Ten Romantic Date Ideas

Candlelight dinners and rose petals aside, if you are looking to go the extra mile for your sweetheart, here are some romantic date ideas to get you started.

Ice skating
Whether you are an expert skater or a beginner, ice skating has a zest that exudes romance. Why else do you think couples always hold hands while stumbling around the ice? Of course, this would not be time to display your killer hockey moves, but helping your date find her balance, or even better, catching her when she falls can bring you closer together. Slip and slide together, and then laugh about it later over hot chocolate.

Walk
Believe it or not, the most romantic thing a man can do is take the time to listen to what she has to say, and then open up and share his thoughts and feelings. What better time to do this than on a meandering walk? Whether you walk on the beach or through the woods, spend some time connecting on an intimate level through physical proximity and conversation.

Painting
Paint a portrait of each other and enjoy the closeness, or perhaps bring along supplies for two and both attempt to capture a fiery sunset.

Dancing or Dancing Lessons
Do you know how to dance, even if you don’t really like to? Is dancing a foreign language to you, and you are terrified to even try? Don’t be. Women love men who are light on their feet or who at least give it a shot. Take her dancing or go together for dancing lessons. As we all know, a woman’s body can speak volumes through dance.

Take a Drive
Enjoy the outdoors in true style. Rent or take your own convertible for a drive along the beach or into the hills. Let the breeze waft while you enjoy the stunning California views and each other’s company.

Show
Women love to get dressed up. Take her to an evening performance and give her the chance to really shine. For extra style points, take her shopping earlier in the day for a new gown and accessories then pick her up in the evening to see her model your gifts in full splendor.

Cook Together
Gourmet or not, cooking together and sharing the same small kitchen space can be very romantic. Plan meals together, hit the grocery store and then sip wine as you offer tasty morsels to each other as samples.

Wine Tasting
Vineyards, hills, grapes, and wine – do we need to say more?

Aquarium
Lights are dim, and tranquil views await you around every corner. Enjoy the beauty and peace of aquatic life while strolling slowly through an aquarium.

Boating
While Italy has gondolas, California has the modern equivalent – sailboats. Take your girl sailing. If you don’t know how to man a vessel, by all means book passage on a pleasure boat for an afternoon or evening sail. The gentle lull of the waves and briny air serve as the perfect backdrop for a memorable kiss.

Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of PlanJam.com --where you can plan and find romantic date ideas.