As Valentine’s Day approaches, not all of us are jazzed in regards to the thought of Starvation Video games-ing our method to a reservation at one in every of Houston’s most romantic eating places. So why not skip the sit-down dinner together with your important different and dozens of different {couples}, and go for one thing just a little totally different this 12 months?
From picnics in the very best park spots to a stimulating night at a burlesque present, listed here are some concepts to have an ideal date in Houston, on Valentine’s Day or year-round.
Nice Day Dates

Take pleasure in a picnic in a park
We’re not reinventing the wheel right here. Examine the climate forecast, pack some snacks, and head to your favourite park for a romantic picnic. However the place to? We love the hill adjoining to Miller Outside Theatre at Hermann Park and the comfy garden areas within the Japanese Glades portion of Memorial Park. For those who’re into one thing flashier—or maybe you’re planning to suggest—go for any spot in Buffalo Bayou Park with stellar downtown views. In fact, there’s at all times the basic Menil Assortment garden.
Get misplaced within the Museum of High quality Arts, Houston
We had been making an attempt to suppose what the sexiest museum in Houston could be. Hear us out: It’d simply be the MFAH. The biggest within the metropolis and one of many largest within the nation, the museum has so many galleries it’s straightforward to get misplaced and discover an space for a extra intimate stroll. Professional tip: Head to the Glassell Collections on the second degree of the Caroline Wiess Legislation Constructing. The discreet entrance to the gallery is straightforward to overlook, making for much less crowded rooms crammed with beautiful African artwork and gold artifacts from the Americas and Indonesia. A number of the jewellery might provide you with reward concepts, too.

Take a romantic stroll together with your boo on the Bayou Bend Assortment and Gardens.
Stroll via the Bayou Bend Assortment and Gardens
If MFAH remains to be too busy for you, head to one of many establishment’s satellite tv for pc websites, the Bayou Bend Assortment. The previous residence of philanthropist Ima Hogg is a romantic and serene place to spend time together with your important different. Stroll the gorgeous 14-acre gardens and dip into the Hogg mansion to admire interval furnishings, residence decor, and artwork—assured to lead to fewer arguments than a visit to IKEA.

Stand in awe collectively as you soak up a 100-year-old architectural marvel.
Go deep into the Buffalo Bayou Cistern
This sprawling, cavernous house is ideal for a moody date. Come right here for the 45-minute sound therapeutic meditation periods on weekends and Wednesdays. For those who’re extra of a nerdy couple, ebook a historical past tour Wednesday via Sunday. The Cistern can also be residence to rotating artwork installations and musical performances.

Study the place your meals comes from by taking the scenic route via the culinary backyard, one of many many flora options at Houston Botanic Backyard.
Take a nature stroll on the Houston Botanic Backyard
Admire the grounds’ many sorts of flowers, together with a coastal prairie backyard flush with native species like Indian blankets and Louisiana irises. Even if you cannot take them residence, the recollections of those flowers will last more than a dozen crimson roses. They’ve additionally obtained a picnic grove with a couple of tables and nice shade courtesy of enormous oaks, accessible with or with out admission to the HBG.

Take selfies on the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace
This date can occur both in the course of the day or at night time—even higher, make it a sundown occasion. When the solar is up, stroll round Rice College’s lovely campus and pop into the Moody Middle for the Arts, then spend a while on the well-known Skyspace. Come dusk, an LED mild sequence tasks onto the construction’s ceiling, a dreamy backdrop to your couple’s selfies.
When the Night time Has Come…

Take pleasure in films with a view at Moonstruck Drive-In, and cuddle within the privateness of your individual automotive.
Cozy up at Moonstruck Drive-In
Change up film night time from the large, chain theater to a retro drive-in. Head to Moonstruck, an outside film expertise in an enormous subject within the East River improvement, and convey cozy blankets, pillows, and snacks to snuggle up and watch a film from the consolation of your automotive.

Escape Houston’s mild air pollution and chase starlight collectively at George Observatory.
Stargaze at George Observatory
As an alternative of taking in a starry sky on the outside movie show, you might additionally drive out to the countryside to view your favourite planets and constellations from the domed telescopes on the George Observatory. This attraction additionally options the famed 36-inch Gueymard Analysis Telescope, one of many largest in the US. For those who actually like your date, you are able to do each concepts—in all probability not on the identical night time, although.

Abby Cadabra is able to tease and please at AvantGarden’s weekly burlesque showcases.
Get within the temper at a burlesque present
Don’t know should you’ve heard, however Houston’s burlesque scene isn’t solely again post-pandemic—it’s higher. This suggestion is for many who need to deliver just a little spice to a date, whether or not it’s to rekindle a flame or mild one up. AvantGarden in Montrose hosts burlesque exhibits each Friday, usually that includes legendary native performers like Abby Cadabra, Valentina J’Adore, and Cara Cherie.

Go dancing at Off the Report
Go to a clubby cocktail bar on downtown Houston’s Major Avenue that’s a fab time. Masquerading as a vinyl store from the skin, Off the Report payments itself as a “listening lounge” with themed nights and DJs that span genres from Motown to ’90s hip-hop. You possibly can dance together with your boo or sit in a nook and vibe to the music collectively if that’s extra your velocity.
Danielle Wright, Geneva Diaz, and Meredith Nudo contributed to this information.