5 Romantic Date Ideas to Try in Portland [2024]

Movies and dinner dates are the romantic dates many of us are familiar with. Well, this classic dating is great, but after a while, it gets boring and tiresome too.

Let’s be real – you’re totally in need of fresh ideas. And while you and your significant other already spend a lot of time together, having some additional romantic date ideas will make you fall even more in love.

1. Join a Cooking Class

One thing you can easily find in Portland is the exciting couples’ cooking classes. This can easily spice up your relationship given that you and your sweetheart will have the opportunity to interact over a joyful shared activity.

Cooking class is also the new ultimate date night nowadays – not just because taking a cooking class with your partner is enjoyable, but can also help rekindle your love while mastering a beautiful array of delectable recipes.

To help you find a suitable cooking class in the area, you can start with online options. Afterward, you can simply narrow down your options and find one you both like.

Best Cooking Classes in Portland

To help you connect with the best local cooking classes, we made a list for you!

Chef2Go (West Linn, OR 97068) – Well-versed in Italian, Japanese, Southeast Asian, French, and American cuisines.
fuAsian (Portland, OR 97230) – Specializes in Asian dishes.
Nuestra Cocina (Portland, OR 97202) – Focuses on Mexican food.
Priscilla’s Kitchen (Portland, OR 97232) – Regular and therapeutic diets to gluten-free and lifestyle change diets.
Spice of Africa (Hillsboro, OR 97124) – Provides an educational experience of African food

How to Sign Up for Cooking Classes in Portland

Want to know how to sign up for cooking classes in Portland? Let us help you!

Choose whether you both want to take classes online or in person. Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll need to enroll in a class that fits your schedule and budget.
Register for any of these classes in advance (subscribing to the class’ website online can help you to get easy access).
Once enrolled, discuss with your partner what type of cooking class you both will sign up for. This usually depends on the recipes you want to learn.
Lastly, before the cooking class begins, get to know the basic terms and other simple cooking skills to enjoy the class.

2. Visit Art Galleries

Want another ultimate date spot? An art gallery could be it! Actually, art galleries are wonderful places to go on a first date.

Why? Since it’s a public setting where you can talk to your loved one and enjoy their company.

Unlike restaurant dates, going on an art gallery date can’t be that expensive. Plus, there is no time commitment required for your date – you can both leave politely whenever you feel like it.

If you ever want to take this idea, it’s nice to consider the kind of art gallery you both will be visiting.

We believe that a place can set up the vibe for the whole duration of your date so you may want to think about that thoroughly.

Notable Art Galleries in Portland

Here we have some famous art galleries in Portland we can’t wait for you to visit:

Blue Sky Gallery (122 NW 8th Ave (btwn NW Davis & NW Couch Portland, OR) – Portland’s best place to see photography since 1975.
The Lumber Room (419 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209) – A space for contemporary art.
Elizabeth Leach Gallery (417 NW 9th Portland, OR 97209) – Showcases well-known Northwest and international artists who are active in a variety of current media.
Bullseye Gallery (3610 SE 21st Avenue Portland, OR) – Known for presenting glass arts
Alberta Street Gallery (1829 NE Alberta St Unit B, Portland, OR) – Focuses on contemporary art in a variety of mediums including paintings, metalwork, fiber, glass, photography, sculptures, and ceramics.
PDX Contemporary Art (925 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR) – Honors the art of indigenous individuals.

How to Spend a Date at an Art Gallery in Portland

Here’s a short, friendly guide when visiting an art gallery in Portland:

Slow yourself down as you pass through. It’s true that art galleries are best experienced at a comfortable pace. Spend some time in one room and attach yourself to the artwork as you get to know your partner better.

Try to spend your time with lesser-known artwork. As you’re on a date, try to avoid being swept along by crowds and stand in a lesser-known piece of art. This way, you might even be bonded with your significant other as you get that unique feeling that comes from the art.

Research at least one piece of work before you arrive. Nothing is more fulfilling than approaching a piece of art that you are already familiar with. The connection has already started, and it only gets stronger when you see the work in person – plus you might impress your date with some knowledge about it!

3. Go aboard a Cruise Tour

Couples can enjoy a variety of romantic activities on a cruise. And this is probably why many couples book cruises to mark special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, and Valentine’s Day, of course).

Being together on a cruise tour is one kind of relaxation we bet you both want to experience. You might want to drop your day spa appointment and ride the waves instead with your partner.

Popular Cruise Tours in Portland

To help you get on board your much-awaited cruise tour, here are some of the best in the city:

Lunch Cruise by Willamette Jetboat Excursions (110 SE Caruthers St, Portland, OR) – A 3-hour cruise across the Columbia River.
BrewBarge Cruise (737 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR) – Adult-only cruise along the Willamette River that offers a great selection of craft beers.
Heart of Portland Sightseeing Cruise (1010 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR) – Sightseeing tour along the Willamette River that takes you through the major sites of Portland.

What Activities to Do on a Cruise Tour in Portland

Below are some of the activities you can do on a cruise tour:

Sunbathing – We can’t think of other most common cruise tour activities other than hanging out by the pool. Today, top cruise ships elevate pool time to new levels such as having a water slide front and adults-only solariums – perfect for couples.

Enjoy performances – just so you know, cruises nowadays don’t only put out evening performances, but they also keep their theaters packed on sea days. So if you’re the kind of partner that loves to be entertained, consider a cruise tour.

Get silly – Some could even argue that if you don’t get off your high horse and participate in the onboard entertainment, you’re missing out on the actual cruise experience. You’re lucky you get to spend it with your sweetheart.

4. Have Fun at Amusement Parks

Growing tired of movie dates? A date at an amusement park could be the answer to that! Well, obviously, rides at this place can easily cover your nerves and your excitement with your date.

Plus, a Ferris wheel ride will bring a higher chance of closeness (holding hands, etc.). Additionally, some of the amusement parks have fireworks displays at night – perfect to score a romantic moment.

Top Amusement Parks in Portland

Wanna enjoy a romantic amusement park date in the city? We got your back!

Oaks Amusement Park (7805 SouthEast Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR) – One of the famous “trolley parks” and is among the oldest continually operating amusement parks in America.
Bullwinkle’s Wilsonville (29111 SouthWest Town Center Loop West, Wilsonville, Portland, OR) – A family fun center that features mini-golf, laser tag, bumper boats, go-karting, zip-lining, etc.
Glowing Greens PDX (509 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR) – Miniature golf course in a basement with blacklight indoors.

What else to do in an amusement park in Portland aside from rides?

Portland parks are known for thrill rides, sure. But what else is there other than thrill rides in these parks? Well, here are other things to take on!

Food and drinks – Eat your fear of engaging in thrilling rides through the food stalls and carst that are always available in every theme park. Don’t forget to get your partner a cold beverage too!

Entertainment shows – Other than the fireworks display in the evening, you both can surely enjoy other entertainment features they have, say dance or cultural show.

Attractions – After getting tired of waiting in lines, try to bring your date to the hidden gem of the amusement parks – the attractions. It’s another exciting and magical thing to discover in the place, we promise.

5. Go On a Hike

Another romantic date idea couples might enjoy is the thought of going on a hike. You can even get beautiful shots taken of some of Portland’s biggest sights.

While you may think hiking could be your last option for a date, this could really be your way to showcase your outdoor side to your date. On top of it all, hiking encourages conversation and brings out some of the best talks so that you can get to know one another.

Best Hiking Trails in Portland

Are you looking for the best hiking trails in the city? Check out what we have here.

Hoyt Arboretum Trails (4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR) – Considered an easy route, a popular area for birding, hiking, and trail running.
Mount Tabor Loop Trail (Mt TaborPortland, OR) – A beautiful city park that holds 3 different reservoirs in Portland.
Oaks Bottom Loop Hike (SE Sellwood Blvd & SE 7th Avenue, 10830 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR) – Enjoy a nice walk along a wetland full of birds.

Essential Hiking Tips for Beginners

We understand how this could be difficult and intimidating if you’re a beginner, that’s why we have here some of the essential tips for you:

Don’t overdo it – Honestly, overdoing it is the common rookie mistake beginners do. Choose a hike that is less than 5 miles long and has little climbing if you are just starting out.

Time it right – Friendly advice, begin your hike as early as possible so that you and your partner can enjoy the trail alone.

Check the weather – It’s simple, check the weather before going for a hike. If it seems bad, schedule it for another day.

Watch your feet – this may seem basic, but you’d be shocked at how many individuals end up needing rescue due to twisted ankles. On an easy hike, stepping in the incorrect location is typically the largest risk.

Find out more romantic date tips by browsing through our site!