Sunsets are nature’s little gift to us, a way of saying “well done” for getting through another day. As the sky is painted shades of orange, pink, and red, it’s a moment of reflection and contemplation, and also an opportunity to share the beauty with someone special. So get planning that sunset date—there’s nothing more romantic. First up, here are some ideas for where to catch a sunset, and then we’ll look at some of the reasons why we think sunsets make the perfect date.
A sunset beach picnic is always a good idea
Sunset + beach: Are there any two more evocative words in the English language? The sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the salty air, and the sweeping sense of optimism that you get from looking out at the horizon. For a foolproof sunset beach picnic, ask your date what their favorite snacks are, and bring them along with a bottle of something you like to drink and some reusable cups. We recommend keeping the picnic simple–chips, dips and treats, so as not to distract from the reason you’re there–to enjoy the sublime beauty of the sun setting. Don’t forget to pack a blanket to sit on, and maybe an extra one to snuggle under, and enjoy the beach sunset.
If you're not near a beach, try a rooftop bar sunset date
Many cities have rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the skyline. Plan a date night in advance and book a table with a view—make a note on your booking or phone ahead to secure a prime spot. Don’t be afraid of sitting in comfortable silence with your date as you watch the sunset together. There’s something inherently intimate about the experience and once the sun has dipped below the horizon, you can reconnect or toast the end of the day with a delicious cocktail or mocktail as the night now stretches before you, resplendent with possibility. Some rooftop bars have live music, which adds to the ambiance. Dress up and make it a special night to remember.
Sunsets are free! Make the most of that with a sunset nature walk
Take a nature walk in a park or hike in the forest and watch the sunset from a scenic spot. Make sure you schedule it well, so you set off with enough time to reach a good place from where to watch the sun go down. The quietness of nature allows you to focus on the beauty of the moment and connect with your date. Remember not to get too swept up and forget to take any photos. Your social media needs this content! And if the date goes well, it’ll be a lovely reminder of a meaningful moment in your relationship.
But if you're feeling splashy, how about a hot air balloon sunset date?
You basically win at dating with this sunset idea. If you’re looking to take your date on a truly unique sunset experience, a hot air balloon ride is perfect. Watch the sunset from high up in the sky as you float over the landscape. It’s a breathtaking experience that you won’t forget, but it’s not necessarily a great first date idea, as if you don’t hit it off you’ll have no way of getting out of the date. Save this for date three or four when you’re just starting to be into each other. A sunset hot air balloon ride can improve your chances of this relationship blossoming. Maybe just check they’re not afraid of heights first!
Make a playlist for a seriously memorable sunset date
It takes somewhere between 70 and 140 minutes for the sun to set—that’s the perfect time to share a homemade playlist with your date. Think about songs that set a mood and won’t detract from the beauty of the experience, rather than seeing this as a chance to introduce them to your favorite bands. If you find out the kind of music they are into in advance, add some tracks you know they love in the mix to show that you listen and care about their tastes too. And make sure you bring some good quality speakers with you, as tinny sound can really spoil an otherwise perfect moment.
The sublime appeal of sunset dates
Sunsets have long been associated with romance, and for good reason. There’s something about the beauty of the sun dipping out of view that creates a sense of awe and wonder, and it’s these kinds of heightened moments, when two individuals are experiencing a powerful shared feeling, that can become catalysts to romance.
Watching a sunset can also be a calming and relaxing experience. Perfect for those first date jitters! As the sun sets, the world seems to slow down, and there’s a sense of tranquility in the air. This peacefulness can be an opportunity to connect with a date and share a quiet, vulnerable moment together.
The end of the day is associated with the end of work and the start of relaxation and leisure time. The good bit basically! Sunsets are symbolic of this transition and can represent the end of a busy day and the beginning of a romantic evening.
And as the day comes to a close, there’s an opportunity to reflect on what’s happened and what’s to come. Watching a sunset can be a moment of introspection and contemplation, which can bring people closer together and create a sense of intimacy.
The symbolism of a date at sunset
Although sunsets represent the end of something, they also hold the promise of something new. After the sun sets, the world goes dark, but there’s a new day just around the corner. This can be seen as a symbol of hope and optimism for the future, which is exactly the kind of headspace it can be great to be in while dating.
It’s hard to go wrong with a sunset date (unless you miss the actual sunset!) so enjoy being swept up in the romance of this natural wonder. It’s a good idea to have something planned for once darkness falls so there’s not an anticlimax—the night is only just beginning.
