Romantic Things to Do Seattle – 23 Unforgettable Date Ideas

With its unique mix of jaw-dropping natural beauty, an emphasis on outdoor activity, and a richly inventive culinary scene, it is no wonder that the ‘Emerald City’ has been boasting couple activities in Seattle for decades. Read on to discover the endless romantic things to do in Seattle.

Lovers of all things REI will find themselves falling head over hiking boots for the awe-inducing mountains, lakes, and picturesque trails that pepper this region. While amateur epicureans will be in foodie bliss as they sample some of the world’s best coffee, seafood, and chocolate.

From inspiring anniversary ideas in Seattle to cute things to do in Seattle on a rainy afternoon, our guide will break down every inch of romantic Seattle.

Seattle Hotels

Curl up with a steaming mug of some of the best dark roast and watch the rain come softly down from the comfort of your luxury hotel room when you and your boo plan a day trip or a week-long escape to the Emerald City.

Soak in sweeping views of the city, or embrace your inner city slicker when you stay in the beating heart of downtown Seattle.

Modern amenities, chic interiors, and extra special touches make a stay in any of our premier Seattle Hotels the perfect starting point for any number of Seattle romantic dates.

Most Romantic Restaurants

Boatloads of fresh seafood from nearby Puget Sound and a plethora of locally sourced produce prime Seattle as a well-loved foodie destination. Couples activities in Seattle tend to work up an appetite, so be sure to refuel at the city’s finest eateries.

Whether you are seeking exotic nourishment for Saturday date night or need a bevy of ‘wow-worthy Seattle anniversary ideas, the flavors and seasonings of this sexy city are bound to impress.

The Pink Door

Charming ambiance, exceptional service, and locally sourced ingredients (many from across the water on Bainbridge Island) come together to make dining at The Pink Door a truly romantic Seattle experience.

Linger over Italian classics with a distinctive Pacific Northwest twist, such as burrata and citrus roasted beets, homemade pumpkin ravioli, and Penn Cove clams and mussels.

The Walrus & The Carpenter

A Seattle standout that manages to marry award-winning food with a laidback marine-inspired atmosphere. Oysters are a specialty here, so it would be rude not to start with a cool dozen to share before feasting on their heavenly smoked salmon belly, steak tartare, and piping hot seawolf bread and butter. Be sure to try one of their sophisticated cocktails, such as ‘stranger on a train as well. 

Terra Plata

Is there anything more swoon-worthy than a rooftop view? A close second may be Terra Plata’s eclectic menu which elegantly stars seasonal ingredients. Munch on roasted grapes, olives, & walnuts before moving on to the exquisite pan-roasted black cod or artisan pasta. 

Romantic Spots in Seattle

Ready to step up your couple’s selfie game? Participate in one of the best couples activities in Seattle when you head to some of the most scenic spots with your boo. From iconic towers to a nostalgic Ferris Wheel, Seattle’s main attractions and monuments make for unforgettable vacation photos:

• Pike Place Market – an iconic sign and market, be sure to come early to get a less crowded shot of this renowned eatery.
• The Space Needle – a Seattle landmark that provides a futuristic look to any Instagram shot.
• The Seattle Waterfront – unbearably romantic and photogenic, the Seattle Waterfront is home to the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast. 
• Belltown Mural – ideal for some funky street art flavor, this colorful mural depicts the Seattle skyline!
• Volunteer Park – located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, this historic Olmsted-created park is well worth a visit. Capture stunning snaps in front of the Conservatory, or swing by during Dahlia season for a floral surprise.
• The Great Wheel – jump back in time and inject your courtship with some 1950s flair, when you ride and purchase some outstanding photos from Seattle’s Great Wheel. This Jet City staple features over 500,000 LED lights and runs nightly illuminating shows.

Romantic Places in Seattle for a Picnic

You are never too far from a park in the Emerald City, from stunning sculpture gardens to flourishing forests! Grab a chilled bottle of rose, pack up your favorite charcuterie and you’ll be well prepared to experience one of our favorite things to do for couples in Seattle.

A picnic date makes for an intimate and visually arresting lunch or dinner for two when you scurry away to the most sublime Seattle spots:

• Carkeek Park – explore acres of woodlands, beaches, fields, and more at this spacious park.
• Alki Beach – smooth sand and waterfront views make this beach superb for a romantic Seattle lunch.
• Gas Works Park – epic vistas of the downtown core, incredible people, and seaplane and boat watching make this famed park a go-to picnic spot.

