Are you looking for a memorable date night in Birmingham, AL? As a wedding photographer based in Birmingham, Alabama, I always advise couples to prioritize quality time together, especially during the busy engagement season. But the truth is, it’s crucial to carve out time for each other in every season! So, here are some fantastic date ideas in Birmingham, AL that range from free to fancy, ensuring you and your partner can enjoy each other’s company.
If you decide to try any of these date ideas, don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram (@eleanorstenner)!
1. Progressive Dinner at Pizitz Food Hall
Indulge in a progressive dinner at the Pizitz Food Hall downtown. With a wide variety of pop-up restaurants serving Ethiopian, Japanese, Italian, and more, you’ll find something to suit any fancy. The Pizitz Food Hall is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, so you can enjoy your food while being in the middle of the action. You can even take your food to-go and have a picnic at nearby Railroad Park.
2. Picnic and Hike at Oak Mountain State Park
Who said date ideas in Birmingham have to be expensive? For just $5 per person, you can enter Oak Mountain State Park. Take a picnic with you and hike to the top of King’s Chair for a breathtaking view. Enjoy the fresh air, hold hands, and immerse yourselves in nature while savoring delicious snacks or a whole meal together.
3. Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art
Have a fun time together at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Take silly pictures of each other pretending to be a person in a painting. The museum offers free admission and continuously features new and interesting exhibits. During the summer, you can also experience “Art on the Rocks,” a lively event where you can dress up, mingle in the outside courtyard, and explore the museum on a beautiful summer evening.
4. Window Shop at The Summit
Take a leisurely stroll and window shop at The Summit. This shopping destination has something for everyone. Anthropologie, Altar’d State, and Kendra Scott are great options for the ladies, while Allen Edmonds caters to the gentlemen. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants like Shake Shack, North Italia, or Village Tavern. Don’t forget to treat yourselves to dessert at Steel City Pops while enjoying the view of the hills from the back patio of Chuy’s.
5. Visit Hero Doughnuts
Indulge in mouthwatering doughnuts at Hero Doughnuts. This spot not only offers delicious doughnuts but also serves burgers, a breakfast hash, and coffee. Treat yourselves to a few doughnuts for taste testing, or go for the classic Lady and The Tramp moment and share a doughnut together. It’s a date night idea in Birmingham, AL that you won’t want to miss!
6. Have a Dreamy Picnic with Birmingham Picnic Company
Make your picnic dreams come true with the help of Birmingham Picnic Company. This unique business specializes in curating picnics for couples. They take care of everything, from set-up and design to the tear-down. Simply fill out an inquiry form with your preferences, and they’ll create the perfect picnic experience for you. Let them run free with their design ideas if you don’t have any specific requests. Relax and enjoy a beautifully curated picnic with your partner.
7. Explore Downtown on Zyp Bikes
If you’re looking for more active date ideas in Birmingham, AL, rent Zyp bikes and cycle around downtown. For only $6 a day, you can explore the heart of the city. Enjoy a scenic ride from Linn Park to Railroad Park, taking in the sights and stopping for lunch or dinner on 20th Street. Don’t worry about the hills; downtown Birmingham is surprisingly flat, giving your calf muscles a break!
8. Embark on an Antique Shop Adventure
Take a trip to an antique shop and have some fun exploring together. Visit 2nd and Charles for books or Brass Bear in Valleydale for an incredible selection of unique items. Wander aimlessly or turn it into a game to find the weirdest and most interesting objects possible.
9. Catch a Show at the Alabama Theatre
Experience the magic of the Alabama Theatre by catching a show. During the holiday season, they play beloved Christmas movies, like The Grinch and It’s A Wonderful Life. Throughout the year, the theater hosts amazing concerts by talented artists. The intimate yet elaborate atmosphere of the Alabama Theatre will make your date night feel special. Dress up, enjoy the show, and create lasting memories together.
