Solo Date Ideas For Your Self-Love Era
Spending quality time with yourself is such an important thing to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re single, in a relationship, married- whatever! Learning to be by yourself and not only be comfortable and confident, but to actually enjoy it and have fun is the best way to form a better relationship with the most important person in your life- YOU! Taking yourself on a solo date is a great way to connect with yourself.
Now, coming from someone who has been painfully single for a while now, you may get in the same mindset as me sometimes where you think- I’m alone all the time, what’s the point of a solo date? What’s the difference? But there really is a huge difference between being alone and actually blocking out time to relish in your own company. Sure, rotting on the couch after work with your favourite Netflix show playing in the background as you scroll on your phone definitely counts as being alone with yourself… but are you actually enjoying it? Are you taking the time to sit with yourself and figure out what makes you happy? I definitely don’t.
That’s why it’s so important to date yourself. Carve out some time in your life on a regular basis to either do something you love, try something new, or push yourself out of your comfort zone- complete by yourself! Not only will this allow you to find new and potentially exciting things that you love, it will also allow you to figure out who you are. That’s something I think everyone struggles with, no matter what stage of your life you’re in.
A solo date doesn’t have to be anything fancy, and when you’re just starting out it doesn’t have to be anything scary either! Personally, my biggest obstacle would be going to a bar or a restaurant by myself. So, I wouldn’t put that as my number one date idea or else I’d be setting myself up for failure! Pick something small and easy to do right off the bat so you can slowly gain confidence as you go along. Maybe that’s simply going on a hike through a new trail that you’ve never been to before. Maybe it’s going to a local cafe that you’ve always wanted to try out and sitting there with a good book. Or maybe it’s taking yourself to the movies to see a show that’s on your list. Assess your own comfort level and push yourself from there!
I’ve compiled a list of solo date ideas that I know I would personally enjoy. There’s a good mix of at-home dates, cheap or free dates, and some fancier dates if you’re feeling like really treating yourself. If you’re ready to plan your first solo date or you’re simply looking for some new ideas, keep reading to get inspired!
Solo Date Ideas At Home
If you’re not ready to venture out into the world by yourself or if you really just don’t feel like leaving the house, try out some of these fun solo date ideas that you can do from the comfort of your own home!
1. Have a Spa Day
Taking care of yourself is such a great way to spend time alone and boost your confidence. And what better way to do that than a spa day? Whether you’re on a budget or you just don’t feel like leaving your house, there are so many ways you can give yourself a fancy spa treatment. Light your favourite candle, put on some relaxing tunes, take an everything shower and then relax with a face mask while you paint your nails!
2. Try out a New Recipe
Give yourself a restaurant-quality experience at home! The perfect way to spend a solo date night at home is to pour up your favourite glass of wine (or non-alcoholic beverage), put on a show or some music, and try a new recipe. You can choose to make your favourite meal if you want, or try to push yourself and try something you’ve never made before. Not only will it get you a bit out of your comfort zone, you might discover something new that you like!
3. Have a Movie Night
Even if curling up on the couch and watching a movie is a normal occurance for you, make this a special event! Pick a brand new movie that you’ve never seen before, grab your favourite snacks, light a candle or two and cuddle up with your favourite blanket. Turn the volume up louder than usual to give you that movie-theatre experience and you have the perfect, cozy solo date!
4. Paint & Sip at Home
Grab a paint-by-numbers set or just some paint and a blank canvas, put on a comfort show or your favouite playlist, pour yourself a glass of wine (or two) and get creative! You can look up some inspiration on Pinterest before you start (speaking of, you can follow me on Pinterest here!) or just free-hand whatever comes to mind!
5. Start a New Book
If you’re looking for more of a low-key solo date at home, why not start a new book? This is another activity that may be an everyday task for you, but if you put a bit more extra effort into your surroundings it can be the perfect little date! Find a comfy spot in your home, curl up with your favourite blanket, put some ambiance music on (I love this chill playlist from YouTube) and crack open a book you’ve been meaning to start!
6. Start a New Hobby
Another great solo date idea that may help you discover something new about yourself is to start a new hobby! There are so many fun and interesting hobbies you can try out, from crocheting to gardening to starting your own blog! Pick out something you’ve wanted to try for a while, gather up whatever supplies you need, and see if you enjoy it!
7. Clean Your Space
Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking. How in the world is cleaning a fun solo date idea? But what I mean is to organize, tidy up and even re-decorate your space to make it an environment that you love and thrive in. Sometimes I get frustrated because my house is not matching up to the aesthetic I have in my head, so take some time to sit down and make it happen! This could be something as simple as re-arranging your furniture to mix things up, or head out to your local home decor store to grab some pieces before arranging them in your space. If you live in a space that you love it will make you more inspired!
8. Be Your Own Bartender
This is an idea that you can do on its own or you can add it to any of these at-home activities! Instead of just pouring yourself a drink straight from the bottle, try out a new cocktail recipe! I’ve always wanted to teach myself how to make some fancy drinks at home, so gather your supplies and be your own bartender!
9. Create a Vision Board
Another great solo date activity is to create a vision board. The best thing about vision boards is that they’re completely tailored to you, and you can make them at any point during the year! Whether you create a physical board with glue and printed-out pictures, or you create an online version on Canva or Pinterest, making a vision board is a great way to sit with yourself and figure out what you want and what inspires you. You can reflect on where you’re currently at in your life and what your hopes and dreams are for your future. Make this a little event once again with music or a show playing and your favourite drinks and snacks! If you want some inspiration for your vision board check out my guide here!
