- Atlanta
- Lifestyle
- Dates
From intimate cocktail lounges to romantic rooftops, these experiences make for perfect date night during the warmer months.
By
Okla Jones
Updated on 4/24/2023 at 1:00 PM

Spring is the best time of year. The weather isn’t too hot—or too cold—providing the perfect opportunity to do what you want, when you want. Anything is possible, but there’s nothing like a great date night to take advantage of the warmer months in Atlanta.
The city has a strikingly beautiful skyline, so dinner or drinks at a rooftop hot spot make an obviously romantic outing. But beyond great restaurants and bars, Atlanta has fun activities like the BeltLine’s Illuminarium or Botanical Gardens that can create unforgettable memories for you and that special someone. Love is in the air and spring is only here for a limited time, so check out our ideas for a fun date night in Atlanta and don’t let this beautiful season pass you by.
Midtown
With several locations throughout Atlanta, there’s something about South City Kitchen’s Midtown spot that brings an intimate energy. Nestled amidst a string of reputable establishments, South City Kitchen has a menu filled with items such as She-Crab soup to the exquisitely cut New York Strip, but the wine list is where this spot really shines. The nationally known wine list features a bevy of selections, so the bar is a go-to for singles looking to mingle and couples that want to get just a little bit closer.

Old Fourth Ward
This dimly lit cocktail lounge located just off the BeltLine is perfect for a sexy date night. The intimate space can easily set the mood for you and your plus one, and it also features one of the best cocktail selections in Atlanta. In addition to the carefully curated mixes of pop, hip hop, R&B, and soul music, it also provides its clientele with live performances, making the experience even more real.
Inman Park
They say that oysters are a natural aphrodisiac, so there’s no better place to bring that special someone than BeetleCat in Inman Park. The outside patio is a popular, prime location for people watching, providing the perfect opportunity for laughter during a romantic outing. The restaurant has an oceanfront vibe, and a menu that boasts seafood items like branzino, flounder, swordfish, and the like, so the spring weather makes for a fitting backdrop for the occasion.

Westside
This spring will undoubtedly belong to Rooftop L.O.A.—aka Atlanta’s jaw-dropping rooftop oasis that sits atop The Interlock. The sprawling space has so many areas that would make for the perfect date night—from the dark and moody coastal European eatery that’s simply called The Restaurant to the warm fire pits that overlook the city below. Since its opening two years ago, Rooftop L.O.A. has established itself as a staple, so get ready to be your date’s favorite suitor this spring.

Old Fourth Ward
The Illuminarium is one of Atlanta’s most visually stunning attractions, and is a unique date idea for those who want to do something different than the typical dinner and a movie. Here, visitors can experience the popular African safari-themed WILD exhibition and the exhibitions Space and Waking Wonderland. If you and your date get hungry, you won’t even have to leave the attraction. The Illuminarium Cafe—which boasts a small but impressive menu consisting of House-Smoked Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese, melts, burgers, and more—is what brings it all together and makes The Illuminarium the perfect place for a romantic date night. You and your boo can grab dinner, see an incredible multi-sensory presentation, and enjoy cocktails in one location.

Midtown
For a serene date that puts you face to face with some of the most beautiful plantlife in the city, head over to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In the coming months, visit for Cocktails in the Garden, a weekly event that features live music and crafted cocktails, all while having the opportunity to explore the current exhibition Trolls: Save the Humans. While plenty of the ABG’s fan-favorite features return, guests can expect new twists, including the romantic Atlanta Rose Show, located in the Day Hall on May 13, and three massive sculptures from the spring/summer exhibition, Origami in the Garden.

West Midtown
One of the coolest additions to Atlanta over the last couple of years has been Puttshack. Playing mini-golf has always been fun, and with Puttshack’s engaging new technology, the entire experience has been elevated for adults. Without having to manually keep track of the score, you and your date will be able to focus a lot more on how great Puttshack’s signature cocktails are, from the Hennessy Islands to the Peach Tea on Peachtree.
Austell
Six Flags Over Georgia is back in season, and although you may think that amusement parks are just for teenagers, here’s why you should definitely consider it for your next date: In addition to all of the thrills, fun attractions, and chances to win your date an oversized stuffed animal, you two will almost certainly be forced to spend a significant amount of time together in food and ride lines, so use that time to get more familiar with each other.

