Austin is an amazing city with a great variety of entertainment choices. Sometimes due to the bigger attractions like 6th street, the less known varieties can fall through the cracks. The following is a list of unique and romantic date ideas in Austin.

1. Plays in the park at Zilker Park

This is one of Austin’s best kept secrets. Every summer a local production crew puts on old classic musicals in the park. In recent years plays like A Mid Summer Nights Dream, The King and I, and Grease have all been performed. The atmosphere is amazing and it is always free. Try to come early with a blanket to get a good spot. Picnics work great and jackets are advised because it sometimes gets cold later in the night. Bring your date and enjoy a romantic night at an Austin classic.

2. Mozart Art’s Coffee House

This coffee house is located on Lake Austin and serves up some of the best coffee and desserts in town. The entire bistro is located on a huge deck right on the water with an amazing view. They have live music at night with both inside and outside seating. I have personally found this atmosphere to be perfect for getting to know a date because the music is not too loud and the patios are large enough for privacy. You should consider picking up a question book if you want a great way to encourage stimulating conversations. This bistro offers everything you need for a romantic coffee date. And, chances are your date will have never been there - always a good thing.

3. Date Night on Guadalupe Street

This is part of the University of Texas’ campus often referred to as the drag. It offers an amazing collection of restaurants, shopping boutiques, and college level entertainment. For dessert, try the ice cream at TCBY, maybe followed by some shopping at Tyler’s or Buffalo Exchange. Looking for entertainment? Bowling, Hookah lounges, and Einstein’s Arcade all offer casual fun with a flare of Austin flavor.

4. The Cheesecake Factory

OK so not exactly local, but it still makes for a fun date! It is located in the Arboretum in north Austin, and is a favorite for any important occasion. The restaurant is aesthetically beautiful with the food to match in both look and taste. The service is terrific with an entertaining presentation. There can sometimes be a wait, but they offer a full bar in the front of the restaurant with easy access in case you need to burn a few minutes. Proper attire at night would be business casual. After your dinner you should consider walking the beautiful gardens located right behind the restaurant for a post dinner stroll.

5. Barton Springs at Zilker Park

Barton springs has fenced in section run like a city pool at Zilker Park. It is set on the side of a huge hill with fresh cold spring water running year round. The temperature, since it is a natural spring, is the same year round. The hill is perfect for a picnic or enjoying the sun, there is also a diving board for the brave type. The atmosphere is as peaceful as it comes with a large selection of unique personalities. Also located at Zilker are the train, volleyball courts, running tracks, and a food court. This is a fun date with ample opportunity for creative and outdoors fun.