8 An arcade. If you are not one for rides but want some old-fashioned fun with someone new, head to an arcade. Play some games, win some prizes, and see who the master of skee ball is.

#9 A museum. Art may not be your thing, but a history museum could offer the perfect first date vibes. You can even head to a wax museum or a science museum to see some fun experiments. Whoever said you can’t learn something on a date?

#10 An exercise class. If you are both into fitness, heading to the gym or a cycling class could be perfect for you. Releasing endorphins will put you in a better mood and headspace for the rest of the day. And if Zumba or spin classes aren’t your things, yoga is a much more low-key way to get your sweat on with a new partner.

#11 Rock climbing. Indoor rock climbing is a wonderful first date idea. You get some exercise, try something new, and may even help each other face some fears along the way. That is a sure-fire way to create a strong bond. [Read: These fun first date ideas will leave them wanting more]

#12 A game. Depending on the season: a baseball, football, or basketball game is a wonderful place for a first date. You always have a conversation buffer with the happenings of the game, but you can also get some food and talk about anything else as well.

[Read: The 15 signs that will tell you your first date went well]

When you are considering where to go on a first date for the best outcome, always choose somewhere in public. It gives you time to bond and a chance to bounce if need be.