You don't need a partner to go on a date. In fact, taking yourself out and treating you is a form of self-care.
Not sure what to do with yourself? Here are 15 solo date ideas to get you out of the house.
1. Go for a hike.
If it's a nice day outside, and you live anywhere near the mountains or even flat hiking trails, get out there. Even if you go for a hike for just two or three hours, you'll have a lot of solo time in nature to challenge and be with yourself.
2. Have a spa day.
Sometimes you just need to spoil yourself with a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage or day of relaxing in a thermal bath. Hit the spa in your neighborhood to unwind and do nothing but enjoy sweet relaxation.
3. Hit the beach.
If you live anywhere near a coastline, or even a lake, hit the beach for the day. Take a book with you or download a good podcast you've been meaning to listen to, and lounge for the day.
4. Go on a picnic.
Pack some healthy snacks, a salad or sandwich, some fruits and maybe even some natural, fresh-squeezed juice, and go have yourself a picnic in the park. Again, you can bring a book or download a podcast, or even bring along your journal or sketchbook.
5. See a movie.
Who says you can't go to the movies alone? Besides, even if you go with a partner, you can't actually talk anyway. So take a visit to the cinema to see a new release that interests you.
6. Enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.
Treat yourself to a meal out at one of your favorite restaurants, or try out a new place that you haven't yet visited. You can take yourself out to breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whatever it is, make sure to grab a seat by the window for prime people-watching.
7. Go out for ice cream.
Who can say no to ice cream? Go out for some ice cream, gelato or frozen yogurt and enjoy it sitting in a nearby park or take it along with you while you go for a walk around town. Maybe even go big and try a new flavor.
8. Go for a bike ride.
When is the last time you went on a bike ride for leisure, as opposed to for commuting to work or the grocery store? Take your bicycle out to explore untrodden areas in your neighborhood. Maybe even bring your camera with you so you can snap some shots along the adventure.
9. Visit a new city.
Take the day or weekend to go visit a new city. Maybe you just drive to a small town nearby to wander around the local mom-and-pop shops, or perhaps you hop on a flight for a quick getaway.
10. Go sightseeing in your city.
Have you seen everything there is to see in your own city? Chances are you haven't, as most of us take our own homes for granted. Play tourist for the day in your own city by going on a walking tour, taking a food tour or just wandering into significant buildings and reading about them on your own.
11. Check out a museum.
Have a look at a museum nearby. You can get lost in one for hours, all while learning something new. Then, when you do meet back up with friends or your partner, you'll have even more to talk about.
12. Netflix and chill.
Okay, this one doesn't get you out of the house. But it's still a solid solo date. Put on some comfortable clothes, grab some snacks and flick on a marathon of all your favorite movies. You can chill out all day and take your mind off of work and everyday stresses by just getting away (virtually) for an afternoon.
13. Take a cooking class.
Take a cooking class to learn a new dish or cuisine. You'll learn something new and have novel recipes to whip out for your next potluck or dinner with your partner.
14. Try a new adventure sport.
Get outside of your comfort zone by trying a new adventure sport. Spend the day ziplining, ATVing, motorbiking or something else entirely. It's sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
15. See live music.
Seeing live music is a surefire way to boost your endorphins. Hit a local watering hole to check out some live music or buy tickets to your favorite artist's upcoming concert. You don't need friends or a partner to enjoy good music.
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AnnaMarie Houlis is a feminist, a freelance journalist and an adventure aficionado with an affinity for impulsive solo travel. She spends her days writing about women’s empowerment from around the world. You can follow her work on her blog, HerReport.org, and follow her journeys on Instagram @her_report, Twitter @herreport and Facebook.