75 Romantic Anniversary Date Ideas More Unique Than Just Dinner

Your anniversary isn't just about marking the passage of time; it's about celebrating the beautiful moments you and your partner have shared along the way. It's also an opportunity to make new memories you'll cherish in the future. Joyous, intimate and creative, these anniversary date ideas offer up the chance to create experiences on your journey as a couple, appreciate how far you've come, and get excited for your future.

From pottery and cooking classes to vision boarding or crossing something off your bucket list, anniversary date activities can run the gamut of fun things to do together, with options to fit every couple, relationship stage and budget. There are even free ways you and your partner can spend your day that still feel wholly special. Some anniversary dates can also become tradition and be replicated year after year. How cool would it be to commemorate each anniversary by conquering a new hiking trail or exploring your local botanical gardens? For more inspiration, scroll on to see 75 anniversary date ideas fit for celebrating your love story.

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Anniversary Date Ideas in This Guide:

• The Best Anniversary Date Ideas
• Romantic Anniversary Date Ideas
• Fun Anniversary Date Ideas
• Cheap Anniversary Date Ideas
• Cool Anniversary Date Ideas

The Best Anniversary Date Ideas

Want the TL;DR version? Let's cut straight to the chase with the very best anniversary date ideas. How did we possibly manage to narrow it down? The best anniversary dates should be affordable, widely enjoyable and a step above an average date night, and the ideas below all fit the bill.

1. Make a Reservation at a New Restaurant

We all fall into the same rut of going to our favorite restaurants over and over, especially for special occasions. But hear us out: your anniversary is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Book a reservation at that trendy hotspot that's become the talk of the town. Who knows, maybe it'll become a go-to in your rotation.

2. Recreate Your Honeymoon at Home

Here's a great anniversary idea for married couples. You don't have to book a plane ticket to relive your honeymoon or another memorable trip you shared together. Instead, you can recreate that special destination at home. If you jetted off to Santorini, for instance, whip up some tzatziki, pour some ouzo and cue up Mamma Mia!

3. Create DIY Homemade Gifts

There's no need to spend a ton on anniversary gifts. Dedicate a night to crafting homemade gifts for one another. Think: painting frames to house your favorite cute, couple-y pics, making clay pottery pieces at your kitchen table, or pouring your own candles.

4. Make a Couples Bucket List and Cross Something Off Every Year

From the big stuff (like buying your first home or traveling abroad) to smaller moments (such as finally getting to that local brewery), jot down everything you wish to do together over the years to come. That way, you can spend subsequent anniversaries crossing everything off your list.

5. Volunteer

Celebrate love by spreading it! Make it a tradition to volunteer each year on your anniversary. You can walk dogs at an animal shelter, put in a shift at a local soup kitchen—however you want to make a difference.

6. Book a Staycation at a Local Hotel

Cuddle up in a king-sized bed and fluffy hotel robes, hit the pool and indulge in room service for breakfast the next morning. (Be sure to scour travel sites like Trip Advisor for last-minute deals.)

7. Order a Date Night Subscription Box

Feeling spontaneous? Let fate decide your anniversary by ordering a date night subscription box. These packaged surprises come with everything you and your partner need for an evening of quality time. If you aren't sure where to start, our editors love The Fantasy Box and The Adventure Challenge.

8. Host an Anniversary Party

This anniversary date idea is particularly apropos for a milestone celebration. After all, the most special moments in life are best enjoyed with your loved ones. If you and your S.O. are approaching a big one, host an anniversary party with your nearest and dearest to properly honor your love story.

9. Relax With a Beach Day

There's no denying the beauty of a slow, relaxing beach day. Pack a picnic, bring your favorite books, and reconnect to the sound of crashing waves and cawing seagulls.

Romantic Anniversary Date Ideas

After all this time, they still make your heart go all aflutter! Spend time thoughtfully planning a romantic anniversary date to make them similarly go weak in the knees.

10. See a Drive-In Movie

Fill your car with pillows and blankets and head to your nearest drive-in for a double feature. If you have the outdoor space, you can even create your own personal theater with a projector set-up.

11. Write Each Other Love Letters

Take inspiration from famous anniversary quotes and poets of the past and pen each other love letters over wine and candlelight. (This is a particularly sweet anniversary tradition you can do year after year.)

