36 Birmingham, AL, Date Ideas

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Are you looking for Birmingham, AL, date ideas? If so, this list is here to help! With this guide of 36 date activities in and around Birmingham, you can discover fun and romantic daytime date ideas as well as many things to do on a date night.

Just a few of the things to do together in Birmingham include having a picnic at Railroad Park, hiking through Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, and seeing a show at the Alabama Theatre. Keep reading to learn more about all the cool things to do on a date in Birmingham!

Are you on your way to Birmingham last-minute?

To make the most of your visit to Birmingham, we recommend you book accommodations and experiences soon. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Birmingham

• DoubleTree Birmingham Perimeter Park (relax by the pool)
• Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Grandview (rated highly)
• Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB (4-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Birmingham

• Historical Highlights of Birmingham (likely to sell out)
• Birmingham Civil Rights Tour- Riding & Walking (very popular)
• The Birmingham Ghost Walk - Hotels Churches & Riots Tour
• Birmingham Civil Rights Walk of Freedom Smartphone Audio App Tour
• Experience Birmingham - The Historic Highlights

36 Date Ideas in Birmingham, AL

Fun Date Ideas in Birmingham, AL

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Take a Birmingham history tour

If you and your partner are visiting or just want to learn more about your home city, taking a Birmingham history tour is a great idea. Your guide will take you to many historical landmarks and teach you more about Birmingham's history and important events.

Places to visit include the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, the Civil Rights District, and Vulcan Park and Museum.

🏨 Stay near 1600 1st Ave S

• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham (soak up the sun poolside)
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown (scored highly by guests)

Discover the best breweries on a Birmingham brewery tour

Couples that like finding the best breweries will want to go on a Birmingham brewery tour together. On the tour, your guide will take you and your other half to four top breweries, where you'll get to taste various types of craft beer. You'll also learn more about the brewing process and the background behind each brewery you visit.

🏨 Accommodation nearby SpringHill Suites by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB

• The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Stop for ice cream at Big Spoon Creamery

Big Spoon Creamery serves a variety of delicious ice cream treats for you and your date to enjoy. Menu options include ice cream sundaes and sandwiches, as well as scoops and ice cream in waffle cones.

Flavors range from classics like mint chip or chocolate to more unique flavors, such as Key lime with yuzu and dairy-free strawberry and elderflower sorbet.

Hang out at Railroad Park

On a nice day, hanging out at Railroad Park is one of the fun and laid-back things for couples to do in Birmingham, AL. The urban outdoor space is located on the edge of downtown and has walking trails, including the Birmingham Rotary Trail and the Magic City Loop.

Along with going for a walk together and enjoying the views, you could have a picnic with your date or attend an event like an outdoor fitness or yoga class.

Grab food at Pizitz Food Hall

There are lots of great restaurants in Birmingham, but one of the most fun places to go with your date to get food is the Pizitz Food Hall. This trendy indoor marketplace features an array of vendors where you and your partner can pick up different dishes to share.

A range of dishes and cuisines are on offer, from southern food to Mexican and Vietnamese dishes. You can also treat your partner to dessert, with options like ice cream and candy apples available.

Jump around at DEFY Trampoline Park

DEFY Trampoline Park is a unique and fun place to go for a date. The indoor venue has many regular trampolines as well as trampoline basketball and dodgeball courses, a ropes course, and more! DEFY stays open until late on weekends if you want to enjoy the attraction with fewer children around.

Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock.com

Learn new things at the McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center is a unique and fascinating place to check out during the day with your date. At the science museum, you can learn about various topics, from dinosaurs to ecosystems and space exploration. There's also an IMAX theater showing educational science films.

The Farmers Market at Pepper Place

Are you looking for weekend date ideas? If so, taking your partner to the Saturday Farmers Market at Pepper Place is a must! At the market, you can browse a range of stalls selling fresh and local produce. Artisanal products, baked goods, and ready-to-eat dishes are also on offer.

Challenge your date to a bowling game at Bowlero

Whether you're planning a daytime or nighttime date, going bowling is always a good idea! At Bowlero, you and your partner can have a fun game or two before grabbing drinks and snacks at the on-site bar and grill. You can also play billiards and arcade games during your visit.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Bowlero Riverview

• DoubleTree Birmingham Perimeter Park (4-star rating)
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Colonnade

Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock.com

Look around the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Another interesting attraction to explore with your partner is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Founded in 1992, the museum covers significant events relating to the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham as well as the rest of Alabama and the US.

A few of the topics covered include the 1963 Birmingham Campaign and the 1963 Children's Crusade. If you want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, you could also go on a Birmingham civil rights tour.

Grab a beer at Avondale Brewing Company

Avondale Brewing Company is one of the best date spots in Birmingham for a daytime or evening date. At the brewery, you can try a range of brews, from light and fruit beers to darker varieties.

