Feel the Love
Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day in Seattle Southside
It's time to start thinking of some things to do for Valentine's Day in Seattle Southside!
Whether it's your first date or your thousandth, sharing fresh experiences can bring you closer together. Novelty sparks our sense of fun and openness, which is why it's never a bad idea to explore a new area, try a new restaurant, or embark on a quirky microadventure. It might even bring out a side of your date you hadn't seen before. Make your time together special by treating your loved one to a unique experience in Seattle Southside. From a sweet indulgence at a chocolate factory to a romantic dinner out to a spa day at a luxury hotel, we have plenty of fun date night ideas that you'll both be talking about for a long time to come.
Take a Tour of Seattle Chocolate Factory
Chocolates are a classic gift, but why stop there? If you really want to delight a sweet tooth, take them on a tour of Seattle Chocolate Factory in Seattle Southside. At this whimsical, colorful factory, you'll get to see how the truffles are made, learn how the company sources its ingredients with a commitment to sustainability, and sample plenty of treats along the way. It's an immersive experience, and one you'll both remember far more than if you'd simply handed them a box of sweets and called it a day. After the tour, you can scoop up some chocolate in unique flavors like "Berry in Love" and "Like You a Latte." Take some home and challenge each other to a blind taste test to keep the fun going. Some flavors even contain popping candy that "sparkles" on your tongue!
Enjoy a Couple's Retreat and Spa Getaway
Pamper the one you love with a spa treatment from the Spa at Cedarbrook. Located inside Cedarbrook Lodge, a luxury resort sitting on 18 acres of lush grounds in the heart of Seattle Southside, the spa is a sanctuary for relaxation. Treat yourselves to a couple's massage or pedicure enhanced by fragrant natural botanicals and pure, ethically sourced products—a reflection of the resort's commitment to honoring the natural world through its services and menu items.
For the ultimate indulgence, make your escape complete with a farm-to-table dinner at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar and an overnight stay at the lodge, named one of the Best Resorts in the West by Travel + Leisure.
Take in the Symphony
Few things are more moving than hearing a full, professional orchestra perform live. Seattle Southside is home to the nationally acclaimed Northwest Symphony Orchestra, which performs in Burien at the Highline Performing Art Center. The orchestra hosts an annual Valentine's Concert, which will take place next on February 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. At $20 per ticket, the experience is more affordable than many concerts, especially those featuring world-class musicians. Enjoy the sweet sounds of Brahms alongside more contemporary composers. Afterward, keep the sophisticated vibes going with a glass of champagne at a nearby bar or restaurant (see some of our recommendations below).
Sample Honey Wine
There's nothing like trying new flavors together to get the conversation flowing. Take a visit to Oppegaard Meadery and sample some honey wine with your honey. This small-batch, handmade mead comes in many flavors and sweetness levels, so you can order a flight try out different drinks and compare notes. The hall is styled to look and feel like an ancient Nordic mead hall, making it the perfect cozy retreat for a winter date. While you're there, grab a board game from the shelves, settle in, and play for a few hours while you forget the world outside.
Paint and Sip at the Heart Gallery
Getting creative with your date can allow you to appreciate each other in a new light. Take your date to Paint n' Sip at the Heart Gallery in Burien, which offers several Valentine's Day-themed classes in February. In the two-hour sessions, a friendly instructor will guide you in completing a specific painting on a 16”x20” canvas that you can take home to remember your experience. Check the website to see what your finished product will look like (Valentine's Day projects include a "City of Love" scene of Paris and a sweet winter scene of love birds). While you're making your creation, sip on draft beer, wine, cider, or an NA beverage to help you unwind and relax.
Romantic Dining in Seattle Southside
It's no secret that dining out on Valentine's Day can be stressful, with reservations filling up weeks in advance and crowds making otherwise chill spots feel chaotic. Skip the crowds in super dense neighborhoods and head to someplace a little more off the beaten path. Below are some of our favorite restaurants to take a date so you can spend less time waiting for service and more time enjoying each others' company.
Valentine's Dinner at Zenith Holland Nursery: For a truly unique dining experience, have dinner in a gorgeous greenhouse while enjoying a four-course meal served by local restaurant Marina Mercantile and listening to live music. This special event is one night only, so get your tickets before they sell out!
