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.

Sample Chocolate
Have a Spa Day
Attend the Symphony
Visit a Meadery
Paint and Sip
Dine Out
Shop for Gifts
Romantic Recipes
Catch a Movie

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. It also makes for an extra classy date (fans of Bridgerton know what we mean). Seattle Southside is home to the nationally acclaimed Northwest Symphony Orchestra, which performs in Burien at the Highline Performing Art Center and hosts an annual Valentine's Concert (the next one is on February 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.) At $20 per ticket, the experience is more affordable than many live music events (which is incredible considering you get to see world-class musicians). Enjoy the sweet sounds of Brahms alongside more contemporary composers and keep the sophisticated vibes going with a glass of champagne at a nearby bar or restaurant (see some of our recommendations below).

Honor Your Honey with Honey Wine

If you've tried all the cocktails and craft beers and want to explore new flavors, take a visit to Oppegaard Meadery and share a mead flight. This small-batch, handmade mead comes in a variety of flavors and sweetness levels, so you can sample 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

Get artsy with your beloved at the Heart Gallery in Burien, where paint and sip classes are their specialty. They have multiple classes around Valentine's Day, including one themed around painting Paris, the "City of Love", on Valentine's Day itself!

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.

  • Copperleaf Restaurant: At this farm-to-table restaurant, which 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 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
  • 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: Serving up "Urban Americana," executive chef Andrew Cross crafts an experience to be savored with all your senses. Complete your date night by turning it into a staycation with a night at the Hotel Interurban, where the restaurant is located.
  • 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, romantic atmosphere, Miyabi is a great place to take your date for a shared course of sushi or other Japanese classics. Whether you pick out something specific or go omakase (chef's choice), be sure to toast your love with one of their craft cocktails.

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.

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.

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.

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Author

Nick Tolley