Seattle Romantic Things To Do

Brewery tours, private photography sessions, and invigorating Mt. Rainier hikes. Seattle romance can mean so many things. If you and your honey are bored stiff of dinner and a movie, why not try some more unique Seattle couple activities?

Whether you wish to glimpse at Orcas by the San Juan Islands or sample as many flavors of donuts as possible, the well of romantic ideas for Seattle dates will never run dry.

Mt. Rainier Tour from Downtown Seattle

Ain’t no Seattle rain (or mountain) tall enough to keep you and your sugar boo from getting to Mt. Rainier!

Summon enough intrepid spirit for two as you and your significant other venture into the wilderness on your Mt. Rainier Tour from Downtown Seattle.

No trip to Seattle is complete without a trek to the staggering Mt. Rainier, and this 10-hour tour promises to get you even closer to the mystery and magnificence of Mother Nature. Surrounded by active volcanoes, waterfalls, wildlife, and more, this comprehensive exterior affair offers untold photo opportunities.

Begin your vacation with a stop at Longmire, where you can hike the Trail of the Shadows, a leisurely 0.7-mile loop through old-growth forest and meadows. Following your hike and lunch here, you will explore Mt. Rainier’s glorious falls include the magnificent stone bridge found at Christines. 

Don’t forget to take a few dozen shots of the unbelievably picturesque Reflection Lake with Mt. Rainier in the background.

Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle

Inhale the fresh mountain air and marvel at the profound majesty of Mt. Rainier on this intimate, guided small-group tour.

Pull-on those hiking boots and stretch those quads as you and your outdoorsy lover prepare for an epic Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle.

Have your camera at the ready as you gaze in awe at one of the tallest mountains in the U.S., soak in views of Narada and Paradise Falls and the rushing Nisqually River.

Your invigorating 10-12 hour mountain exploration will include:

• A narrated scenic drive by Alder Lake Park and the town of Eatonville
• Stops at the Longmore visitor center, Museum, and the National Park Inn
• Visit Christine Falls
• Incredible views of Mt. Rainier National park (including the bridge)
• Stop at Paradise Falls (5,400 ft above sea level)
• Optional activities such as snowshoe, sled adventure in Winter*
• Visit the stunning Reflection Lake and the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise

*optional activities offered on a seasonal basis and are not included in the ticket price

Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour

Rugged, rustic, and revved for romance! The serene beauty of the Olympic Mountains will capture you and your partner’s heart as you journey into this natural wonderland of snow-dusted mountains, rain forests, and remote beaches. 

Undertake luxury and outdoor invigoration when you book the Best Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour. This full-day tour is led by a professional naturalist guide who will leave no rock unturned when navigating your small group through the great wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula.

Have your ears and eyes open to revel in the sounds, sights, and smells of this pristine protected area as your naturalist will be pointing out endemic species of both flora and fauna.

More incredible tour highlights include:

• A ferry boat ride from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island
• Stop at the Hood Canal Floating Bridge
• Visit the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center & Elwha Dam Removal Site
• Incredible views of Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls
• Tidepooling and photo opportunities at the Salt Creek Recreation Area

Snoqualmie Falls and City Tour

If you’re a little bit country and your partner is a little bit city, embrace the best of both worlds with the Snoqualmie Falls and City Tour. 

Equal parts city living and thrilling nature expedition, this four-hour tour combine Seattle’s can’t-miss sites with the spectacular scenery of Snoqualmie Falls and the Cascade Foothills. 

Hit up hot spots such as the Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and Ballard Locks as you learn about the city’s fascinating history, including its role in Renaissance Revival architecture and the Klondike Gold Rush. Then, following your trip down memory lane, your group will make its way to the town of Snoqualmie, aka the real “Twin Peaks” of the Pacific Northwest. 

Bring out that phone and camera as you won’t want to miss a moment of the Falls’ power and raw magnetism.

Boat Ride Seattle

Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour

Witness the indescribable astonishment of seeing orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions in the wild waters of San Juan Island.

Creature-loving couples will flip over the Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour, which packs in 3-4 hours of sea-worthy excitement as you cruise through the San Juan Channel. 

