30 Fun & Creative Car Dates for You & Your Boo

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Plus tips for planning the date & prepping your car for romance
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Did you know that one of the best dating locations is parked right outside your front door? When you plan a car date, you can go almost anywhere and do anything! Best of all, you have more privacy to talk, eat, and enjoy being with the other person. If you're not yet aware of all the possibilities for going on a date in a car, allow us to enlighten you. Read on to discover 30 fun and romantic car date ideas , plus tips for how to plan a car date and which essentials to bring .

Our Favorite Date Ideas in a Car

  1. Take in a drive-in movie.
  2. Go to an outdoor concert.
  3. Do a drive-through restaurant hop.
  4. Find a scenic route and cruise down it.
  5. Go on a romantic picnic.
  6. Gaze at the stars.
  7. Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook.
Section 1 of 3:

30 Fun & Romantic Date Ideas in a Car

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  1. It's a classic car date idea for a reason! Not only is it romantic to sit in the dark with your favorite person and watch a movie, but it's also more private and intimate than being in a theater full of strangers. It's just you and your partner in the car, sharing popcorn and soda, cuddling, and maybe even sneaking in a kiss or two when the movie gets a little too slow.
    • Did you know? In a global survey from 2019, around 66% of respondents said their most memorable dates happened in a car. [1]
  2. 2
    Go to an outdoor concert. Take your date to listen to your favorite local bands from the comfort of your own vehicle. Stay in the front seat with the A/C blowing or open the hatch and sit in the back, the better to take in the sights and sounds of the concert scene.
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  3. Why go to one drive-through restaurant when you can drive to all of them? Make a list of your favorite fast food dives with your partner and then hit every single one of them. Get fries here, a burger there, and a milkshake over there! Go through as many drive-throughs as you want and eat as you go, or pile them in an ice chest or an insulated bag so you can chow down on them all at once. [2]
  4. 4
    Find a scenic route and cruise down it. Is there a beach, a forest, rolling fields, or some other pretty natural attraction in your area? If so, find a scenic route that lets you drive past or through it. It will be even better if you can find a route with a rest stop or two along the way, so you can get out and take photos of the amazing sights (and each other, of course!). [3]
  5. 5
    Go on a picnic. A romantic picnic is one of the easiest car dates to plan. Just grab a blanket and a basket or an ice chest full of food. Then, head to the park or another pretty spot you know of to eat with your beloved in the fresh air. If it starts raining or the wind blows, just take your picnic inside the car!
    EXPERT TIP

    Kimberly Hill

    Certified Dating and Relationship Coach
    Kimberly Hill is a certified dating and relationship coach based in Vancouver, BC. Kimberly is a certified dating and relationship coach who helps divorced and single men get unstuck, elevate their dating experiences, and build meaningful connections. She is certified in Neuro-Linguistics and Solutions-Focused Coaching and is the host of the podcast The Self-Confidence Project, which is in the top 2% of podcasts globally. Kimberly has1:1 coached over 350 men and has a growing community on social media of over 150,000 men, benefitting from her coaching and advice. She also created a Masterclass for her community, “10 Must-Know Tips For Talking & Texting With Women”. In 2023, she was named one of the Top 10 Dating Coaches and she has been prominently featured on CBS News, Fox News, and NBC News, along with over 200 news publications.
    Kimberly Hill
    Certified Dating and Relationship Coach

    Take your picnic to a place where you can show effort. The beach or the park are great examples of locations where you can show off how organized and thoughtful you were when planning the date. Any effort into making it comfortable goes down really well.

