Valentine’s Day, the most romantic holiday, can sometimes feel repetitive. If you’ve been with your partner for a while, it’s natural to want to shake things up and create a truly memorable experience.

Research shows that couples who regularly try new things tend to have happier relationships. So, this Valentine’s Day, why not ditch the classics and plan a unique Valentine’s Day date to leave you and your love with unforgettable memories?

Be Active

A young couple stands in a mountainous desert with backpacks about to begin their hike.


Who said first Valentine’s Day ideas have to be all about indulgence? Engaging in physical activities can bring you closer and strengthen your bond. And they’re also perfect for any stage of a relationship. Studies show that active couples have increased emotional connections and overall happiness. Plus, the rush of endorphins can make your partner even more attractive! So, why not incorporate some physical activity into your date?

1. Elevate Your Love

For a potent mix of endorphins and adrenaline why not try indoor rock climbing? Rock climbing is a great Valentine’s Day activity as belaying your partner requires complete trust and communication. Most gyms have excellent deals for beginners or all day passes. If you’re in Toronto, check out Joe Rockhead’s Indoor Rock Climbing which offers a medley of passes and classes including a beginner package.

2. Channel Your Passion for Each Other into Ax Throwing

Looking to master the medieval art of ax throwing? For a super unique Valentine’s Day date, why not try your hand at this indoor competitive sport that’s skyrocketing in popularity. Get your aggression out by hurtling a 1.5 lb wooden hatchet for points, all while drinking beer! Urban Axes has locations all across the U.S., many of them licensed or BYOB.  

3. Or Just Skip to Leisure

In need of a little more low-key relaxation and rejuvenation with your loved one? Turkish Baths or Spas offer a more intimate way to connect. Here, clad in just a comfy robe or towel, you can indulge in a steam, sauna, or even a deep-tissue massage treatment. Turkish Baths and Spas can be found in most major cities. If you’re in New York City, longtime favorite Russian & Turkish Baths in the East Village is always well worth the trip.

Get Creative

Man and woman kiss with pane of glass between their lips.
Enact your own rendition of the ‘Please Mr. Jailer’ scene in “Crybaby.”


Engaging in artistic endeavors together is super romantic. Being creative, even if it’s as simple as taking a paint by numbers paint class, has also been shown to improve brain function and physical health.

4. Channel Your Patrick and Demi with a Pottery Class


Prepare to get dirty and learn how to ‘throw’ a pot by taking a pottery class. Working with your hands is very tactile and a sneaky, sensual way to connect with your partner. Look into booking a class at your local pottery studio. For instance, Washington D.C.’s hand-painted pottery experience All Fired Up lets you create anything from clay masterpieces to photo mosaics.  

5. Book an Impromptu Photo Session

Is your couple selfie game severely lacking? Source it out to the experts and book a professional photography session. Not just for engagements or weddings anymore, a couple’s photo shoot is a unique way to show off your personalities and create beautiful lasting memories that reflect your love for each other.

Go Gourmet

A man and a woman in striped aprons cooking together.


6. Cook Together

Do you and your partner order takeout more often than you’d like to admit? Tantalize your taste buds and hone your knife skills by taking a cooking class together. Cooking with your significant other teaches you to work effectively as a team, an essential component of happy long-term relationships. If you’re in Chicago, the Wooden Spoon offers a variety of couples cooking classes like rustic Italian and sushi making.

7. Indulge in a Dessert Taste Test

For dessert lovers, why not skip dinner and embark on a delightful dessert tasting test? If your partner melts for red velvet cupcakes, test red velvet delights from the top three bakeries in your neighborhood. This sweet adventure will tickle your taste buds and create a playful atmosphere between you and your loved one.

Immerse in Culture & Art

Make good on your New Year’s resolution to explore the arts unexpectedly with your Valentine. After all, witnessing the beauty of art together is not only highly stimulating but also romantic.

8. Attend a Sexy Theater Experience

Witnessing the beauty of art together can be a highly stimulating and romantic experience. Attend a sexy theater experience like Sleep No More, an award-winning interactive adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Explore the intricately designed rooms of a 1930s-era hotel, all while wearing masks and immersing yourselves in the world of the play. If you’re not in Manhattan, similar immersive theater productions can be found in many major cities.

9. Explore a Museum After Dark

Galleries, games, and champagne more your scene? Plan a visit to your local art museum after dark. Not only is everything sexier in the dark, but later hours also mean fewer people, no kids and shorter lines! Most museums have special late-night hours or will host ‘after-dark’ cocktail events a few times each month.

Notable standouts include the High Museum of Art if you’re in Atlanta or The Philadelphia Museum of Art if you’re in Philly, but make sure to check your local museums to see what they have planned.

Couple laughing in field of grains on clear afternoon.


Whether it is your first Valentine’s Day together or your 30th, all relationships could benefit from an injection of novelty and excitement. Stepping outside the box with these unique Valentine’s Day ideas can transform your celebration into an extraordinary experience. From getting active to indulging in culinary experiences, there are countless ways to make this day special for you and your partner. The key is to create a memorable experience that reflects your unique bond.

Leave the cookie-cutter dates behind and embrace the opportunity to infuse new life and excitement into your relationship. Plan a Valentine’s Day that you will cherish forever. Capture this opportunity to rekindle the passion and make this Valentine’s Day special. Book a day use hotel room with HotelsByDay for a leisurely and romantic preparation before your night out together.


Image Credits: 

Featured image created by MidJourney.

“Man and woman couple in love kisses” by QuoteCatalog via Unsplash

“Two People Hiking” by Maddy Baker via Unsplash

‘Patrick and Demi’ GIF via GIPHY

“Laughing by the tracks” by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

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Isis-Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central America and her love of traveling was born. Three months of backpacking and surfing through Nicaragua quickly turned into over two years. She fell in love, both with surfing and the beach lifestyle. Today she works as a freelance copy and content writer, residing in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida.