38+ Date Ideas in Raleigh for Valentine’s Day, 2024 (There’s something for everyone!)

Love is smoking up the air, folks! And if you’re in Raleigh there’s no better place to be this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a hopeless singleton, we’ve got you covered with a list of fun ideas to make your heart skip a beat. 

We go beyond the potentially stale dinner by candlelight ideas. We don’t dismiss it entirely, but we think there are many more interesting ways to let loose and get to know the REAL in each other. 

So, grab your sweetie, your BFF or just yourself and get ready to celebrate the season of love like never before. From fancy gala balls to romantic hikes, there’s something for everyone in Raleigh this Valentine’s Day! We include specific Valentine events in Raleigh for 2024 in relevant ideas as well, so read through the entire post!

And not all Valentine’s Day celebrations have to occur on February the 14th. Since it’s on a Wednesday this year, it might be a little challenging for some. Consider an early one on the weekend before, or weekend after.

1. Gift local products to that special someone

It doesn’t have to be your romantic love; you can send anyone you care about a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers this Valentine’s Day. It’s generally what we give our girls, or a cupcake from the Cupcake Shoppe Bakery. 

The best places for locally made chocolates in Raleigh are Videri Chocolate Factory in the Warehouse District, Azurelise Chocolate Truffles on N Boylan Ave and Escazu Chocolates on N Blount St. 

Amitie Macaron has a cafe/bakery in Downtown Raleigh if Parisian treats are more your beau’s style. And Mon Macaron has locations in downtown Raleigh and Downtown Cary.

North Carolina State Farmers Market has bountiful and beautiful local bouquets as does TG Floristry, a Black, woman-owned flower shop on Morgan St. You’ll also find wonderful gifts at the Flourish Market and DECO in Raleigh, and at Rose & Lee in Apex.

READ MORE: Where to shop local in Downtown Raleigh. Don’t forget to support these black owned businesses in Raleigh and these women owned businesses in Raleigh.

2. Learn together

Couples who learn together, stay together. From cooking, to painting, and appreciating wine, there are many classes you can enjoy in Raleigh. 

• Raleigh Walking Tours will put on a special Valentine’s & Galentine’s Day Love Stories & Broken Hearts Walking Tour. It will feature historic local love stories – the good and the tragic. I’m sure the lessons will help you keep love alive. A great activity to do with your friends as well. Full details and mandatory advance registration here. It’s a Pay What you Want Tour. Feb 10 and 17, 2024. Various times.
• The City of Raleigh Museum (COR) will have a local Love Potions experience on February 14, 2024, 7-10pm. Cost is $42 – $50 per person. Enjoy a selection of themed cocktails as you hear tales of Raleigh’s most famous historic love stories, as told by Ernest Dollar, Director of Raleigh Museums.
• If you like walking tours, this Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls walking tour may be a hit for couples who love to get their SPOOK on. Uncover the lurking ghosts and spirits of Raleigh on a guided paranormal walking tour. Stand as close as you dare to the Heck-Andrews House and listen to chilling tales of this city’s dark history.

3. Dream together on a hike (or bike ride)

We don’t care that it’s winter – it’s North Carolina, it’s still perfect for biking or hiking and we have some amazing trails in Raleigh. We encourage you to experience the value of trading the sound of honking horns and keyboard taps for the sound of birds and rustling of leaves.

Once your outside noise quietens it’s easier for you to reconnect as partners. Talk about your dreams and plan together how you’ll make them happen.

Most of what you see via the This is Raleigh channels comes from ideas discussed on our afternoon walks. It’s where the magic happens. And you can’t beat FREE for a date experience. A few favorite trails in Raleigh:

• Lake Johnson Trail
• Loblolly Trail in Umstead State Park
• Bond Lake in Cary
• 25 top trails in Raleigh for hiking and biking

4. Ditch the Romantic Love and do Galentine’s with your Besties

One thing we learned moving to the USA, was that Valentine’s is not just for romantic love like it is in Australia. So don’t worry if you’re single or in desperate need of a break from your partner (let’s be real we all need them) you can experience a little euphoria too with your best gal-friends!