  6. Take your date out to an observatory or somewhere outside where the lights from the city aren't as bright. If your car has a sunroof, open it up, lean your seats back, and enjoy the view. If you don't have a sunroof, remember to bring lawn chairs, a blanket, or an air mattress, so you can appreciate the cosmos outside the vehicle. [4]
  7. 7
    Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook. Listening to a music album, a podcast episode, or an audiobook while you drive can be a great way to bond with your date. Find something you're both interested in or take turns sharing your personal listening pleasures with one another. When it's over, exchange thoughts and have a lively discussion, all while the open road spreads out invitingly before you. [5]
  8. 8
    Make your own movie theater inside your car. Don't have a drive-in theater close by? Create your own theater experience from inside your car! Prop the tablet, your phone, or a laptop on the dashboard where you both can see it, or set up a mini projector . [6] Make sure to download the titles you want to watch beforehand, or set up a mobile hotspot or a roaming internet connection. Finally, pack or buy your favorite movie snacks and drinks, and you're all set to get cozy and watch a movie!
  9. Depending on where you live, there may be parts of it you or your date have never seen before. So why not go exploring? You never know what you might find, roaming around streets you've never driven on. You might discover a pretty park, a tantalizing restaurant, or a new vantage point from which to view a romantic sunset. [7]
  10. 10
    Drive around and pick out places you want to visit. While you're out driving around your town, now's a good time to make a list of places you and your date would like to visit someday. Take note of restaurants, museums, shops, hiking trails, and any other locations that pique your interest. Then talk about how and when you'll go there in the future.
  11. 11
    Take a road trip. A road trip with your beloved is like an extra-long date. Go anywhere and stay as long as you want, as long as it's a destination you both agree on. Remember to load your playlist with plenty of tunes and audiobooks to entertain you, if that's your thing. And of course, load up on conversation starters because this is the perfect time for you and your crush or partner to learn more about each other!
    EXPERT TIP

    Elvina Lui, MFT

    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Elvina Lui is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in relationship counseling based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Elvina received her Masters in Counseling from Western Seminary in 2007 and trained under the Asian Family Institute in San Francisco and the New Life Community Services in Santa Cruz. She has over 13 years of counseling experience and is trained in the harm reduction model.
    Elvina Lui, MFT
    Marriage & Family Therapist

    If you can't afford a big road trip, plan one together instead. Doing travel research and planning together is half the fun. You can also book smaller trips that are local and within driving distance, like a weekend at a bed and breakfast.

