Want to do something different for date night? Houston has many options at the ready. Saunter through a garden, stroll through a gallery, or see a movie on a rooftop: you can do it all in Houston. Consult this list of date ideas of fun, cheap, zany, and or romantic things to do in Houston.
1. Experience an Enchanting Candlelight Concert
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a new light with these sensational concerts in some of Houston’s most magical locations. This concert series known simply as “Candlelight” invites everyone to relive the greatest works of classical music, from Vivaldi to Marvin Gaye, in an intimate atmosphere.
2. Catch a Concert Under the Stars
Concert Under The Stars is an exciting opportunity to experience live music on the best rooftop venue in Houston. Furthermore, Frank Sinatra Under The Stars allows visitors the chance to enjoy breathtaking renditions from the legendary musician’s catalogue accompanied by stunning views from the rooftop of Marriott Marquis in Houston.
3. Dine in the Dark
Have you ever contemplated the sensation of dining in complete darkness? Prominent psychologists have long championed the concept of dining in the dark as the ultimate taste adventure. Research indicates that a staggering 80 percent of individuals rely heavily on their visual perception while eating.
By removing this visual aspect, the hypothesis is that the other senses—namely, taste and smell—take center stage, transforming your dining experience into an entirely new realm. Once you’ve donned your blindfold in the dimly lit, candlelit room, you’ll swiftly discover that honing in on taste and aroma alone can be a truly enlightening journey—assuming, of course, you’re not daunted by the absence of light!
4. Stargaze at The Twilight Epiphany Skyscape In Houston
The rise and setting of the sun are spectacles all on their own: captivating natural phenomena that imbue us with feelings of wonder, awe, and romance. At the James Turrells’ Twilight Epiphany installation, you’ll see the sky in entirely new colors.
5. Go on a Coffee Date
Need a pick-me-up? Houston has plenty of coffee houses scattered about the city for residents to take refuge, re-energize, and maybe eat a scone or two.
6. Slip into a Speakeasy
There’s something special about speakeasies. The secretive, vicarious forbidden feel of transporting back to the prohibition make imbibing cocktails all the more tantalizing. Stow away in wonderful hidden bars that Houston has to offer!
7. Visit a Museum
Houston is a city of art, and we want the people to know it. That’s why many of Houston’s museums are either free to the public during select times throughout the week, or are just free altogether.
8. Watch the Sunset
Texas Hill Country might get all the love when it comes to sunset-gazing. But here in Houston, the sky is puts on its own stellar show. When the time is just right, there are plenty of places in Space City that provide a perfect vantage point to catch the show.
9. Dine in Decadence
If you’re looking for somewhere sultry to dine out or have a drink this season, these local romantic restaurants in Houston set the table as well as the mood.
10. Take a Hike
Spring is in the air; the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the allergens are waging war on our sinuses. Be sure to take full advantage of the cool, inviting weather before it gets too hot by exploring the best hiking in Houston.
11. Step Up to the Plate at Home Run Dugout
If baseball weren’t big enough in Houston, the city will get its very own baseball-themed entertainment center this year. Austin-based Home Run Dugout has finally opened in Katy with batting bays, biergarden, dog park, full restaurant, and more.
12. Visit Houston’s Stunning Rooftops
Nothing quite says “living the highlife” like clinking glasses on a city rooftop. Touch the sky this season with a brunch, evening, or nightcap on the most jaw-dropping rooftops in Houston.
13. Catch a Movie Al Fresco
Using a 60-foot wide screen strewn across a stack of shipping containers, Moonstruck offers that classic drive-in vibe, while allowing local cinephiles to combine two of their favorite things: the city and the movies. Here, patrons are invited to park their automobiles, tune into FM transmission, and watch a variety of blockbusters, classic, and family friendly flicks.
- The Rooftop Cinema Club is an open-air theater on top of the Whole Foods in BLVD Place. It provides an atmosphere of what’s been called “social cinema” wherein viewers at times walk around and interact with the environment during the course of the movie.
14-16. Hit the Club
Billed as “the largest indoor/outdoor space of its kind in the city”, Sekai Night and Day is slated to elevate East Downtown’s nightlife with top notch DJs, dancing, lounging, and private events.
