Date night is always a difficult one in my house. I love going out to dinner at my wife and my "spot". But we all know that after doing the same thing date night after date night can get boring. It makes what should be a great time turn into more of the same. I decided to come up with some new date night ideas in Southwest Florida. There are some simple ideas like just changing the restaurant that you go to. But I wanted to give some date night ideas in Southwest Florida that are a little out of the box. I've been married coming up on ten years. Doing something new actually creates new conversations and experiences for you and your partner.
I'm doing the list on new date night ideas for couples who are looking for something new. But if your in a new relationship I think most of these ideas still apply. Last month my wife and I were looking to do something without the kids. Something most parents can relate to. My wife works in the school system, so she is at home with the kids all summer... doing kid stuff. She was looking to have some fun in addition to splitting a bottle of wine over a nice dinner. We went to our first escape room. Since then we have done a few of the ideas on this list since then. Here are some date night ideas in Southwest Florida to shake up date night.
1. Escape Room
I've done it and it was a blast! I did it with just my wife, but we've talked a couple times since our first escape room about how much fun it would be with another couple. Most of them are just an hour and a really fun activity before going out to dinner. Here is Tropic Escape Room's website. They have different levels of difficulty depending how challenging you want to make it.
2. Dream Car Road Trip
We live in paradise. Use that! If one of you enjoy driving this could be an all day event. You can rent your favorite sports car and take a drive up and down the beaches or turn it into a trip to Miami or the Florida Keys.
3. Cooking Class
This is one that can be done at home using YouTube or going to an actual cooking class. The cooking class is a bigger bill, but very doable for a date night. This is fun for couples where one does a majority of the cooking. The non-cooker of the couple will probably open themselves up to some criticism, but it's all in good fun.
4. Find a New Restaurant
This is a NEW restaurant. I say a really cool video where a couple flipped a coin at each intersection- heads they turn right, tails they go left. They counted each restaurant they passed until the 20th one. You have to go to the 20th restaurant. You're trying something new and having a spontaneous time.
The Edison Home Lights
The Edison Home in Fort Myers is often overlooked by locals. Especially during the holiday season. Taking a tour of the home at sunset, then walking through the garden with the holiday lights surrounding you is very romantic. Plus you're just a minute or two away from all the bars in Downton Fort Myers.
6. Go Parasailing
I have lived in Southwest Florida for 32 years and have never gone parasailing. SO I don't know for sure that this is a great date idea, but it sure looks like a blast! I know the water quality isn't great off Fort Myers Beach, but it would still be really cool to see the island from a new vantage point.
7. Airboat Tour
The Florida Everglades are one of the best parks in the country. There are a ton of options if you want to take a tour of the Everglades and get close to some of the wildlife in South Florida.
8. Go Fishing
We've got some great fishing year round in Southwest Florida. And there are a ton of options depending what you want to do. You can hire a salt water guide to go deep drop or fish in the back bay. We're also just an hour or so away from Lake Okeechobee and some great fresh water fishing. If your not an angler I would go out and hire a guide. Let your spouse blame the guide if they don't catch the biggest fish. You can also go shelling if you're not into fishing.
9. Sunset Cruise
There are a ton of options up and down our coastline for sunset boating options. On Fort Myers Beach the Ft. Myers Princess offers great trips, in Naples has the Naples Princess, and in Naples there is a unique option. Gondola rides are offered at La Gondola.
10. Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is a great time. But if your relationship is a little bit rocky right now, this might not be the one for you and your partner. There are a bunch of options around town. But I know TJ's is a great option.
11. Cabbage Key
Go have the cheeseburger in paradise- the real one that Jimmy Buffet wrote about. The island is only accessible via boat, so invite a friend who has one, or charter a boat out there. It is one of the hidden gems of Southwest Florida.
12. Warm mineral Springs in Punta Gorda
I'll be honest here- I never knew about this. Apparently the springs is at 85 degrees year round. I know we have great beaches that most of the country is jealous of, but this is an aquatic adventure that is far from the norm in Southwest Florida.
13. Murder Mystery Train
I did this with a group of couple friends for a birthday party before going to Downtown Fort Myers for the night. It was a fun time. The actors didn't take themselves too seriously and kept everything light and enjoyable. There was a 2 drink minimum while on board, so use them appropriately. This was a good time and something I would do again.