• Learn how to mix two delicious cocktails and decorate a small cake At Sugar Euphoria’s Cocktails & Confections Galentine Soiree on Feb 4, 1-3pm
• Galentine’s Celebration Friday in the Designed for Joy Studios. Support our favorite local non-profit with your girlfriends. $25 includes wine and charcuterie, and a poem created just for you by Poetry Fox. On February 8, 2024, 6-9pm.
• The Maxwell has a Galentine’s Sip and Social with valentines themed cocktails, buffet dinner, music, bounce house, photo booth, networking opportunities, giveaways, shopping at our local vendor market, photo ops galore, and optional workshops. Feb 13, 2024, 6-10pm, $70 – $100.
• The Willard Rooftop will have a sweet Galentine’s offering on Feb 13, 2024. Enjoy half Charcuterie Plate, dessert, and a Galentine’s inspired Spritzer for $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
• A Girls’ Galentine Painting Class will be held at John P “Top” Greene Park on Feb 9, 2024; 6-9pm. This exciting event exclusively for teen and tween girls! Get ready to celebrate friendship and girl power at our Girls’ Galentine gathering with painting, girl chat, drinks and desserts, music, activities, and surprises that you won’t want to miss!
• Ladies Night Galentine’s Event at ZincHouse, Feb 7, 6-9pm. DJ spinning dancing tunes, and specialty cocktails flowing.

5. Laugh with Love

Any healthy relationship needs a good sense of humor. The ability to laugh at your circumstances, and each other’s annoying quirks and habits can help you overcome the inevitable bumps and hurdles of a relationship. 

Take the less serious road this Valentine’s Day with a comedy night in Raleigh. Goodnights Comedy Club is hosting two events:

• Couples Therapy is your scheduled appointment to laugh about relationships and single strife. The show is a hilarious round-table discussion featuring comics and willing audience members, led by coupling failure Rahmein Mostafavi. Feb 13, 2024, 8pm $22+
• Valentine’s Day with Mike Recine, a standup veteran who has made multiple appearances on Conan, $25 or a special couple’s package for $169 that includes 2 tickets, 2 desserts, a bottle of wine or champagne and prime seating. Feb 14, 2024, 8pm.

Read More: See our date day in the Village District which included a comedy night At Goodnight’s Comedy Club.

6. Enjoy a Staycation in Raleigh

Staycations are a great way to disconnect from the chaos with your loved one without the hassle that comes with planning, booking, and embarking on a trip further afar. You can have a romantic escape with your partner and still attend your 11am yoga class the next day. Consider these 4 Raleigh hotels with rooftop bars.

Valentine’s Romance Package at the AC Hotel

The AC Hotel on Glenwood Ave in Raleigh has a Romantic Getaway Package available February 9th through February 19th, which includes:

• 50 USD to spend at The Willard Rooftop lounge.
• A bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries to enjoy in your room.
• European-style breakfast for two in the AC kitchen
• Complimentary parking
• Book your stay here.

The Umstead Hotel & Spa

The Ultimate hotel in Raleigh for luxury and romance is the 5-Star Umstead Hotel & Spa surrounded by 12 acres of wooded land, gardens and lake. (10 min drive)

It’s definitely a special occasion kind of place. And while we’ve never stayed here, I was treated one year by Craig for a massage and manicure at their award-winning spa. It was next-level luxury. Book your stay here.

From Our Hearts to Yours Romance Package, Stateview Hotel

You will feel like your miles away from Raleigh with a staycation at the StateView Hotel. It’s one of our favorite Raleigh hotels for its natural feel with its hidden location on Lake Raleigh on the NC State Centennial Campus. You’re only an 8-minute drive from downtown, but if serenity is what you’re after, stay in at the hotel. Their restaurant is quite impressive.

Their Romance package includes:

• Breakfast for 2 guests daily
• Chocolates upon arrival
• 1 bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival
• Late check-out
• Book your stay here.

Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown Valentine’s Day Package

Another favorite Raleigh hotel of ours, especially for those 10th & Terrace rooftop bar views is the Residence Inn Downtown Raleigh. They have a special Valentine’s Day Package for lovebirds. 

• A stay in a Studio Suite
• Champagne or wine
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Breakfast for two
• $50 credit to 10th and Terrace Rooftop Bar
• Book your stay

Make it an ultimate date with sunset pre-dinner cocktails at 10th & Terrace, followed by dinner, either out on the town, or at Overlook, the hotel’s swanky restaurant, then cozy up after in your suite with your champagne and strawberries. Now that’s how you do Valentine’s! 

7. Go Traditional with a Romantic Dinner 

One of the hottest date ideas for Valentine’s Day is always a traditional romantic dinner. The good news is almost any restaurant in Raleigh will have something special happening for Valentines.