- Cherry is a darkly lavish new nightclub is a concept from Hospitable Viking the group behind The Commoner + The boulevardier, Rosemont, and the 006 Bar. It’s set in the two-story space formerly occupied by the Nightingale Room – which is rather appropriate all considering.
- Get a closer look of the Houston skyline this season at the sophisticated new bar, lounge, and club located 43 stories above Market Square Tower. Opened this past December, Cielo XLIII offers a lavish new hangout in the sky with unparalleled, 360-degree views of the city from the tallest bar in the city Houston.
17-19. Cruise Through Houston’s New Markets
The former United States Postal Service (USPS) office in north downtown has been converted into Post Houston, a dazzling mixed media complex comprising of a packed list of vendors, multiple double-helix staircases, a trio of skylit atriums, and a FIVE-ACRE ROOFTOP PARK AND FARM.
- Railway Heights is now open on Washington with two stories of vibrant businesses, food stalls, local vendors, and an art gallery on the second floor.
- The Sunny Flea Market is somewhat unassuming. Located at 8705 Airline Drive in between I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road, the market doesn’t resemble much in the way of flourish. The parking lot costs $2 and isn’t paved. The entrance is a touch glum. Once inside, however, the festive excitement starts to settle in.
20-21. Go Big at Mini Golf
The Puttery is a 21-and-over mini-golf restaurant and bar in Houston’s Sawyer Yards neighborhood that provides a fusion of fine dining and competitive socializing.
- Described as an “experiential golf and casual dining concept”, Popstroke is a concept of golfing legend, Tiger Woods, whose technologically-advanced putt putt facility, restaurant, and beer garden is now open at 23110 Grand Circle Boulevard in Katy.
21. Handpick Your Favorite Fruits
Pick your heart out this spring at these forever fields in and around Houston! Whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries, these fields in and around Houston have what you’re looking for.
22. Go Shrimping Indoors
As Bubba Gump once said, “shrimp is the fruit of the sea”. While some might believe that process of catching shrimp involves bulky crew-manned ships, wide-cast nets, and… the ocean, you might be surprised to learn shrimping can take place indoors. In Houston, the place is Ebi Ebi Shrimp Fishing.
23-26. Game On
Reality has been a drag recently, escape into the carefree virtual world of gaming this weekend at East Downtown’s newest hangout. Cidercade has opened in Houston with a ton of games, ciders on tap, and 18,000 square feet of fun to be had.
- Whether your idea of gaming is Pacman, shooting hoops, ping-pong, or drinking cocktails over a game of cards, Houston’s new speakeasy, FAO HTX, has got you covered.
- Houstonians will soon be able to get a taste of UK pub culture, but with a modern twist. British-based gaming pub, Flight Club, is throwing itself into the Houston bar scene with its 21st century digitized dart boards, sharing boards, and bespoke cocktails.
- ARG Adventure Park is an adrenaline-fueled hot spot in Houston with locations in the northern Heights and Katy. Here, visitors can participate in axe throwing, paintball, laser tag, and follow up the action with a round of drinks at the bar and restaurant.
27. Staycation In Texas
It’s with a tinge of guilt that we find ourselves traveling nationally and/or internationally knowing that the state of Texas has so much to offer. Whether it’s to save money on airfare, get closer to local nature, or simply getaway without all the fuss, here are 10 Texas Airbnbs that make for a sublime staycation!
28-30. Visit Houston’s Amazing Parks
One of the upsides of living in a city where winter is a rarity is being able to enjoy its plentiful park system throughout the entire year.
- Experience a vibrant blend of nature and art at Smithers Park, a creative urban space filled with technicolored mosaic installations, a meditation garden, a whimsical set of swings, and more!
- Wander out to Eleanor Tinsley Park. With its pristine lawn, undulating hills, and breathtaking location in front of the downtown skyline, it makes for an ideal spot to toss the frisbee, plop down for a picnic, or catch the sunset of clearer evenings.
- In between the Rothko Chapel and the Menil Collection in Montrose is Menil Park, a shaded little patch of greenery with plenty of natural nooks and crannies for one to curl up with a book, catch up with friends, or simply be present.