Despite not being able to go out to a fancy restaurant or head to the movies this year for Valentine's Day [1], every true romantic knows that you don't need an elaborate date to have fun or show your partner that you care. And one of the funnest ways to do that this year is by getting into your car! Car dates can be spontaneous, full of adventure, and really romantic (Remember how exciting it was in high school to drive around with your crush?!), and there are lots of great options that'll make this Valentine's Day one of the best. From seeing a drive-in movie [2] to listening to a romantic date night playlist [3] to stargazing, these car date ideas are the perfect mix of thoughtful and sweet. So, if you're ready to plan a night to remember, buckle up and keep reading for our favorite car date ideas for Valentine's Day.
Have Breakfast at Sunrise
When you hear "car date," you may associate that with a night drive, but why not take the classic breakfast in bed idea and make into breakfast in your car? Park your car on a hilltop or go to your favorite spot to watch the sun come up. You can enjoy the calm of the early morning sunrise with just your coffee, a few pastries, and your loved one. It will definitely be a special moment you'll remember forever.
Take a Drive in Nature
There's nothing more beautiful and calming than a scenic drive. Find a route that includes nature - maybe a drive through a forest or to a lake - and spend the day just soaking in the gorgeous environment from the warmth of your vehicle. Or, if it's snowy where you are, hop out of your car for a quiet and romantic walk in the snow.
Treat Yourselves to Take Out
If you can't go to your favorite restaurant to celebrate Valentine's Day, order take-out and have your meal on the road! Ordering to-go is a great way to support a local business, and allows you to enjoy a delicious meal from the comfort of your car.
Watch the Sunset
Watching the sunset is calming, romantic, and will create a beautiful memory for you and your partner to cherish forever. Find a private area to park and soak in the sky as it turns from blue to a gorgeous sea of orange, yellow, and purple.
Do Carpool Karaoke
If you or your partner love James Corden's Carpool Karaoke [5], why not make that the theme of your date? It's fun, creative, and is sure to make your significant other laugh as you enjoy singing to all your favorite songs.
Go to a Drive-In Show (or Make Your Own)
There's nothing better than sharing a laugh with your partner. Make that happen during your Valentine's Day date by surprising them with tickets to an outdoor comedy show or a fun drive-in movie! If there are none available in your area, try making your own with a sheet and a projector [6]. Pull up in your car (it can even be in your own backyard) and watch a movie, concert, or comedy special. Just make sure you have all the best snacks with you!
Go Stargazing
Stargazing is one of the most romantic experiences you can share with a partner. Spend the night soaking in the beauty of the stars, searching the sky for constellations, and maybe even wishing on a shooting star or two. This one is truly a date night taken straight from a movie or romance novel!
Have a Cozy Snuggle
Especially during the colder months, one of the most satisfying things to do is snuggle up with your significant other. Plan a cozy snuggle session by packing blankets and pillows to bundle up in in your trunk, and enjoy a relaxing (and warm!) date with your partner. Oh, and don't forget the warm drinks!
Pack a Homemade Picnic
Pop open your trunk and enjoy a picnic! Cooking homemade food is a lovely way to show someone you care about them, so make that gesture even more romantic by driving them to a special location to indulge in it.
Make a Mixtape
Making a mixtape for someone is incredibly personal, and it's a unique gift that your significant other is sure to appreciate! And no matter where your car date ends up taking you, you can enjoy the playlist and sing along. Need song ideas? Check out these steamy R&B tracks [7] and this playlist of love songs [8] for inspiration.
Enjoy Sweets With Your Sweetie
One of the best parts of Valentine's Day is indulging in sweets. Rather than having a traditional meal, pack you and your significant other's favorite chocolates and candy and munch on those all throughout your car date.
Plan a Game Night
If you have a trunk or another large area in your vehicle, plan a full afternoon or night of games! Whether you and your significant other enjoy board games, chess, cards, or even mobile games, this is a fun, cute idea for your a change of scenery and an unconventional Valentine's Day.
Tour Your Hometown
If one of you (or both!) live in or near your hometown, drive around and take a tour. Drive by all of your favorite spots, places you used to go while growing up, and share stories with each other from your childhoods. This is such a fun way to learn new facts about your partner while appreciating your hometown.
Go Dancing
You don't need an official dance floor for this one! Take a drive out to a romantic spot and dance with each other under the stars. You can either dance in the quiet or turn on your own playlist.
Take a Restaurant Tour
Do a bit of a food scavenger hunt and hit up different restaurants all night long! You can either grab food to-go from different spots for appetizers, main courses, and desserts, or you can just grab small plates and snacks from a handful of spots and enjoy them while driving around or parked at different locations.
Have a Good, Old-Fashioned Makeout Session
There's nothing quite like sharing a steamy kiss in your car with the one that excites you the most. Take it back to high school by having a little makeout session! This is a simple date idea that will make you both feel like giddy kids again.