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Unique Pittsburgh Date Ideas

It’s the season of love! Even though Jp and myself don’t really put much into Valentine’s day, we do love a good date any time of the year. If you and your partner are looking for some unique and out of the norm Pittsburgh date ideas, then I’ve got ya covered!

Whether you’re in a new relationship or an old one, making dates a priority helps to keep the romance alive. Dating your partner, fiance or spouse is something you should always make time for even if it’s a simple home cooked meal and movie. Simply taking the time out of your day to show your partner that you care and to give them your undivided attention is a great way to keep the flames burning.

So if you’re looking for Valentine’s day ideas, new activities for a date night or simply trying to create a list of date ideas for a date jar, this list of unique things for couples to do in Pittsburgh is going to help you come up with some rad ways to spend quality time with your partner.

But before we dive into the full list, here are some simple ideas to make your Valentine’s Day a meaningful day on the calendar, even if you choose to stay in-


Forget the Valentine’s Day Card

I don't know about you, but I find that most cards these days can be pretty bland. Instead take time to write a letter. This can be a love letter or more of an appreciation letter, depending on what season your relationship is in. Regardless of, it will mean more coming from your heart than from the store. 

Create a New Tradition

It can be something simple like ordering take-out from the same restaurant each year, listening to your favorite album while dancing in your living room. Or it could be something more elaborate like booking an upscale hotel room in your city for a short staycation, maybe you visit the same destination this time each year. How big or small the tradition is up to you!

Read Your Wedding Vows to Each Other (+add a new one)

Take turns reading your wedding vows to one another. We all know life changes and take this time to add a new vow as well. One that will recommit your heart to being all in, in your relationship. 


3 At Home Date Activities For When Everything is Closed...

or For When You Like to Plan Last Minute

Take a Hike

Get outside and explore your local trails! Fresh air, beautiful new sights, pack a picnic and take the afternoon to adventure. Good for both heart, mind and body! Ps leave your phone in your pack, out of sight.

Start an Indoor Herb Garden

It's never too late to start a small indoor herb garden, take a trip to your local garden center and get creative with the types of herbs you'd both like to grow. Spend the day picking out plants and getting them into pots. Finish the night off with a cozy bonfire or just cuddle up under some plush blankets and share some of your favorite relationship stories.

Share a Spa Day

Create an at home spa date. Warm some towels, light the candles, use extra bath soap for maximum bubbles and sink into total relaxation. Really want to go all out? Put on facial masks and pop some champagne to sip while sharing your soak together. Order delivery ahead of time, so it arrives like room service and enjoy a blissful evening together.

3 Date Ideas for When You Want to Get Out and Try Something New

Ascend Pittsburgh Rock Climbing Gym

Fitness loving couples can have a lot of fun with this Pittsburgh date night idea! With an indoor rock climbing gym with over 20 different walls to climb, yoga classes, childcare services, concessions, and more! Another great thing to note is the free parking outside, which is always a plus when in the city.

I love this option because you can have some truly fun dates at Ascend Rock Climbing Gym no matter what the weather may be outside. Being that we live where the weather can be less than predictable, having a solid indoor date option in your date jar is ideal for when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate with your original plans.

The Candle Lab And Dinner in Lawrenceville

The Candle Lab in the heart of Lawrenceville is perfect for a creative couple. Currently they are taking reservations so be sure to call ahead. It’s totally worth it and you’ll want to come back more than once. By making your own candles you not only get to have a fun date night activity but you can also enjoy the candle long after the date is over. 

Afterwards, be sure to order some delicious takeout from one of the many nearby Lawrenceville restaurants, such as The Abby on Butler Street, Senti, or Smoke . Bring everything home and light it up your new candle for a romantic candlelit dinner with a twist.

Go For a Bike Ride On The Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Pittsburgh is a large city with so many different things to see and do but one of the best ways to see the sights is to get out of your car and enjoy a bike ride through the city. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a perfect trail for biking. With over 20 miles of trail to explore there is plenty to stop and see.

This scenic route takes you through Pittsburgh where you can view the Point Park fountain, the incline, the three rivers, and so much more. You’ll pass through the historic Station Square where there are restaurants, bars, shops and the incline that takes you to a beautiful view of the city skyline.

Trailside artwork, bridges, nearby dog parks, larger than life scrap metal sculptures, and parks are all just a few of the things that you can enjoy along this biking trail making it a very unique date idea.


With so many different things to do in the Pittsburgh area, I suggest making a date night jar full of options. When planning your date, grab the jar and pick a random spot, you can’t go wrong! What are some are some of your favorite date options in Pittsburgh? I'd love to hear all about them!