Best Unique Things To Do On Valentine’s Day | Best Ideas In 2024

Whether you’ve been together for a few months or a few years, it can seem like a lot of pressure to come up with things for the perfect date idea for Valentine’s Day. You might feel tired of the classic dinner and a movie date idea and feel unsure of what to plan instead. If you’re unsure of what you should do with your significant other for Valentine’s day, it may be time to find unique date ideas to make this day an unforgettable one. From a hike in nature to astrology readings or dancing the night away, there’s likely a date idea that can fit any budget and any couple’s interests. Below is a list of Valentine’s Day ideas for your partner to help communicate to them just how much you care.

Relaxing spa day

Valentine’s Day can be a great excuse to spend a relaxing, self-care day at a spa with your loved one. Many spas may offer Valentine’s Day deals and allow you to use amenities such as the sauna, steam room, and pool with the purchase of a service. You can book a couple’s massage for the ultimate romantic spa experience and indulge in a full day of pampering and relaxation. 

Alternatively, if a spa day isn’t in your budget, you can create a spa experience all in the comfort of your own home. Light some candles, soak in a warm bubble bath, and take turns massaging each other with massage oils.

A hike

For those who love nature, go for a hike with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Research shows that getting out in nature also can have many benefits for our mental health, including reduced stress, improved mood, and facilitating a social connection, making it a great activity to do with your partner. You can make your Valentine’s Day hike extra special by packing a picnic to enjoy during or after your hike.

Art class

You don’t necessarily need to be an artist to create art. This Valentine’s Day, you can consider taking an art class such as painting or pottery with your significant other. Studies show when couples do activities together, the body releases more oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This feel-good hormone can elevate your mood, make you feel more connected, and triggers feelings of love.

Not only can art be good for your relationship, but it can be good for your mind, too. Art is often used as a form of therapy, reducing stress and providing a positive, creative outlet for emotional release.

Ice skating

There may be no better romantic winter sport than ice skating, making it a great thing to do with your partner this Valentine’s Day. If you find you’re not very good at it, don’t worry; it may be just another reason to get a little closer to your sweetheart and hold their hand to guide you. After you’re finished on the rink, take off those skates, cuddle up, and enjoy some conversation over a yummy hot chocolate or some mulled wine.

A bonfire

Since Valentine’s Day falls in February, there’s a good chance it may be a bit chilly where you live, and a bonfire can be the perfect opportunity for a date night. If you happen to live on the coast, a beach bonfire can be quite romantic. You just may want to check with your city first regarding whether bonfires are allowed in your area.

Alternatively, if you have a fireplace, this may be an excellent opportunity to make use of it to help create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Go dancing

Whether you love to go dancing on the regular or you can’t remember the last time you went, this Valentine’s Day, consider going dancing with your sweetheart. You can take a dance class, do a video tutorial at home, or spend the evening at a disco club. Dancing can also be a great form of exercise that may not only be good for your physical health, but it can improve your mental health as well, boosting those feel-good hormones and reducing stress.

Breakfast in bed

Instead of the typical Valentine’s Day ideas, like dinner, treat your sweetheart with a sweet something by waking them up with breakfast in bed. Make heart-shaped pancakes or pick up some heart-shaped pans or molds to make hearts out of a variety of foods. If that doesn’t suit you or your partner, consider just making them their favorite breakfast, heart-shaped or not!

Staycation

You don’t necessarily have to leave town to have a mini vacation with your significant other. This Valentine’s Day, you can book a romantic stay at a hotel in your city to escape your everyday life and responsibilities for a night and have a little romance.

Many hotels may even offer Valentine’s Day specials, potentially making your romantic day extra special. You can order room service, watch a romantic movie, use the hotel amenities, and fully enjoy each other’s company without any distractions. Alternatively, you could book a local AirBnB if you desire more and separation from others than a hotel would offer, or perhaps a winter cabin, if offered, at your local state park.

Go stargazing

A unique thing to do this Valentine’s Day may be to go stargazing with your loved one, weather allowing, of course. Pack some snacks and a thermos of hot chocolate or pick up takeout and head out to a scenic location where the sky is clear and free of light pollution. You can set up a little picnic if you’d like, gaze up at the sky, and look for shooting stars. There can be something very romantic about a starry night.

Watch the sunset

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday this year, there’s a good chance you and your partner may both be working during the day.

If you can, try to leave work a little early to go watch the sunset. Depending on where you live, consider heading to the mountains or a beach and setting up a romantic picnic with some wine and a homemade charcuterie board, or some food that has some special meaning to you and your partner.

Take a trip

If you'd like to do something truly unique this Valentine’s Day, you can take a romantic getaway to somewhere neither of you have been before. You can take a whole weekend or just one day and have a mini vacation somewhere new, creating new memories together. Traveling with your loved one can strengthen your connection, improve intimacy, inspire romance, and help maintain long-term relationships.

Cooking class

Heat things up in the kitchen with a cooking class as a unique date idea for Valentine’s Day. Whether you consider yourself a master chef or cooking isn’t necessarily your strong suit, a cooking class can be a really fun activity to do with your loved one, especially when you’d like to get out and eat some good food while making memories.

You can have a quick search online as most major cities may offer cooking classes. Alternatively, there are also many virtual cooking classes available now that you can easily do at home.

Backyard picnic

If the crowds of couples and overbooked restaurants puts you off on Valentine’s Day, it can be possible to have a unique date night right at home that doesn’t feel like a typical night in. Weather allowing, you can surprise your partner with a romantic backyard picnic.

You can put down a nice blanket, bring your coffee table outside (or another low table,) and use pillows for seating. To create a romantic ambiance, you may want to light a few candles or hang up string lights. To heat things up, you can even consider having a little fire to snuggle up in front of.

Dinner and a movie at home

A tried-and-true classic, and for good reason. This year, opt for a romantic dinner and order in instead of trying to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant that may be booked. While most people tend to wear their comfiest clothes at home, you can spice things up by getting all dressed up as if you were going out to a fancy restaurant. After dinner, get back in your pajamas and snuggle up on the couch for a romantic comedy marathon, or whatever movie your hearts desire.

Get some outside perspective

Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful time to spend quality time together and express your love and affections to the ones you love. However, for some, Valentine’s Day gift ideas may feel challenging or bring on difficult feelings. If you’re experiencing any challenges in your life or relationship, it may help to talk to someone.

You can pursue options like online therapy for individual support and relationship advice, including ideas for having fun on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Online therapy can make it simple to connect outside insight right from the comfort of your own home. 

Research suggests that many people who opt for online therapy can find some benefit in it, too. In fact, one study showed that 95% of couples who engage in online couples counseling find it to be helpful, which means that you and your partner might, too. 

Takeaway

Valentine’s Day can be a great time to show your partner how much you care, and fun ideas like these can help keep sparks flying year after year. No matter how you choose to celebrate, if at all, remember that the most important thing may simply be that you spend quality time together. Whatever that looks like can be entirely up to you.