If you’re looking for a date night idea near Atlanta, you’ve come to the right place. Georgia’s capital city has blossomed into one of the best places for singles, largely for its unforgettable offerings. We’re not talking about run-of-the-mill cafes for idle chatting or typical theaters for generic “dinner and a movie” dates. There are things on offer here that those in the dating scene can’t get anywhere else.

Here are five Atlanta date night (and day) ideas that you won’t find elsewhere:

The best place for singles

Take a guided sunset canoeing trip led by a guide from Chattahoochee Nature Center. (Courtesy of  Chattahoochee Nature Center)

Credit: From chattnaturecenter.org.

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Credit: From chattnaturecenter.org.

Atlanta is the best city for singles in the whole nation, according to WalletHub. The personal finance company and prolific city ranker listed the best cities for dating back in December, basing its picks on 35 metrics. From average meals prices to walkability, Atlanta’s best features toppled over 180 cities for the top spot.

“In particular, it’s among the best cities when it comes to the number of shopping centers, spas and social clubs per capita,” according to WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann. “In addition, living in Atlanta gives you a deeper dating pool to swim in compared to other cities,” he continued. “Over 69% of the city’s population is single (never married, widowed or divorced), the eighth-highest percentage in the country.”

Home to the largest aquarium in the nation

Scuba Claus and his elf dive underneath Georgia Aquarium's resident manta rays, Nandi, Tallulah, and Raven, inside the Ocean Voyager exhibit. (Courtesy of the Georgia Aquarium)

Credit: Courtesy/Georgia Aquarium

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Credit: Courtesy/Georgia Aquarium

Containing over 11 million gallons of water, the Georgia Aquarium isn’t just the largest aquarium in the United States. It’s the largest in the Western Hemisphere and simply one of the best. From the whale sharks to the manta rays, it’s a massive experience you and your date won’t soon forget — especially the enchanting underwater tunnel.

To make the most of it, consider bringing your special someone to one of the aquarium’s Sips Under the Sea after-hours events, which feature fewer crowds and a more romantic setting.

Many Michelin-starred restaurants

Food from Atlanta's Michelin-starred restaurants (from left) Atlas, Mujo, Bacchanalia, Lazy Betty and Hayakawa.

Credit: File photos

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Credit: File photos

When it comes to mouth-watering delicacy, it’s hard to beat a Michelin-starred restaurant. They’re fancy, fun and feature some of the most highly praised menus in the world. Most U.S. states don’t have any such eateries, but Atlanta has dozens.

If you want to impress your date with an unforgettably good meal and unrivaled service, check out what Georgia’s capital city has to offer. Be prepared for occasional sticker shock, though. High-quality services come at high prices.

Atlanta Beltline breathes new life

The Beltline is a great place to take walk, run or ride a bike while taking in local works of art. (BRANT SANDERLIN/AJC)
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The Atlanta Beltline is many things. According to Explore Georgia, it’s “the most comprehensive transportation and economic development effort ever undertaken in the City of Atlanta and among the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs currently underway in the United States.”

A 22-mile trail that loops around the city, the Beltline connects 45 neighborhoods with scenic walkways — making it a great option for a romantic stroll. It’s also chock-full of breweries, restaurants, art galleries and other fun date spots.

This is a date idea that doesn’t break the bank, but still has a lot of romantic potential.

Hollywood of the South

Director Bobby Farrelly (left) and Jack Black on the set of "Dear Santa" in metro Atlanta in 2023. The film came out on Paramount+ November 25, 2024. (Courtesy of Paramount)T

Credit: Jessica Miglio

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Credit: Jessica Miglio

“The Walking Dead,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Black Panther” — there’s a good reason Georgia is known as the Hollywood of the South. From hit AMC shows to blockbuster Marvel flicks, storytellers often come to the Peach State to take advantage of the local TV and film tax credits. It’s what allows Atlanta, a particularly popular film spot, to offer memorably unique date opportunities.

If your date is into pop culture, take them out on one of the city’s film tours for a special night of fun.


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Aerial photo shows part of the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area, Thursday, January 31, 2025, in Dawsonville. Atlanta's 10,000-acre tract of forest is one part of the 25,500 acre WMA managed by the state as public recreation land. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC