Love isn't isolated to indoors. Whether it's a slow romantic walk, picnic or hanging in the backyard, spice your relationship up with romantic ideas that you can do together outside.
Outdoor Romantic Ideas Near Home
You don't have to travel far away to experience outdoor romance. Some of the best ideas are close to home.
Outdoor Restaurant
In nice weather, some restaurants provide outdoor seating. This requires very little effort on your part, but the romantic payoff is still high. Make sure you call ahead to reserve an outdoor table to avoid being stuck inside.
Walk around the Neighborhood
In our fast-paced world, we often forget the simple pleasures of going for a walk. Go for a stroll with your sweetheart near dusk when it's cooler and the setting sun creates an inviting light.
Picnic in the Park
Everyone knows that a picnic is romantic, but when is the last time you actually had one? You can make it simple with a few sandwiches, fruit, crackers, cheese, and something to drink. On the other hand, you can make it more extravagant and put some catered food in your picnic basket. Either way, your sweetheart is sure to enjoy the meal and the romantic time spent together. To spice up the picnic even more, make it a surprise.
Backyard Hammock
If you have some strong trees in your backyard, put them to use with a hammock. Having a lazy day in your own backyard can be surprisingly romantic. You can observe cloud formations, talk, cuddle and nap.
Decorate Your Patio
You probably have thought about making a romantic dinner in your dining room. However, what about turning your patio or deck into a romantic place as well? All you need is some candles or torches to transform the average patio into something a little more special.
Christmas Lights
Chances are a neighborhood near where you live transforms into a Christmas extravaganza each December. Checking out the lights together by foot or in your car is quite romantic. If you are in your car, play some Christmas music to set the mood. When you get home, sip a warm drink together, sit by the fire and sing Christmas songs with each other.
More Outdoor Romantic Ideas
While there are many romantic ideas near your home, sometimes you have to travel a little further for some outdoor fun.
Explore a Small Town
Exploring a small town together can be a lot of fun, especially if the town has a quaint downtown area perfect for walking. The drive to the town can be nearly as fun. In fact, you might enjoy the open road together so much that you end up having no destination at all.
Camping
Camping together can be romantic if you find a secluded campsite. Try visiting a less well-known camp or go during the off-season to ensure some privacy. Bring materials for s'mores as no romantic camping trip would be complete without this treat.
Stargazing
If you have an open view of the sky at your campsite, stargazing is a great activity to combine with camping. You can also view the stars without camping by traveling a little ways outside of town to get a better view of the night sky. Stargazing is especially fun when there is a meteor shower. Keep the following peak dates in mind when planning your viewing:
- Quadrantids: January 3
- Draconids: June 28
- Perseids: August 11-12
- Orionids: October 20
- Leonids: November 17
- Geminids: December 14
Hiking
Hiking is another activity to combine with camping or separately. You might also pack a picnic lunch to have during your hike. Romantic hiking is not about fitness, so be sure to stop frequently to observe nature and take in the view.
Outdoor Concert or Theater
Many cities have an outdoor concert or theater series during the summers. Sometimes these shows are even free. Check with your local chamber of commerce for dates and times.
Beach
If you are lucky enough to have a beach nearby, you are probably already aware of its romantic qualities. The most romantic time is actually at night. The beach is less crowded then and the dark sky enhances the romantic waves.
Conclusion
No romance is complete without some outdoor romantic fun. Regardless of the weather or the season, outdoor ideas are only limited by your imagination. It all starts with making the decision to get off the couch and go outside.
