Dates are just hotter in the summer, and that's a fact.
We're sure you know by now that Austin's one of the top cities in the country for dating. And that's the truth - even in the heat of the summer. So when a date does happen, we want you to be prepared. Believe it or not, Austin can be as couple-y and romantic as it can be wild and crazy. We’ve compiled an eclectic list full of dinners for two and adventures to woo. Check out our list of summer date spots below!
Be sure to also check out our list of Totally Free Date Ideas in Austin, recently updated with tons of great summer date ideas!
Contributed by Brooke Lewis
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1541 W Cesar Chavez St
There is no better way to bond with your beau than sharing a love-hate relationship with the Texas heat. Whether it’s rowing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking, Texas Rowing Center has it all. Spend the day out on Lady Bird Lake and indulge in the scenic views everywhere you look (but the best view is your date, obviously). For more rental spots, take a look at at our guide: Where to Rent Kayaks, Canoes, and Stand Up Paddleboards in Austin.
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photo by roger ho
1207 Barton Springs Road
Peter Pan Mini-Golf is an Austin staple that’s fun, affordable and competitive - an ideal combination for any date. An Austin tradition since 1948, this date spot is practically a steal at $10 for an afternoon of 18 holes. Oh, and we should mention the best part: it’s BYOB. This means you and your date can enjoy a beer or two while you bet on who’s got what it takes to putt past the variety of obstacles, characters, and surprises that await you!
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photo via TripAdvisor
3800 Mount Bonnell Road
Rumor has it that the person you scale Mount Bonnell with… you’ll spend your life with. (So think it through prior to making the trek!) You and your date can come during the day for a full view of the overlook or check it out at night for views of the spectacular sunset. With only 100 steps to climb, a picnic or bottle of wine can easily be carried to the top for some added date magic.
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500 W Canyon Ridge Dr
Take the swing off North I-35 and you'll find a magic world of bowling, bumper cars, rock climbing, laser tag, a full arcade, and so much more. PINSTACK ain't your baby's playscape though - it's built for adults. With a food menu that puts usual arcade food to shame and all the drinks to accompany your group outing, PINSTACK is the perfect place to spend a day with your homies, fam, or even that awkward triple date you keep meaning to take.
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Photo via Facebook
501 West 6th Street
No more average bowling dates with Bull & Bowl. If your date takes you to a normal bowling alley, we highly recommend turning right back around. Bull & Bowl is the first duckpin bowling alley, bar, bistro, and mechanical bull venue that has made its way to downtown Austin. You heard us right, this place has a mechanical bull! Engage in a little friendly competition with your date and test who can stay on longer.
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Photo via Facebook
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
Get to know your crush on another level at the best-in-class specialty coffee retailer, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. With a lakeside view of Austin, the vibe is totally there. Satisfy your sweet tooth with their specialty desserts such as tarts, cannoli, cheesecake, or stay caffeinated with their signature coffee drinks. The best date at the best coffee shop - it can’t get much better than that!
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Photo via Facebook
3400 E Palm Valley Blvd.
No need to be worried about striking out at this date spot. For you sport-loving couples, make a visit to Dell Diamond to watch the minor league baseball team, Round Rock Express. To make things more romantic, if you purchase a firework membership plan, you and your date will be able to watch the amazing light show after a home game. Cuddle up, grab some peanuts, and enjoy the fun festivities at Dell Diamond.
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Photo via Facebook
418 E. 6th Street
Are you nervous about your first date or worried that it might be a little awkward? By attending a comedy show at the Vulcan Gas Company, there will never be a dull moment between you and your date. Experience the live comedy every week and maybe you’ll get some pointers on some good jokes to tell your date.
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Photo via Facebook
1501 E. New Hope
There is no doubt that wherever you go in Austin, you’ll encounter live music. So why not plan a date to one of the most beautiful live music venues? Haute Spot is open to the public during ticketed concerts for a happy hour, live music, and dinner many nights of the week. This place is definitely “hot” so bring your hot date along and get to jammin’.
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Photo via Facebook
16405 Clara Van Street
There is nothing more romantic than spending intimate time on a sunset boat tour on Lake Travis or Lake Austin with fantastic views of the Hill Country. Float On offers small group BYOB boat tours with the perks of a private cruise without those crazy prices. Considering the atmosphere, we will warn you now that you and your date might fall in love. Book your sunset boat tour and bring your favorite booze and camera for the ultimate date night.
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Photo via Facebook
16231 IH-35 Pflugerville, TX
Need a fun group date night spot? Swing by REVL Social Club, a nightlife and entertainment center in Pflugerville. Impress your date at the many elevated bar games such as billiards, ping pong, curling, darts, and more! Also, the food menu is to-die-for, so grab a bite of what appeals to you and enjoy the company of your date and some damn good food.
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Other Summer Date Spots We Like
2337 E. Cesar Chavez St
412 Sterzing St
2006 Philomena St
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Did we miss your favorite summer date spot?