Check in with your favorite one to see what they have on and be sure to reserve ahead of time. Here are a few extra romantic ones we found:

• With its dim lighting and poolside tables, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar is one of the most romantic restaurants year-round. This year, they’ll be offering a special four-course meal prix fixe menu (vegetarian options available), a welcome drink, and a bottle of wine per couple for $125/guest on Feb. 14, 2024. Reserve here.  How could you say not to the romance of Italy?
• Some will say there is no more romantic place to dine then Heron’s at the Umstead Hotel & Spa. If a proposal is on your mind, this will be the ultimate as you indulge in a five-course dinner with choices created by Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene. It comes at a luxurious price at $245 per person with an extra $125 for wine pairings. Happening on February 13th & 14th starting @5pm.
• Escape to Greece this Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at one of our favorites Taverna Agora. Their rooftop patio is very romantic and heated for the winter! They’ll be serving special features from Friday February 9th through Saturday, February 17th, as well as their regular dinner menu.
• One of our favorite date night restaurants, Crawford & Son is offering a Valentine’s Day 4-course tasting menu on February 14. Priced at $135 per person with optional wine pairing. Service charge is included.
• Upstairs from Crawford and Son, enjoy French Romance at Jolie. They are offering a four-course menu for $100 with optional wine pairings for $50.
• A more affordable option at $69 per person for a four-course meal with a cozy, European vibe is Bodega Tapas, Wine and Rum in Downtown Wake Forest.

Read More: 22 of our favorite Downtown Raleigh restuarants

8. Satisfy your sweet teeth

Looking for a sweeter date night idea for Valentine’s in Raleigh. Skip the meal and head straight for dessert. Even better if you can combine it with a view or cozy intimate vibe. 

• The Willard Rooftop Lounge has a $40 wine and dessert pairing for two. You’ll get two flutes of Veuve Clicquot Champagne paired with your choice of either house-made Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream or our White Chocolate Bread pudding with Raspberry Coulis. This pairing is available Thursday Feb 9 through Sunday Feb 19. Tickets here.
• The Green Light Speakeasy in downtown Raleigh has cocktails with sweet and savory pairings for $100 per person on Feb 14th starting at 5pm. It includes 4 cocktails and 2 desserts with local meats and cheese.

9. GET STARRY EYED TOGETHER

I love this idea for a Valentine’s Date. The Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill will have a special Valentine Edition of their Carolina Skies program. They’ll explore the legends of love told by ancient cultures about constellations and other objects visible in the night sky. Reserve tickets here. 

The Morehead Planetarium is one of the oldest and largest planetariums in the U.S. It features exhibits, interactive displays, and shows on astronomy, space science, and related subjects.

TIP: If you want to pair it with a romantic dinner while in Chapel Hill, consider Il Palio where you’ll find delicious Italian food using the best local and Italian ingredients. You could even make it a staycation at the Siena hotel where the restaurant is located. They have a romance package that includes a welcome amenity of chocolate covered strawberries and Italian Sparkling Wine. Breakfast in bed and a late check-out of 2pm.

10. LEt a horse be your Third Wheel

• Where: Triangle Equine Assisted Learning, Wendell
• When: Feb 10, 11, 14, 17 & 18
• Cost: $200 per couple
• Tickets

What a uniquely wonderful way to spend your Valentine’s date interacting with gentle, loving horses. Enjoy 90 minutes of obstacles and challenges with your partners – human and horse. No riding activities. This fun learning experience with horses that will enlighten, spark conversation, and bring laughter into your relationship.

11. GAMIFY YOUR DATE

Is your partner a team player? How do you work together to solve challenges, especially if extra pressure is thrown in? You’ll soon find out and some of these fun gamify date night ideas perfect for Valentine’s Day.

There is no better way to get to know your partner than solving puzzles and challenges together. 

Escape Rooms

An Escape Room is an activity our family loves to do. We love working together to use logic, and deductive reasoning to solve riddles, puzzles and mysteries and escape from a locked room. I’m always amazed at how clever my girls are. My pick is The Tower Escapes, which is located in the National Historic site, First Water Tower of Raleigh. 

They have a Sir Walter Speakeasy Escape room based upon the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel and its recently discovered speakeasy in the basement (that’s a true story!) Your mission in this one is to lure officials into abolishing prohibition!

Downtown Raleigh’s Valentine Day’s Scavenger Hunt

Use your treasure map to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes on this unique Valentine’s Day themed scavenger hunt. This is an experience you can have in a group – why not double date or just do it with your friends! At only $12 -$20, it’s also a cheap Valentine’s Date idea. See more here. On Feb 10, 14 & 17, 2024.

Axe Throwing

This might be a good idea for those who need to work out a few grievances in their relationship. No better way to get it out of your system than to throw an axe. Then you may feel more in the mood for a cocktail and a view after. 

And of course, this is a fun date night for all couples, no matter what stage of your relationship. The Crazy Axe has two locations in Raleigh and Epic Axe is in the Morgan Street Food Hall.

