21 Romantic First-Date Ideas for Arizona Singles

Date Ideas Last modified: by Cassi Villanueva

How do great dates happen for Arizona singles? What is it that takes an so-so date up a notch or two to make it an absolutely unforgettable one?

Too often we default to a popular or well known place to take someone we’ve just met out on a date. A coffee shop. A movie. The restaurant everyone in Arizona goes to for their first dates.

The problem with automatically choosing one of these places is that there is no “wow” factor. There is no effort to make what will probably be an okay date into a fantastic one.

To really make a first date you have to invest in the date. Go somewhere out of the ordinary. Add a touch of romance, and show your date that you put time and effort into making the outing special without having to say a word about it.

After all, the point of the first date is to be a gateway to the second. Don’t let a ho-hum date be the final chapter in what could be a novel that’s just beginning.

A great first date can lead to a great second date

One of the most important things you can do when planning a first date is to make it great.  Not good, not mediocre, not an “Oh, it went pretty well” kind of date, but GREAT date.

Arizona singles (and singles all over the world!) want to find out if the person they’re taking out for the first time is truly dating material and or if they really mesh well. The setting can make all the difference.

If you take a great person out to a great place, chances are you’re going to have a great time. Having a great time on your first date means that there will most definitely be a second date (and hopefully a third and fourth), and that’s kind of the point, right?

How to plan a great date

In order to plan a truly great date, you have to firstly, know your audience. Is the person you’re taking out outdoorsy? Does he/she have an affinity for wine and a flair for the dramatic?

What kind of hobbies do they have and how do they like to spend their time?

Secondly you’ll need to do your research. The amount of thought you put into the date will show right away.

In order to make the evening perfect, you’ll have to scope out the perfect spot. Lucky for you the work has already been done!

Read on and take your pick from one of these 21 romantic first date ideas for Arizona singles that will be sure to leave your date hoping for a second invitation.

First date ideas for Arizona singles in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale Metro Area

Whether you are looking for an inexpensive date idea in Phoenix or the surrounding areas, here are a few date ideas that you can (and should) suggest for a first date!

The Japanese Friendship Garden

For Arizona singles who love the outdoors, the perfect place for a first date may be the Japanese Friendship Garden. Take a stroll through this 3.5 acre magnificent garden as you get to know the person alongside you. Take in the serenity of the peaceful setting which has more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rocks and more than 50 varieties of plants.

Stone footbridges and lanterns will illuminate your path as you walk by flowing streams, a 12 foot waterfall and a Koi pond teaming with colorful Koi fish. Be sure to stop in to the tea house before bringing your date to a close.

Art Museum

Art is beautiful, abstract, complicated and emotional, just like a relationship. Pouring over pieces of art with one another is a perfect way for Arizona singles to spend a day or evening.

The Phoenix Art Museum boasts an expansive collection of art spanning from the Renaissance to the present.  World class visual arts provide great talking points and there is a new conversation starter at every turn.

This is a perfect place to take someone whom you are trying to get to know better and one of our favorite date ideas in Phoenix.

Butterfly Wonderland

If you really want to wow your date, take them to the Butterfly Wonderland in Maricopa County.  This interactive rain-forest houses thousands of butterflies and concludes with a cafe and gift shop.

It’s a really fun date idea for Arizona singles and you’ll both be sure to have a wonderful experience.

LDV Winery

Looking for date night ideas in Scottsdale? What’s better than a wine tasting?

When people think wineries they think of romance, and so of course it’s a lovely place for Arizona singles to go on a first date.

The LDV Winery in Scottsdale features Arizona grown wine that you can sample in their tasting room as you converse with others about the process of maintaining a vineyard and producing wine.  Check out their website for special dates, tastings, and events to plan your special day. After you’ve been to your tasting, check out one of the many romantic restaurants in Scottsdale.

Be sure to purchase a bottle of LDV wine to bring home for your second date!

South Mountain Park

One of the largest municipal parks in the country, South Mountain Park and Preserve is a land with breathtaking views and has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride. With 16,000 acres, there are over 51 miles of trails to explore.

One of the best spots in the park is Dobbins Lookout.  The highest accessible point in the park, once you reach the top you’ll find a stone ramada and a small observation platform that identifies various Phoenix landmarks.

Is there anything more romantic for Arizona singles than sitting on the edge of a mountain and taking in the beauty of God’s Creation?

Desert Botanical Garden

Take a stroll down trail upon trail of some of the most unique and beautiful desert plants as you enjoy the beauty of Desert Botanical Garden.

This 140 acre botanical garden is overflowing with nature’s magnificent beauty and a fantastic place for a first, second, or even third date.

Horseback riding

Looking for  fun date ideas in Phoenix? Enjoying someone’s company while covering trails on the back of horses is just as romantic and fun as it sounds.

Fortunately the Phoenix area has no shortage of horseback riding tours.  Some of the favorites are:

First date ideas for Arizona Singles in the Tucson Metro Area

Tucson Botanical Gardens

This 5.5 acre collection of sixteen residentially scaled urban gardens in Tucson, Arizona, Reader’s Digest named Tucson Botanical Gardens as the BEST Secret Garden in America. That makes it a perfect date spot for Arizona singles!

Paths wind through gardens which include a Zen Garden, a Prehistoric Garden, a Barrio Garden, a Butterfly Garden and a Xeriscape Garden and lend a perfect spot for a couple maneuvering through their first date.

