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Updated Aug 13, 2024The Complete Guide to Brilliant Date Ideas in Houston
The writer, a former Texas resident, explains why Houston has much to see and do.
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Dating in Houston is a ton of fun. The city is blessed with lush green parks brought to life by Southern sunshine, swanky restaurants illuminated by candlelight, and plenty of alternative opportunities to let loose and fall head over heels for a lover. Remember, this is the largest city in Texas, so the date night options are extensive—and it just so happens to be one of the most affordable big cities in America, meaning nobody is left behind in the game of love. Here, you'll find activities across all price points that span from absolutely free to Amex Black limits. So whether you're planning a first date with a Bumble match, trying to impress a new squeeze in hopes of something more official, or simply treating a deserving spouse, we've got you covered. Here are the most fun and romantic things for couples to do in Houston, no matter how burning the Texas heat.
In this article:
- Fun Date Ideas in Houston
- Foodie Date Ideas in Houston
- Good First Date Ideas in Houston
- Anniversary Date Ideas in Houston
- Cool Date Ideas in Houston
- Outdoor Date Ideas in Houston
- Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Houston
Fun Date Ideas in Houston
These fun couples activities have just the tipple for frolics.
Photo: Freeograph / Shutterstock
Go On a Boozy Ghost Tour
The best excuse for hand-holding! Explore downtown Houston's eerie past with Viator's guided ghost tour of the city's most haunted spots, combined with a pub crawl for as much Dutch courage as y'all can muster. Remember, the best way to ward off spirits is to drink them.
305 Travis Street, Houston, TX
Or Let Cider Fuel Games Night
Switch ghosts for games at this brilliant arcade that's packed with over 275 unlimited play options for only $10 admission. At Cidercade's bar, you'll also find 48 taps of hard ciders, seltzers and kombuchas. The venue is family-friendly during the day, and adults only after 8 PM.
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2320 Canal Street, Houston, TX
Foodie Date Ideas in Houston
From a date night restaurant to an adventurous food tour, here's where lovers get their fill.
Photo: Artit Wongpradu / Shutterstock
Mingle at an Omakase
5kinokawa is one of the coolest dining experiences in the city, and it takes you on a multi-course ride that spotlights ingredients flown directly from markets like Toyosu in Japan. The BYOB communal vibe, chef interaction, and intimate 14 prized seats gives this a supper-club-meets-private-chef vibe, ensuring you feel special from the second you sit down.
3119 White Oak Drive, Houston, TX
Take a Food Tour
Sample dishes from all corners of the world with GetYourGuide's Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston. You'll feast on delights from Mexico, Italy, and Vietnam, and travel between restaurant locales via the largest tunnel system in America.
301 Milam Street, Houston, TX
Bonus: Check out The Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston for more foodie date spots.
Good First Date Ideas in Houston
Get to know each other with these awesome things to do on a first date.
Photo: Visionsi / Shutterstock
Feed Giraffes at the Houston Zoo
A stroll around the zoo provides ample opportunity to discover one another, and for an extra special chance to bond, get up close to the resident Masai giraffe family. You'll stand on the feeding platform with your date as the curious (and very loveable) giants come for their favorite snacks. Be on the lookout for their unique black tongues as they taste their treats!
6200 Hermann Park Drivet, Houston, TX
Tour the Underground Cistern
One for newbies discovering HTX, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is an underground former water reservoir in the historic Buffalo Bayou Park. Turn things down a notch in the cool and calming 87,500 square foot tank with an informative group tour ($10), which can come with an additional Sound Healing Meditation experience on weekends ($15).
105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX
Anniversary Date Ideas in Houston
Treat your spouse to a weekend of massages at a luxury resort spa, or enjoy a romantic night at the ballet.
Photo: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock
Enjoy a Spa Day
The best way to say 'I appreciate you' has got to be a weekend of pampering. The Trellis Spa within the Houstonian Resort is the ultimate getaway for two. Being the largest luxury spa in the state of Texas, the space resembles a majestic European villa with statuesque architecture and perfectly manicured gardens.
111 N Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX
Get Dressed Up for the Ballet
With a hot and humid climate, Houstonians are always in search of a chance to get dressed up and enjoy an evening in cool AC. The Houston Ballet makes an exquisite anniversary night choice, particularly when paired with epic love stories such as Romeo and Juliet or Swan Lake.
601 Preston Street, Houston, TX
Cool Date Ideas in Houston
Here are cool or unusual things to do for couples in Houston.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Fever's original Candlelight Concerts have been a roaring success across the globe, and you can attend one right here in Houston. The team transform iconic venues with hundreds of candles, then adds live music from composers like Mozart… and Taylor Swift and Coldplay. For a full list of upcoming events, visit their online schedule.
No address - pop ups all over town
Outdoor Date Ideas in Houston
A fan of the big outdoors? Here are date ideas to consider in Houston.
Photo: Si Vo / Shutterstock
Kayak Along Buffalo Bayou
Active couples will enjoy a day at Houston's premiere urban green sanctuary, including hikes, birdwatching, and picnics. Come sunset, join Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours for a two hour paddle along the lake, where you'll watch the warm Texas sun melt along the skyline.
333 S Jensen Drive, Houston, TX
Relax With a Picnic at McGovern Centennial Gardens
Herman Park's eight-acre botanical garden is a fairytale oasis in the heart of the city, and a scenic spot for picnics. Pack your darling's favorite wine and cheese, get grab-and-go sandwiches from Local Foods, or have Milk Bar deliver a box of ice cream for the ultimate cool spread.
6100 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX
Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Houston
Have a swell time with free activities in town. The best is listed below.
Join a Rooftop Party
The former USPS office has radically transformed into POST Houston, an entertainment venue, food hall, gallery, and more. Head to the rooftop for their skylawn, a completely free five-acre urban park and sustainable organic farm that hosts school groups and community events. Grab a seat and soak up the views, and stick around for the slew of free events, DJ sessions, and parties that take place on select weekends.
401 Franklin Street, Houston, TX
