Virginia date night itineraries for every type of couple

We compiled creative and memorable date night itineraries for every type of Virginia couple, from foodies to sport-lovers. 

Looking for a memorable date night in Virginia? Whether you and your partner are culture enthusiasts, foodies, kids at heart, nature lovers, or sports fans, the Commonwealth has something special for every couple. From the elegance of a ballet in Richmond to the thrill of an ice hockey game in Norfolk, these carefully curated itineraries promise to create unforgettable moments for you and your loved one. Read on to discover your perfect Virginia date night.

The cultured couple

Virginia Stage Company

Location: 108 East Tazewell St. Norfolk, VA 23510

An evening at the theatre at Virginia Stage Company is a great way to show your date your cultured side. The theatre is the premier professional theatre in southeastern Virginia. It stages a range of classic shows, like “Arsenic and Old Lace” to the modern “Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really,” in addition to musicals, like “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Photo courtesy of Virginia Stage Company.

Richmond Ballet

Location: 407 East Canal St. Richmond, VA 23219

Ballet is an inherently romantic art form, which makes it the perfect cultural experience for a date. Luckily, Richmond Ballet, Virginia’s state ballet, stages a range of awe-inspiring productions throughout the year, like “The Nutcracker” and “Cinderella.” 

Photo courtesy of Richmond Ballet.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location: 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Richmond, VA 23220

It’s hard to think of a better way to spend an evening with a loved one than at an art museum, like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, discussing the merits of Romanticism. Given that it is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the country, with nearly 40,000 works of art on display, you and your date will have plenty to discuss. Be sure to look for the Fabergé collection, which is the largest such public collection outside of Russia. 

The foodie couple

Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet

Location: 9043 W Broad St. Henrico, VA 23294

Tappanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet bills itself as the largest restaurant in Richmond and the surrounding areas, so it’s obvious why it should be at the top of any foodie’s date night itinerary. It serves a wide selection of Chinese, Japanese, American, Italian, and Mexican food items, with its main feature being the hibachi-style grill.

The Block Foodhall & Bar

Location: 4221 John Marr Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

The Block Foodhall & Bar is the place to go if you and your date love Asian food. It was the first Asian food hall in Northern Virginia. It serves all sorts of Asian-inspired dishes and craft cocktails from the following vendors: Balo Kitchen, Bold Dumpling, The Block Bar, Pokeworks Co., and SnoCream Company. Dining here is also a great way to support an immigrant and female-owned business. 

Happy Eatery 

Location: 1800 N Lynn St. Arlington, VA 22209

Happy Eatery is another must-visit modern Asian food hall. It’s a great place to go if you and your date are looking for good vibes and craveable dishes. At the food hall, you’ll find multiple brands under the Happy Eatery umbrella. Teas’n You Fusion Tea House serves homemade tea recipes and unique fresh fruit infusions. Roll Play Grill and Pho Play are both fast-casual Vietnamese restaurants.

The kids-at-heart couple

Perch Putt

Location: 1805 Capital One Dr. 11th Floor, Tysons, VA 22102

Have a sky-high date 11 stories above The Perch at Capital One Center by embracing your inner child with a round of miniature golf at Perch Putt. The course features 18 holes with stunning aerial views of Tysons and beyond. After enjoying a round of put-put, stop by the retro Greyhound and double-decker bus, which have been converted into food trucks. Inventive libations can be found at the colorful Rhum Roost bar.

Photo courtesy of Perch Putt.

Sky Zone

Location: 5325 Port Royal Rd. Springfield, VA 22151

Return to a time when you had endless energy with your date by going to Sky Zone trampoline Park where the two of you can jump to your heart’s content. There’s also a trapeze and swing, foam zone, warped wall, free climb, Ninja Warrior course, and zipline. 

Roanoke Pinball Museum

Location: 1 Market Sq. SE Roanoke, VA 24011

Adults of a certain age who grew up going to arcades will surely enjoy a stroll down memory lane at the Roanoke Pinball Museum. The interactive museum is dedicated to the science, art, and history of pinball, with all the games, which span nearly a century of production from the 1930s through today, fully playable. Look for the adult nights when those 21+ can play while enjoying some brews.  

Photo courtesy of Aila Boyd.

The nature-loving couple

McAfee Knob

Location: Catawba Valley Dr. Catawba, VA 24070

Hike to McAfee Knob with your partner to bask in the beauty of a romantic sunset. Located atop Catawba Mountain with an elevation of 3,197 feet, the knob offers 270-degree panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The round-trip hike is approximately 8 miles, so plan ahead and enjoy a picnic once you get to the knob.

Photo courtesy of Idawriter/CC BY-SA 3.0.

James River Park System

Location: 4001 Riverside Dr. Richmond, VA 23225

A day at the James River Park System is sure to please if you and your date love water-related activities. The 550-acre oasis in the middle of the city offers kayaking and whitewater rafting. While on the water, keep an eye out for Great Blue Herons nesting or the captivating Pipeline Rapids. 

Virginia Zoo

Location: 3500 Granby St. Norfolk, VA 23504

If you and your date both delight in the natural world but don’t necessarily want to immerse yourselves in it, then a fun day at the Virginia Zoo might be the perfect solution. The zoo offers visitors the chance to marvel at all sorts of exotic animals, like the Bornean orangutan, Chinese water dragon, zebra, and Malayan tiger. After taking in the animals, stop by the African Village Restaurant for lunch and a glass of wine. 

The sporty couple

Norfolk Admirals

Location: 201 E Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510

Catch a game of professional ice hockey with your date by going to see the Norfolk Admirals play at the Norfolk Scope. 

Fredericksburg Nationals

Location: 42 Jackie Robinson Way Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Enjoy America’s favorite pastime with someone special on a hot summer night by catching a Fredericksburg Nationals game. The Minor League Baseball team plays at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

Richmond Kickers 

Location: 3201 Maplewood Ave. Richmond, VA 23221

For an action-packed date, go see the Richmond Kickers play. The professional soccer club plays at the City Stadium. 


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Author

  • Aila Boyd is a Virginia-based educator and journalist. She received her MFA in writing from Lindenwood University.

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