Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to COLAtoday.
Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless of whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
Smiles are contagious, and several comedy nights are happening each week around town, along with touring acts. Tuesday night comedy at Art Bar is a long-running staple and it’s one of Columbia’s hippest nightlife spots.
Immerse yourselves in local theater events, experiencing live performances or indie movies. Purchase tickets from Town Theatre, The Nick, Koger Center for the Arts, Harbison Theater, and The Township Auditorium.
Whether you want to share a special moment at a pottery studio, craft unique pieces together, or are looking for athletic, art, or cooking classes, we’ve got recommendations for how to keep learning around Columbia.
Stargaze as a couple at two local observatories — one at the South Carolina State Museum and the Melton Observatory on USC’s campus.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
A dinner out at Halls Chophouse, savoring perfectly cooked cuts and a fine dining experience with regionally sourced seafood in the shadow of the State House.
Treat yourselves to an upscale seafood restaurant and enjoy the restored historic setting on the Main Street District at Smoked, known for prime meats, fresh seafood, and hand-crafted cocktails.
Pro tip: Go to Saluda’s in Five Points. It’s on OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the US list. Based on over 12 million diner reviews, these restaurants offer cozy atmospheres and yummy cuisine.
Step into Columbia’s first James Beard Award-winning + historic wine bar, sipping wines with a selection of fancy cheeses, creating an unforgettable evening at Lula Drake Wine Parlour.
Spice up your date night at a Coa Agaveria y Cocina, sipping unique cocktails and flavorful dishes with Mexican cuisine, or try Masa, located in Rosewood, if you want more of a Mexican street food vibe.
Keep it relaxed and cozy with a local brunch, a casual coffee date, or go grab pizza while you enjoy each other’s company in a laid-back setting.
If you love the great outdoors
Embark on kayaking tours and paddle together through our scenic waterways with help from Palmetto Outdoor, Carolina Outdoor Adventures, or follow our guide on how to float down the river.
Explore the great outdoors with our full hiking guide, featuring eight local trails around the Midlands.
Discover picturesque spots + plan a Soda City picnic, sharing a grab-n-go meal while getting to know each other through nature.
Take romantic strolls along one of Columbia’s rivers, enjoying the tranquil ambiance and the company of one another.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
Unleash your inner child at a bar arcade restaurant, savoring drinks + playful competition with classic arcade games at Transmission Arcade.
Hit the local lanes at various bowling alleys around the Midlands, including The Grand, Lucky Strike, or Royal Z Lanes, rolling strikes and spares together for an entertaining date night. A game of mini golf at Par Tee Golf Center will bring out the best of your competitive spirit.
If you’re really hoping that it works out
Conquer challenging walls + build strength together at a Capital Climbing Gym.
Get in sync with dance classes around town, move to the rhythm at Blue Moon Ballroom, line dance at The Woody, or spin your date around at Columbia’s Ballroom Company.
Experience a transformative workout at Rise Fitness + Wellness, sculpting your bodies and strengthening your bond. Looking to embrace a healthy lifestyle together? Check out our full gym guide and our yoga guide.
Engage in the competitive spirit by playing pickleball, serving up light-hearted play.
If you want an “old-fashioned”-style date
Indulge in the rich flavors by sipping Old Fashioneds at Bourbon.
Don’t want the night to end? Go grab dessert from Kaminsky’s, The Robinson Room, Sweet Cream Co., or O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe and take a stroll through the Vista or down Main Street while you finish dessert.
Embark on a local tour to explore the hidden gems of the city and then enjoy a local dinner.
Experience the vibrant charm of a local farmers market or take a stroll through Soda City, appreciating the simple pleasures of a Saturday in the Capital City together.
Go shopping for antiques together, using our flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops guide.
If you wanna show off by knowing all the hottest events in town
Shameless plug: Sign up for our daily newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it, you can take all the credit.
Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around Columbia with our events page.
What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction using this survey.
