Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been together a long while, you still want to have fun on your date nights.
The best dates will be doing things you both enjoy. For example, if you both like live music or theater, your date will be pleased if you surprise them with tickets. Just warn them beforehand so they’re not dressed for paintball and you’re going to a film at the Clinton Street Theater.
Take It Outdoors
We live in a wonderful place for outdoor activities no matter what the season.
If you feel like an easy hike with gorgeous views, you’ll want to go to Multnomah Falls. It’s an easily recognizable spot on the Columbia River Gorge. It will boost the romance factor smooching in front of the majestic Multnomah Falls. There is a lodge where you can rest and purchase some refreshments.
Looking for some privacy? Check out the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. It’s 62 acres of gardens and statuaries. In the plaza level, there’s a rock-carved grotto offering an intimate garden to talk in. There are lots of other places to explore, and a 10-story elevator to take you up the nearby mountain. There is also a gift shop with refreshments available.
There are also walking tours around the city. Here is a list of a number of fun tour options in Portland. Learn history while you try different drinking spots, and even food walking tours that would appeal to foodies. Do you and your sweetie like the odd and obscure? There are also tours of the underground and the paranormal. You’ll have a lot to talk about after.
Another great date is to meet up at the Portland Farmers Market. You can get to know one another while you do your weekly shopping. If the date works out, you can invite them over to make lunch or dinner.
Pack up a picnic and head over to Sauvie Island. It’s the largest river island in the United States (or at least one of the largest). You can have your picnic on the beach, explore the island on a bicycle, and even rent a kayak. Save some time to pick berries when they’re in season.
Take It Indoors
There are many fun things to do indoors as well.
Do you enjoy local history? If so, check out Pittock Mansion and see a glorious mansion built in 1914 and restored to its original glory. And while we’re listing this as an indoor date, you can also walk around the grounds. There are many trails as well as stunning views.
Do you appreciate art? Portland Art Museum has a number of regular displays as well as rotating ones. Check out the website to see what is currently available. The Portland Art Museum also sponsors film festivals. 
Ballroom dance lessons are a romantic way to get to know someone. It teaches you how to trust the other person while learning how to romantically glide around the dance floor. There are a number of places offering lessons. Find one in your area and try a lesson.
If you’re more into grooving to the ‘’20s…the 1920’s…check out Jazz Club:1905. There’s live music and dancing as well as craft cocktails and artisan thin-crust pizza.
Care to use your minds? Look for an escape room where you must solve puzzles and games. There are places where they have an escape room for two. There are a number of options around the Portland area, so find one near you or ask friends if they have any positive recommendations.
If you enjoy games and want to go retro, you will want to go to Ground Kontrol It’s a two-floor arcade for adults only since they serve beer and wine. They also have live music as well as a huge selection of vintage video games and pinball machines. Other options are QuarterWorld with specialty cocktails and the Retro Game Bar which has a full bar available.
Other ideas include going to a comedy club, theme park, roller skating, and ice skating.
Lower Cost Dates
Sometimes, you’re on a budget. And that’s not a bad thing. There’s plenty for you to do without breaking the bank. And your ideal date is in sync knowing that it’s about spending time together, not how much you’ve spent on them.
If you enjoy board games, go to Game Knight. They offer $5 craft beers and a library of over 700 board games.
Take advantage of happy hour prices at some of our local bars, pubs, and restaurants. Also, lunch is less expensive than dinner. Consider going on a lunch date with a walk or hike afterward.
If you’re leaning towards an evening activity, check out the 99W Drive-In. It’s still just as romantic to sit in the car watching a movie as it was in the decades gone by. And you can still get that great movie popcorn.
We hope these ideas have helped you plan your next date in our wonderfully romantic Portland.
