Whether you’re single or in a relationship, dating yourself is the ultimate form of self-love and source of happiness, but when was the last time you explored solo date ideas?
Spending quality time alone and getting to know yourself is the first step in loving and accepting who you really are. This is an important source of value and self-esteem that is healthy whether you’re single, dating or married.
According to Psychology Today, having low self-esteem can cause problems in the relationship like underestimating your partner’s love and viewing them more negatively. The more you know yourself and accept you for you, the better equipped you are to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of your relationship status.
Self date ideas can be a scary concept at first if you’ve never tried it, but once you do, you will be sold. And solo doesn’t have to mean alone! It’s also a great opportunity to learn how to make friends as an adult or how to meet people in a new city.
If you’ve ever thought about the concept of self-love or even wondered, “Where should I go for a solo date?” this guide of ultimate solo date ideas will set you in the right direction.
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1. Paint and Sip
If you’re considering taking yourself on a date, check out paint and sip near you. There’s something about creating art that helps you zone out (in a good way) and feel a bit of zen — sounds like a chill solo date idea to us.
Talented artists will lead you, step by step, through painting your own handpainted masterpiece as you sip your go-to beverage. Browse paint and sip in Portland, paint and sip in Los Angeles, paint and sip in Washington D.C. and everywhere in between.
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2. Check Out a Live Show
Okay, so this one doesn’t involve creativity on your part, but it’s still an artistic expression. Head to a live show near you whether it’s a new band or your childhood favorite and jam out for a special solo date idea. Live music is always a treat and perfect for date ideas in Washington D.C. or wherever you happen to be.
3. Have a Photo Shoot
For your next solo date idea, put on your favorite outfit and have a photo shoot. When was the last time you updated your profile picture? If you’re camera shy or selfies aren’t your thing, head out into nature and capture some beautiful views or take pics of your pet.
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4. Visit the Bookstore
Whatever your favorite genre, the bookstore always has something new to catch your eye. Hit up Barnes & Noble or a local bookstore for your next solo date idea and let your mind enter a new universe through a new book.
5. Book a Trip
Just because this is a solo date idea doesn’t mean the trip you take has to be. Set aside an evening or a weekend morning and plan the trip of your dreams, or at least the one you’ve been meaning to take.
6. Make Yourself a Snack Board
This solo date idea can easily go in conjunction with some of the others, like movie night or spa day. Create a visually appealing and delicious snack board with your favorite foods and savor the experience. It can be a traditional charcuterie board, a trendy new butter board or some hybrid of all your favorites.
7. Have a Sunset Picnic –You don’t need a partner to enjoy a beautiful sunset and some snacks. Next time you’re looking for an easy solo date idea, pack a picnic of your favorite foods (or pick up your favorite carry-out!) and head to a spot with beautiful views. Your backyard, patio or local park all make great spots.
8. Have Dinner at a Fancy Restaurant
Just because you’re on your own doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an extravagant meal. Plus, booking a table for one is much easier than larger parties, so it might be your ticket into that booked new restaurant. Take a typical date and turn it into a lovely solo date idea.
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9. Treat Yourself to Your Favorite Dish
Whether you set aside a couple of hours to prepare a batch of cookies or slow-cooked short rib ragu, or you decide to order carryout from your favorite spot, eating your favorite food is an easy solo date idea to show yourself some love.
If it’s cooking for yourself, make a point to really savor the process and act like you’re making dinner or a treat for someone you love — yourself!
10. Go For a Drive
Something about sunny weather just makes you want to get in your car, crank your favorite tunes and drive around with nowhere to go. We’ll classify this as a pretty cheap solo date idea since gas isn’t free…and you’re probably just taking a spin around town — not a cross-country road trip!
11. Visit a Museum
Most people don’t take advantage of local museums or art galleries in their area, but rather they reserve those activities for vacations and new cities. But have you ever thought about what you could be missing out on?
You just might be in one of the best cities for artists, and if you live in or near our nation’s capital, this is a perfect solo date idea in D.C. because it’s home to some spectacular museums.
Next time you’re looking for a solo date idea for a rainy day, check out a local art installment or museum and stroll around taking everything in.
12. Watch Your Favorite Movie
When it comes to free solo date ideas and self-love, sometimes it’s about the little things, like an evening at home alone watching your favorite movie. Take it up a notch by adding your favorite movie snacks and you’ve got yourself an ideal situation.
13. Plan a Weekend With No Technology
This doesn’t have to mean no TVs or lights, but you can take it as literally as you like. Solo date ideas are all about reducing stress and relaxing, and sometimes we don’t realize how attached we are to our phones.
Challenge yourself to set your phone to Do Not Disturb or, better yet, just turn it off and enjoy a weekend of peace and quiet.
