Planning regular date nights can be challenging, especially when life gets busy. To make things easier, I’ve created a year’s worth of preplanned date nights designed around the seasons and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or a little creativity, these ideas will keep date nights fresh all year long.

Winter

1. Cozy Cabin Getaway (January)

Start the year with a weekend retreat in a cozy cabin surrounded by towering evergreens. Bring board games, cook a comforting meal together, and enjoy the peaceful quiet of the PNW’s winter. Bonus points if there’s a hot tub—because nothing says romance like a warm soak under the stars.

2. Storm Watching & Seafood Dinner (February)

Bundle up and watch the waves crash against the rocky coast, a breathtaking winter spectacle in the PNW. Afterward, warm up with fresh seafood at a local restaurant or cook a seafood feast at home. Not into seafood? No worries—just pretend with another protein. Pan-seared chicken or a hearty mushroom dish can still set the mood for a cozy, coastal-inspired meal.

3. Hot Springs & Stargazing (March)

End winter on a relaxing note by soaking in a natural hot spring. Pick a spot with minimal light pollution and stay for some quiet stargazing before heading home. If a hot tub is easier to access than a hot spring, that counts too!

Spring

4. Wildflower Hike & Picnic (April)

As the PNW wakes up from winter, trails burst into color with wildflowers. Choose an easy-to-moderate hike with a scenic overlook, pack a picnic, and soak in the views.

5. Farmers’ Market & Cooking Challenge (May)

Spend the morning wandering a local farmers’ market, picking out fresh ingredients together. Once home, challenge yourselves to create a new dish with your finds—no recipes allowed!

6. Sunset Kayaking (June)

As the days get longer, take advantage of the golden hour with an evening kayaking adventure. Whether on a lake, river, or bay, the PNW’s waterways offer a stunning backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon. Wrap up the night with a hot tub session if you can—because nothing beats unwinding after a paddle.

Summer

7. Outdoor Movie Night (July)

Find a drive-in or outdoor movie screening, or set up a projector in your backyard with cozy blankets and popcorn. Choose a classic summer flick and enjoy a laid-back evening under the stars.

8. Camping & Campfire Cooking (August)

Escape to the forest or the coast for an overnight camping trip. Try cooking something beyond hot dogs—think foil-packet meals, fire-grilled fish, or s’mores with a twist. If you’re camping somewhere with a hot tub, that’s a major win.

9. Winery or Brewery Hopping (September)

As the summer heat fades, take a day trip to sample the region’s renowned wines or craft beers. Opt for a scenic spot with vineyard or mountain views, and make a toast to summer’s end.

Fall

10. Cozy Bookstore & Coffee Date (October)

Spend a chilly afternoon browsing a cozy independent bookstore, picking out books for each other. Afterward, settle into a café with warm drinks and dive into your new reads together.

11. Leaf-Peeping Road Trip (November)

The PNW’s fall foliage is stunning, so take a scenic drive through tree-lined roads bursting with red, orange, and gold. Stop along the way for coffee, pastries, or a spontaneous short hike.

12. Holiday Market & Ice Skating (December)

Wrap up the year with a festive outing to a holiday market. Wander through artisan stalls, sip on mulled wine or cider, and if there’s an ice rink nearby, lace up for some nostalgic fun. End the night warming up in a hot tub if you can find one—because that’s the ultimate holiday luxury.

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These dates are meant to be flexible—swap them around or adapt them to fit your style! The Pacific Northwest has endless possibilities, but having a plan in place makes it easier to prioritize quality time.

Which date night are you most excited to try? How would you adjust and adapt these ideas to your wants and needs?