Looking for something different to do for a Seattle date night? Check out these unique Seattle Eastside date ideas that are sure to get you both moving and create lasting memories. From getting your hands dirty in the kitchen to going on a scenic hike, these unique date ideas will have you falling in love all over again.
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For the Foodie Couple
Take a cooking class at Whisk in Bellevue
For the food-loving couple looking for an exciting date night out on Seattle’s Eastside, look no further than Whisk in Bellevue. Their cooking class experience is as educational as it is delicious—all ingredients and cooking tools are provided so that participants can get hands-on with creating their culinary masterpiece. Couples will be guided by a cooking instructor as they prepare a fantastic meal together, and there is even a complimentary beer or glass of wine thrown in to sweeten the deal! Whether cooking experts or total novices, couples will undoubtedly have a thrilling time cooking up something special at Whisk.
This Emerald City gem in the heart of downtown Bellevue is an upscale retail store with small batch and handcrafted food products from the pacific northwest. You can also find kitchen essentials, a curated collection of cookbooks, and serving ware for your next party.
In the back room of Whisk is the communal kitchen, where around 15 lucky people can get hands-on with Chef Jen in a cooking class. Each class is themed, making it an ideal spot for a first date or a holiday. My friends and I went for a Cinco de Mayo themed day, where we learned how to make steak tacos with homemade tortillas, street corn salad, pico de gallo, and queso dip. Our lesson came with 2 margaritas, though not all classes have alcohol. It wasn’t exactly fine dining, but we decided Whisk had become the best Mexican restaurant in town! We made delicious food and we learned so many interesting tips to save time in the kitchen. The best part? When we were done cooking, the kitchen became a dining room and we got to chow down on our creations.
Whisk offers both day and evening classes to shake up the everyday. It’s a great way to get to know each other better if you’re just starting out, and it works just as well for been-there-done-that couples needing a new adventure.
Whisk has classes several times a month, so there are fun options to choose no matter when you’re looking to go. Most classes are during the day, but there are some after-hours classes if you’re looking for a date night idea. One of the things I love most about Whisk (or any cooking class really) is that they inside, making it a nice place for a day date any time of year!
When you take a class at Whisk, they do all the hard work for you. You arrive to find everything pre-portioned, and there is very little chopping required. The chef talks you through what you are doing, shares tips and techniques, and prepares you to make the same food at home. You leave the class with leftovers, recipes, and a tiny whisk keychain. Class attendees get a discount on anything purchased from the store that day, so it’s a good chance to stock up on anything you need for your kitchen or pantry.
Go wine tasting in Woodinville
If it’s been a while since you visited Woodinville’s wineries, this is your sign to go back. I love that you can do wine tastings in any weather, making it a favorite all-year date activity. If you’re new to wine, don’t worry – the beauty of a tasting experience is that you get to try lots of little sips of wine to explore what you like and don’t like.
If you want to take it up a notch, book a private tasting for a different experience. One of the more romantic spots in Woodinville is at Chateau St. Michelle, where you can book a variety of private tasting experiences. For our anniversary this year, I booked a private VIP tasting. Our guide brought us to a private room (which looked like a small conference room…the ambience could be better, I admit) and entertained us for over an hour teaching us about wine, letting us try things off menu, and helping us pair food and wine together. It was a relaxed but informative experience and definitely felt above and beyond the usual stand-at-the-counter experience.
On that same anniversary, I also booked the wine and chocolate experience at Patterson Cellars. The chocolates were so inventive and they paired beautifully with the wines. The tasting room is more sparse than you’ll find at Chateau St. Michelle, but the experience is still worth a visit.
Another of my favorite visits in Woodinville is DeLille Cellars. They have some of the best experiences for both wine club members and visitors alike, including a wine blending class – see my review on that here.
Note that the wineries in Woodinville all close around 5 pm, so this is a great place to enjoy happy hour and kick off your date night, but you’ll need to either plan this one as a day date activity or as the first part of your evening.
Wander the farmers markets and pick up food to cook a meal together
For the foodie couple looking to get active and explore locally, spending a day on the Eastside at one of Seattle’s numerous farmers markets can be a great way to have a good time. Start your date off by grabbing some fresh fruits and veggies, organic proteins, and delicious baked goods from any of Issaquah’s vendors. We love the Issaquah market, which runs on Saturdays from 9-2 between May and September. After filling up on local organic produce, you’ll be ready to head home and turn these ingredients into something special. To make it special, skip the take-out for once and take turns cooking parts of the meal. Bond over experimentation in the kitchen as you use all your farmers market finds to create something extraordinary; something that tastes even better when made together.
Some of our other favorite foodie adventures around Seattle include:
- Romantic picnic lunch with views of Lake Washington – A favorite little hidden park that is perfect for a romantic picnic is tucked away in Kirkland. Called Mini-Park, it sits just below Heritage Park in Kirkland and is a great place for an outside day date…if you can get parking. There are only 3 parking spots and vigilant neighbors (rightly so!) so plan ahead. The best way to visit this park is to drive to the end, have one person get out and set up the picnic while the other person searches for parking. If you can find a parking spot, it is a good place to enjoy the natural beauty of our region and soak up the sun during good weather!
