Portland is a city brimming with diverse and exciting date night possibilities, including options with extensive food menus, unique movie theaters, and outdoor seating. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventure seeker, or a lover of culture and creativity, there’s something here for every couple.
From romantic strolls in beautiful gardens to thrilling escape room adventures, here are 39 of the best date night ideas in Portland that will help you create unforgettable memories with your special someone. Explore these date ideas Portland has to offer and find the perfect activity for your next night out.
Foodie Date Ideas in Portland
1. Take a Cooking Class
Portland offers a variety of cooking classes, perfect for couples looking to bond over food. From mastering pasta to baking artisanal bread, these classes are both fun and educational. Try places like The Kitchen at Middleground Farms or Cookin’ Class for a memorable experience.
Location: The Kitchen at Middleground Farms (Wilsonville), Cooking with Company (Portland)
Hours: Typically evenings, check specific class schedules
Price: $70-$120
2. Brewery Tour and Tasting
Portland is known for its craft beer scene. Get an all-inclusive tasting experience providing insider access to discover Portland’s best breweries, cideries, and distilleries with companies like City Brew Tours. They let you reserve an entire bus for groups or do private tours for birthdays and anniversaries. Enjoy sampling different brews while learning about the brewing process.
Location: Various breweries (Portland)
Hours: Typically 11 AM – 9 PM
Price: Depends on private vs group tour options
3. Visit a Winery
Just outside Portland, you’ll find beautiful wineries offering tours and tastings. Spend an afternoon at places like Willamette Valley Vineyards, Ponzi, or the Stoller Family Estate, where you can enjoy stunning views and exquisite wines.
Location: Willamette Valley Vineyards, Stoller Family Estate, Ponzi Vineyards
Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
Price: $40 – $75 per person
4. Food Cart Pod
Portland’s food cart pods provide a vibrant and casual dining experience with a wide variety of cuisines in one spot. Locations like Cartopia and Prost Marketplace (aka Mississippi Marketplace) offer unique dishes, from gourmet burgers to exotic street food, making it a fun and delicious date night option. The Mississippi Marketplace, in particular, has great options like Matt’s BBQ, Desi Pdx, Burger Stevens, and great Japanese and Korean food too! Many food cart pods also offer outdoor seating, allowing couples to enjoy their meals in the open air.
Location: Map of Portland’s food carts
Hours: Varies by location, typically 11 AM – 10 PM
5. Dinner Cruise on the Willamette River
Experience a romantic evening on a dinner cruise with Portland Spirit. Enjoy a gourmet meal, live music, and the serene ambiance of the Willamette River. The cruise offers stunning views of the Portland skyline and surrounding nature, providing a perfect backdrop for a special night out. Choose from various themed cruises, such as jazz nights or seasonal events, for a unique and memorable experience.
Location: Salmon Street Springs or Caruthers Landing (Portland)
Hours: Year-Round, morning and evening depending on the schedule selected
Price: $99 (sunset cruise)
6. Live Music & Dinner at Clyde’s Prime Rib
Clyde’s Prime Rib offers a classic dining experience with live jazz music and live music every night of the week. Indulge in a sumptuous meal while enjoying the elegant ambiance and soulful sounds. Clyde’s Prime Rib also offers an extensive food menu, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate.
Location: 5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30AM to Midnight, Friday – Saturday: 11:30AM to 2:00AM
Price: $30-$50 per person
Fun Date Ideas in Portland
7. Catch a Movie at Kennedy School Theater
McMenamins Kennedy School is a unique movie theater venue where you can watch movies in a historic school setting. Enjoy a film in a cozy theater with the option to order food and drinks to your seat.
Location: 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR
Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: $6 per person
8. Visit the 99-W Drive-In Theater
Experience a nostalgic movie theater experience at the 99-W Drive-In Theater. Watch a movie from the comfort of your car, enjoying the retro vibe and the charm of this historic theater.
Location: 3110 Portland Rd, Newberg, OR
Hours: Check showtimes
Price: $10 per person
9. Escape Room Adventure
Challenge yourselves with an escape room adventure. Portland has several venues offering a variety of themed rooms where you can test your problem-solving skills and teamwork. There are several to pick from in Portland but Escape Games PDX has 6 unique rooms worth a try.
Location: 2636 NW 26th Ave Portland, OR 97210 (Escape Games PDX)
Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Price: $30-$40 per person
10. Ground Kontrol Arcade
Ground Kontrol is a classic arcade bar featuring vintage games, pinball machines, and live music. Enjoy a playful night out, competing in your favorite games and reliving the arcade era.
Location: 115 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR
Hours: 12 PM – 12 AM
Price: $5 entry fee, game tokens extra
11. Oaks Park Roller Rink
Roller skating at Oaks Park is a fun and nostalgic date idea. Enjoy skating sessions, theme nights, and special events in this historic roller rink.