12. SEE LIVE MUSIC & SHOWS

There is nothing Craig and I like more than seeing live music and shows. Check your favorite venue to see who is playing and when. Here are a few concerts happening around Valentines Day date.

• LANY – a beautiful blur: the world tour Feb 13 & 14, 7:00 PM at the Ritz.
• Andrea Bocelli: 2024 Valentine’s Tour, Feb 14, 2024, 8pm PNC Arena.
• Journey the Freedom Tour 2024, Feb 17, 2024, PNC Arena 7:30pm.

And below are a few more interesting live music events for your Valentine’s Day date inspiration.

Candleight Concerts

What about listening to a string quartet play songs from some of your favorite modern artists in an enchanting location under the spellbinding light of candles – they are fake though for safety purposes!

This is a magical date night experience in Raleigh, not just for romantic relationships but for dates with your best friends or children. I recently took my eldest daughter to the Merrimon-Wynne House in Historic Oakwood to the Tribute to Taylor Swift. The room was filled with couples on dates, groups of girlfriends on a night out, and parents with their kids. Kalyra and I both loved it!

Candlelight concerts happen a few times a month with tributes to artists like Nirvana, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, Fleetwood Mac and Taylor Swift!

As of Jan 17, 2024, there is no Valentine’s Day candlelight concert in Raleigh, but there is one in Durham at the Hayti Heritage Center featuring love songs from movies such as Moon River, My Heart will go on and the Love theme from Romeo and Juliet. Get tickets here.

There is concert on Feb 8, 2024, at Wakefield Barn, Wake Forest. if you want an early celebration. I would say go for it as it’s a tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons! Does it get much better? Get tickets here. The following week on Feb 22, 2024, is a Tribute to Adele at the Merrimon Wynne House.

Read more about the candlelight concerts in Raleigh

Romance In The Air

• Where: Transfer Co. Food Hall
• When: February 10, 2024, 2pm – 3:30pm
• Cost: $30
• Tickets here.

Celebrate your Valentine’s Day with a 16-voice chamber choir, piano, bass, and drums. Celebrate with the North Carolina Master Chorale who will pay tribute to the iconic songwriting and performing duos including Lennon & McCartney, Bacharach & David, The Righteous Brothers, The Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell and many more.

UniverSOUL Circus

• Where: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
• When: February 14 – March 10, 2024
• Cost: $22+
• Tickets here.

Head to under the Big Top for a highly interactive show that combines circus arts, theater, and music. This is a Valentine’s Date for the whole family. UniverSoul Circus embraces and celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of urban pop culture globally by bringing them center stage with a cast of international performers that reflect the cultural diversity of the world in which we live.

Sun Records Live, Feb 14 – 18, 2024

• Where: Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
• Time: Various
• Cost: $50
• Tickets

In honor of Sun Records and the 100th birthday of founder Sam Phillips, this concert features thrilling live performances made famous by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. P.S. Sun Studios in Memphis is a fun tour!

13. Valentine’s Date Night in the Park

• Where: Downtown Cary Park
• When: February 14, 2024, 5-9pm
• Cost: Free
• Reserve your spot

Stroll hand in hand through Wake County’s hottest modern park. Expect an evening of easygoing elegance with live jazz music by the Angela Bingham Duo, and a cozy romantic ambience (grab a wine by the cozy firepits). Delight your taste buds with our local food truck on Academy St, and while supplies last, get crafty with cute couple’s crafts inside Academy Pavilion.

14. Spoil yourself and take a trip

You don’t have to ask us twice if we think it’s a good idea to travel. Our answer is ALWAYS! Where to go all depends on how long you’ve got, what your budget is, and what is of most interest to you.

From winter beach getaways to cozy mountain trips and weekend getaways to NYC, in Raleigh we have a lot of access. For ultimate luxury, consider nearby Fearrington Inn in Pittsboro. And we have a lot of content ideas to help you, on this site, and our travel blog.

• 12 great beaches near Raleigh
• Date experience in Johnston County (easy 30-min drive with Scott Crawford restaurant and COOL cocktail bar)
• 15 fun day trip ideas from Raleigh
• A guide to a weekend trip in Wilmington NC
• 15 Things to do in Manteo and Roanoke Island
• More North Carolina travel ideas
• Why not go wild and head to the Exuma Islands for a short warm winter break? Loads of romance!

Looking for even more date ideas? See more date ideas in Raleigh.

Comment: Did we give you enough date ideas for Valentine’s Day in Raleigh? What interests you most from this list? Any other ideas to share?