10. Read at the Library in the Forest
Escape to the Library in the Forest, nestled in Vestavia. This tranquil library offers a serene atmosphere for reading and hanging out. If you prefer, you can even take your reading outside and explore the surrounding trails.
11. Watch Baseball at Regions Field
Enjoy a summer night at Regions Field and immerse yourselves in the excitement of a baseball game. Indulge in hot dogs, peanuts, and even fireworks. Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, the atmosphere and opportunity to flirt with each other will make for a memorable date night.
12. Explore The Villages of Mountain Brook
Discover the hidden gems in The Villages of Mountain Brook. Head to English Village, where you can dine at Vino or grab a baguette and coffee at Continental Bakery. Pretend to be French at Chez Lulu or drive up to Crest Road for a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Mountain Brook Village is also home to new restaurants like Sons Donuts, Jeni’s Ice Cream, and Ladybird Taco. Don’t forget to check out Crestline Village, with its favorites like Real & Rosemary and Crestline Bagel Company.
13. Download the In Birmingham App
Whenever you’re stumped for ideas, shake your phone and let the In Birmingham app choose an activity for you. This Birmingham-specific app is a lifesaver on Friday nights when you need a little inspiration. Of course, you can also keep coming back to this blog post for even more date night ideas!
14. Go Mural Hunting
Explore the vibrant street art scene in Birmingham by going mural hunting. Check out Bham Now’s list of all the Birmingham murals and embark on a selfie-filled adventure as you discover these unique artistic embellishments together.
15. Outdoor Movie at Avondale Park
Join the Birmingham community for outdoor movies at Avondale Park. During the summer, families and young professionals gather in the outside amphitheater to enjoy classic films. Grab a bite to eat at Saw’s, Post Office Pies, or MELT before the movie starts. It’s a family-friendly event, but leave the kids behind and enjoy a cozy and romantic evening.
16. Take a Romantic Stroll at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Experience the beauty of nature by taking a romantic stroll at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This enchanting place is filled with an array of stunning plants and flowers. Each garden offers unique scenery that changes with the seasons. Explore the gardens hand in hand and find cute little hideaway spots along the way.
17. Challenge Yourselves with Breakout Games
Put your minds together and challenge yourselves with Breakout Games. These escape rooms offer thrilling adventures that require teamwork and problem-solving skills. Beat the clock and see if you can break out of the game as quickly as possible.
18. Walk Along the Birmingham Rotary Trail
Embark on a scenic walk along the Birmingham Rotary Trail. This trail starts at 20th Street and spans from Homewood to Linn Park. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, including art installations, lush plants, and unique features that make this part of the city truly special. Capture a photo together by the trail sign and take your time, maybe even bringing your roller skates for some extra fun!
19. Have a Date Day at The McWane Center
Feel like kids again at The McWane Center, an interactive kids’ museum across from the Pizitz Food Hall. Explore the innovative exhibits and engage in hands-on activities that will awaken your sense of wonder. Let your competitive streaks come out and experience the most fun you’ve had in a long time.
20. Grab a Sweet Treat at Cookie Fix
Treat yourselves to the best cookie of your lives at Cookie Fix. These fluffy, dense cookies come in a variety of interesting flavors and combinations. Grab a few to go and enjoy them while taking in the view at Vulcan Park.
21. Bar Hop and Savor the Appetizers
Birmingham boasts some of the coolest and classiest bars in town. Take a bar-hopping adventure and focus on sampling the delicious appetizers they offer. Check out Key Circle Commons in English Village for a refreshing drink and a surprisingly good hot ham and cheese sandwich. Downtown, visit Bar La Fête and indulge in a gorgeous charcuterie plate. A personal favorite of mine is Juniper, a new addition near Forest Park. They have an exciting cocktail menu and a food menu that will keep you coming back for more!
There you have it! 21 incredible date ideas in Birmingham, AL to spark some romance and create unforgettable memories in the Magic City. I’m always updating this blog with new and fun date night spots, so be sure to check back for more inspiration. Enjoy your time together and have a fantastic date night basking in the charm of Birmingham, Alabama!
