It’s almost Valentine’s Day! And that means LOVE IS IN THE AIR! But maybe you’re not quiiite ready to take that special someone on a weekend-long trip. If you’re planning a first date or a more casual date for your candy-heart crush, we’ve got you covered! From a date at one of Atlanta’s adorable coffee shops to the perfect piece of cake, we’ve got your first date covered!
Here are 12 great first date ideas for your new Valentine!
1. Keep things cute and casual at one of Atlanta’s favorite coffee shops
Let’s kick things off with something classic. You can’t go wrong by starting off your ~flirtation~ with a nice cup of coffee! And luckily for us, there are so many incredible coffee shops scattered around Atlanta!
Check out some recommendations below or head to our full round-up for all your coffee date needs!
- For a fun, pastel-pop vibe, hit up PERC (several locations–we love the one in Virginia Highlands!)
1046 N Highland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 - For an edgier, indie vibe, hit up Joe’s East Atlanta Coffee Shop in EAV
510 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 - For an Atlanta-themed good time, check out 404 Coffee
2. Take your Valentine for a night of music at the enchanting Candlelight concert series
Don’t miss out on a spectacular night of beautiful live music and thousands of twinkling LED candles. Your Valentine will definitely have heart eyes by the end of the night if you take them here! Enjoy tons of different genres of music, including a special Valentine’s Day lineup of classic love songs! This is the perfect spot for a super romantic first date that your Valentine will remember forever!
Check out the Valentine’s Day music here!3. Dine at one of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta!
You might be looking to up your game a little bit for your first date with your Valentine this year. We’ve got you covered with some of the most romantic restaurants in the ATL! Whether you’re looking for a classic steak dinner date or something a little more outside of the box, don’t worry, there’s plenty to choose from!
Check out our recommendations below, or see the whole list in our roundup here!
- The Garden Room, Buckhead
- Atrium, Ponce City Market
- Casi Cielo, Sandy Springs
- Canoe, Buckhead
4. Make a candle with your Valentine!
If you’re itching to do something creative for your first date with that special someone, and you want to walk away with a product, this candle-making shop is PERFECT for you!
At Candle Lit, you’ll make your very own adorable candle: you’ll pick the fragrance, the style, and the design! And of course you’ll get to pour it yourself (with the guidance of a knowledgeable candle maker). Then, on your next date, you can light the very same candle you made on your first date! How romantic!
Oh, and did we mention it’s BYOB? Have a little drink with your first date while you make your own candles! Check out all the deets on Candle Lit!
5. Delve into the best art exhibitions on display across the ATL
If you wanna show off a little for your Valentine on your first date, there’s no better way than by taking them to an art exhibit! From the High Museum of Art to traveling exhibitions and local pop-ups, here’s what we recommend if you’re searching to take your next date to see some art!
6. Surprise them with your art skills at Neon Brush
Okay no, you don’t have to be the next Picasso to enjoy this date idea. Neon Brush is a sip and paint event that encourages everyone to stir their own originality and rely on their own creative instincts. Keep your mind open and get to know your date better under neon lights while experimenting with fluorescent and classic paints.
Read more about the painting experience here.7. Experience the immersive Van Gogh exhibit with your Valentine
Sit under a Starry Night with your Valentine for this ultra-romantic first date idea. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook when you take your crush to this immersive art experience. With projections of the famous art by Van Gogh swirling all around you, you’re sure to have an amazing first date!
Check out Van Gogh: The immersive Experience for more details!
8. Treat them to a passionate evening with We Call It Tango
Discover We Call It Tango in Atlanta for about an hour of seductive dance moves and playful notes that will make you feel like you’re in the streets of Buenos Aires. This authentic dance show is the perfect live music experience for you to enjoy together.
And you can read all about it here in our article.9. Come face-to-face with fascinating wildlife at Zoo Atlanta
We can’t think of a ~wilder~ first date than a trip to Zoo Atlanta! Zoo Atlanta is home to over 1,000 animals including lions, giant pandas, elephants, monkeys, and more. You’re sure to have a blast walking around the Zoo with your Valentine for a unique first date!
10. Wind down at one of Atlanta’s favorite wine bars
From spectacular Spanish restaurants to unique wine bars across the A, we recently rounded up the absolute best places to enjoy a couple glasses of vino in and around Atlanta. These spots are perfect for a relaxed first date this Valentine’s Day!
See our full roundup of great wine spots here, or check out our recommendations below!
- Barcelona Wine Bar, Inman Park
- Postino, Buckhead
- Lucian Books & Wine, Buckhead
11. See a movie at one of Atlanta’s best movie theaters
If you can’t beat a perfect movie date for your first date! Grab a large popcorn and a coke at one of Atlanta’s coolest and comfiest movie theaters. There are tons of great flicks out now, so if you’re nervous about what to talk about on your first date… let the movie do the work for ya!
Enjoy one of Atlanta’s best movie theaters with your Valentine this year! Check out our full round up here!
12. Go for a slice of cake at this local bakery!
If you want a ~sweet~ date idea for your first date, take them to Southern Sweets Bakery in Avondale for a delicious slice of homemade cake! Whether you’re looking for a divine chocolate goodie or a fruity tart, Southern Sweets has so many cakes to choose from!
Show your Valentine just how sweet they are at Southern Sweets!