Outdoor Date Night Ideas for Summer

A weeknight picnic in the park (fewer crowds than the often-packed weekend scene) is our idea of a perfect date. The workday is done, the sun is setting, and you and your date are winding down on a picnic blanket, enjoying a batched cocktail–we’d recommend our mandarin spicy margarita. A cheeseboard is your best bet here–crackers, charcuterie, good cheese from a local cheesemonger–and, of course, a board to present it all on and a knife to cut it with are crucial. Pop it all in a picnic basket big enough to fit everything – and don’t forget a portable speaker so you can play music while you chat and graze. Sounds like a dream date to us!

This one speaks for itself–if you live in a coastal area, there are few things simpler and more romantic than grabbing a pizza and some rosé, throwing on a sweatshirt, and heading to the beach during sunset for dinner.

To take things to the next level, why not make your own pizza? Our recipe for margherita pizza is surprisingly simple, but it never sacrifices on flavor. If you want to opt for cocktails instead of a bottle of your favorite wine, our mango ranch water is easy to bottle up and travel with – or assemble once you arrive.

Don’t forget! You’ll need towels for arranging your food – and sitting on – to avoid sandy hands, feet, and food.

Normalize romanticizing the hours before work! Most of us don’t head into the office – if we even commute to one – until 9:00 a.m., leaving us about two full hours before the workday properly begins. And personally, we think we could be using that time a bit more wisely. In fact, we’re going to go so far as to propose that it’s an ideal time to sneak in a quick, romantic date. Here’s how it works: find a coffee or breakfast spot near you that either has a back garden or an outdoor bench, grab yourself an iced beverage and a breakfast pastry, and spend a phone-free hour chatting before you have to answer to the hustle and bustle of the work day. Trust us on this one!

If you’re in a long-term relationship, you and your partner may have your go-to date-night spots; but what about playing tourist in your own neighborhood? Do a little research into the spots farther afield (think–the next borough or a couple neighborhoods over). Head over early, stroll around the area, and stop in for dinner on a weekend evening. It’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation – even if you’re just on vacation from your local date night spot.