Romantic Things to do in Austin

If you and your significant other decide to visit Austin and are wondering how to best spend your time, there are plenty of activities for the pair of you to do. Find out why Austin is the perfect location for a couples getaway through this list of the top 25 things for you and your other half to do while you’re there!

Go to the Drive-In 

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Drive-in movie theatres are getting harder and harder to find as streaming services become increasingly popular over time, but luckily Austin is home to a mini urban drive-in theatre by the name of Blue Starlite. Dress in comfy clothes, pack your car with blankets, pillows, and lots of snacks and enjoy movies on the big screen while still feeling as though you are in the privacy and comfort of your own space! Going to the drive-in is a perfect date night for you and your partner.

Hike to the Top of Mount Bonnell 

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What better way to see Austin than from the highest point within the city! Mount Bonnell is located alongside the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River and provides an incredible view of Lake Austin, the city, and the surrounding Hill Country. Hiking to the top of this landmark provides you and your significant other plenty of time to bond as you work your way to the top, ending with an incredible view for you to take in together. Pro-tip: plan to reach the top just in time for sunset to add even more romance to your hike.

Listen to Live Music at the Continental Club 

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You may be surprised to hear that Austin is the live music capital of the world, centering around country, blues, and rock. Austin’s vibrant music scene provides endless opportunities for you and your partner to listen to live bands all over the city! One of the best places to stop by to hear incredible music is The Continental Club, which is the self proclaimed “grandaddy of live music venues.” This club has held the reputation of the premiere club for live music in Austin since 1955, making it a must-visit location - and the perfect place to dance the night away!

Participate in a Unique Art Class 

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Getting hands on and creative is a great way to bond with the one you love. A great way to do this is through an art class! A unique option is to participate in a glass-blowing class at the East Austin studio, Ghost Pepper Glass. Heat up your relationship - literally - by getting up close and personal to some real flames while you are instructed on how to create your own dish, paperweight, or another small glass object. You can either choose to join in one of their Taste of Glassblowing workshops that take place regularly on Fridays and Saturdays, or book a private, more in-depth, two-hour long lesson. You and your partner will walk away with lovely personalised souvenirs from your time in Austin after taking part in this activity!

Picnic at Zilker Metropolitan Park 

Zilker Metropolitan Park is located in the heart of downtown Austin and is a great spot for couples to spend an afternoon picnicking. Bring a soft blanket and lots of yummy food and drinks, and enjoy quality time with your partner by reading, listening to music together, or simply basking in each other’s company.

Take a Dip in Barton Springs Pool 

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While you’re already spending time in Zilker Park, be sure to pack bathing suits and go for a dip in the Barton Springs Pool. The recreational 1,000 foot long natural limestone swimming pool is located on the grounds of the park, and is fed from several underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees. The natural pool is a must see (and swim) attraction in Austin, and its mild temperature makes it ideal for swimming year-round.

Embrace Your Inner Child at an Arcade 

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Arcades are most definitely not just for kids. Challenge your significant other to dozens of games at The Original Pinballz Arcade. A little friendly competition is good for any couple, especially when it comes to some nostalgic arcade games. Place bets on who will win to add some stakes to your game-play - loser pays for dinner later that night!

Eat, Play, and Learn at The Museum of Ice Cream 

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I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Now this is one sweet museum for couples to visit. The Museum of Ice Cream in Austin feels as though you’ve stepped into an ice cream themed version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. You can eat all of the ice cream treats your heart desires, learn all about ice cream’s history throughout 12 multi-sensory installations, connect with your partner through guided activities, play in a pool full of sprinkles, and ride on an animal cookie carousel - all under one roof! Have a blast and satisfy your sweet tooth at this surreal museum.

Stroll Through the Umlauf Sculpture Garden 

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Enjoy some fresh air, nature, and art all in one place at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden! This exhibit is a spin on a regular art museum by combining nature, sculpture, and the arts, and visually presenting the intersection between the three. Walk through this stunning garden with your partner and enjoy the beautiful work of Charles Umlauf.

Explore Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve 

If you’re looking to spend time connecting with mother nature, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is the place to go. Relax as you walk into a beautiful oasis of gardens, ponds, and plenty of wandering peacocks! Alongside the lush gardens, the park contains 21 acres of hiking trails just waiting to be explored by you and your significant other. This park is ideal for couples who want to unplug from technology and relish in the wildlife Austin has to offer.

Go on a Romantic Boat Ride 

(Photo via @retroboatrentalsatx / Instagram)

Let’s go back in time for a second, shall we? Wouldn’t you want to cruise around in a Cadillac with your hot date? What if I told you that you can do that - on water! Yes, you heard that right, at Retro Boat Rentals ATX you can rent a Cadillac inspired boat to jet around Lady Bird Lake. What makes these boats even cooler is that they don’t just look old-school, they are actually made from repurposed vehicles, fitted with eco-friendly motors. Ride off into the sunset with your date and live out your Grease Lightnin’ dreams.

Take a Tour of an Interactive Art Gallery 

(Photo via @wonderspaceaustin / Instagram)

Interactive art galleries are great date activities, allowing you to become one with art. Check out Wonderspaces Austin with your partner. Experience such exhibits as a giant Chinese Dragon made entirely of teabags that you are invited to step inside of, a wall consisting of thousands of small pieces of paper on which you can leave an anonymous note, a sewing machine orchestra, and more!