12. Create a Scrapbook of Memories

If you're the type of person who saves tickets, receipts and other sentimental mementos, collect your favorite items and preserve them in a scrapbook together. Not only is this anniversary idea a beautiful way to spend your special day, it'll create a tangible keepsake you can page through (and add to) on future anniversaries.

13. Enjoy a Dinner Cruise

What's better than an elegant dinner date? An elegant dinner date on a boat, of course. If you live near a body of water, do a quick Google search to find dinner cruises near you. We particularly love this anniversary date idea if you've got a fancy outfit in your closet you've been waiting to break out for the perfect occasion.

14. Sign Up for an Airbnb Experience

From guided walking tours to interactive goat yoga, there are so many unique date activities you can book through Airbnb Experiences.

15. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Your love has you floating on cloud nine, so take to the literal clouds with this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

16. Go Stargazing or Visit a Planetarium

If your location allows for it, lay out some sleeping bags, get cozy and see what constellations you can spot in the night sky. Alternatively, you can spend your anniversary at a local planetarium to take in the out-of-this-world exhibits.

17. Enroll in a Dance Class

Always wanted to learn how to salsa or cha cha cha? This anniversary idea is for you. Live out your Dancing With the Stars fantasy by enrolling in a local dance class.

18. Book a Couples Massage

Indulge side-by-side with a set of relaxing massages before spending some one-on-one time in the spa's sauna or hot tub. It'll be hard to top this anniversary date in the future.

19. Watch the Sunset (or Sunrise)

Find a rooftop bar or romantic viewpoint to say goodnight (or good morning) to another 365 days of love in all its beautiful glory.

20. Renew Your Vows

While you certainly can pull out all the stops and plan a legitimate ceremony, this anniversary idea doesn't have to be formal. You can simply take a few intimate moments to recite your wedding vows to one another, or create new ones based on what you've learned the previous year.

21. See Live Theater

Get all gussied up for a night at the theater or opera. Tickets not in the budget? You can stream professionally filmed performances and musicals on services like BroadwayHD. Lower the lights, clasp hands during the romantic ballads, and you have an intimate theater experience right at home.

22. Go on a Scenic Boat Ride

If the nautical life is for you, we highly recommend scheduling a scenic boat ride for an anniversary date night. After all, staring out into the water with your loved one is the stuff romance novels are made of.

23. Create Vision Boards for Your Future

Looking for a nontraditional anniversary date idea? It's never too early to start thinking about your next one. Set aside the day to discuss the biggest dreams and goals you wish you achieve together. Buy poster boards, stock up on magazines, and create tangible manifestations for your future.

24. Make a New Recipe From Scratch

Dinner at home doesn't have to be boring. Make your anniversary date night extra-memorable by whipping up a brand new recipe from scratch. Might we suggest investing in matching aprons for the occasion?

Fun Anniversary Date Ideas

Celebrating a relationship milestone should be joyful, so look to these fun anniversary date ideas for a guaranteed good time. Don't forget to snap some fun couple pics to post with an anniversary caption on Instagram.

25. Learn a New Skill Together

Not only will trying a new hobby offer priceless memories, it may give you a few cool new party tricks too. We love the idea of celebrating your anniversary by gifting your partner an experience class. Uncommon Goods is a great place to look—perhaps you want to discover the art of mixology and bitters, learn how to identify nuances in different coffee brews, or try your hand at reading astrology charts.

26. Go Camping (or Backyard Camping)

If you don't have time to hit the wilderness, pitch a tent in your backyard, make some stovetop s'mores and fall asleep together beneath the stars.

27. Blind Pizza Taste Test

This creative anniversary date idea is perfect for foodies. Order a pie from each of your favorite local pizza shops. Once you have them in front of you, blindfold your S.O., feed them a slice, and see if they can tell which restaurant it's from. Fair warning: it may be harder than you think!

28. Host Happy Hour at Home With a Cocktail Kit

We have a feeling Sabrina Carpenter would approve of this fun anniversary idea. Instead of heading out to your local happy hour haunt, bring the fun to your kitchen with an easy-to-use cocktail kit. (This editor is particularly fond of this espresso martini set from Amazon.) That's that you espresso.

29. Plan a Book Club Night

Select a book to read together, but don't discuss your thoughts until you finish. Use your anniversary date night to untangle the plot, debate your favorite characters, and share your favorite theories. We recommend creating a food and drink menu inspired by the themes of your chosen novel.