When the weather is nice, you can sit outside together in the on-site beer garden. Many fun events are also hosted at the brewery, like outdoor concerts, and there's another bar above the brewery, The Sour Room, where you can get craft cocktails.

Check out the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

There are many unique attractions to visit together in Alabama, and another one to add to your list is the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. At the museum, you can learn about the city's contribution to jazz and see exhibits on the famous jazz musicians inducted into the hall of fame. Concerts, jazz classes, and other events are also hosted frequently.

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Appreciate artworks at the Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art is a top cultural attraction in the city and a fantastic place to explore with your date, especially if they love art. Founded in 1951, the museum now houses a collection of over 24,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

Artworks date from the 12th century to the present and come from various continents and cultures, with African, American, and Native American works among the vast collection.

Visit Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan Park and Museum is another fascinating attraction to visit together in Birmingham. The park and museum are centered around the Vulcan statue, which is the largest cast iron statue in the world. Other things to do at the attraction include walking around the ten-acre green space and viewing exhibits on Birmingham history.

Pick up peanuts at the Alabama Peanut Company

One of the most unique shops to visit when exploring Birmingham with your date is the Alabama Peanut Company. As the name suggests, the store specializes in peanuts and sells a wide variety, from regular roasted or boiled salted peanuts to those with salt and vinegar or Cajun seasoning. Sweet peanut brittle is also on offer.

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Hike through Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Hiking through Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is one of the best date ideas in Birmingham, AL, for couples that enjoy outdoor activities. Located only 15 minutes from downtown when driving, the nature preserve covers 1,038 acres and features trails for all activity levels. As you hike, you'll see many plant species, including lots of wildflowers and animals.

View exhibits at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Sports-loving couples will definitely want to plan a date at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Opened in 1967, the museum honors athletes from Alabama and sports achievements in the state. As you look around, you'll also get to see over 5,000 pieces of sports memorabilia and other sports-related artifacts.

Mountain bike at Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park is another must-visit location for couples that enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking or mountain biking. There are trails for all levels, including those that will challenge experienced mountain bikers.

While biking or hiking, you can take in the views and will discover lots of lookout points to look across the mountains and dense forests found in and around the park.

Cuddle with cats at Gatos and Beans

One of the most fun date ideas in Birmingham, Alabama, for animal lovers is going to Gatos and Beans. This adorable cat cafe has kitties that you can pet and play with. They're also all up for adoption if you and your partner have been thinking about getting a pet.

While hanging out with the cats, you can get coffee drinks, tea, or hot chocolate, and events like yoga classes with cats are held frequently.

Romantic Things to Do in Birmingham, AL

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Stroll through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an Alabama landmark and the perfect place for a daytime date. The 68-acre garden in the Mountain Brook area features many plant and flower varieties spread across themed sections, including a camelia garden, wildflower garden, and Japanese garden.

There's also a cafe to get refreshments like coffee to enjoy as you walk around the beautiful gardens, and the pretty flower displays make an excellent backdrop for cute photos together.

Relax with spa treatments at Escape Day Spa

Unwinding at the spa is the perfect romantic daytime date idea. At Escape Day Spa, you and your other half can opt for treatments like body wraps and scrubs, facials, and massages. Spa packages are available as well if you want to combine treatments for a relaxing two-hour spa session.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Escape Day Spa

• Hampton Inn Birmingham I-Six5 Lakeshore Drive (lounge by the pool)
• Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Lakeshore Drive (rated highly)

Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock.com

Have a picnic together

Sharing a romantic picnic is a cute and romantic idea, especially if you plan your meal around sunset. There are lots of excellent places in and around the city for a picnic, like Railroad Park or Avondale Park. To make your outdoor dinner date more romantic, pack nice dishware and cozy blankets to sit on.

Dine at Bistro Two Eighteen

Bistro Two Eighteen is one of the most romantic restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama, and the ideal spot for a dinner date. The charming bistro has dishes like moules-frites, roasted beetroot salad with goat cheese, and shrimp risotto.

There's also an extensive wine list, and you can finish your romantic meal with desserts like crème brûlée or lemon ricotta mascarpone tart.

Share brunch at The Essential

Dinner dates are fun, but a brunch date is also an excellent idea if you want to grab food with your other half. The Essential is a popular place in Birmingham for brunch and has various dishes, from avocado toast or granola parfait to brioche French toast or fried chicken and biscuits.

You can accompany your meal with coffee, tea, or juice or opt for brunch cocktails like a mimosa or bloody Mary.

Date Night Ideas in Birmingham, AL

Dare to go on a ghost tour

If you're looking for unique date night ideas in Birmingham, Alabama, going on a ghost tour has to be top of your date activities list!

