75+ Best Solo Date Ideas To Fall In Love With Yourself

I talk a lot about self care and self love in many of my posts on GenTwenty. One thing that I haven’t explored much about the topic has been solo dates.

If I’m being honest, I’ve been struggling a bit lately. When I was trying to find ways to work on making myself feel better and live a happier life, solo date ideas kept getting brought up.

Since I don’t gatekeep, I’m bringing you along on my solo date journey in this blog post so that you can start your own.

What is the point of solo dates?

If you’re not familiar with solo dates they are basically exactly how they sound – dates that you go on by yourself. You may be wondering what the point of that is.

Believe me I was too the first time I heard the term. It turns out there are actually a lot of great benefits to solo dates, including increased self love, more confidence, time for mindfulness/reflection, and more. 

One of my favorite reasons/benefits of solo dates is proving that you don’t have to wait until you are in a relationship to do the fun things you’ve been wanting to do.

I’ve been single all my life. That’s a long time to go without going to certain events, venues, activities just because I don’t have someone to go with.

By committing to going on solo dates I can start doing these things I’ve missed out on. 

How I’m Doing Them

There are many different ways that you can go about deciding what to do on your solo date. Here are some of the parameters that may help you decide.

1. Planned vs Spontaneous  

Here you can either have everything planned out or you can decide what you’ll do randomly through something like a date jar. I’ll be walking you through how I made my jar full of solo date ideas later on in this post.

Adding solo dates to your to-do list is one way to make sure you actually follow through! Put it on your calendar and fully commit.

2. Stay In vs Go Out

You need to decide if you want to have your date night at home, or if you want to go out.

Some things to consider here are:

• Will you have the house, or at least an area of the house, to yourself?
• Do you feel safe going out by yourself where you would be going?

If you decide to go out, make sure someone knows your location so that you stay safe.

3. Dress Up vs Dress Casual

How will you be dressing for your date? You want to treat these solo dates like regular dates, so decide if you’ll be dressed to the nines or keeping things casual.

Whatever you decide just make sure you put effort into your outfit like you would if you had a date with someone else.

4. Spend Money vs. Save Money

If you’re worried about going on these dates because of money, I’m here to tell you that it’s possible to go on cheap solo dates, or even free.

In fact I recommend doing these dates the most because it gives you more opportunities to go on solo dates. They still mean just as much as other dates as well, as long as you are intentional about them.

That means dressing nice, even if you are just at home, staying in the moment while on your date, and more. I like to listen to my self love playlist while on my dates for a double boost of self love.

Occasional Dates vs Dating Yourself Often

Lastly you want to decide how often you want to go on dates. This will change as you go through different seasons of life. It’s good to have a starting point though. I decided to organize my dates by price range.

• Every other week I’ll do a solo date that is free or costs very little.
• Once a month I’ll go on a solo date that costs a bit more, like maybe a nice restaurant, local concert, etc..
• Once every three months I’ll do a “treat yo’self” date. These would be activities like going to the spa, shopping day, etc..

I think this is a good system but I might adjust it if needed along the way.

30+ Best Solo Date Ideas To Try This Summer

If you’re ready to start your own solo dating adventure, here are some ideas to get you started and get our of your comfort zone! Plan some date nights for yourself and enjoy your own company. That quality time alone is key for personal growth! Spending alone time doing something new is one of the best ways to invest in yourself.

I’ve got them separated by price range to make it easier for you to decide what type of dates you want to add. Also the ones on bold are dates that can be done at home.

Free – Under $40

Remember, these don’t have to be huge events! They can take anywhere from an hour or two to an entire afternoon! The important part is that you are reveling in spending time alone.

1. Picnic in the park
2. Go see a movie
3. Cook your favorite meal while listening to your favorite playlist
4. DIY at home spa night with a face mask
5. Make a charcuterie board (this was a recent solo date for me!)
6. Get dressed up for no reason and do a mini-photo shoot
7. Have a pool day
8. Have a craft day 
9. Complete a puzzle
10. Go to a flower field and buy flowers
11. Take a class (art, cooking, baking, etc.)
12. Try a new workout class
13. Go to a farmers market
14. Try a new coffee shop
15. Explore a botanical garden
16. Play video games at an arcade
17. Go Thrifting for unique finds
18. Picnic in a local park
19. Watch a movie for a cozy night in
20. Reorganize closet while listening to a great playlist
21. Go to a town/city event
22. Watch sunrise/sunset then journal about it.
23. Walk a trail/go hiking 
24. Try a new makeup look
25. Plan a getaway, dream/journal what it would look like
26. Brainstorm new places to explore
27. Make a meal with fresh produce from the farmer’s market
28. Visit the local library
29. Make a homemade five course meal just for yourself
30. Take a tour and learn some local history
31. Go on a nature walk at a local park
32. Try a new recipe
33. Visit outdoor art exhibits in a nearby town
34. Get cozy with a cup of tea and a good book in your living room
35. Buy a local guidebook and discover some hidden gems
36. Take a Sunday Morning hike