Copperleaf Restaurant: This farm-to-table restaurant sources its ingredients from local farmers and even its own on-site garden. You can enjoy seasonally inspired dishes in a cozy lodge environment. You'll feel like you're at a remote retreat, even though you're conveniently located just minutes from the airport.
13 Coins: If you want to feel transported back in time into a classic Hollywood film, take your date to 13 Coins in SeaTac. This iconic restaurant has been wowing guests since the 1960s with its moody, refined ambiance (think high-backed, dark leather booths) and an extensive menu of classic American fare. Oftentimes, the restaurant hosts live musicians to enhance your dining experience.
Rendition: At this sleek restaurant inside Hotel Interurban, you can enjoy expertly prepared "Urban Americana" such as Charred Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Flat Iron Steak, and Squid Ink Prawn Pasta. Complete your date night by turning it into a staycation at the hotel.
Via Marina: Enjoy classic Italian dishes and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas at this neighborhood favorite in downtown Des Moines. For drinks, choose from an extensive Italian wine list, local micro brews, or craft cocktails.That's amore!
Spencer's for Steaks and Chops: You can't go wrong with this classic, refined steakhouse, known for its expertly prepared prime steaks and fresh seafood. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list or creative craft cocktails for a memorable experience.
Miyabi Sushi: With its cozy, laid-back atmosphere, Miyabi is a great place to take your date for a shared course of sushi or other Japanese classics.
Bai Tong Thai Restaurant in Tukwila has been a go-to for authentic Thai for more than 30 years. This warm, welcoming spot has a large menu of Thai classics. It's a great option if you or your date is vegetarian or vegan.
Learn Something New
If your idea of a hot date is getting into a deep discussion about science or history (raises hand), you'll love The Museum of Flight, the world's largest aviation museum. In addition to having some incredible exhibits, the museum often hosts fascinating talks and events. On February 14, 2025, you can attend a lively talk by Mary Roach, “America’s funniest science writer” (Washington Post), all about the peculiarities of life in space. Before and after the talk, enjoy live music, bites, cocktails and mocktails, and themed activities as you browse the galleries.
Shop Local: Flowers & Candy
There's nothing wrong with going traditional with your Valentine's gift, and there are plenty of local candy and flower specialty shops in Seattle Southside. For a gorgeous bouquet, try Iris & Peony in Des Moines or SeaTac Buds & Blooms. You can also look for fresh flowers at the Burien Farmer's Market, which opens on February 1st.
As for candy, there is no shortage of options. In addition to Seattle Chocolate, try See's Candies on Southcenter Parkway, or Candy Tyme and Lolli and Pops, both in Westfield Southcenter.
Catch a Movie
A movie night is a classic date for a reason. Snuggle up at AMC Southcenter Mall and enjoy state-of-the-art screens, cushy recliner seats, and immersive sound systems. Plus, being located in Westfield Southcenter Mall, the largest shopping center in the Pacific Northwest, means you can easily pair your movie with shopping, arcade games, or a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants such as locally-owned Mr. Dim Sum, just opened in 2024.
Cook a Meal at Home
Impress your Valentine with a gourmet recipe (or try making one together!). Our collection of recipes features unique dishes designed by local chefs. Try a romantic multi-course meal with delicious BahamaRitas from Bahama Breeze, then whip up some of Nordstrom's Apple Berry Baked Salmon as your main course, and finish off the famous Warmed Chocolate and Fudge 'Naughty' Cake from Spencer's for Steaks and Chops.
More Date Night Inspiration
For an action-packed date, use this itinerary we created with local content creator Gabe de Dios. After a waterfront walk along the Des Moines Marina, stop by Waterland Arcade to play pinball, arcade games and nostalgic games like Street Fighter II and Mario Kart. Once you've worked up an appetite, sit down to a delicious meal at Bai Tong Thai Restaurant in Tukwila, and end the day on a sweet note at Kakigori Dessert, a café with photo-ready bingsu, cakes and more! Nothing says love like an Iced "Ube-Long-to-Me" Latte.
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