During the spooky two-hour tour, you and your partner will be taken to haunted sites, where you can hear eerie tales and learn about ghost sightings and other paranormal activity.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to the Cathedral Church of the Advent

• Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB (4-star rating)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown UAB

Have a meal and drinks at OvenBird

OvenBird is a fun place to go with your partner for a relaxed dinner and drinks date. Menu options range from sharing plates like patatas bravas and roasted chili cauliflower to larger dishes such as steak with chimichurri or roasted fish with lima bean salad. Cocktails and sangria are on offer to drink, along with wine and beer.

Chris Owens/Shutterstock.com

Get drinks at Mom's Basement

Couples planning a drinks date in Birmingham will find many unique bars to check out, like Mom's Basement. This trendy and quirky spot serves a range of drinks, including craft beer and cocktails, and has lots of drinks deals each night and happy hour specials.

After grabbing drinks, you and your date can sit and chat or play arcade games, pinball, or darts. Events like trivia and karaoke nights are also hosted.

Create artwork at Painting with a Twist

Crafty couples can spend an evening painting one-of-a-kind artworks at Painting with a Twist. At an evening art class, you can follow along with the instructor to paint a unique piece. Painting with a Twist is also BYOB, so you and your date can sip wine or beer while working on your painting.

🏨 Places to stay close to Painting with a Twist

• Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham 280 East-Eagle Point (soak up the sun poolside)
• Sonesta Simply Suites Birmingham Hoover

Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock.com

See a show at the Alabama Theatre

Catching a show at the Alabama Theatre is one of many fun things to do on a date night in Birmingham, AL. The movie theater has been in the city since 1927 and shows classic movies and hosts live music concerts, comedy shows, and more. No matter what type of show you see, you and your partner will have a fun evening at this historic theater.

Sip cocktails at a stylish cocktail bar

Taking your date to get drinks at a cocktail bar is a sophisticated date night idea. Birmingham has many bars to choose from, like chic art-deco style bar The Marble Ring. At this spot, you can enjoy drinks like a gin, lemon, lavender, and rosemary cocktail or a whiskey and smoked espresso mix.

Paper Doll is another great cocktail bar with unique drinks, sharing plates and charcuterie boards, and excellent happy hour offers.

Fun Things to Do Near Birmingham, AL, for Couples

Plan a trip to Atlanta

There are many romantic things to do in Birmingham for couples. However, taking a trip together outside of the city is also a great idea. If you're both happy to travel, consider planning a weekend getaway in Atlanta, Georgia.

You can reach the city in about two and a half hours and will find an array of exciting things to do in Atlanta once you arrive. Couples activities in Atlanta range from admiring art at the High Museum of Art to eating at Ponce City Market or grabbing drinks at one of many trendy bars.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Atlanta

• Hyatt Regency Atlanta (soak up the sun poolside)
• The Darwin Hotel (rated highly)

Explore Oak Mountain State Park

If you and your date are looking for more outdoor attractions, check out Oak Mountain State Park. Situated approximately 30 minutes from central Birmingham, the park has scenic hiking trails and a large lake, Double Oak Lake. As you explore, you'll also come across waterfalls and will likely spot lots of woodland creatures.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Oak Mountain State Park

• Sleep Inn Pelham Oak Mountain (chill out by the pool)
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Birmingham South - Pelham (loved by guests)

Spend the weekend in Nashville

Nashville is another excellent weekend getaway destination that's located just under three hours from Birmingham. Romantic things to do in Nashville include taking in the views at sunset from Love Circle Park and seeing a show at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. You could also book a memorable Nashville tour or excursion, like a helicopter tour.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Nashville

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville Downtown Stadium (chill out by the pool)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown Capitol View, tn (highly acclaimed)

Treat yourselves at Cookie Fix

Couples with a sweet tooth can get their sugar fix by picking up treats at Cookie Fix! The cookie bakery makes fresh treats daily and has cookie flavors like toffee pecan crunch, brown sugar blondie, and Funfetti. You can also get cookie bars and cookie sandwiches.

🏨 Accommodations near Cookie Fix

• Marriott Birmingham Grandview (offers a pool)
• Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Grandview (highly rated)

Enjoy the outdoors at Bankhead National Forest

Bankhead National Forest is another attraction near Birmingham that's worth visiting if you enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors. The forest is located about an hour from central Birmingham and has various hiking and biking trails that take you through woodland and past waterfalls.

You will also spot lots of wildlife and can even stay overnight, with camping spots and cabins available.

Go to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

One of the fun date ideas near Birmingham, Alabama, for couples that like vintage cars is going to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The museum in Leeds, Alabama, houses around 1,200 race cars, including over 50 Lotus race cars and motorcycles. To learn more about all the vehicles in the museum, book a guided tour.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

• Hampton Inn Birmingham Leeds (scored highly by guests)

In Conclusion

If you're looking for the best date ideas in Birmingham, Alabama, this list should have given you lots of suggestions for fun things to do together in and around Birmingham. Now all you need to do is plan your romantic date!

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