Learn to Swing Dance at The Austin Swing Syndicate 

(Photo via @atxswingsyndicate / Instagram)

Looking for a cool new trick to whip out and impress your friends at your next party? Why not learn to swing dance! Swing dancing is quite popular in Austin and is a super fun way to be active and get close with your significant other. The Austin Swing Syndicate is the best place to go swing dancing and to take lessons. Join in the weekly classes every Thursday for a swing lesson before the main dance event.

Stay Active at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail 

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is ideal for couples that want to be active, or for those who simply enjoy a nice view! This path stretches alongside Lady Bird Lake, passing by city architecture, cultural attractions, neighbourhoods, and more. Be sure to rent bikes and ride through the 10 mile trail, observing the heart of Austin in the process.

Get Weird at the Museum of the Weird 

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This one’s for the weirdos and weirdo lovers - AKA the best kind of people. Explore the Museum of the Weird, one of Austin’s largest and oddest attractions, consisting of exhibits on Frankenstein and BigFoot, Voodoo spells, and shrunken heads. This museum is sure to give couples a very unique experience that they will not forget. Make sure you stop by the gift shop on your way out for some interesting souvenirs!

 Zipline Across Lake Travis 

(Photo via @laketraviszipline / Instagram)

Lake Travis is a stunning sight from any viewing point, but why not see it from above - while getting your adrenaline pumping. Conquer your fear of heights and take your partner to Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Slide from platform to platform on the banks of one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas. The serotonin induced by this activity will have you and your date falling in love all over again.

Book a Sightseeing Tour 

The best way to experience the most notable attractions in Austin is by booking a private sightseeing tour. Tripshepherd offers a private tour available for you to book with your partner, providing you with an intimate excursion through the most remarkable locations in Austin. Enjoy a fully guided and narrated tour that includes passing by multiple points of interest, and participating in attractions such as visiting the Texas Capitol and the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, as well as taking a ride on the Capital Cruise Boat Tour.

Journey Through an Underground Cave 

(Photo via @innerspacecavern / Instagram)

One of the coolest parts of the Hill Country are the dazzling limestone caves and caverns, located just a short drive from downtown Austin. Head to the Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, or to Longhorn Cavern State Park near Marble Falls and take a tour of the spectacular caves. If you two are feeling even more adventurous, try signing up for a spelunking tour instead. This date idea is sure to make a lasting impression on you and your partner.

Visit the Symphony Orchestra 

(Photo via @austinsymphonyorchestra / Instagram)

There’s nothing quite like experiencing a live orchestra performance. Get all dressed up with your significant other for a night of incredible music at the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra has many unique productions for you to choose from, including upcoming performances such as a tribute to Judy Garland in October, and a holiday screening of Elf in December that includes a live to picture performance of John Debney’s festive score!

Play a Round of Mini-Golf 

(Photo via @peterpanminigolf / Instagram)

Austin is home to a beloved family owned mini-golf course by the name of Peter Pan Mini-Golf, which contains many quirky giant statues for you and your partner to take cute selfies in front of while you show off your putting skills. This course has been a staple since 1948 and guarantees to be a super fun date for couples.

Try Indoor Skydiving 

(Photo via @ifly.austin / Instagram)

Experience the thrill of skydiving without the fear of falling from extreme heights by going indoor skydiving! Visit iFly with your date to float through a wind powered tunnel together, and discover what it would be like to have wings. This adventure will definitely leave you and your partner feeling as though you’re on cloud nine.

Laugh Together at a Comedy Club 

(Photo via @capcitycomedy / Instagram)

Laughing with someone you love is one of the great simple pleasures life has to offer, so checking out a comedy club with your partner is an awesome date idea. There are plenty of cool spots in Austin, including Cap City Comedy, which brings some of the best talent from all over the world to perform, as well as offers open mic nights.

 Go Out for a Romantic Dinner 

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There’s nothing wrong with a good old fashioned dinner date with your better half, and Austin has endless delicious restaurants to try. If you want to treat yourself to something a bit more upscale, stop by Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, a fine dining restaurant that promises a vast array of seafood such as raw oysters and Pacific Ahi Tuna, all made from the freshest ingredients. Bond with your significant other over an intimate meal.

Fly Away in a Hot Air Balloon

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Rent a hot air balloon with Austin Aeronauts Hot Air Balloons and show your date your romantic and adventurous side as you take flight through the beautiful Texas skies. Have no fear, you will have a guide with you to make sure you safely take off into the air and land without a hitch. This adventure is the perfect mix of romantic and scenic for you and your partner!

Have a Relaxing Spa Day 

After all of the activities on this list you’ve taken part in, you may be feeling a bit tired and in need of hitting the reset button. Going to a spa for a couples treatment is a fantastic way for you and your significant other to recharge together. The You and Me Escape treatment at the Three Springs Spa at the Omni Barton Creek Resort offers everything you need to bond and rejuvenate with your better half. Enjoy being pampered with luxurious Swedish massages and hibiscus facials that will leave you feeling as good as new. In addition to these treatments, this package includes a delicious lunch for two.