Pack a pair of binoculars, and keep your eyes on the horizon to spot bald eagles, seals, and more. Your onboard expert Marine Naturalists will be on call to answer all whale-related questions, as well as educate you on the native species, ecology, and geology of San Juan Island.

Note: In search of the Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour? Sadly, this popular experience is currently unavailable as of January 2024. However, there are plenty of other exciting activities we’ve highlighted in this article to try!

Seattle Harbor Cruise

Take your love to new, deeper levels when you and your first mate set sail for an enchanting Seattle Harbor Cruise.

Revel in the sights while capturing photographic evidence of the sensational city skyline, including the Space Needle and historic waterfront.

This one-hour boat tour will make its way through Elliot Bay, providing a peek at the ruggedly stunning Mt Rainier and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. Enjoy the full-service bar onboard your luxury vessel and enjoy a glass of local wine or a spirited cocktail as you learn about Seattle’s journey from the shipping port to the modern metropolis. 

Guided Seattle Sailing Adventure from Bainbridge Island

Raise the sails for a day of romance, sightseeing, and seaworthy fun when you reserve an exclusive Guided Seattle Sailing Adventure from Bainbridge Island. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day of tranquility when you set forth on your 2-hour private sailing tour.

Dynamic duos of all ages will admire the Pacific Northwestern scenery and cityscape. During your tour, they will sail through Eagle Harbor and Puget Sound. Depending on the timing of your visit, you could be lucky enough to spot whales, seals, and even a bald eagle!

This tour provides ample photo opportunities for Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker. Therefore, amateur photographers should come with an empty memory card.

Note: In search of the Guided Seattle Sailing Adventure from Bainbridge Island? Sadly, this popular experience is currently not bookable as of January 2024. However, there are plenty of other exciting activities we’ve highlighted in this article to try!

Seattle Food Tours

Taste Pike Place Market Tour

Melt over mouthfuls of truffles, BBQ, and more when you and your hungry honey book a Taste Pike Place Market Tour. A ‘can’t miss’ food lover’s destination, this legendary Seattle Market is just buzzing with vendors, artisanal treats, and seasonal eats from local restaurants.

During your intimate small-group tour, you will be led on a flavorful journey through this iconic food hall. 

Savor bites of Ellenos Greek Yogurt*, a cheese-filled ‘Pike Place’ biscuit, or fresh fried local cod as your local tour guide spills the beans on the market’s checkered past and contribution to Seattle’s history. 

*Food vendor lineup is subject to change

Note: In search of the Taste Pike Place Market Tour? Sadly, this popular experience is currently not bookable as of January 2024. However, there are plenty of other exciting activities we’ve highlighted in this article to try!

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market

The chef knows best! Cue the foodie fireworks with an afternoon on the Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market. Couples will relish the occasion of a chef guiding them through Seattle’s most famous food market. 

See this well-known epicurean destination through the eyes of a gourmet professional. Then, sink your teeth into ten different samples from a diverse array of shops, including:

• Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt
• Simply the Best 
• Pike Place Chowder
• MarketSpice
• Truffle Queen
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
• Chukar Cherries
• Indi Chocolate 
• Frank’s Quality Produce

This 2-hour tour is a unique look behind the scenes of the chef and foodie culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle’s Only Underground Donut Tour

A midday donut dalliance is just the thing to inject some sugar into your romantic Seattle couple’s trip! Uncover the sweeter side of the ‘Rain City’ with tickets to Seattle’s Only Underground Donut Tour.

This cozy and curated escapade will leave you and your dessert-loving partner salivating as you hit up the very best of Seattle’s underground donut scene.

Relish bites of sprinkled, glazed, jelly, and more as you visit famous local haunts such as:

• Top Pot Doughnuts
• Tempesta Coffee & Donuts
• Dahlia Bakery
• Daily Dozen Doughnut
• And Pike Place Market

Seattle Coffee & Cake Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Custom

Often called the ‘coffee capital of the world,’ and being the birthplace of Starbucks, it is no secret that this city runs on the caffeinated nectar of the gods. Level up your coffee knowledge (and score a serious buzz) when you and your significant other sip the day away on a custom Seattle Coffee & Cake Tours with a Local Guide.

Enter coffee education 101, and learn about the process of roasting beans, how to create a balanced blend, and even try your hand at pulling an espresso shot at the La Marzocco Espresso Lab. 

