Summer Date Ideas
Let’s be honest—dinner and a movie is fine, but summer in the South deserves more sparkle. Whether it’s a first date or your 100th, we’re here for creative, playful date nights that make memories (and cute photo ops). Bonus? Most of these can be done right here in the Upstate—or anywhere the sweet southern sun is shining.
Here are a few Belle-approved ideas for fun summer dates that’ll keep the romance sizzling:
Sunset Picnic at Hatcher Garden (Spartanburg)
Grab your favorite bottle of rosé, a soft blanket, and something from Blue Moon Bodega’s deli case. Then cozy up among the flowers and let nature handle the ambiance.
Tacos + Trivia at Fr8yard (Spartanburg)
Between the rooftop lights, live music, and rotating food truck options, this outdoor beer garden is the ultimate casual-cute date spot. Check their event calendar for themed trivia or game night!
Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail + Stop for Ice Cream at Spill the Beans (Greenville)
Rent a bike or bring your own, then cruise through downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest. Reward your efforts with a waffle cone and a cozy bench.
Sip & Paint Night at Wine & Design (Spartanburg & Greenville)
No painting skills? No problem. Grab an apron, enjoy a glass of wine, and laugh your way through the most colorful date night ever.
Take a Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Bowen
Pack a charcuterie board, turn on your playlist (see sidebar!), and enjoy the golden hour from the water. Don’t own a boat? Rentals are available!
U-Pick Flowers at Twin Creeks Lavender Farm (Williamston)
The most romantic version of “stop and smell the flowers.” It’s sweet, it’s simple, and it smells amazing.
Backyard Stargazing Date
Set up a blanket, pop some popcorn, and download a stargazing app to identify constellations. Bonus points for fairy lights and a portable speaker.
Farmers Market Challenge
Split up, give each other $10, and see who comes back with the best finds. Then go home and make lunch together with your treasures!
Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard
Any body of water will do. It’s fun, adventurous, and just the right amount of out-of-your-comfort-zone bonding.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of silly or romantic things to find (a pink flower, a heart-shaped rock, a stranger’s dog) and explore your town or neighborhood together snapping pics as you go.
BONUS: Photo Scavenger Hunt List
Don’t feel like creating your own list? Use ours!
Grab your phone, a fun partner, and a sense of adventure—then head to town or take a long walk and try to snap photos of these:
A pink flower
A heart-shaped rock or leaf
Someone walking a dog
A vintage car
A mural or piece of public art
Something that reminds you of each other
A bird in flight
Your reflections in a window or puddle
A front porch you’d love to sit on
A summer treat (ice cream counts!)
Turn it into a little competition or just enjoy being silly together. Either way—you’ll end the day with some sweet new memories in your camera roll.
Dress the Part
Date night, but make it summer.
Want the perfect outfit for that flower field photo or lake night kiss? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite flirty summer styles—just click here to shop everything from breezy dresses to statement earrings.