30. Get Tickets to a Comedy Show

Couples who laugh together, stay together. Of all the fun anniversary date ideas out there, none are more on the nose quite like getting tickets to a comedy show.

31. Visit the Zoo or Aquarium

Embrace your inner child and explore the exhibits. (You'll likely still get a thrill when you spot your favorite animal!)

32. Take a Cooking Class

Learn a few new skills in the kitchen that you can put to use for many more date-nights to come.

33. Tour a Winery, Brewery or Distillery

Choose your favorite spirit collectively and then spend the day clinking glasses to your future.

34. See a Concert

If none of your favorite artists are in town, venture out to see a band you've never heard of before. You might just discover some local gems.

35. Head to a Game Bar

The same old bars can get boring after a while. In honor of your anniversary, plan date night at a game bar brimming with activities. Challenge your S.O. to darts, pool, skeeball, cards, or board games. The winner gets bragging rights for the foreseeable future, of course.

36. Paint and Sip

Head to a local studio that leads you through a painting class as you sip on glasses of wine (or your nonalcoholic beverage of choice). You'll both walk away with a unique piece of art as a souvenir from the night.

37. Go Skydiving

Up for a heart-stopping adventure? Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike will be intrigued by this anniversary idea. Take a leap of faith together and embark on this daring date.

38. Book a Photo Shoot

Score some fun, professional pics of the two of you at this meaningful point in your relationship. Book a local photographer and then unleash your inner models.

39. Visit an Amusement Park

Throw on your walking shoes and spend the day with your love at an amusement park. Ride your favorite roller coasters, indulge in a few sweet treats (caramel popcorn or funnel cake, anyone?), and pose for portraits in a strip photobooth. It's the perfect anniversary date idea for kids at heart.

40. See a Drag Show

Embark on a fabulous evening and share the celebration with some local queens. (Remember to tip your performers well!)

41. Rent a Canoe or Kayak

Feeling the urge to get outside for your anniversary? Share an outdoor adventure by canoeing or kayaking under the sun. You'll get a bonus arm workout while you're at it.

42. Go Ice-Skating

Hand-holding on the ice and then cuddling up with hot chocolate after? Yes, please.

43. Visit a Botanical Garden

Stop and smell the roses—both literally and figuratively. You have much to reminisce on, after all.

Cheap Anniversary Date Ideas

While these cheap anniversary date ideas may be inexpensive in cost, they're rich in thoughtfulness, proving you don't need to break the bank when planning a memorable night.

44. Breakfast for Dinner

Put on your PJs (or, better yet, a little bit less) and dig into stacks of pancakes, crispy bacon and warm waffles for your anniversary dinner.

45. Browse a Bookstore

Wander around the aisles and buy a book you'd think the other would like. If you want to make it a tradition, you'll have a whole library's worth after a few years.

46. Peruse a Farmers Market and Make a Meal Together

We love the idea of elevating the every day, especially if that day happens to be your anniversary. The perfect idea for couples who like to get creative in the kitchen, head to your local farmers market and stock up on bounty for a home-cooked meal. Bonus points if you up the ante by choosing the most creative ingredient you can find and building a menu inspired by it.

47. Have an At-Home Spa Night

All it takes is a few inexpensive sheet masks, a sensual bubble bath for two and some massage oil candles to transform your home into a bonafide spa resort.

48. Kitchen Table Wine Tasting

Secure a few bottles of wine, then play sommelier at the kitchen table as you sip. Explore flavor profiles, pair different blends with your favorite snacks, and make note of your faves. You can even theme the wine to the year you met or a special destination, like your honeymoon locale.

49. Have a Game-Night Face-Off

Hold the ultimate game night with classic board games and card games specifically for couples.

50. Throw a Party for Two

Pay a visit to a local party supply or dollar store and score balloons, noisemakers, inexpensive decor and party hats, and throw yourselves a silly little fête for two. It is a celebration after all! Just don't forget the ice cream cake.

51. Wander Around a Museum

Spend your anniversary immersing yourselves in history and culture. Local museums also often offer discounts or free tickets to residents. (For example, New Yorkers can choose their own entry price at museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.)

52. Take a Hike

Explore a nearby trail, or plan for a more extensive excursion during a weekend getaway. A selfie and kiss overlooking a vista? We're lacing up our boots now.