Ponce City Market
When the spring time arrives, we all want to get out of the house, right? One of the coolest places in Ponce City Market is City Winery, a place with a vast selection of wine (and an amazing Tasting Room), a restaurant with a great menu, and a stage where you can hear some of the best live music in Atlanta. Along with its regular jazz concerts throughout the month, there’s also a wide range of performances from R&B and country artists as well. The ambiance inside is intimate, and on those beautiful evenings, you and your significant other can sip on the establishment's refreshing Palomas.

Old Fourth Ward
There’s no outdoor date that’s more romantic than a sunset dinner overlooking the city at Nine Mile Station. The breathtaking open-air date offers a beautiful rooftop view of Buckhead, Downtown, and Midtown, and the food—we’re talking mouth-watering menu options like Scottish Salmon, Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, Smoked Trout Croquettes, Sesame Crusted Tuna, and more—is just as impressive as the view. Physically elevate your next dinner date by bringing your SO to an on-point meal on top of Ponce City Market, and afterward, go enjoy all of the fun rides and games that Skyline Park has to offer.

Downtown
Love is not only in the air—it’s in the water too. During the warmer months, the Georgia Aquarium regularly hosts 20,000 Beers Under The Sea, one of its most popular yearly events. You and your acquaintance can enjoy unlimited beer, hard seltzer and cider samples; feast on a seasonally inspired buffet dinner; listen to live music; and check out more than 500 aquatic species. For a more laid-back experience, check out the exhibit, A Breath of Sage, to learn more about your person by collaborating in a meditative art and taking in the ocean views that include whale sharks, manta rays, and so much more.

Downtown
Although you probably drive by it all of the time, a solid year-round date idea is the enormous SkyView Ferris wheel Downtown. For just $14.75 (and $12.75 for seniors, military, and students), SkyView riders can enjoy a nice private ride on one of Atlanta’s tallest attractions, and since it stays open pretty late—till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays—the massive in-town Ferris wheel can be the perfect way for you and your date to end the night.
Locations vary
If your date was born and raised in Atlanta, you can still show them a different side of the city by taking them on a scenic helicopter ride over the city skyline. Prestige Helicopters offers several aerial tours to choose from, including a 10-minute nighttime tour of the King & Queen buildings in Buckhead, a 30-minute tour throughout Downtown and Buckhead, and the 70-minute Ultimate Tour of the Chattahoochee River, Lake Lanier, Buckhead, Downtown, Decatur, and Stone Mountain. Whether you’re aiming to make an unforgettable impression for your first date or looking for a romantic anniversary celebration, a helicopter ride makes for a great experience for both of you.