- Capitol Hill food tour – sticking with our food theme, wander around Capitol Hill for some good eats. Stop by classics like Oddfellows and Molly Moon’s ice cream, or check out the coffee shops and eateries in Melrose Market. Do this one on its own or as part of a larger walking tour of Seattle.
For the Artsy Couple
Visit the immersive Van Gogh Art Experience
From the immersive Van Gogh art experience to the dreamy virtual reality (VR) simulated garden, the artsy couple is sure to have a unique and memorable date night in Seattle. Experience the immersive atmosphere of being in one of Van Gogh’s paintings, complete with swaying trees, rushing water and a windmill coming straight out of one of his beloved works. The VR technology used is extremely realistic and truly looks like you are walking through a painting. After experiencing this immersive piece of art, head over to Il Terrazzo Carmine in downtown Seattle for a romantic, upscale dinner. We did this as a double date and had so much fun. This one would be a great date for Valentine’s Day.
I will say that you can skip the VIP upsell on the Van Gogh experience. When we went, it was nearly empty and there was no line to skip. You can purchase the VR add-on on top of the standard ticket prices, and while I do think it’s worth doing, you can make a game-time call on that without locking yourself into the VIP package. As part of the VIP package, you also get a souvenir poster of your choice. This can be purchased separately on your way out, so your best bet is to buy the Standard Access and decide when you get there if you want to add anything on later.
Take a Paint and Sip Class
For the creative couple searching for a night of romance on Seattle’s Eastside, a paint and sip class might just be your ideal date! Take the creative spirit to new heights as you both explore the beauty of painting and creative expression together. With a glass of wine in hand, couples can have endless fun learning new techniques and creating art alongside each other. Whether it be still life or self-portraiture, getting creative with your partner is an incredibly romantic way to spend some quality time together. Check out Canvas Kirkland for a schedule of events.
Join a DIY Craft and Sip Class
Similar to the paint and sip but with better wines and different crafting experiences, Chateau St. Michelle in Woodinville offers a once-a-month craft and sip activity night. Included in this unique experience are all the materials needed to create your own masterpiece, expert instruction, as well as one glass of wine per person. Food and additional wine is available for purchase on site. I went to the holiday wreath making class with friends, but saw many couples as well as groups of friends taking part. Other craft and sip experiences have included floral arranging and watercolor painting.
For the Entertainment-Loving Couple
Go to an outdoor concert
For music-loving couples looking for a unique date night out, checking out an outdoor summer concert at Chateau St. Michelle or Marymoor Park is the perfect idea! Enjoy some of your favorite artists and intimate, vip options like reserved seating. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and fresh air in these outdoor locations and explore all the local wineries or fountains before enjoying some quality live music. Even if you don’t snag vip seats, many outdoor concerts feature beer gardens and cozy blankets so you can still feel special while you soak up the amazing vibes of outdoor music in Seattle.
Both Marymoor and Chateau St. Michelle have a summer concert series each year with big name bands. For Marymoor in Redmond, there are a few ticket options. You can purchase general admission, which is lawn seating where you bring your own blankets or low chairs, and seating is first-come, first-served. Or you can purchase reserved seating in the front. A third option is to purchase general admission tickets and separate VIP entry into The Pines, a separate VIP area with a full-service bar (some drinks are included and others are available for purchase), adirondack chairs, and free food. We went to a concert at The Pines and had a great time. It was definitely an elevated experience from the general admission and the perfect place for a luxury date around Seattle.
Get VIP access to a live show
The Seattle area is a magnet for live entertainment, and it is one of the best date ideas for a couple who loves to try something different. We enjoyed the VIP experience at Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria show, and look forward to the short run of Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo at Climate Pledge Arena in March 2023.
Check out all the Cirque du Soleil shows available here.
Enjoy VIP Seats in the Mariners Press Club
The brand-new Press Club just opened up at T-Mobile Park in downtown Seattle, offering couples an unprecedented luxury experience for watching America’s Past Time. Tickets include VIP parking, all-inclusive food and top-shelf drinks, and the nicest seats we’ve seen in a stadium yet.
For the Active Couple
Perfect your swing at Top Golf Renton
For the adventurous couple who’s looking for a great game beyond the standard bowling alley or movie night, Top Golf in Renton is sure to please. Take your golfing skills to next level and try out this great game – better yet, bring along friends and make it a group outing. Each bay holds up to 6 people and is available exclusively to your group for 2 hours.
Despite being great fun, world class driving ranges don’t usually offer much in terms of dining or drinks – but that isn’t the case at Top Golf Renton. With over 30 beers on tap plus great takes on classic pub food it’s perfect for spending a great night enjoying some time together with friends – anytime of the year!