$45-$75

These dates cost a little more but also offer activities and a great way to spend time with yourself.

1. Take a Day Trip: Pack a bag and head to a nearby town or nature spot. Explore local shops, cafes, and hiking trails. Enjoy a leisurely day discovering new places.
2. Comedy Show: Find a local comedy club and buy a ticket for a night of laughter. Many comedy clubs also offer food and drinks to enhance the experience.
3. Go to the Theater: Purchase a ticket to a play, musical, or performance at a local theater. Enjoy the atmosphere and the live entertainment.
4. Eat at a Nice Restaurant: Dress up and dine at a mid-range restaurant. Savor a three-course meal, perhaps with a glass of wine or a fancy dessert. Treat yourself to your favorite foods!
5. Go Bowling: Spend an evening at a bowling alley. Rent a lane, enjoy the game, and perhaps indulge in some snacks or drinks.
6. Go to the Aquarium: Spend a few hours exploring an aquarium. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and learn about marine life.
7. Visit an Art Museum or Art Gallery: Immerse yourself in art and culture. Many museums and galleries offer special exhibitions and interactive displays.
8. Go to a Sporting Event: Purchase a ticket to a local sports game. Enjoy the excitement of the crowd and the thrill of live sports.
9. Paint & Sip Night: Join a scheduled paint and sip class or set up your own at home. Follow along with a tutorial, sip your favorite beverage, and create a piece of art.
10. Go Window Shopping: Visit a shopping district or mall. Browse stores, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe treat yourself to a small item or a nice coffee. You don’t have to go on a shopping spree to have a great solo date.
11. Cooking Class: Take a cooking class at a local culinary school or community center. Learn new recipes and cooking techniques.
12. Outdoor Concert or Festival: Attend an outdoor concert or cultural festival. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and the festive atmosphere.
13. Escape Room: Challenge yourself with an escape room experience. Solve puzzles and work through challenges to “escape” within a set time.
14. Bookstore and Café Visit: Spend a few hours at a large bookstore. Browse books, pick one to read, and enjoy coffee or tea at the attached café.
15. Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and head to a local park. Relax, read a book, and enjoy the outdoors.
16. Movie Marathon: Visit a movie theater for a double feature or participate in a movie marathon event. Enjoy multiple films back-to-back.
17. Brewery or Winery Tour: Take a tour of a local brewery or winery. Enjoy tastings and learn about the brewing or winemaking process.
18. Yoga or Fitness Class: Join a yoga or fitness class at a local studio. Focus on your well-being and enjoy the guided exercise.
19. Pottery or Craft Class: Sign up for a pottery, ceramics, or other craft class. Create something with your hands and take home a unique piece.
20. Scenic Train Ride: Take a scenic train ride through a picturesque area. Enjoy the views and the relaxing journey.
21. Visit a Historical Site or Museum: Spend the day exploring a historical site or museum. Learn about local history and culture.
22. Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking: Rent a paddleboard or kayak and spend some time on the water. Enjoy the tranquility and physical activity.

These ideas provide a range of experiences that can make for a memorable solo date within your budget!