  12. Watching the sun rise or set may sound cliche, but there's something truly romantic and magical about it. The soft purples and blues of dusk and the vibrant reds and oranges of the sun stir the deepest feelings in our hearts. They're sure to inspire feelings of deep love and affection in you and your partner as you gaze on them from the front seats of your car. [8]
  13. 13
    Get your favorite desserts and eat them in the car. Eating dessert in the car with your date is fun for a couple of reasons. First, it's dessert, which is already synonymous with fun! Second, it gives you and your date a chance to talk and enjoy your sweet treat without a lot of noise and strangers around. It's a win-win!
  14. 14
    Visit a national park. If you and your date love seeing the great outdoors from a car, head to a national park! They're usually inexpensive to enter, so you can stay there all day (weather permitting) and explore every inch of the driving trails. Soak in the wonder of nature, the wildlife, and the pleasure of being on an adventure together.
    • Search for a national park near you with the National Park Service's Find a Park tool.
  15. Have you been in a relationship with your partner for a long time? Then it may be time to drive down memory lane—literally! The next time you're stumped for a date idea, hop in the car and drive to some of the places where you used to date or hang out. If you went to the same school or college, buzz on over to the campus and relive your glory days. This car date idea will help you see how far you've come and how bright your future looks.
  16. 16
    Grab coffee and take the long way home. Coffee dates are all the rage nowadays, but why not mix it up a little? Instead of sitting in a hard, cold chair inside a generic coffee shop, take your favorite drinks to go, get back in the car, and start driving! Drive to a park, your favorite shops, or take the long way home so you have enough time to enjoy the coffee—and each other's company—before it gets cold.
  17. 17
    Follow a self-guided driving tour. Know of any local historical sites, national parks, or scenic roadways near your area? If you do, then look them up on the internet to see if you can find a self-guided audio tour. These recordings are made to play in your car while you drive and point out interesting scenery, landmarks, and factoids. This is a fun and unique way to wile away a couple of hours with your favorite person!
  18. When Christmas rolls around, that means it's time for holiday light shows! Check your local Chamber of Commerce to see if your town has one, or simply drive around different neighborhoods and view the festive illumination on strangers' houses. Don't forget to bring along a thermos of hot cocoa to keep you and your lovebird warm and toasty!
  19. 19
    Go on a safari. If you thought you had to go to the Serengeti to go on a safari, think again! You and your animal-loving date can find hours of amusement looking at wildlife in drive-through safari parks, right here in the United States! African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, OH, is just one great example. Others include the Franklin Drive Thru Safari in Franklin, TX, and the Tennessee Safari Park in Crockett County, TN.
  20. 20
    Plan a mobile karaoke night. Do you and your date love to sing, just not around other people? You don't have to miss out on the fun of karaoke! Just buy a portable karaoke machine , pack it in the car, and find a secluded spot. Or download a karaoke app like KaraFun or StarMaker and stay in your seats. Then the two of you can belt out your favorite tunes to your hearts' content! [9]
  21. Dating by yourselves is fun, but double dating can be just as good a time! And if you're all going to the same restaurant, park, or theater anyway, why not carpool? Choose the vehicle with the most room and pair up with your date in the front or back seat.
  22. 22
    Enjoy quality time. Not every date has to be a big, flashy production with exciting entertainment around every corner. Sometimes, just driving around and spending quality time together is the best feeling in the world, especially if you're really into the person you're with. [10]
  23. 23
    Dream big dreams for your future together. This is a fun car date idea for couples who already have an established relationship. Ask each other: Where do you want to live? Do you want to travel, and if so, where? Do you want kids, and if so, how many? Spin a vision of your future happiness together while sitting close together in your cozy car.
  24. Any vehicle can become your personal dance party bus if you want it bad enough! Drive out to some quiet spot where you won't be bothered, like a beach or a park that not many people know about. Then crank up the music and get your boogie on! [11]
  25. 25
    Play road trip games. You're never too young for road trip games! Tickle your date's funny bone and challenge their brain with games like License Plate Anagrams, 20 Questions , Two Truths and a Lie , and Never Have I Ever .
  26. 26
    Go people-watching. One of the best car entertainment options is completely free and available almost anywhere, at any time. It's watching other people! Sit in your car with your date in a crowded area, like a shopping mall parking lot or in front of a park. Then watch the people around you. Observe how they dress and what they do. You might be surprised by how much fun you have and the insights you learn! [12]
    • Avoid taking pictures and videos of strangers and posting them on social media. Respect their privacy, and keep your observations about them between you and your date.
  27. If you and your lover enjoy finding things and solving puzzles, a driving scavenger hunt may be just the thing for your next date! The easiest one to do may be one that has you look for outdoor objects and landmarks, like a STOP sign, a bicycle, or a police car (like this one ). Or you can create your own ! [13]
  28. 28
    Scope out homes you'd want to live in together. What does your dream house with your date look like? If you're not sure, the best way to find out is to travel around your town and look at houses! Check out different styles of architecture, one-story and two-story houses, homes in the city, and homes with lots of outdoor property. Make a list of what you both like, so you're full of ideas when it comes time to making your own dream home a reality.
  29. 29
    Tailgate for your favorite sports teams. Are you and your date big sports fans? Try tailgating for your car date! Load up your car with provisions, like drinks, food, and fan gear like jerseys and foam hands. Then travel to the stadium where your favorite sports team is playing, hang out with other fans in the parking lot, and catch the action in the game from your phone, tablet, or the radio. [14]
  30. If you and your date love talking to each other best, then this last car date idea is for you. Think of questions that really make you rack your brain. We're not talking about trivia. We're talking about questions like, "If you could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?" or "What's your biggest goal in life?" Your answers will give you new insights into each other's personalities, aspirations, and relationship goals.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Plan a Car Date

