17 Fun Date Night Ideas in Charlotte, NC for an Unforgettable Evening

Rooftop bars. Picnics. Couples’ mani-pedis. There’s no shortage of fun date night ideas in Charlotte, NC. Here are 17 plans to add to your date calendar.

Forget about a night on the town — Charlotte, NC is all about romance from sunup to sundown. 

Start your day walking hand-in-hand at a quiet green park and finish off with a staycation at a swanky downtown hotel, peppering the day with delicious food, incredible nightlife, and outdoorsy fun. Whether you’re planning your first date or celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary, the hard part is deciding what fun thing in Charlotte to do first. 

Here are 17 fun date night ideas in Charlotte, NC for an unforgettable time with that special someone. 

The 5 Best Date Night Restaurants in Charlotte, NC

From candlelit dining rooms to pickleball-themed breweries, there’s a bar and restaurant for every occasion. Here are five top picks. 

1. Bar à Vins

This popular hangout is perfect for couples who want laid-back bar vibes without sacrificing an impressive wine and food menu. Located in the trendy NoDa neighborhood, Bar à Vins has an impressive wine list with bottles you won’t easily find elsewhere in town. And fun dishes, like caviar on Lay’s or bresaola with fresh bread, make it a perfect appetizer before catching live music at the nearby Neighborhood Theatre or Evening Muse. 

2. The Cellar at Duckworth’s

Located on the underground floor of the Uptown Duckworths, the candlelit tables and jazz soundtrack will make you want to get extra close to your special someone. It’s no wonder Yelp named The Cellar as one of the most romantic restaurants in America. For cocktail enthusiasts, there are more than 40 craft cocktail options to pair with upscale gastropub dishes, including truffle mac and cheese and char-grilled oysters. 

3. Rally

Come for the pickleball and stay for the street food and cocktails. Rally is a pickleball court with two bars and a full restaurant that are open late — 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and even later on weekends — making it the perfect spot for a fun date or double-date night. While rackets and sweatbands may not top the list of romantic things, couples looking for a fun date night will enjoy the mix of sports and good cuisine.

4. Stagioni

This classic Charlotte restaurant feels more like an intimate dinner party than a fancy bistro. It makes sense — the 1926 converted home has always been a place for good food and wine. 

Stagioni’s modern take on Italian cuisine in this low-lit restaurant makes it the perfect date spot. Locals know to always order the focaccia to dip into local mussels or a truffle and vermouth tagliatelle. This spot is located a few minutes by car from the Mint Museum Randolph, so visit beforehand to fill dinner conversation with discussion about your favorite art pieces. 

5. L’Ostrica

If a 10-plus-course tasting menu sounds like a unique date idea, L’Ostrica is the kind of meal you and your partner won’t quickly forget. The restaurant is relatively new to the Charlotte food scene, and its seasonal dishes and excellent wine pairings make it a must for serious foodie couples. 

The 5 Best Outdoor Venues for Dates in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte’s year-round good weather makes it ideal for outdoorsy couples. If fresh air is your idea of a memorable date, here are five fun activities in Charlotte. 

6. Ziplining and Whitewater Rafting at the National Whitewater Center

Looking for a unique date idea? Getting wet and wild outdoors could be a fun way to spend time together or get to know a potential new partner. The U.S. National Whitewater Center has many activities to keep adventurous couples busy, including expert-led whitewater rafting, biking, and rock climbing. 

7. Smell the Roses at Charlotte Botanical Gardens

The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens seeks to “inspire a love for plants and nature.” And it might also make romance blossom amongst visitors. The Botanical Gardens are open from sunrise to sunset with several different gardens to stroll through. If flowers are the key to your loved one’s heart, you can also check out the McGill Rose Garden or Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. 

8. Enjoy a Picnic in the Park

Local Charlotte residents love to spend time in the park — and there’s no shortage of options. Uptown’s Romare Bearden Park is a great place to pack a picnic basket at local markets, like The Market at 7th Street or Uptown Farmers Market on Saturdays. And away from bustling downtown Charlotte, Freedom Park has plenty of grassy nooks with lakeside views, and Latta Park’s walking trails work up an appetite. 

9. Seek Thrills at Carowinds

For daredevil couples, Carowinds is an outdoor amusement park with nearly 60 rides to choose from. There are so many fun things to do (including live entertainment and a water park) that this date idea might last the entire weekend. 

10. Enjoy the View at Merchant & Trade

After a full day of outdoor activities, there’s no better way to slow down and relax than with food and drink and a view of the Charlotte skyline. Merchant & Trade is an open-air bar located on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in Uptown Charlotte with some of the best panoramic views of the city. And if exercising in the fresh air is your idea of a fun thing to do with your partner, the hotel offers yoga classes on the roof. 

3 Ideas for Getaway Date Nights in Charlotte, NC

If you’re looking for a night or two away from home, here are three extravagant getaways in and around Charlotte. 

11. Mani-Pedis at The Spa at Ballantyne

You could easily spend an entire day at The Spa at Ballantyne, a sprawling luxury hotel on the outskirts of south Charlotte. Massage therapy, skincare sessions, and manicures and pedicures are part of The Spa’s award-winning health and wellness services. Guests also have access to the pool and sauna. 

12. Wine Tasting at Treehouse Vineyards

An hour outside of Charlotte in the town of Monroe, the Treehouse Vineyards offers daily wine tastings and live music on the weekends. True to its name, three treehouses are available for nightly rentals. Treetop views and delicious wines — what more can you ask for? 

13. Have a Staycation at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte

An open-air lounge with a view of the Queen City. A unique collection of Argentine wines. Luxury accommodations and a full spa. The only problem with the Grand Bohemian is you’ll want to stay forever. The best part about this hotel is that you never have to leave the city.

4 Other Fun Things To Do in Charlotte for Couples 

With so many ideas for fun dates in Charlotte, the hard part is choosing a single plan. Here are four more ideas to fill your date night calendar for months to come. 

14. Museum Hop Across Uptown Charlotte

Couples who enjoy learning together have an abundance of museums to choose from across Charlotte. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Mint Museum Uptown, and Gantt Center are located within blocks from one another, giving you access to thousands of pieces of art to explore in a single afternoon. 

15. A Night at the Opera at the Belk Theater 

Charlotte’s activity schedule is jam-packed with performing arts, from blockbuster productions to orchestra performances. Located in Uptown Charlotte, the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hosts the Charlotte Symphony, the Opera Carolina, and  Broadway productions like “Hamilton” and “The Lion King.” 

16. Check off the City’s Street Art with Art Walks Charlotte

Art Walks Charlotte is a self-guided tour app that leads you around nearly two dozen trails of public art around the city. A popular option is the Greenway Trail, which has 18 works of art between Plaza Midwood and the NoDA neighborhood. It’s a great way to get to know the city on foot and mix art into other activities, like shopping, dining, or exploring parks. 

17. Take a Cooking Class With Chef Alyssa

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is a hands-on cooking experience for small groups. For foodie couples who want to make at-home date nights extra tasty, the classes teach you how to make seasonal, flavorful meals. The group setting may not feel extra romantic, but you might find a new couple to double date with and explore Charlotte’s incredible food scene. 

Ready To Feel the Love in Charlotte, NC?

With so many fun date night ideas in Charlotte, NC, it’s no wonder it’s called Queen City. On any night of the week, you can treat your partner like royalty. 

And if you’re looking for the perfect place for low-key dates at home, Landing has apartments in Charlotte with fully stocked kitchens and dining areas — perfect for staying in with your special someone. Become a Landing member today.