10. Plan Your Dream Vacation
I love the process of planning out a trip. It’s so exciting to think of all the cool and interesting places, food and people you’ll get to experience! Plus, it’s a huge motivator for saving money so you can actually make it a reality. Think of somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, even if its somewhere around your hometown, and research everything! Potential hotels, transportation, a budget, places to eat, cute cafes, etc! Compile it all into a slideshow or an itinerary and then work towards it! Maybe after a few of these solo dates you’ll have the confidence to go to your dream destination on a solo trip!
Cheap/Free Solo Date Ideas
Taking yourself on a date doesn’t have to break the bank! There are a ton of fun activities you can try out that are either super cheap or totally free!
11. Go on a Picnic
A picnic is a great, cheap solo date to take yourself on! Find a cute park somewhere in your area and pack up some drinks, snacks, and a blanket. This is a great activity to do on a sunny day and you don’t even have to spend any money if you’re bringing items from home! Alternatively, you could go to a cute cafe or bakery and grab a sandwich to go. A picnic is a great way to be by yourself in nature.
12. Find a New Hiking Trail
Speaking of nature, another great way to connect with both yourself and the outdoors is to go on a hike! Search for some good hiking trails in your area or take a bit of a road trip and explore! Hiking gives you a solid amount of time to appreciate the world around you while also giving you time to think. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you complete the hike, which can be incredibly fulfilling!
13. Read in a Park
Switch up your reading spots by heading outside! Put on a cute but comfy outfit, grab an iced coffee and find a park somewhere in your neighbourhood. You could also mix this with the picnic idea from above and bring some snacks and a blanket along to sit in the grass! This solo date is an easy way to get out of the house while still enjoying a solitary activity.
14. Wander Around a Market
Another great solo date idea is to wander around your local farmer’s market! Take a look at what’s in your area or go on a mini road trip to one in a city nearby. You can shop for fresh fruits and veggies or just window shop. Either way, it’s a great and cheap activity to do on your own!
15. Go to a Coffee Shop
No matter where you are, there’s usually a cute, independent coffee shop around somewhere! Find one that you’ve never tried before and get your favourite drink, grab a seat and either read a good book or do some work on your laptop. You get to spend time alone amongst other people in a new environment and maybe you’ll find a new favourite place to hang out!
16. Go to the Beach
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhat close to a beach, it’s a great place to spend a day alone! Find a spot in the sun and enjoy the relaxing sound of the waves. I usually like to bring my book or my headphones and just chill out for a few hours.
17. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
Another great solo date idea that costs nothing is to watch the sunset (or sunrise if you’re an early bird!) Find a good spot to watch the sun- I like the beach or some kind of cliffside personally but you can literally do this anywhere.
18. Go to a Community Event
A great way to meet people in your area is to go to a local community event! A lot of cities and towns have their own local festivals, so do some research about what’s going on in your area and go check it out!
19. Go for a Drive
This one seems like such a simple idea but going for a drive by yourself can be very therapeutic. Take a tour down some country roads and blast your favourite playlist that makes you want to sing along!
20. See a Movie
If there’s a movie out that you really want to see, treat yourself! Take yourself out to the movies- this is an easy solo date since the theatre is dark and everyone’s watching a show! Grab your favourite snack and enjoy!
Adventurous Solo Date Ideas
Looking to push yourself a bit? Get out of your comfort zone by trying one of these ideas!
21. Take Yourself Out for Dinner
Eating alone at a restaurant is really no big deal, and you see it more and more often nowadays! It may be a big step for some people (myself included!) but in reality, no one is paying attention to you! So find a cute restaurant, order your favourite meal (and maybe a drink or two to calm your nerves.) If you want, bring a book or scroll through your phone to keep yourself from feeling awkward, or just sit and enjoy the vibes!
22. Go to a Museum
If you have some cool museums around you, they would make a great solo date! Wander through the exhibits at your own pace and see exactly what you want!
23. Sign Up for a Class
If you want to try a new hobby but you’re feeling social, sign up for a class! There are so many options to choose from like pottery, cooking, dancing etc. Choose something you’ve always wanted to try out and maybe meet some friends along the way!
24. Go on a Shopping Spree
If you’ve got some money to spend, take yourself on a solo date to the mall for a bit of a shopping spree! Treat yourself to some new clothes or another item you’ve had your eye on for a while. Get yourself an iced coffee and stroll through the stores for a few hours!
25. Get Away for a Weekend
Solo travel is the best way to get in tune with yourself. Choose somewhere you can go for a weekend, whether it’s a new city or a cabin up in the woods. Explore the area and take a leisurely pace to soak it all in!
26. Go Camping
This solo date would be a great idea for that weekend getaway! Grab your tent and find a campground near you to spend some time in nature and roasting marshmallows over a campfire.
27. Grab a Cocktail at a Bar
This solo date idea can be intimidating, but if you’re up for it take yourself out for a drink at a bar! Dress up in a cute outfit so you’re feeling confident and head out to your favourite bar or a bar you’ve never been to before to switch things up. Order a cute cocktail and soak in the atmosphere!
28. Go to a Spa
If you really feel like relaxing and treating yourself, book a day at the spa! This would be a great idea for a weekend getaway as well. Instead of doing the work yourself, have someone take care of you instead!
29. Join a Bar-Hop/Pub-Crawl
A bar hop or a pub crawl is a great solo date idea for when you want to drink and be social in a more controlled, organized environment. They’re especially great when you’re exploring a new city or country, and you can meet people from around the world! Sign up for one in whatever city you’re in and have some fun!
30. Go to a Concert
Have a favourite artist that you’ve been dying to see? Go to their concert! You don’t need someone to tag along to be able to enjoy the music and the overall vibes of a concert anyways, and it’s a great way to meet new people who have similar interests as you!
Have any other solo date ideas? Let me know!
