By Jennifer Cuellar, on December 30, 2019

Top Date Ideas in Phoenix

It’s time to do a relationship check: is date night just take-out pizza and Netflix? Yeah, it’s time to mix it up. Few things spice up relationships more than a romantic trip, and we have the perfect spot in mind. Yup, we’re talking about Phoenix! With year-round sunny skies and a booming art scene, it’s an excellent setting for kisses.

We’ve rounded up the top date ideas to add extra pizazz to your trip. Whether you’re still in the honeymoon phase and want to keep things hot and heavy, or have been together forever and want to treat yourselves, this town offers a truly romantic vacay. Here are the top date ideas in Phoenix.

What are the best first date ideas in Phoenix?

Dates and friend groups waiting for the movie to start under dim blue light at FilmBar Phoenix, a great first date idea.
Via Pupkin/Flickr.com

Is this your first trip as a couple? Congrats! There’s nothing quite like a big vacation together. While you’ve already had your first date (it clearly went well), first date ideas still leave plenty of room for silliness and adventure. Try out these fun date ideas in Phoenix.

FilmBar

Downtown Phoenix

If you were to ask a local for a date night recommendation, chances are you’ll hear about FilmBar. Actually, they might be offended if you haven’t heard of it yet. This famed independent movie theater in downtown Phoenix runs cult classics, along with indie, foreign, and retro films. Pregame with craft beer and wine served at the bar and split a few tamales. Then walk hand in hand to your seats to watch classics like “The Big Lebowski” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Phoenix Art Museum 

Central Phoenix

Want to get dolled up and admire world-class art? Then head to Phoenix Art Museum, the largest art museum in the Southwest. Admire highlights like “Flower Garden” by Louis Ritman and a Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. Are you a pair of night owls? Not to worry! The museum is open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 p.m. the first Friday of the month.

First Draft Book Bar

North Phoenix

Are you and your sweetie bookworms and cocktail fans? You’re going to love First Draft Book Bar. There’s wine, beer, coffee, and snacks, and here’s the best part: It’s inside a bookstore called Changing Hands! Pretty cool, right? Order up drinks and share bites with names like “Hansel & Pretzel” and “Horton Hears a Hummus.”

What are some special occasion date ideas in Phoenix?

View from the velvet seats looking at the ornate golden stage at Orpheum Theatre—a special occasion date spot.
Via Colin Knowles/Flickr.com

You’re on vacation, and there’s no better time than the present to get fancy for a night on the town. Here are some special date night ideas in Phoenix.

Orpheum Theatre

Downtown Phoenix

Built in 1929, the Orpheum Theatre still epitomizes the grandeur of yesteryear while putting on modern productions. Check the events calendar to see which performances are playing during your weekend trip. Or, if you’re in town during the week, take the free tour of the venue, which occurs on alternating Tuesdays.

Phoenix Symphony

Downtown Phoenix

Classical music nerds unite! The Phoenix Symphony is an excellent date night idea. Not only do they perform music by legendary conductors like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, they also play live during movies like “Harry Potter” and Disney classics.

Arizona Opera

Central Phoenix

Opera is alive and well in the desert. The Arizona Opera played its first show in 1976 and has been an elegant attraction ever since. They put on spectacular performances every year, so be sure to check the calendar during your trip.

What are the best date night restaurants in Phoenix?

Pizza with olives, cheese, and prosciutto on a rustic crust from Pizzeria Bianco—one of the best date night restaurants in Phoenix
Via Dale Cruse/Flickr.com

It’s time to break out of the Grubhub rut you two are in, because date night restaurants in Phoenix aren’t playing around. From delectable pasta to award-winning pizzas, it’s time to indulge.

Cibo

Downtown Phoenix

With house-made pasta, Instagram-worthy decor featuring exposed bricks, and an indoor fireplace, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more beloved Italian restaurant in Phoenix.

Pizzeria Bianco

Downtown Phoenix

It’s one of the most famous pizza joints in America. Pizzeria Bianco has been featured in numerous magazines, late-night talk shows, and best-of lists. Taste the pizza by the James Beard Award-winning chef.

St. Francis

North Phoenix

Pizzas aren’t the only things coming out wood ovens. When you take your sweetie to St. Francis, you’ll want to try options like the pork chile verde and Moroccan meatballs. If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can’t go wrong with the New York strip steak or shrimp risotto.

Bitter & Twisted

Downtown Phoenix

You’ve got to love the irony: This stylish bar is located in the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters. The cocktails push things to the limit, with chili-infused tequila and lemongrass vodka. There’s also a food menu to sop up the dangerously good booze.

What is there to do in Phoenix at night?

Satin ballet shoes on a wooden dance floor, part of the dance performances you'll see on a date at Phoenix First Friday.
Via hitdelight/Shutterstock.com

As the locals like to say, “It’s a dry heat.” Nonetheless, you and your beau may want to wait until the sun goes down to see how the city lights up after hours. Here are some popular cheap date night ideas in Phoenix.

First Fridays

Downtown Phoenix

It’s one of the most popular traditions in the city. Make your way to Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue to check out late-night art vendors and galleries the first Friday of the month.

Epic Escape Game

Downtown Phoenix

Want to test your teamwork skills? Book an escape room and work together to figure out the clues to get out.

Ballet Under the Stars

Various locations

Professional ballet dancers put on free performances around the Phoenix area each fall. Check the calendar to see if one of the spell-binding shows aligns with your trip.

What are some romantic day trips from Phoenix?

Guests at Tempe Improv waiting for the show to start under blue neon lights on their romantic day trip from Phoenix.
Via sean hobson/flickr.com

The Phoenix area is close to several well-known towns. From Scottsdale to Tempe, there are tons of cute date ideas just outside city limits.

Tempe 

Located 10 miles east of Phoenix, Tempe is a college town full of breweries and nightlife. Check the dates at Tempe Improv, which hosts comedians like Craig Robinson, Pauly Shore, and Tacarra Williams. Pre-game at Four Peaks, an award-winning brewery with plenty of shareable snacks, like their popular nachos that are topped with pickled jalapenos.

Queen Creek 

Queen Creek, located 33 miles north of Phoenix, is a small town with a big punch. You can easily spend the afternoon horseback riding, hiking, and shopping. However, we’d recommend booking a date at Queen Creek Olive Mill. Enjoy the 45-minute Olive Oil 101 Tour and pick up a few bottles as souvenirs.

Scottsdale 

Situated 11 miles northeast of Phoenix, Scottsdale is its most famous neighbor. You and your sweetie can easily spend the whole day exploring Old Town, wandering through museums, and checking out upscale restaurants. Just be sure to sip an energy drink when the sun goes down, because the nightlife scene is huge. Check out dance clubs like The Mint Ultra Lounge, Wasted Grain, and Maya.

Spice things up with the top date ideas in Phoenix. With options like these, it’s a romantic vacation you’ll never forget. Book your flights, find the perfect hotel room in Phoenix, and if you want more cash for fun, book a Phoenix vacation package for the best deal. You’ve got more important things to spend money on—like extra dessert with your sweetie! Cheers to more romance on your vacay.

Header image attribution:Via Globe Guide Media Inc/Shutterstock.com