Location: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR
Hours: Varies, typically afternoons and evenings
Price: $10-$15 per person
12. OMSI After Dark
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and an IMAX theater. OMSI After Dark is an exclusive event for adults 21 and over. Enjoy beer or wine as you explore the museum without any children. The event features science demonstrations, performances, DJs, artisan food and beverage vendors, and more.
Location: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR
Hours: 6-10 PM (for After Dark)
Price: $25 per person
13. Visit the Alberta Arts District
Explore the vibrant Alberta Arts District, known for its eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Enjoy a casual stroll, shop for unique items, and dine at local eateries.
Location: NE Alberta St, Portland, OR
Unique Date Ideas in Portland
14. Sail Away on a Hot Tub Boat
Book a private sailboat tour with Scovare Expeditions and explore the waters around Portland. Enjoy the serenity of sailing and the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. They also have a July 4th Fireworks Cruise where you can view the fireworks from the river on your own private boat or yacht.
Alternatively, you can rent a pool or hot tub boat from Yacht Tubs if you want to cruise around in style. There’s no captain with this option so it’s more private. The boats feature pools in the daytime and hot tubs at night.
Location: 800 S Idaho St., Portland, Oregon 97219 (Departs from various docks)
Hours: By appointment
Price: $99+
15. Take a Ghost Tour with Portland Ghosts
Explore Portland’s haunted history with a spooky and entertaining ghost tour. This is one of the unique date ideas in Portland where you can learn about the city’s eerie past while visiting haunted locations, guided by knowledgeable storytellers. Slabtown Tours, A Night with Ghosts, is great for history buffs while the Shanghai Tunnels Tour under Old Town Pizza is fun but more light and kitschy. You’ll still get the history and can walk through the tunnels but don’t expect a haunted house level of spooky times. The tour ends with pizza and a drink after you go through the tunnels.
Location: Old Town, Portland, OR
Hours: Evening tours
Price: $20-$40 per person
16. Doug Fir Lounge
The Doug Fir Lounge is a trendy spot for live music and dining with futuristic log-cabin decor. Enjoy a concert in an intimate setting and savor delicious food and drinks, making for an unforgettable date night.
Location: 830 E Burnside St, Portland, OR
Hours: 7 AM – 2 AM
Price: $15-$30 per show
17. Crystal Ballroom
Dance the night away at the historic Crystal Ballroom, renowned for its “floating” dance floor and vibrant live music scene. Attend one of the many concerts or themed dance nights, and enjoy the lively atmosphere, eclectic decor, and unique charm of this Portland landmark.
Location: 1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR
Hours: Varies by event
Price: $20-$50 per person
18. Helicopter Tour with Oregon Helicopters
Take your date to new heights with a helicopter tour over Portland. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the city and surrounding landscapes. You can pick from tours over the city of Portland, Colombia River Gorge Waterfalls, Oregon Coast, and more.
Location: 33 NW Davis St, Portland, OR
Hours: By appointment
Price: $99-$300 per person
19. Hot Air Balloon Ride with Vista Balloon Adventures
For an unforgettable and romantic experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque Willamette Valley. Enjoy the serene views and the unique experience of floating above the landscape and gradually ascending over the picturesque Willamette Valley, taking in views of wine country, mountain peaks, volcanoes, the river below, and up to five other balloons drifting alongside you.
Location: 1050 Commerce Pkwy, Newberg, OR 97132
Hours: Early morning
Price: $240 per person
Creative Date Ideas in Portland
20. Virtual Wine Tasting
If you’re a homebody or want to spread the night in you can participate in a virtual wine tasting from the comfort of your home. Local wineries and wine shops offer kits that include a selection of wines and a guided tasting experience online.
Location: At home
Hours: Scheduled times
Price: $75
21. Wander Powell’s Books
This one is for the bookworms! Powell’s City of Books is a legendary bookstore in Portland. Spend an evening browsing through endless shelves of books, discovering new reads, and enjoying the cozy atmosphere of this literary haven. If you are looking for a fun birthday idea for a significant other who is a book lover, give them a time limit to grab as many books as they can!
Location: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR
Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
Price: Free (unless purchasing books)
22. Mixology Class
Elevate your date night by learning the art of cocktail making. Many local distilleries and businesses like Mixology Classes US offer mixology classes for couples where you can create and taste both classic and modern cocktails. It’s a hands-on and interactive way to enjoy each other’s company while discovering new skills.
Location: Various locations (e.g., New Deal Distillery)
Hours: Scheduled times
Price: $50-$80 per person
23. Portland Art Museum
Immerse yourselves in culture and creativity at the Portland Art Museum, which features an extensive collection of art from around the world. Wander through diverse exhibitions, including contemporary pieces, classic paintings, and rotating special exhibits.
Location: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: $20 per person
24. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Escape to nature with a visit to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. This urban wetland is a haven for birdwatching and offers peaceful walking trails with scenic views of the Willamette River. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the diverse habitats, spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquility away from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking a serene and intimate date.