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  1. Car dates are fun, but they're not ideal for everyone. Float the idea of hanging out in the car with your partner and see how they feel about it. Some people can't sit for several hours at a time and need lots of breaks. Others get carsick easily. [15] Accommodate their needs as much as possible, and if all else fails, explore other kinds of dates that don't require as much driving.
  2. An itinerary is a plan for a journey. It maps out where you'll go, what route you'll take, and how much time it will take. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to find directions to places you want to take your date. [16] Keep in mind how many minutes or hours it will take to go from location to location. That way, you'll be able to squeeze in everything you want to do.
    • Alternatively, throw your itinerary out the window and just drive! Just make sure to follow the road signs and GPS carefully so you don't get lost, and take your date back home whenever they're ready.
  3. No one wants to have a date in a dirty car! Before you pick up your date, clean the car's interior and exterior thoroughly. Vacuum the floor mats, dust the dashboard and stereo, and wipe down the seats, armrests, and headrests. Hang an air freshener in a scent you know your crush or partner loves from the rearview mirror or an air vent. Don't forget to wash the outside of the car and clean the windows!
    • Did you know? A poll of 2000 Americans showed that 51% of people would end a date if the other person arrived to pick them up in a dirty car. Clean your vehicle, or risk killing your romance before it starts! [17]
  4. Whether you're staying in town or going on a road trip, familiarize yourself with the locations of the cleanest public restrooms and rest stops. You never know when you or your date might need to use the toilet or wash your hands.
  5. Driving in rain, fog, snow, dust storms, or high winds isn't usually anyone's cup of tea. Not only that, but navigating bad weather makes it hard to concentrate on your date. To save yourselves from a bad time, monitor the weather forecast and choose a day for your car date when the weather is calm and clear.
    • If you run into bad weather, consider pulling over or taking your date inside.
  6. Running out of gas or breaking down halfway through the date won't impress the person you're with. Avoid any road mishaps by filling up the gas tank , changing the oil (if it's due), checking the air pressure in your tires , and ensuring your car is free of any safety issues. [18]
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Section 3 of 3:

What to Bring on a Car Date

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  1. A car date isn't just magical by itself. You'll need to take along plenty of supplies, so your date feels comfortable and doesn't want for anything. While you may not need every single item on this checklist for every excursion, it doesn't hurt to have them packed in a bag in the trunk or the back seat, just in case!
    • Blanket
    • An ice chest (for cold items)
    • An insulated bag (for warm or hot items)
    • Drinking water and snacks
    • Disposable or reusable plates, bowls, and cups
    • Disposable or reusable forks, knives, and spoons
    • Napkins
    • Car trays (for less messy eating; optional, but great for restaurant hops or dessert dates)
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Disinfecting wipes
    • Paper towels
    • Facial tissue

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.luxuriousmagazine.com/lasting-relationships-and-car-dates
      2. ↑ https://thesavvysparrow.com/car-date-ideas/
      3. ↑ https://thesavvysparrow.com/car-date-ideas/
      4. ↑ https://thesavvysparrow.com/car-date-ideas/
      5. ↑ https://www.epictravelplans.com/car-date-ideas/
      6. ↑ https://www.harnessmagazine.com/car-date-ideas/
      7. ↑ https://www.epictravelplans.com/car-date-ideas/
      8. ↑ https://greenweddingshoes.com/put-it-in-park-10-cute-car-date-ideas/
      9. ↑ https://thesavvysparrow.com/car-date-ideas/
      1. ↑ https://thesavvysparrow.com/car-date-ideas/
      2. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/relationships/car-date-ideas
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/201504/the-experts-guide-to-people-watching
      4. ↑ https://www.harnessmagazine.com/car-date-ideas/
      5. ↑ https://www.buddythetravelingmonkey.com/tailgating-for-beginners/
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12782-motion-sickness
      7. ↑ https://www.cbac.com/media-center/blog/2020/january/the-do-s-and-don-ts-for-a-first-date-car-impress/
      8. ↑ https://www.foxnews.com/auto/dirty-cars-dating
      9. ↑ https://www.cbac.com/media-center/blog/2020/january/the-do-s-and-don-ts-for-a-first-date-car-impress/

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