The digital era has presented a serious challenge to dating: social media. Is a night of sharing Tumblr posts and TikTok videos considered a date? Maybe, we don’t judge around here. It may even be the safest dating option currently, but still. There’s nothing quite like going out on the town and enjoying each other’s company in person.
Need some date ideas? Are you looking for the perfect spot or restaurant where you and your partner can have some quality time together? There’s an endless array of places in the Adelaide area— from Adelaide’s CBD, Peel Street, Gouger Street, Windy Point, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Brighton Beach, Rundle Mall, Seal Bay, or Victor Harbor, you’ll never run out of ideas for a date place for valentine’s day, public holidays, or your normal weekly date nights.
Now that more places in Adelaide are reopening their doors, your date night options have returned. Whether you want the classic picnic in the park or cultural outing, delicious food for a dinner date, a casual cup of coffee, or even drinks at an interesting bar, Adelaide has date ideas galore. Here’s a list of some best date ideas for you and your special someone in Adelaide.
1. Explore Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Exquisite tastes, sunshine, the shade of the trees, flowers, your lovely date — it is the setting for a love story! If you don’t mind tiptoeing through the tulips with your romantic interest, then why not try for a date at one of Adelaide’s gardens? Don’t forget to bring your picnic rug in case you find the right place.
Situated in the Central Business District at the heart of the city is the Adelaide Botanical Garden. Set aside enough time to enjoy the beauty and assortment of plants and trees in this place. Pause a little to enjoy its maintained garden and the incredible architecture.
An extension of the Botanic Garden is the Botanic Park. The park is situated between the Adelaide Botanical Garden and the famous Adelaide Zoo. From the majestic plane to the Moreton Bay Figs, the Botanic Park’s indigenous and exotic trees are truly a sight to behold. Savour a lazy afternoon together staring into the canopy as you watch the sunset on the horizon.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone Number: (08) 8222 9311
Website: botanicgardens.sa.gov.au
2. Discover Adelaides Culture At The South Australia Museum
Not all dates have to be explicitly romantic — they should be fun! If you and your date are the curious kinds of people who enjoy learning new things together, then go for a museum, an art gallery or a class. It’ll definitely give you both something to discuss afterwards.
Adelaide’s globally-acclaimed South Australian Museum is located in the North Terrace’s leafy cultural suburb. It is surrounded by historic buildings, buoyant gardens, and beautiful lawns. Its various collections will take you from palaeontology to humanities to even their Australian Polar collection (which showcases Australian explorers to the polar caps). The museum even hosts special events, feature exhibitions, and a historical scavenger hunt meets escape room experience.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone Number: +61 8 8207 7500
Website:samuseum.sa.gov.au
3. Coffee Break, Coffee Date At Petter Rabbit
First dates typically don’t last more than an hour, unless you really have great chemistry. So instead of investing hours on something that may not go anywhere, take a more casual approach; get some coffee. You don’t have to cheap out with a cafe in Adelaide, either. There are some really sweet spots.
Consider having your first dating experience at Peter Rabbit. The coffee shop is located in Adelaide’s Central Business District and is an ideal spot for a romantic coffee date, especially at night. It can get a bit cold in because seating is in open space, so wear warm clothing if you’re going out during the evening.
Address: 234-244 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Website: peterabbit.com.au
4. Mini Golf at Semaphore
Sometimes the best dates are inexpensive, “why not” sort of dates. Why not just go get an ice cream cone? Why not spontaneously decide to play trivia at a bar? Oh, look — all the backpackers are going on a tour of the city — why not just jump in? Don’t overthink your date idea. Plus, they’re going on a date with you- their loved one, not the venue.
A quick, $5 per person round of mini-golf is a great way to bring a competitive edge to a date. It’s also a great way to embarrass yourself around all those kids who are significantly younger and better than you — something to laugh about later on. At Semaphore waterslides you can play a game of 9 holes that take you throughout the park.
Address: Esplanade, Semaphore SA 5019, Australia
Phone Number: (08) 8449 6323
Website:semaphorewaterslide.com.au
5. Cool Down At Cocolat
Located in Kidman Park, Cocolat is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. You’ll be tempted by great picks of tarts and cakes, but definitely go if you get a hankering for gelato— their specialty. The award-winning flavours will be perfect for sharing with your date — or you can playfully make them get their own.
Address: Terminal 2, 27/1 James Schofield Dr, Adelaide SA 5950, Australia
Phone Number: (08) 8234 3661
Website: cocolat.com.au
6. Wind Down At Cue Bar
Whether you want to jump in for a few rounds or for a couple of hours, Cue Bar is a great place for a night of billiards. It is the oldest pool hall in Adelaide and welcomes people of all ages. So whether you’re the young couple headed out on a first date or the parents who finally have a night off, you won’t feel out of place.
Address: 1/140 – 144 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067, Australia
Phone Number: (04)11 394 828
Website: cuebar.com.au
7. Swim With Dolphins At Temptation Sailing
Go for a boat ride, or maybe even swim with dolphins! Whatever you choose, Temptation sailing is a once in a lifetime experience.
Address: 10 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia
Phone Number: (04) 12 811 838
Website: dolphinboat.com.au
8. Catch A Game At Adelaide Oval
Catch a game or a concert at this iconic stadium. Visit their website to see what’s on.
Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
Website: adelaideoval.com.au
9. Escape The City – Adelaide Hills
Enjoy great food in a picturesque location, far from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Address: Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia.
Website: southaustralia.com
Some Strong Honourable Mentions
Get fresh produce at Adelaide Central Market
Head over to Southport in Port Noarlunga
Dine at Windy Point Restaurant
Head out to Utopia at Waterfall Gully
Enjoy the panoramic views at 2KW Bar (the best rooftop bar in my book!)
Conclusion
Adelaide is naturally a romantic setting for any potential couple, but it’s up to you to organize the date. Don’t sweat it, though. You won’t run out of ideas at all with what the city has to offer.