Midtown
You can’t go wrong with a date at the High Museum of Art. To make your trip to the High a little easier on the pockets, visit on the second Sunday of the month when tickets are on the house. You’ll be able to show your date exhibitions like Joseph Stella: Visionary Nature, Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross, and the works of George Voronovsky—all without opening up your wallet. The establishment also hosts High Frequency Friday, a happy hour and house party, once a month. It has become one of the most attended events of the spring, and regularly sells out weeks in advance—so get your tickets as early as possible and get ready for one of the coolest free dates in the city.
Moreland Avenue
The dinner-and-a-movie formula is pretty hard to screw up, but don’t take our word for it. Skip the chains and opt for a movie going experience that will transport you and your date back in time: the legendary Starlight Drive-In. For what’s arguably the best date-night deal in Atlanta, you can bring your own food and drink and watch a double feature from the sanctuary of your car all for $10.
Okla Jones is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about food, fine arts, and entertainment. His work also appears in ESSENCE, Creative Loafing Atlanta, and Consequence of Sound. Follow him on Instagram at @coolhandoak.
FAQs
The Best Ideas for a Fun Date Night in Atlanta? ›
A date night is an occasion where a couple dedicates time to be spent together, usually alone, with the purpose of reconnecting and bonding. A date night usually consists of a main activity, such as a dinner and/or a movie, or a few activities planned one after the other.
How can I make my date night special? ›- Go on a tour of your relationship. ...
- Get a car and driver. ...
- Start it off with a spa day. ...
- Plan your second honeymoon. ...
- Make it a surprise. ...
- Keep the devices turned off. ...
- Exchange love letters. ...
- Make it an overnight.
- Plan A Karaoke Night. This is one of the best late-night date ideas. ...
- Play A Game.
- Go For A Stroll In The Moonlight. Save. ...
- Go To A 24-hour Diner. ...
- Enjoy The Lake Side. ...
- Go On A Social Lounge Date. ...
- Go To The Bowling Alley Or A Pool Hall. ...
- Watch The Sunrise Together.
- Recreate your first date.
- Dance together.
- Watch a romantic movie.
- Get outside and stargaze.
- Treat each other to a spa night.
- Turn your bedroom into a romantic sanctuary.
- Have a tasting party for two.
- Cook dinner together.
A date night is an occasion where a couple dedicates time to be spent together, usually alone, with the purpose of reconnecting and bonding. A date night usually consists of a main activity, such as a dinner and/or a movie, or a few activities planned one after the other.
What's a perfect date night for you? ›The perfect date may be different for different people. For one it may be a long walk on the beach, while for another, a dinner and movie would be ideal. And then, of course, there are some whose idea of a perfect date is a bit more adventurous. Perhaps a night on a mountain or a bike ride.
How can I make my partner happy at night? ›- Treat each other. “Almost every night, we have ice cream or frozen yogurt treats. ...
- Take a stroll. ...
- Get it on. ...
- Spend quality time in the kitchen. ...
- Turn TV time into together time. ...
- Make time together a “chore.” ...
- Make pillow talk more meaningful. ...
- Tuck each other in.
- Change up your compliments. ...
- Be good to his friends. ...
- Let sex be just for him. ...
- Dazzle him by dressing up for date night. ...
- Work surprises into your routine. ...
- Send him sexts. ...
- Be extra kind to his parents. ...
- Share in what he loves.
- Step 1: Light the candles. ...
- Step 2: Choose Another Snuggle Corner. ...
- Step 3: Place Mirror In The Room. ...
- Step 4: Set The Scene From Your Favourite Movie/ Novel. ...
- Step 5: Romantic Massage: Ultimate Seduction Guide. ...
- Step 6: Impressive Food= Seductive Finale.
Bedtime couple intimate activities include cuddling, massaging, kissing, and making love. Sleeping habits are also essential for couples, and couples should lie down together whenever possible.
What are some romantic ideas? ›
- Write a poem.
- Cook a romantic dinner.
- Give a full-body massage.
- Pack a sunset picnic.
- Pick wildflowers on the way home.
- Burn a CD with love songs.
- Give dark chocolates.
- Read poetry together.
- ARRIVE LATE. If you arrive late on the first date, you have basically just fallen at the first handle and will have some serious making up to do from now on.
- TALK ABOUT EX-GIRLFRIENDS. ...
- USE YOUR PHONE. ...
- BE RUDE TO THE WAITER. ...
- BE DISTRACTED. ...
- GO TOO INTENSE. ...
- MAKE HER PAY. ...
- GET REALLY DRUNK.
Medjool Dates
They are large, soft, and considered to be the most flavorful dates among all different varieties grown. They taste excellent when eaten fresh because of their high moisture content. Medjool Dates stays good for 12-15 days at room temperature. Dates fall into the category of superfood.
Don't overkill your time together