Your 3-hour java filled tour features three artisan coffee tastings at:

• Pike Place Market
• Pike Place – location of their very first Starbucks ever!
• Downtown -Seattle Coffee Works

and one pastry per person.

Note: In search of the Taste Pike Place Market Tour? Sadly, this popular experience is currently not bookable as of January 2024. However, there are plenty of other exciting activities we’ve highlighted in this article to try!

Seattle Brewery Tours

Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour

Savoring a sumptuous full-bodied Merlot plus trekking through the scenic Snoqualmie Falls makes for one flavor-packed day. Therefore, wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will be equally pleased as their interests collide on this 6 hour Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour.

Commence your day of vino and vistas with a ride over Lake Washington on Seattle’s famous Evergreen Point Bridge to Woodinville, home to dozens of Washington wineries. 

Here you and your darling can sample world-class wines at such famous vineyards as Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. After a filling picnic lunch* you will trek further into the woods en route to the astounding Snoqualmie Falls. 

Finally, end your day with a sweet reprieve at Boehm’s Swiss Chocolate Factory in Issaquah. Enjoy delectable European-style, hand-dipped chocolates and candies that are handmade every day.

Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour

Washington wine country produces many standout bottles, but it can be hard to begin without insider knowledge. Leave the transportation, coordination, and planning to the experts. Sit back for chauffeured cabernet-soaked fun when you and your sweetie spend all day on a Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour.

This completely custom tour can be altered to fit your exact wine preferences and desires. Enjoy 7 hours of vineyard visits. You will be whisked around Woodinville to imbibe the very best these establishments have to offer.

Pro Tip: Keep that phone at the ready, as your tour will bypass Lake Washington on a floating bridge, and you may even be able to peep the peaks of Mt. Rainier depending on the cloud coverage. 

Old Ballard Brewery Tour

Wine may be the drink of love, but we find beer pretty charming as well! So take a break from the grape stuff to dive into Seattle’s thriving craft beer scene on an Old Ballard Brewery Tour.

Spoil the serious beer buff in your life with this engaging 3-hour tour showcasing the highlights of the Seattle brewery scene. The bubbly lagers, IPAs, and ales brewed in Ballard have hopped to international acclaim in recent years.

Meanwhile, let your guide educate you on how this area came to be known as one of the most famous brewing districts in the world. Taste the goods at such popular breweries as:

• Reuben’s Brews
• Peddler Brewing Company
• Lagunitas Brewing Company TapRoom & Beer Sanctuary

Seattle Unique Experiences

Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in Seattle

Step up that iPhone camera game and get some pointers from the professionals when you reserve a Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in Seattle. 

Memorialize your romantic Seattle couple’s vacation for years to come with Flytographer. A leader in vacation photography, Flytographer has been featured in Travel + Leisure and the New York Times.

An ideal splurge to capture any honeymoon, engagement, or anniversary. Your local hand-picked professional photographer will divulge all the best recommendations and tips. Let them create a photo itinerary of area hotspots to shoot in, such as:

• Pioneer Square
• Discovery Park
• Pike Place Market
• Olympic Sculpture Park
• Gas Works Park
• Post Alley

or your own custom route. Enjoy taking home 15-60 high-resolution digital photographs of you and your sugar plum.

20-Minute Narrated Seattle Seaplane Flight from Lake Washington

Fire up those engines and pour some fuel on your relationship as you soar thousands of feet above the air on your 20-Minute Narrated Seattle Seaplane Flight from Lake Washington. This unique aerial experience is ideal for Seattle newbies, a high-flying departure from any boring date night. 

Gaze in wonder at iconic Emerald City landmarks such as the Space Needle, Lake Washington, and Puget Sound. Meanwhile, listen to live informative narration from your pilot—a truly incredible way to commemorate any special couple’s occasion. Then, enjoy the birds-eye views of Lake Union, Alki Beach, and the University of Washington.

A temperate rainforest, a snow-capped mountain, and the Pacific Ocean make for a world of its own. With so much abundance and a prolific park system, you might mistake this ‘Emerald City’ for the Kingdom of Oz.

Boasting both ethereal natural beauty and an uncompromising culinary and wine scene. This city of Java and snow-capped mountains has become known as a mecca for romance lovers.
Whatever your heart desires, a romantic Seattle vacation is one you and your love won’t soon forget.

What Other Romantic Things to do in Seattle Have You Found?

Did we miss any of the best couple things to do in Seattle?

Let us know in the comments below!