Ditch the high maintenance date and look for someone with realistic expectations and a sense of humor.
There are hundreds of fun things to do in Seattle. Save the dinners at Canlis for another day and look around for cheap dating ideas. Think outside the box and invite that special friend on some of these inexpensive creative dates. A slow economy is no time to give up on love.
Dating in Seattle - Outdoors
Green Lake (north Seattle):
This is Seattle’s answer to Venice Beach, though not as wild.
Green Lake has a paved trail which circles the lake. It’s in the middle of the city, so thousands of people come here daily to get next to nature. The park is used by cyclists, rollerbladers, joggers and bench sitters. It’s a nice friendly walk for a date and also a good place to bring dogs (on leash).
UW students, families just starting out, and work-stressed work-out types have always known about Green Lake as their go-to answer for inexpensive creative dates for couples.
- Path around Green Lake – 2.8 miles
There are tons of cheap places to have adventures in Seattle.
Cheap Dates in Seattle
Burke Gilman Bike Trail (North Seattle - pick it up at Gasworks Park):
It was brilliant foresight on the part of local planners to turn this old abandoned railway track into a gorgeous bike trail. The Burke Gilman Trail starts in Fremont and heads along the water to the north end of the lake. It connects with the Sammamish River Trail and goes all the way to Marymoor Park. Biking is one of the best cheap dating ideas around.
Myrtle Edwards Park (north end of the waterfront):
Myrtle Edwards is renowned as the site of the annual Hempfest where hippies take over the park for two days. Otherwise, it’s a nice quiet stroll, with great views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
- Trail is about 1 1 / 2 miles.
- Entrance at Olympic Sculpture Park.
Alki Beach (West Seattle):
This park has a hip promenade next to a sandy beach. And though the water in Puget Sound is too cold for swimming, it’s a great place for people watching. Parking is usually a mess on busy summer days, so expect a hike. The views from Alki are amazing in all directions. It's absolutely the best for inexpensive creative dates, especially when the sun is high.
- Spud’s Fish n Chips – cheap tasty seafood.
- A 15 minute drive from downtown.
Dating Ideas for Couples - Get out on the Water
Center for Wooden Boats (South Lake Union):
“I am a volunteer sailing instructor and I love the Center for Wooden Boats more than just about anything in this town.” (Raz B. yelp.com)
The Center for Wooden Boats is high up on the list for best cheap dating ideas. It's a small, easily overlooked museum with killer views of Lake Union. The CWB is a boathouse dock floating on water. Rowboat rentals are around $15-25 an hour or free for volunteers. Small sailboats are rented to experienced sailors.
On Sunday, public sails are free (2:00PM) and visitors can help a Haida Master Carver create a large canoe. Cool.
- Center for Wooden Boats
- Call to get info about signing up for free public sails
- 206-382-2628
Ferry to Bainbridge:
Expect a chilly breeze on the sound, even on the warmest of days, but it’s worth braving the elements. No car is necessary because it’s a charming walk to Café Nola from the Bainbridge dock. If possible, return to Seattle at dusk to see the city light up (by reflected sun or by electricity).
- Ferry walk-on at Pier 50, Seattle waterfront.
There are so many fun things to do in Seattle. Green Lake, Burke Gilman, Myrtle Edwards, and Alki are just a few. The Center for Wooden Boats is amazing and everyone loves a trip to Bainbridge. Try an art walk. There are so many inexpexpensive creative dates for couples that are cheap or free, that there’s no point in staying home due to lack of bread!
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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