Dates can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours; the latter being a bit of an overkill if you're just meeting for the first time. Unless you guys have really hit it off from the get-go, odds are you're going to have an awkward silence or two during the course of your date.
- Compliment him. ...
- Tell him you appreciate what he does for you and your family. ...
- Make time for things to get hot in the bedroom. ...
- Be supportive of his alone time. ...
- Put down your phone. ...
- When you get something for yourself, get something for him, too. ...
- Look him in the eyes.
Sharing a kiss before bedtime could be the answer to getting a good night's sleep, according to research. Silentnight conducted a survey of people's sleeping habits and found that 70 per cent of Brits sleep better if they pucker up before hitting the hay.
Should couples always go to bed together? ›Sharing a sleep schedule with your significant other helps build intimacy between you two. Not just sexual intimacy, but an emotional connection as well. Laying in bed together encourages communication between partners, whether it's discussing their worries or concerns, or just the day's events.
Does sleeping together make you closer? ›Sleeping next to someone can also help promote deep REM sleep. Emotionally, sleeping next to someone means reduced anxiety, a sense of safety, improved sleep quality, and increased happiness. Sleeping next to someone can also create a stronger relationship bond.
What to do not to become a boring girlfriend? ›- 1) Realize a slowdown is normal. ...
- 2) Take time to appreciate what you have. ...
- 3) Add some variety. ...
- 4) Notice the new that's always been there. ...
- 5) Interruption. ...
- 6) Do things together that are stimulating.
These include beauty, your dressing sense, scent, behavior, attitude, etc. Also, what makes a woman great to a man differs from man to man. However, you are special if he finds it challenging to find your qualities in other women. If you make your man feel loved, valued, and respected, it will make you special.
What do good girlfriends do? ›
To be a good girlfriend, you have to be open and honest with your partner, supportive of their wants and needs, and willing to demonstrate your love and affection for them. Keep in mind that you should also strive to maintain your own independence to enjoy a healthy relationship.
How do you spark romance in bed? ›So take your time during foreplay, share fantasies, change locations, and make sex more romantic. Plan intimacy time and avoid talking about relationship problems and household chores in the bedroom. Sexual arousal plummets when we're distracted and stressed. Try a variety of activities that bring you both pleasure.
How should I sleep with my girlfriend? ›- Spooning. A classic position, spooning is when one partner takes a protective, intimate stance behind the other as the second person leans their back or behind against them. ...
- Chasing Spoon. ...
- Loose Spoon. ...
- Back to Back. ...
- Front to Front. ...
- Sweetheart Cradle. ...
- Head on Other's Shoulder. ...
- Leg Hug.
- Spooning. Spooning, in which both partners sleep on their sides, with one facing the back of the other partner, is a classic sleeping position for romantic partners. ...
- Back-to-Back. ...
- Stomach Sleeping. ...
- Cliffhangers. ...
- Intertwined. ...
- Face-to-Face. ...
- Head on Shoulder. ...
- Starfish.
Nearly Half Of All Couples Don't Cuddle When They Sleep.
What do I say to my husband before bed? ›- “Sweet dreams my love”
- “I hope you have a restful sleep and sweet dreams”
- “Good night and sweet dreams”
- “Sleep tight and sweet dreams”
- “I hope that you fall asleep with ease and have the sweetest dreams”
Coan advises every couple to adhere to the 70/30 rule: For the happiest, most harmonious relationship, the pro suggests spending 70% of time together, and 30% apart. That gives each of you enough freedom to explore your own interests while still being rooted and invested in your relationship.
What can keep a man in a relationship? ›Clear communication, respect, and honesty can go a long way in helping them open up and reveal their innermost desires or insecurities. While you need to pay attention to their unspoken words and cues, giving them their personal space is also important in strengthening the relationship and communication further.
What do healthy couples do together? ›Healthy relationships involve honesty, trust, respect and open communication between partners and they take effort and compromise from both people. There is no imbalance of power. Partners respect each other's independence, can make their own decisions without fear of retribution or retaliation, and share decisions.
How to spoil your girlfriend without money? ›- Make a photo book or collage. ...
- Or go digital, and edit a video. ...
- Send them on a scavenger hunt. ...
- Curate a personal playlist for them. ...
- Stay in for a cozy movie night. ...
- Offer up a service or favor (and actually follow through). ...
- Take them on a romantic hike.
What are the 10 best romantic relationship tips? ›
- Tell your partner you love them. ...
- Show some affection. ...
- Show appreciation for your partner. ...
- Share yourself. ...
- Be there for your partner. ...
- Give gifts. ...
- Respond gracefully to your partner's demands and shortcomings. ...
- Make “alone time” a priority.
Enter the 2-2-2 rule: Try and swing a date night every two weeks, a weekend away every two months and a week away every two years. The rule has its origins on a Reddit thread from 2015 and has in recent weeks reappeared on social media as a form of relationship advice.
What are red flags on a first date? ›Other red flags include a date who is a bit too touchy and sexual right away, especially if you've made your physical and sexual boundaries clear in the beginning; someone who complains all the time during the date and is overly critical (especially of you); and someone who shows up late, doesn't inform you ahead of ...
What are the 10 date rules? ›Many people subscribe to the 10-date rule — aka, if you've gone on ten dates, then you're probably in a relationship. If we apply the 10-date rule, a once-a-week dating schedule puts the relationship marker at three months, whereas a twice-a-week situation has you boo'd up in about one and a half months.
What happens at a date party? ›Date parties are highly hyped-up events where a school organization (usually a fraternity or a sorority) throws a (sometimes classy) party at a local venue, and every member gets to bring a date (hence the name, date party). Finally, a kind of party that doesn't involve cheap costumes and frat party beer!
Why do couples do date night? ›Date night is not only a way to spend quality time with your partner but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the two of you. By setting aside time to reconnect with your significant other, you can ensure that your relationship remains strong and healthy for years to come.
What do married couples do on a date night? ›Plan a day where you stay in bed for the weekend, relaxing and doing basically nothing but sleeping in late, having breakfast in bed, watching a movie and maybe even kissing a little. This relaxing date night idea for married couples is the perfect way to refresh.
What is the purpose of going on a date? ›One of the main purposes of dating is for two or more people to evaluate one another's suitability as a long term companion or spouse. Often physical characteristics, personality, financial status, and other aspects of the involved persons are judged and, as a result, feelings can be hurt and confidence shaken.
What are the 3 date rules? ›The three-date rule roughly dates back to the early '90s. It states that if you are seeing someone new, you should wait for a third date before having sex with them (Remember what Carrie Bradshaw and her friends say in Sex and the City?).
Who pays for dates when dating? ›Whoever asks the other person out usually pays.
Try to stick to the “whoever asks” rule—if you picked the location, you can pay for the date. Splitting the bill is also a valid option, especially if you and your date both insist on paying.
How often should couples go on dates? ›
Some experts advise doing them once a week, others say twice a month is good, and still others say once a month will suffice. But all experts agree that quality is more important than quantity. They also agree that daily 15- to 20-minute reconnects are key.
Should you sleep with your partner every night? ›Research by scientists like Troxel has shown that sleeping together in bed for at least some portion of the night can have positive benefits for long-term relationship health (and even individual physical health). It's not a golden ticket to a happy relationship, though.
Why do couples kiss goodnight? ›The goodnight kiss is one of the most exciting parts of a romantic date. A long-anticipated kiss at the end of the night is a timeless gesture that gets hearts racing and eyelashes fluttering. It's also one of the earliest displays of affection for new couples, a glimmer of physical attraction and intimacy.
Do couples sleep together night before wedding? ›The big decision lots of couples are asking themselves is whether to spend it together or stick to tradition and sleep apart. It really is entirely up to you. There isn't a rule that says you have to but here's what's most important: that you relax. You'll want to rest up so you're totally prepared for your wedding.
What are the 5 stages of dating? ›These five stages are attraction, reality, commitment, intimacy and finally, engagement. It may seem pretty obvious, but relationships – whether romantic or platonic – grow with time and undergo distinct changes as bonds are formed and intimacy is developed.
How should a date last? ›A: If you're meeting someone for the first time from an online dating site, it should always just be for drinks or coffee. Something casual to get to know each other. As for the length, it's usually about an hour. If you're having a good time, though, obviously you'll want to stay longer and perhaps order some food.
What does date mean to a guy? ›countable noun. A date is an appointment to meet someone or go out with them, especially someone with whom you are having, or may soon have, a romantic relationship.