AUSTIN — In Austin, you can do better than just dinner and a movie.
This city offers a variety of places that are sure to make your loved one feel special. Whether you're looking for an adventure or a night filled with romance, Austin has it all.
Here are our top date ideas.
For the adventurous type:
Helicopter tour
Take your love to new heights as you fly over the Texas Hill Country. Check this off of your bucket list and choose from six tour options at Austin Helicopter Tours to make this date one to remember. Opt for a sunset tour to make the experience more romantic.
iFly
Let iFly give you wings to fly up to the sky. Suit up in a goofy suit, goggles and helmet at iFly and get gently lifted with a gust of air as it takes you high up to the sky! This makes for a fun -- and perhaps funny -- date depending on how well you handle the gust of wind that will inevitably push your cheeks up.
Rock climbing
Show off your climbing skills as you use your strength to climb up steep hills and rocky walls at North Austin Rock Gym. Although you might break a sweat, this date is for the adventurous couples out there who are ready for a challenge. You can rock climb indoors or, if you're feeling bold, outdoors.
Ziplining
Zoom across Lake Travis and get views for days as you zipline at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. The three-hour long tours will allow you to also get a workout in as you hike up hills in between the ziplines that range from 300 to 2,800-feet-long.
Mini-golf
Get your putt on at Peter Pan Mini-Golf, an Austin tradition since 1948. There are two 18-hole courses. Grab a six-pack and your love before heading to this character-filled adventure.
For the Van Gogh in us all:
Pottery classes
Put your creativity to the test and let your hands do all the work by taking a pottery class at Feats of Clay Pottery. You can have fun while also making a homemade gift for a loved one. Just remember, it's the thought that counts.
Art museums
Don't let your date be the only work of art you see that day! Take a look at some pieces of art at local art museums here in Austin. Some of the best art museums include the Blanton Museum of Art, Mexic-Arte Museum and The Contemporary Austin Jones Center.
Painting
BYOB and step-by-step instructions? Don't mind if we do! "Give Monet a run for his money" as a local artist leads you through a work of art at Painting with a Twist.
A night of romance:
The Paramount
Put on your best dress or suit and tie and stop by the the historic Paramount Theater. The Paramount offers everything from plays to ballets and even stand-up comedy. Whatever the case, it's a glorious spot for that special someone and you can even get a balcony seat to make your date feel extra special.
Mattie's Austin
Wine and dine in a 19th-century home that features antique dining areas and magnificent white-feathered peacocks walking around at Mattie's. With almost a five-star rating, this historic mansion is the perfect date night restaurant that is better than your traditional dining choice. From fabulous cocktails to a tasty eggs benedict, Mattie's will satisfy all hungry appetites.
Mount Bonnell
Couples -- and tourists -- have been visiting this spot since the 1850s. And we see why! Mount Bonnell, or Covert Park, overlooks the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River in West Austin. Take your loved one here just in time to catch the gorgeous sunset.
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The Oasis at Lake Travis
They don't call it "The Oasis" for nothing! Mount Bonnell is great for sunset gazing, but if you're willing to drive out to Comanche Trail on Lake Travis, you'll see what everyone means when they call the spot "the sunset capital of Texas."
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Elephant Room
Elephant Room is an underground jazz bar hosts nightly live music. Cuddle up with your significant other in this small Congress Avenue bar and open up your ears for some fantastic jazz.
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Wine and dine:
Odd Duck
This farm-to-table restaurant along South Lamar Boulevard is great any time, but if you end up getting to Odd Duck between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., you can take advantage of their happy hour.
Barlata
Sharing is caring at this South Austin Spanish tapas spot. While you can get discounted drinks and food during certain time frames throughout the week at Barlata, you can get happy hour prices all day every Monday.
Barley Swine
Barley Swine, a sister restaurant of Odd Duck, also features a seasonal menu that changes based on ingredient availability. You can order from the dinner menu or opt for the “Chef’s Tasting menu.”
Salty Sow
This casual spot has a great happy hour complete with duck fat fries, but if you end up staying past then, you can’t go wrong with a Salty Sow dinner entrée.