If you’re looking for a similar option closer to Seattle, check out Flatstick Pub in South Lake Union, which offers mini golf, arcade games, and a restaurant and bar.
Try out an escape room
For couples on Seattle’s Eastside who are looking for something thrilling and new, an escape room mystery date is the perfect way to have a good time. It’s unlike any other date you can plan – you’ll need to use teamwork, problem solving and creativity to solve perplexing puzzles together with your partner. Plus, it’s fun and something that you can look back on fondly as a unique experience that was “all yours.” You’re guaranteed to create lasting memories from this date night, which will add to the mystery of being with each other for years to come!
Take a hike at one of the many beautiful parks on the Eastside, such as Cougar Mountain or Squak Mountain
For the active couple, Seattle’s Eastside has many great options for an exciting and unique date. One such activity is to take a hike in one of the area’s spectacular parks. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Squak Mountain State Park are two particularly notable spots with stunning trails surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views. Both parks offer plenty of routes suitable for beginning and advanced hikers, so couples of all skill levels can explore these beautiful spots together. Whether it’s a light stroll or a challenging climb, getting out into nature on an Eastside hike is sure to be an enjoyable experience!
If photo ops are what you’re after, hit up one of the area’s most beautiful parks and hike around Snoqualmie Falls. You can get your heart rate up and see a gorgeous waterfall. We think the best views are actually at the bottom of the falls looking up. You can either park at the bottom and walk a short, mostly-flat path, or hike down from the top. Beware the hike back, though…it can be quite a workout on sunny days.
Visit Woodland Park Zoo or Bellevue Botanical Garden
For the nature-loving couple looking for a unique date night in Seattle or on the Eastside, Woodland Park Zoo and Bellevue Botanical Garden both offer fantastic activities. The zoo is home to over 300 species from around the world and provides charming pathways through animal exhibits and lush gardens. After visiting the animals, couples can explore native Washington wildlife at the Raptor Center which focuses on educational programs and rehabilitation services. For a more intimate experience, Bellevue Botanical Garden provides an oasis of 47 acres of public garden slopes including cultivated landscapes of woodland, wetlands, water features, and grand vistas. After a romantic stroll along winding paved paths, couples can get their hands dirty in organized volunteer events or take classes such as gardening workshops!
Discover your inner kid at Vertex
Kids and adults alike love Vertex Arena in Redmond. Vertex offers a giant indoor trampoline gym, a ninja course, a VR experience, dodge ball, arcade games, and a restaurant and bar. The only thing it doesn’t provide is the stamina to see and do everything! It is one of many cute date ideas for couples who want to get their heart rates up on a date and keep things fun and fresh.
More Fresh Ideas
Looking for other fun date ideas? Check out these ideas for dates around Lake Washington that will keep you out of the movie theater and experiencing all that the Puget Sound region has to offer:
- Take a private yacht tour of Lake Union and Lake Washington – When the summer hits, there’s nowhere better than being on the water in Seattle. Our sister site has written about how to hire a private yacht in Seattle. You can leave from downtown Seattle or Eastside locations like Carrillon Point in Kirkland, and your trip will take you around the lakes. See everything from Mt. Rainier to celebrity homes, and don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks!
- Walking tour of Pike Place Market – There is a guided food tour of Pike Place Market that is led by a chef and takes you behind the scenes at one of Washington State’s most iconic destinations. It lasts about 2 hours and is fun even for locals! Not recommended for people avoiding gluten and/or dairy.
- Visit one of our fabulous museums – Seattle is blessed with several wonderful museums, which are great options for an indoor date on those rainy days. Pre-Covid, several museums offered after-hours adults only nights, and we look forward to these coming back on the schedule soon. Check out the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, which is open again after a renovation and expansion, or the Seattle Art Museum, which would be good to combine with a tour of Pike Place Market or a fancy meal at Goldfinch in the Four Seasons Seattle. It’s one of the best restaurants for weekend brunch with a view. Other museums to consider are the Museum of Pop Culture near the Space Needle, and the Burke Museum on the UW campus.
- The observation deck in Columbia Tower – We personally like the view from Columbia Tower better than the view from the top of the Space Needle, because in Columbia Tower, you can actually see the Space Needle! It’s such an iconic building that you want it in your view, not under your feet. While in the Columbia Tower, you can stop at the Starbucks on the 40th floor, which has gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains. You can watch the Bainbridge Island ferry with snow-capped mountains in the distance and the sun glittering off the water and it really feels like one of the best things the west coast has to offer.
Break Out of the Everyday
If you’re looking for something different than the typical date night out, Seattle’s Eastside has plenty to offer. From active pursuits like hiking and kayaking, to artsy activities like pottery and visiting local farmers markets, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re stumped on what to do for date night, try one of these unique ideas instead. Which of these romantic spots will you pick for your next date night?
