Best Date Ideas in Atlanta from a Matchmaker
If you’re looking for the best date ideas Atlanta, you’ve come to the right place. A while back, I flew to Milan out of the Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. I had only been in Atlanta for a few hours, but I immediately fell in love with the city.
I actually extended my trip for a few days upon my return flight to ATL so that I could explore more of everything the city had to offer. Unfortunately, I was only able to spend a few days, but my close friend is an ATL native, and she graciously agreed to help me curate a list of the best date ideas in Atlanta.
With nearly endless options to choose from, planning a date night in Atlanta with your love can feel a bit daunting. Fortunately, we’ve got something for everyone on our list! Whether you love romantic fine dining, casual marketplace food stalls, exploring nature, or getting cultured at museums, our unique, thoughtful date ideas are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for you and your partner.
Visit Piedmont Park
During my stay, I was able to visit the lovely Piedmont Park and was immediately captivated by its peaceful charm. Although it’s right in the heart of Atlanta, this park feels more like a scenic retreat far away from the city. With open green spaces, winding trails, and the picturesque Lake Clara Meer, Piedmont Park is as relaxing as it is beautiful.
A picnic or walk in the park can feel a little low-effort for a date. However, Piedmont Park is so expansive, stunning, and serene that it makes an exception! With so much space, there are plenty of opportunities for uninterrupted, quality time in a low-pressure setting.
Explore Ponce City Market
I’ll admit that I’m obsessed with visiting markets across the US, but Ponce City Market is one of my favorites! The lively, eclectic atmosphere is inspiring, and with such a great mix of shops, food stalls, and even activities like mini-golf, there’s more to see at Ponce City Market than what you can fit into one day.
This market is a stand-out option for a date because of its diversity. Couples have nearly endless options for play, dining, and entertainment, which means that Ponce City Market has something for just about everyone! The dynamic, vibrant environment will build connections and create lasting memories for couples at any relationship stage.
Stroll Through the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden during my stay, but a close friend of mine, born and raised in ATL said that this was the perfect addition to my date ideas Atlanta. She describes the garden as a lush oasis of vibrant blooms, peaceful walking paths, and stunning landscapes. She told me that she frequently visits with her husband for afternoon strolls through the gardens and that this is one of the most romantic places in the city!
If you’ve read any of my other blogs in this series, you’ll know that I recommend a lot of botanical gardens, and for good reason. Botanical gardens tend to provide a quiet, serene intimacy, and they invite couples to slow down, take in their surroundings, and spark plenty of insightful conversation.
Catch a Show at Fox Theatre
During my short trip, I was able to catch a show at Fox Theatre. I immediately fell in love with the opulent, old-world charm and the inspiring performance I saw. With its grand architecture and plush interior, it honestly feels like you’re stepping back in time at this theatre. This is one of my top date ideas for a romantic, thought-provoking, and sophisticated date night with your love in Atlanta.
Whether you’d like to catch a Broadway show, concert, or classic film, the Fox Theatre has a little of everything. The cultured, artistic setting makes for a more refined date night for couples looking for an elevated, intriguing, and unforgettable evening.
Dine at Canoe
As fate would have it, I wasn’t able to snag a reservation in time during my stay at The Big Peach. However, my good friend and ATL native begged me to include Canoe on my list. This upscale, farm-to-table, New American restaurant is nestled along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, which provides a peaceful, riverside dining experience. The gorgeous scenery pained with elegant, unique cuisine makes this the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
There’s something so captivating about dining outdoors, especially near the water. The intimate ambiance and high-brow vibe set the stage for couples to have deep, meaningful conversations. This is one of my favorite locations on the list for proposals!
Bowl a Strike at The Painted Pin
Are bowling alleys really going out of fashion? The Painted Pin would beg to differ. This venue elevates the traditional bowling alley vibe with a trendy, upscale twist! Leather seating, craft cocktails, and gourmet bites make the Painted Pin feel playful, yet sophisticated. This location offers plenty of opportunities for friendly competition, intimacy, and a ton of fun!
Sometimes, couples who have been together a long time lose sight of how to actually have fun in their relationship. My advice? Go out and try something new! The Painted Pin allows couples to play with or against each other, let loose, and have a good laugh.
Visit The Krog Street District
My hottest take is that I don’t consider liking food a hobby or personality trait. Yes, I said it! However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy a good meal. For any foodies reading this, I will say that the Krog Street District is an exceptional place to try new, unique dishes. The market offers a collection of artisanal eateries and craft cocktails in a relaxed, industrial-chic setting.
The electric, energetic vibe of this marketplace makes it an ideal date night spot for couples who enjoy casual dining and great food. There are plenty of options to satisfy both adventurous eaters and traditionalists, so no worries if you and your partner have different tastes! The laid-back, comfortable setting also makes for relaxed, yet meaningful conversations.
Enjoy the View at SkyView Atlanta
Luckily, I was able to ride on the SkyView Atlanta before heading back to my home state. This Ferris wheel takes you on a romantic ride high above the city with breathtaking skyline views from a private, climate-controlled gondola! The ride feels both adventurous and intimate and allows you to see Atlanta from a unique perspective.