$75+

1. Luxury Spa Day: Treat yourself to a day of pampering at a high-end spa. Enjoy massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments.
2. Gourmet Dining Experience: Visit a Michelin-starred restaurant or a high-end eatery. Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu paired with fine wines.
3. Private Cooking Class: Take a private cooking class with a professional chef. Learn to prepare a gourmet meal and enjoy it afterward.
4. Helicopter Tour: Take a scenic helicopter tour of your city or a nearby natural landmark. It’s a thrilling way to see the sights from a new perspective.
5. Broadway Show or Concert: Buy a premium ticket to a Broadway show, concert, or opera. Enjoy the best seats in the house for an unforgettable performance.
6. Staycation at a Luxury Hotel: Book a night at a luxury hotel in your city. Enjoy all the amenities, including room service, spa, pool, and fine dining.
7. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the tranquility and beauty of a hot air balloon ride. Many packages include champagne and a gourmet breakfast or dinner.
8. Personal Shopping Experience: Hire a personal shopper for a day of high-end retail therapy. Get personalized fashion advice and treat yourself to some new wardrobe pieces.
9. Private Art or Museum Tour: Arrange for a private tour of a museum or art gallery. Get exclusive access and insights from a knowledgeable guide.
10. Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour: Visit a prestigious vineyard for a private wine tasting and tour. Learn about winemaking and sample some of the best wines.
11. Adventure Experience: Try an exciting adventure like skydiving, scuba diving, or a guided hiking expedition. These activities often come with professional guidance and safety measures.
12. Photography Session: Book a professional photographer for a solo photo shoot. Capture beautiful, high-quality images in a scenic location or studio.
13. Gourmet Food Tour: Join a gourmet food tour that takes you to some of the best restaurants, cafes, and food markets in your city. Enjoy tastings and learn about local cuisine.
14. Cooking Class with a Celebrity Chef: Attend a cooking class hosted by a celebrity chef. Learn advanced cooking techniques and enjoy a gourmet meal.
15. Luxury Car Rental: Rent a high-end sports car or luxury vehicle for a day. Enjoy the thrill of driving a premium car around your city or on a scenic route.
16. Concert Tickets: Treat yourself to concert tickets and go see your favorite artist perform live music!
17. Luxury Spa Retreat: Spend a day at a high-end spa retreat, indulging in various treatments such as massages, facials, body wraps, and more. Some luxury spas also offer amenities like saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges with complimentary refreshments.
18. Exclusive Wine and Dine Experience: Book an exclusive wine and dine experience at a renowned restaurant. Enjoy a multi-course meal curated by a top chef, each course paired with a selection of fine wines. This experience often includes a tour of the restaurant’s wine cellar and a chance to meet the chef.
19. Scenic Seaplane Flight: Take a scenic seaplane flight over beautiful landscapes, such as coastlines, lakes, or mountains. Many packages include a landing at a picturesque spot where you can enjoy a picnic or explore before flying back.
20. Private Sailing Charter: Rent a private sailboat or yacht for a few hours or a day. Enjoy sailing on calm waters, soaking up the sun, and perhaps even anchoring at a secluded beach or cove for a swim or picnic. Some charters also offer gourmet meals and beverages onboard.

You’ve got the ideas down, now it’s time to figure out how to decide what date to go on when the date comes. I decided to create a solo date jar for mine.

To wrap this post up I thought I’d share with you a tutorial so that you can make your own.

How To Make A Solo Date Jar

I think a date jar is a fun way to decide on what solo date to go on. Especially if you are indecisive like me. I had fun making my jar and I thought I’d show you how I did it.

All you need is some type of jar, paper, pens, markers, and stickers (if you want). If you want to see it done visually I have a TikTok video down below for you.

Before we get started with the tutorial I just wanted to say one more thing. Don’t feel pressure to make your jar the same as mine.

You could put all your date ideas in a hat and it would still work just as fine. Whatever works for you is great!

Here’s how to make yours:

1. Write out all your date ideas on your paper. You’ll be cutting these in strips so leave space in between them.
2. Cut your date ideas into strips.
3. One by one fold up your strips. Put a circle, or any other doodle on  the front and back if you have any categories of dates.
4. Put the strips in the jar and screw the top on
5. Decorate your jar if you’d like.

@its_kelly_93

In my ✨self love era✨ at least I’m trying to be. That’s why I decided to create this solo date jar and go on more solo dates. I explain more in my newest GenTwenty article that will be coming out soon! ☺️ #selflove #solodateideas #solodatejar

♬ dating myself – sad alex

Final Thoughts on Solo Dates

Solo dates are a great form of self love, and self care. I hope you got some ideas from this solo date ideas list. Or maybe you have some of your own? If you do let us know in the comments.

I’d love to add more ideas to my jar and I’m sure other readers would as well. Connect with us over on Instagram to tell us how you chose to date yourself. Happy dating yourself! ❤️

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