53. Go Mini Golfing

If the weather forecast is looking great for your special day, spend your anniversary at a local mini golf course. It's the par-fect way to incite a bit of friendly competition.

54. Make a Time Capsule

Select a few mementos from the previous year (or from over the course of your relationship) and seal them in a box that can only be opened on an agreed-upon date.

55. Build a Blanket Fort

Rearrange your living room to build the cozy blanket fort of your childhood dreams. (Bonus points for string lights, a movie to watch inside and snacks to share.)

56. Host a PowerPoint Party

You've seen this idea all over TikTok, and it's easily transferable to your next anniversary date night. Select a slew of topics you each feel passionately about, and put together a PowerPoint to present to each other. The more unhinged, the better.

57. Plan a Picnic

Need an anniversary idea that doesn't involve too much legwork? Enjoy an alfresco meal for two on a budget by packing for a picnic. Sunshine, sandwiches, your partner—what more does one need?

58. Pick Flowers Together

If your S.O. loves when you surprise them with flowers, they'll fall totally head over heels for this affordable anniversary idea. Research some local farms and plan a day to go picking fresh blooms together. They'll cherish your homemade bouquets more than you realize.

59. Fast Food Face-Off

Choose a fast-food menu item, such as french fries or milkshakes, and then spend the day going from drive-through to drive-through as you rank each restaurant's noshes.

60. Redecorate a Room in Your Home

Spending the day at Ikea or Bob's Discount Furniture may not sound like the sexiest way to celebrate your anniversary, but there's something to be said about falling in love with a new room in your house simply by sprucing it up.

Cool Anniversary Date Ideas

This year, surprise them with an out-of-the-box activity as unique as your relationship. Look to the creative anniversary date ideas below for inspiration.

61. Rent Out a Movie Theater

Many cinemas allow you to rent out an entire theater for the ultimate movie night. Is it a little over the top? Perhaps. But the occasion certainly calls for it!

62. Have a Rollerblading Night

Remember how much fun you had at that rollerblading birthday party for your elementary school bestie? This is your sign to lean into the nostalgia by planning a rollerblading date for your anniversary. Bonus points if you end the night with pizza and Hawaiian Punch (or maybe something a little bit stronger).

63. Get Your Auras Read

Intrigued by all things spooky and mystical? Consider getting your auras read. You might learn something new about yourself (or your partner). If this anniversary date idea sounds right up your alley, you might also consider visiting a fortune teller or booking a tarot card reading.

64. Buy Tickets to a Sporting Event

Whether you're into football, baseball, hockey or basketball, snag tickets to see your favorite team play. (And to indulge in some hot dogs and beer, of course.)

65. Choose Thrift Shop Clothes for Each Other for a Fancy Night Out

The more ridiculous the outfits, the better.

66. Road Trip Without a Destination

Gas up the car and go wherever the road takes you. With your love sitting in the passenger seat, it's bound to be an adventure.

67. Revisit Your First Date

Whether it was at that dive bar downtown or coffee at your favorite cafe, revisit the spot of your first date and prepare for the memories to come flooding back.

68. Find the Quirkiest Tourist Attraction Within Driving Distance

The mermaids of Weeki Wachee, Florida? Seattle, Washington's gum wall? The petting zoo of plastic flamingos in Cedar Point, North Carolina? Wherever you go, just remember to hit the gift shop.

69. Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Have your partner find their way to a sentimental location using custom clues based on details from your relationship.

70. Recreate a Memorable Meal, Drink or Dessert You've Shared

Whether it was that fresh pasta you had in Italy during your first trip together or your signature wedding cocktail, try your hand at recreating that delish meal or drink in your own kitchen.

71. Get a Couples Tattoo

Is it a forever decision that shouldn't be made spur of the moment? Absolutely. But once you've weighed the risks, go ahead and make your love permanent.

72. Go Axe-Throwing

Hit up an axe-throwing venue if you have one in your city and prepare to see which of you has better aim.

73. Do a Dessert Crawl

No anniversary idea is complete without a little something sweet. Go from bakery to ice cream shop, indulging in the very best treats your city has to offer.

74. Take a Pottery Class

You may not be able to recreate that scene from Ghost, but you can at least celebrate your anniversary by learning something new together.

75. Tour an Art Gallery

Support your local artisans by touring a gallery together. Make the most of your anniversary date by searching for a new piece you can add to your home, which will always remind you of this special day spent together.