Location: SE 7th Ave and Sellwood Blvd, Portland, OR
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Price: Free
25. Lan Su Chinese Garden
Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden for a peaceful and culturally enriching experience. The garden features beautiful plants, water features, and traditional Chinese architecture.
Location: 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: $16 per person
26. Wine and Paint Night at Bottle & Bottega
Join a wine and paint night for a creative and relaxed date. Enjoy a glass of wine while an instructor guides you through creating your own masterpiece.
Location: 1406 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
Hours: Evening classes
Price: $30-$50 per person
Romantic Outdoor Date Ideas in Portland
27. Stroll Through the Rose Test Garden
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is a romantic spot for a leisurely walk. With over 10,000 rose bushes and a scenic backdrop of the city, it’s an ideal place for a date. It’s also right across from the Japanese Garden if you want to do both!
Location: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR
Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: Free
28. Hike Macleay Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike in Macleay Park offers a mix of adventure and romance. The trails provide beautiful views and the chance to explore the lush greenery of Forest Park. Plus, you’ll see the Witch’s Castle, which is a two-story stone structure with mysterious origins. Some say the witches originally occupied the house until it was destroyed by local townsfolk.
Location: 2960 NW Upshur St, Portland, OR
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Price: Free
29. Sauvie Island
Spend a relaxing day on Sauvie Island. Explore the beaches, hike the trails, or visit local farm stands for fresh produce. It’s a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Location: 30 minutes from downtown Portland
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Price: Free (activities may vary)
30. Portland Japanese Garden
Experience tranquility and beauty at the Portland Japanese Garden located in Washington Park. Wander through 5.5 acres of meticulously maintained landscapes, explore the authentic tea house, and take in the stunning views of Mount Hood. This serene garden offers a peaceful retreat perfect for a romantic stroll.
Location: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: $21.95 per person
31. Silver Falls State Park
A bit of a drive from Portland, Silver Falls State Park offers a breathtaking natural escape with its stunning waterfalls and scenic hikes. The Trail of Ten Falls is a must-do, providing a series of beautiful cascades and lush forest trails that make for a perfect day trip or active date. They also have a gift shop, cafe, and picnic area in the day-use area at the trailhead if you want to see the falls and have a picnic.
Location: 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Price: $5 per vehicle
33. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Visit the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden during blooming season for a colorful and peaceful date. Stroll through walking paths lined with vibrant flowers, enjoy water features, and take in the serene beauty of this hidden gem. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers looking for a quiet and scenic escape.
Location: 5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: $8 per person
34. Latourell Falls
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourell Falls offers a spectacular view yards away from the parking lot and a rewarding hike. Just a short drive from Portland, this beautiful waterfall is perfect for a romantic nature getaway, providing both easy access and stunning scenery that make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also a popular spot for engagement photos and elopements.
Location: Columbia River Gorge, OR
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Price: Free
35. Visit Pittock Mansion
Explore the historic Pittock Mansion, which offers a glimpse into Portland’s past with its impressive architecture, beautifully preserved rooms, and exhibits detailing the history of the influential Pittock family. The Château’s elevated location provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, making it a romantic spot for couples to explore and enjoy together.
Location: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: $15 per person
36. Horseback Riding with Corbett Farm
Experience the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge on horseback. Guided trail rides offer a unique way to explore this incredible area and beautiful scenery. Corbett, OR, where the riding trails are, is right on the river near several hikes like Multnomah Falls or Latourell Falls and viewpoints like the Vista House at Crown Point you should consider stopping before or after the trail ride.
Location: Corbett Farm, Corbett, OR
Hours: By appointment
Price: $50-$100 per person
37. Powell Butte Nature Park
Hike to the summit of Powell Butte for stunning panoramic views of Portland and Mount Hood. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot perfect for a sunset hike.
Location: 16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR
Hours: 5 AM – 10 PM
Price: Free
38. The Grotto
Find peace and tranquility at The Grotto, a 62-acre Catholic sanctuary featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and shrines. Explore the Upper-Level Gardens for breathtaking views, lush greenery, and serene spaces for reflection. The Grotto offers a quiet and contemplative environment, perfect for couples looking to relax and enjoy a spiritual connection with nature and each other.
Location: 8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR
Hours: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
Price: $8 per person
39. Portland Opera
If you are feeling fancy, try a sophisticated night out by attending a performance at the Portland Opera. Experience world-class productions in a beautiful setting.
Location: 211 SE Caruthers St, Portland, OR
Hours: Varies by performance
Price: $35-$150 per person
Wrapping up the Best Date Spots in Portland
Portland offers an incredible array of activities perfect for creating memorable and romantic experiences. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene, enjoying its rich cultural heritage, or embarking on unique adventures, these 39 best date night ideas provide something special for every couple. If you need a place to stay for your date check out our list of the best Portland boutique hotels.
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