Dating Advice for Men: Unique First Dates

The internet is full of dating advice for men – some good, some bad – and it can be hard to tell the difference. Whether you’ve been in the dating scene for a while or you are returning to it, you may be interested in some fresh dating advice for men. For additional support and insights, consider reaching out to San Diego Christian Counseling, where you can find guidance tailored to your relationship journey.

Unique First Date Ideas

Here are some memorable and unique first date ideas that are sure to catch your prospective date’s interest.

Backwards date

On a backwards dinner date, you start with dessert, followed by the main course and appetizers. To break the ice, tell your date that you want to give them a goodnight hug at the beginning of the date. Explain that since you are doing things in reverse, you wanted to “end” the date with an embrace.

Visit a trampoline park

A trampoline park is traditionally thought of as an activity enjoyed by youth, but it might be just the activity that will help you bounce your way to a second date. It’s the perfect place to exert some energy and reduce stress. Trampoline parks are also a great place to get a workout. If you don’t have a trampoline park in your area, consider visiting an adult-friendly bounce house.

Go stargazing

Visit a nearby planetarium or observatory or if there aren’t any in your area, escape the city lights and view the twinkly stars with a telescope. Download a constellation-spotting app to enhance the fun. If you really want to impress your date, have a star named after her and look for it in the night sky.

Play board games at a local cafe

Some cafes encourage board game play at their establishments and even provide them. If you don’t have a cafe near you that offers this service, bring your favorite or purchase and learn a new board game together with your date.

Take a dance class together

Many dance studios offer free introductory classes. Find a studio that offers a dance for you and your date to learn together. You may dance away with a second date and a new hobby.

Go on a food truck hop

Food trucks are popping up all over urban and even rural areas. Have a progressive food truck dinner with your date. End the evening with ice cream from an ice cream truck. If you don’t know where your local food trucks park, check social media sites for their most recent locations.

Visit a cat cafe

If you have a cat cafe in your area, it is worth a visit. These cafes are home to some friendly felines who are looking for their forever homes. In the meantime, they are satisfied with being the center of attention at the local cafe. It’s best to ask your date if she is allergic to cats before planning this as a first date.

Rent a convertible

Nothing rivals the feeling of cruising down a scenic highway in a convertible on a warm summer day. If you don’t own a convertible, rent one for the day. If money is tight, consider test-driving your dream car and ask your date to do the same. Simply visit a local dealership and ask!

Visit the library

If you and your date share a love for books, consider a trip to the library on your first date. Browse the shelves together, choose a book that interests both of you, and find a cozy spot to read side-by-side. This relaxing and enjoyable activity can help you discover new books and authors and may expose you to new ideas and fictional places.

Alternatively, find a bookstore hosting an interesting talk or reading, ideally on a topic or genre your partner enjoys. Supporting a local independent bookstore can make the experience even better. Afterward, you can grab a bite to eat and discuss what you’ve read. If you prefer, bring along your e-reader to make reading together even more convenient. For a romantic touch, bring the books home and read together by firelight.

Take a photo walk

A photo walk can be an engaging first date activity. It combines creativity, physical activity, and exploration. Choose a lively city street, scenic park, or historical district and capture the beauty in photographs. As you walk, practice your photography skills by trying new perspectives and unique lighting. Capture a few selfies to document the date and then enjoy a cup of coffee while you review your photos.

Go antiquing

Going antiquing can bring back a sense of nostalgia, especially if you and your date are old enough to remember some of the antiques from your childhood. Wander through aisles filled with vintage furniture and browse through antique books.

Look for some interesting retro jewelry to add to your collection or find some quirky knick-knacks to gift to each other. Going antiquing on a first date can inspire discussions about your family and personal history and will help you get to know your date on a more personal level.

Have an indoor picnic

Don’t let the weather prevent you from enjoying a picnic on your first date. Clear the furniture out of the living room and set up a traditional picnic space. Find a checkered tablecloth or blanket to place on the floor and serve traditional foods such as fried chicken, potato salad, and baked beans. You can even play nature sounds from your phone to enhance the experience.

Binge a TV or movie series

If you or your date have had a busy week, there is something special about staying in for a relaxing evening. Choose a binge-worthy movie series or start a TV series you are both interested in watching. Be sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand to enhance the experience. If you don’t want to commit to hours of television time, consider watching a foreign film for a unique date.

Download a karaoke app

Don’t worry about the quality of your singing voice; karaoke is always a great way to loosen up and have some fun! Download a free karaoke app or search for tracks on YouTube. Blast the tunes on your speakers and enjoy a good song and possibly a laugh or two.

If you are going to be spending time in the car on your first date, you could engage in carpool karaoke. Drive around town and take turns choosing songs for the other person to sing. Remember to choose songs you’re familiar with as there can be no reading of lyrics while driving. Be sure to have the passenger film the concert and enjoy watching the video together after you’ve reached your destination.

Wash your cars together

If you and your date share a love for cars, consider washing and detailing your cars together. Washing cars can be a time-consuming chore, but if you do this activity together, you may find it enjoyable. This activity inspires conversations about your favorite cars and family road trips and other related topics that will help you to get to know each other. If the weather is nice, it might even lead to a friendly water battle.

Paint taper candles

Engage your crafty side. Candles add a romantic touch to any dinner. Instead of purchasing hand-painted taper candles, paint them with your date. You can also make candles in jars by following online tutorials. After the candles are done, burn them while you eat a delicious dinner together.

Try an alphabet adventure

Invite your date on an adventure that covers activities from A to Z in one unforgettable day. Start the day with appetizers or at an art gallery. Share baked bread and coffee while you wait for dinner. Then proceed to an escape room or for an easier way to represent the letter “e”, exchange email addresses. Make your way through the alphabet in order. It might take some creativity to make it through the date, but it will be a fun challenge to solve together.

Play birdwatching bingo

Search the internet for bird species native to your area and make bingo cards for yourself and your date. Visit a bird sanctuary or a nature reserve and start watching. Bring binoculars and a snack for an even better experience. The first person to fill a line on their card gets to decide what you eat for dessert.

Counseling and dating advice for men

Preparing for a first date can be exciting and intimidating. A therapist can help you identify and address any lingering insecurities or past wounds that might be affecting your dating life and give you sober-minded dating advice.

By incorporating dating advice gained from therapy and trusting in God’s plan for your life, you can enter the dating scene feeling more confident and ready to connect in a meaningful way with your date. Whether you’re exploring an antique store or trying an alphabet-themed adventure, remember that the goal of dating is not just to find a life partner but to enjoy the journey.

To learn more about the ways therapy can offer dating advice for men, contact our office today at San Diego Christian Counseling in California.