Summer Date Ideas in Raleigh 

Are you looking for fun date ideas in Raleigh, NC? Check out these top ten date ideas in Raleigh this summer! 

It is no secret that Raleigh is a great place to live. Not only is Raleigh one of the best places to live in North Carolina, but it is often named one of the best places to live in the Southeast for its low cost of living, high quality of life, beautiful homes for sale, and endless business and educational opportunities. 

As more young professionals move to the area in search of jobs, more dating opportunities arise in Raleigh and the Triangle. Luckily, Raleigh has plenty of fun and cool ways to elevate your dating game, especially in the summer before Labor Day Weekend when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. 

Whether you want to take a walk in the park to book a spa treatment, attend a free event, or check out an amazing hidden gem, check out these fun activities for your next date. 

Here are the best date ideas in Raleigh this summer 

1. Visit a Rooftop Bar 

One of the best ways to enjoy a summer evening is to visit one of Raleigh's many great rooftop bars. Whether you are on a first date or having a romantic evening with your significant other, there is no better way to start or end the evening than with a good drink while overlooking the city skyline. 

Visit Level 7 at the AC Hotel Raleigh in North Hills for delicious cocktails and small bites. Best known for its sophisticated atmosphere, visitors can order from an extensive cocktail, wine, and beer menu while enjoying live music. 

The Willard Rooftop Lounge is located in AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown and is a fun rooftop bar and lounge that offers pristine views of Downtown Raleigh, live performances, and a large menu full of cocktails and small bites. 

Visit 10th and Terrace on your next date on the top of the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown. This beautiful rooftop bar is the perfect way to unwind and offers tasty drinks and shareable plates for everyone. 

2. Grab a Beer 

Raleigh is home to a growing craft beer scene, and there are more than 40 breweries in the area to choose from. Most feature outdoor seating and food trucks, making this a great date idea during the summer months. 

Crank Arm Brewing Company is a locally owned brewery in Downtown Raleigh that features a wide selection of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts. Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing offers stunning views of the Downtown Raleigh skyline and serves delicious food alongside small-batch craft brews. 

Trophy Brewing and Taproom is located on Maywood Avenue and is best known for its great-tasting beer, food trucks, welcoming workers, dog-friendly atmosphere, and frequent, fun events. 

3. Get Ice Cream 

After a day at the pool, nothing is better than cooling off with ice cream from some of the best ice cream shops in the Triangle with a loved one. From fresh waffle cones to cups, getting ice cream is also a great way to beat the heat with your pet.

The Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery is a fun ice cream shop and a unique experience. Here, you can enjoy premium ice cream alongside dairy cows. 

FRESH. Local Ice Cream has many locations throughout the Triangle, and the one-off of Glenwood Avenue is a great place to enjoy unique ice cream flavors with locally sourced ingredients. 

Andia's Ice Cream is located in the Raleigh Iron Works Shop and is an award-winning family-run ice cream shop best known for its delicious flavors and mouthwatering milkshakes. 

Goodberry's Frozen Custard is a classic ice cream shop in the Raleigh area that specializes in frozen custard made hourly. Choose between vanilla, chocolate, or the day's flavor, and add the toppings you choose to create a special tasty treat in the summer heat. 

4. Go to a Bookstore 

There is nothing more romantic than sharing your love of reading. Visit Quail Ridge Books in North Hills to buy best sellers or to join their in-store book club. 

As one of the best bookstores in Raleigh, Blackbird Books and Coffee is a great place to check out for new reads, delicious coffee, and good times. Offering frequent events, including a silent book club and workshops, this is an ideal spot to make new friends and strengthen connections. 

So & So Books is known for its good energy and carefully chosen selections, while Reader's Corner Inc. on Hillsborough Street is a popular bookstore among college students and young professionals alike. 

5. Enjoy Live Music 

Summer is a great time to enjoy live music and attend outdoor concerts in and around the Triangle. Attending a concert at one of Raleigh's best live music venues is an ideal date idea because it encourages bonding over shared music interests and ensures a good time. 

Red Hat Amphitheater in Downtown Raleigh is a popular music venue in the city. It offers beautiful skyline views and frequently welcomes different musical acts of all genres. 

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek is the place to be in Raleigh for concerts during the summer since it hosts large concerts and festivals. There is plenty of lawn seating available and premium seats located closer to the stage. 

For those looking for a more relaxed vibe, the Midtown Beach Music Series in North Hills occurs between April and the end of June at Midtown Park and is a great way to enjoy live music from local acts during the warm weather season. 

There are even some local wineries that feature live music from local artists. 

6. Shop Locally 

Take your date to the North Carolina State Farmers Public Market for a day full of fresh produce, flowers, and local shopping. Not only will you support local farmers in North Carolina, but this is a great way to stock up on fresh food, which could lead to you making a delicious meal at home with your loved one. 

Plenty of other farmer's markets and special spring markets throughout the Triangle occur on the weekends. There is no better way to enjoy summer than by getting out in your community and supporting local businesses. 

7. Play Golf 

Dating that involves an activity is better than just going out to dinner or sitting in a movie theater since it allows you to talk, laugh, and get to know each other. Experts agree that going on an active date is preferred; in fact, 65% of people said they would be open to going on a date involving some type of exercise. 

Luckily, Raleigh is home to many golf courses and golf communities, which can be fun date ideas for couples. The Lonnie Pool Golf Course at NC State University, which was designed by Arnold Palmer, and the North Ridge Country Club, a member-owned country club in northern Raleigh, are great options. 

Even though Prestonwood Country Club is located in Cary, this private country club near Research Triangle Park is one of the area's most well-known and beautiful golf clubs since it hosts the SAS Championship, an official PGA TOUR Champions Tour event. 

8. Visit a Park 

Plenty of wonderful parks in Raleigh offer the perfect romantic escape. A walk in the park is not only a budget-friendly option but a perfect way to get to know someone since it encourages open conversation surrounded by nature. 

Dorothea Dix Park is a popular and family-friendly park with plenty of open space, a dog park, and a seasonal sunflower field. This is also one of the best picnic spots in Raleigh, and the Raleigh Fourth of July celebration is held here, which is a free event. 

William B. Umstead State Park is the perfect destination for hikers. It covers 5,599 acres and has 34.5 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of biking and horseback riding trails. 

Lake Johnson Park offers a 4.5-mile loop trail, picnic areas, boat rentals, and plenty of fishing opportunities. It is a great place to bring a date and your pet for a day full of nature and outdoor fun. 

9. Go To a Nice Dinner 

Going out to a restaurant can be a cute bonding experience and is considered a good date idea. Instead of going to a casual restaurant with a romantic interest, why not step it up a notch and get something nice? 

Luckily, Raleigh has amazing fine dining restaurants to choose from that offer an array of culinary experiences and diverse menu options. Stanbury in Downtown Raleigh is best known for its New American small plates, entrees, and craft cocktails. 

Or visit Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, which offers a sophisticated dining experience in an 1879 Second Empire historic home. For those looking for a more contemporary and upscale dining option, Death and Taxes from Chef Ashley Christensen is a must-try. 

10. Order Fancy Cocktails 

There is no better way to start or end a date than with a delicious cocktail. Going out for a drink is a low-key and casual date option, especially if you are still trying to get to know one another. 

Order a fancy cocktail from Watts and Ward, an underground basement cocktail bar that offers a speakeasy vibe and an extensive menu. If you are looking for more of a cool and hip atmosphere then visit Killjoy for innovative cocktails and small plates. 

Bittersweet is a cocktail bar and dessert lounge in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. It is best known for its specialty cocktails, coffee drinks, and delicious dessert menu.

Methodology 

We used data and information from many local sources, as well as our own experience living in Raleigh, to determine the best summer date ideas in Raleigh, NC. Other data was sourced from the Raleigh News and Observer, Business Insider, and Women's Fitness.

FAQs 

Is Raleigh a good place for dating? 

Raleigh is a great place for singles and is considered one of the best in the country for dating since it is home to many young professionals and is surrounded by many dating opportunities. 

What is Raleigh like in the summer? 

Once Memorial Day weekend rolls around, summertime in Raleigh is hot and very humid with temperatures mostly in the upper 80s and low 90s which is why many residents can be found at the pool, the beach, or at the lake to cool off. There are also many summer camps offered for families with children. 

What are the most iconic first date ideas? 

If you are going on a first date, some of the most iconic date ideas that are fun and entertaining include going to a museum, visiting a coffee shop, getting dessert, taking a cooking class, and checking out live music. 

Fun Summer Date Ideas in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts  

Whether you are trying to impress someone on a first date or simply want to show your romantic partner how much they mean to you, there are many cute and fun date ideas available when living in Raleigh. 

Even if you are trying to save money, summer is the best time to take advantage of the warm weather by choosing activites that are outside and free of charge. You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a good time with the person that you love. 

If you are moving to Raleigh and are ready to find your dream home, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help and are prepared to answer any questions.