Sabino Canyon

One visit to its website and you’ll see why Sabino Canyon could possibly be one of the most romantic first dates of all time.

“With soaring mountains, deep canyons, and the unique plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert found here draw over a million visitors a year to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.  The wonders of the desert foothills and rocky gorges of the Santa Catalina Mountains are marvelous and accessible.”

Reid Park Zoo

There are so many animals to see, learn about, and even have contact with in a zoo which make it an ideal spot for a first date.  Not sure what to talk about? No problem, the conversation on this date is already laid out for you.

Tucson Reid Park Zoo is special because it has a commitment to biological diversity and boasts a collection birds, prairie dogs, farm animals, and a few squirrel monkeys. It’s a 24-acre campus that houses hundreds of animals in naturalistic exhibits.

Maynards

Maynards Market and Kitchen is a historic French venue with a takeaway counter, bar, gourmet shop, and eatery with seasonal American fare.

If you’re looking for a low key, but classy first date, grab a table and enjoy sharing conversation over a glass of wine and delicious food.

Picnic at Himmel Park

Himmel Park is a gem located in the city of Tucson.  Pack a basket lunch, Frisbee and maybe a bottle of wine for a comfortably fun and outdoorsy date.

Don’t forget a blanket!

The Santa Catalina Mountains

A premier natural area in southeastern Arizona, the Santa Catalina Mountains feature lowland desert as well as high pine forests.  There is no end to the number of natural activities you can partake in, which makes this the perfect playground for a first date.

Hiking, rock climbing, biking, skiing, camping, research and education are just some of the many things you can do while there.

First date ideas for Arizona singles in the Prescott Metro Area

Elks Opera House

If you’re thinking you want take your date to a historical venue and enjoy a bit of the arts, consider the Elks Opera House in Prescott.

Enjoy a show or book a private tour and enjoy this fantastic venue and the romantic ambiance it provides.

Watson Lake

Are you one of many Arizona singles looking to escape the desert heat? Take your date to the beautiful oasis just four miles outside of Prescott, Watson Lake. You won’t need your suits as swimming is prohibited, but fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing will keep you cool.

Once you’ve had enough of the water, there is also rock climbing, hiking, and horse shoe pits so plan on spending at least a few hours here, if not the whole day!

Papa’s Italian Restaurant

Spaghetti and meatballs is not just for canines in love. Italian food smells and tastes of romance for everyone!

The premiere location for Arizona singles dining in and around Prescott, share a bottle of wine and a couple of entrees at this warm and hospitable spot and your date will go home already looking forward to the next time you go out.

Scavenger Hunt

Turn Tucson into a game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour.

Puzzling Adventures is a cross between a scavenger hunt, The Amazing Race and a self guided tour through the heart of the city.

If you and your date are feeling competitive, complete the hunt as fast as possible, but if you want to just take in the sights and enjoy getting to know each other while accomplishing the task at hand, take your time.

We give this adventure a thumbs up for being an awesome date day in Tucson. What could possibly be more romantic than being lost in the middle of a city together?

First date ideas for Arizona Singles in the Lake Havasu City-Kingman Metro Area

Sunset Charter & Tour Co

If you really want to wow your date and don’t mind spending $50 a person, make a reservation for an excursion on the Serenity Now with Captain Kenny.

During the three hour tour you will see the Sleeping Indian and Balance Rock, two very popular rock formations and visit  coves like Copper Canyon and Steamboat Cove.

Their website boasts that in addition to learning the history of the city, London Bridge and Copper Canyon, “you will be enthralled by the amazing sunset and dazzled by the light show sparkling on the water. The view of the city lights and star-studded night sky from the water is spectacular. As the desert comes to life at night you may catch a glimpse, or hear the sounds, of native wildlife such as a coyote howling at the moon or the braying of a wild burro.”

Sounds like a pretty romantic spot for Arizona singles!

Grace Arts Live

A performing arts theater in Lake Havasu City, offers both intimate and large scale concerts, theater productions, educational workshops and special events.

Whether your date would be interested in attending a workshop with you or watching a show such as Mama Mia or The Addams Family, Grace Arts Live is a unique and trendy venue that would be great for a new couple getting to just know each other.

London Bridge Beach

One of the nicest spots around, London Bridge Beach, is a park that features waterfront picnic and BBQ areas, walking trails, swimming and athletic fields. If you want to make a day (or an afternoon) of your date, this spot is sure to be a hit.

Pack a lunch for a picnic, wear your suits and bring a change of clothes and you’ll be set for a day of adventure plus relaxation. Sun, sand and water … three romantic components that Arizona singles will be sure to enjoy!

Sara Park

This park has so many amenities that it’s almost too good to be true. And they aren’t done growing! Below are just some of the things they offer:

Sara Park is so versatile that you can choose the place, but give your date options to choose from. A first date is always a win when both parties are happy!

Conclusion

First dates can be nerve wrecking so it’s important to reduce the unknowns and prepare plenty of time in advance to make sure the day or evening flows as smoothly as possible.

By doing the proper research and coming up with a great venue, you can put a positive spin on your first date before you even get there.  The places above are some of the most romantic and interesting spots for Arizona singles and your date will be sure to have a great time. You’ll be planning that second date before you know it!

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