Taking a romantic ride aboard a Ferris wheel feels like a rite of passage in any relationship. It’s thrilling, intimate, and awe-inspiring, and is perfect for couples who want a romantic addition to their dinner date. Just be sure to ask your partner in advance if they’re comfortable soaring 20 stories up in the sky!
Experience Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Although I’m not from the American South, I’ve always been drawn to the homey, nostalgic vibe. Mary Mac’s Tea Room made me feel as if I’d stepped back into Atlanta in the 1950s! Serving up a taste of Southern hospitality and classic Southern comfort food, this eatery has a deeply personal, welcoming atmosphere. Even though I’ve only visited once, I felt a sense of warmth and familiarity, almost like I was a regular there.
The personal, laid-back, and inviting environment makes Mary Mac’s Tea Room a wonderful choice for a first date! I also think this is a great restaurant to visit as part of a yearly tradition, because of the nostalgic vibe.
Explore the Georgia Aquarium
I didn’t have time to make it to the Georgia Aquarium during my visit, but it’ll be one of my first stops when I return to ATL! Holding the title of the 6th largest aquarium in the world, this aquarium boasts hundreds of exhibits, featuring animals from across the globe. With 7 major galleries to explore, you may need to devote a full day or two to see everything, but the experience is well worth it.
The mesmerizing underwater tunnels alone are enough to make this one of my favorite date ideas on my list. You and your love can also catch dolphin and sea lion shows, so there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring moments. If you and your partner have been searching for a bit of wonder and creativity, this is the perfect spot to explore.
Dine at TWO Urban Licks
My friend has recommended dining here to me so much that this is another one of my must-visits when I return to Atlanta. She’s nearly a regular there, and this is one of her favorite spots for date nights in ATL. The edgy, industrial chic vibe at TWO Urban Licks will make you feel like you’ve entered a steampunk universe. The kitchen’s open-flame rotisserie and live blues music create a lively and energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for a fun night out.
If you and your partner thrive in high-energy environments, TWO Urban Licks is the best date idea for you on my list. The innovative, unique dishes and trendy, upbeat setting are perfect for sparking conversation and deepening your connection to your love.
Watch a Film at Starlight Drive-In Theatre
Another quintessential date for all couples is a romantic trip to a drive-in theater. It seems like so many drive-ins are disappearing, but luckily, the Starlight Drive-In Theatre is too iconic to fade into irrelevance. The nostalgic charm of this venue far surpasses more modern movie theaters and allows couples to cuddle up in their car, catch a double feature, and have a little bit of privacy.
This is my favorite recommendation for date ideas in Atlanta for new, budding couples still in the honeymoon phase. The cozy, intimate setting and sentimental appeal make this the perfect location for bonding, conversation, and plenty of snuggling!
Visit the High Museum of Art
Is there any date more sophisticated than perusing the art at a museum? Thankfully, one of the best museums in the US is conveniently located in The Big Peach. The High Museum of Art offers a unique, cultural experience where couples can immerse themselves in both classic and contemporary art. The tranquil, introspective atmosphere and high-brow vibe are wonderful for couples who appreciate upscale experiences and fine art.
Just being at a museum encourages deep, thoughtful conversation and connection, especially for those who are intellectually curious. I love the High Museum of Art as a date idea for couples who enjoy exploring new ideas and perspectives together in a chic, elegant environment.
Have a Beer at SweetWater Brewery
Luckily, I was able to grab a beer at SweetWater Brewery before leaving the city, and I plan to pop in again on my next trip to Atlanta! The relaxed, friendly atmosphere at this brewery will make anyone feel right at home. Couples can take a tour of the brewery, sample local craft beers, and enjoy live music in the outdoor beer garden! The casual, lively vibe makes it easy to unwind, let loose, and have a little fun.
Anyone looking for a low-pressure first date should make SweetWater Brewery their top pick. The comfortable environment eases any tension and reduce first-date nerves so that you and your date can enjoy a fun night out!
Share a Pizza at Fritti
If you’d like a little taste of Italy, look no further than Fritti. Serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas in a warm and inviting atmosphere, my friend says that this is her favorite pizza in all of Atlanta. The rustic charm of the restaurant combined with its focus on quality ingredients make this an excellent spot for a casual, yet delightful meal with your love.
If your date isn’t pretentious and prefers more laid-back settings, Fritti is a great location for a lunch or dinner date. The relaxed, comfortable ambiance will encourage your date to let their guard down and allow you to get to know them better.
If you’re currently single and are ready for a serious, committed relationship, LUMA is ready to guide you on your journey to find true love. Our mission is to deeply connect with our clients and provide a highly personalized Matchmaking approach. Our LUMA Love Method ensures that our clients only meet their most compatible matches who are equally invested in finding a loving relationship.
Whether you’re in Atlanta, Georgia, or anywhere else in the U.S., LUMA has a Matchmaker ready to help. Complete your LUMA profile and connect with one of our certified Matchmakers today to learn more about how we can find you a real, lasting relationship.