If you’ve been looking for solo date ideas for women, you’re at the right place! I have a long list of things to try. From five-minute resets to entire Saturdays, pick whatever works for you.
Quick note before we dive in: solo dates aren’t really about being alone. They’re about pouring energy back into yourself, much like you do for everyone else.
You deserve your own love and energy and you deserve to keep promises to yourself!
Oh and if your birthday is coming up and you’re thinking about having a solo date, check out my solo birthday ideas here.
What counts as a solo date?
Honestly, anything you decide counts as a solo date. Heading to the cinema, going for a drive, or making yourself an amazing breakfast on Sunday without your phone anywhere in sight all count. People-watching in the park with coffee is just as fun!
Solo dates are something you decide, something you plan, even if it’s five minutes before. It’s a date you actually show up for to enjoy yourself and your own company.
Why bother taking yourself on a date?
There are so many reasons for taking yourself on a date:
- learn about yourself – it’s a time for you to figure out what you actually like. Not what’s convenient or what you grew up thinking you liked, but what you actually like when no one else is watching, listening or judging you.
- get more comfortable – the first time you eat alone in the park can be awkward, but the fifth time won’t be as much. Stepping out of your comfort zone is great for keeping your brain young and healthy.
- more time to think – when you go media-free and phone-free, you can actually think more about your life, your tasks, and your dreams. You can allow your mind to wander and you just might end up with a bunch of new ideas to try. Allow your brain to be bored, drop your dopamine baseline and you just might enjoy life more.
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” Oscar Wilde
Is it weird to take yourself on a date?
Maybe at first because it is not a societal norm we’ve all adopted just yet. But, once you’ve done it a handful of times, it stops feeling weird and starts feeling normal, and then amazing, like it’s meant to be.
If sitting alone at a restaurant freaks you out, start smaller. Try a coffee shop with a book, or a park bench with a snack, or a walk in a neighborhood you don’t know well. Work up to more and do it often.
How to actually do this
Whether you are starting small or going for glory, here’s how planning a solo date can actually look like:
- Time blocking: put it in your calendar so you don’t have to remember all the details. Keep the time slot clear. This is a great way to maintain boundaries and keep promises you made to yourself.
- Decide on the fit: you don’t have to get glam or anything but you can wear a fancy top, cute shoes or lip gloss that feel like you are spoiling yourself.
- DND: if you struggle with screen time, consider putting your phone on do not disturb. The whole point is that you are spending time with yourself and not feeding the media companies with more data.
- Stay present: it’s tough to constantly remind yourself to stay present in the moment. Notice what you are looking at, tasting or hearing. Hype yourself up and give yourself positive words of encouragement. It’s important to build yourself up while on your solo date.
- Capture the memories and feelings: this can look like taking photos, recording a quick voice note or journaling about your experiences after the date or before you go to bed. Ask yourself what you liked, didn’t or if you’d do it again.
Cozy at home solo date ideas
Some of the best solo dates occur on the couch in the comfiest, softest sweatshirt you have. These are perfect for low-energy nights and rainy weekends.
1. An everything bath
Not a quick rinse or simple soak, but a perfect, cozy solo date can be a real bath with bubbles, candles, wine and soft soothing music. Simulate an incredible spa, make sure the water is warm and have fun soaping, scrubbing, exfoliating and hydrating your skin.
2. Themed movie night
Pick two movies by the same director or a couple rom coms with your favorite actress and queue them up to watch. Curl up with some popcorn or your own homemade themed chacuterie board with fun nibbles and bites.
3. Read an entire book
Pick something light, fun and readable to enjoy during your solo date. It could be a women’s magazine or a short book on romance, a memoir or smut. The literary novel that’s been intimidating you for months may not work here. But, if you want to start it, give it a go! It’s your decision, it’s your date.
4. Sip and paint at home
Pick up some cheap canvas, acrylics and brushes. Find a super simple pattern or scene to paint and go for it. Pair it with your favorite cocktail or mocktail and have yourself a creative, relaxing solo date. You’re not making a Picasso here but making something that’s yours.
5. Get fancy in the kitchen
Saved a fancy recipe you’ve always wanted to try? It’s time to pull it out and give it a go. Homemade pasta or a steak meal with several components? Make it without pressure or expectations. If it doesn’t work out, there’s always Door Dash.
6. Bring out your best plates
Did you grow up saving the best plates for special occasions only? Your solo date is the special occasion! And, you can very well use your fancy cutlery, plates and glassware. Light the fancy candle too and create a beautiful, luxurious eating experience for yourself.
7. Pillow fort fun
Yes, you’re an adult… but that’s the point! Feel like a kid again and bring out your inner child to play. Pillow forts are just one of the many ways to do that. Take your laptop in there, line up Gilmore Girls and some treats and have fun snacking and skimming in this special hiding place.
8. Get organized
This may not sound like a whole lot of fun, but if you prefer order and organization, you can spend your solo date whipping the chaotic mess around you into shape. Cleaning out a cupboard you’ve been meaning to or buying and installing new storage shelves, creating systems that help you feel good are always a win!
The same applies to your phone, camera roll, inbox, and subscriptions to things you don’t remember you got.
9. Solo dance party
Crank up your favorite playlist, push the coffee table out of the way and dance like no one’s watching. Because no one is! It’s silly, freeing, and an instant mood lift on a slow night. Bonus points if you’re in pajamas with a hairbrush microphone in hand.
10. Online class or tutorial
Always wanted to learn calligraphy or sourdough basics? Find a YouTube tutorial or an educational site and dedicate the evening to learning something new. You don’t have to master it on the first try or be good at it, the point is enjoying the process and being a beginner again.
“To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.” Robert Morley
Outdoor solo date ideas
Heading outdoors is one of the best ways to clear your head and feel grounded. These solo dates are great for sunny weekends, free afternoons or any time you need to get out of the house and into the world.
11. Walk during golden hour
The hour before sunset is pure magic. Throw on some comfy shoes, head out the door without a destination and just walk. Headphones are optional as the point is to soak up the soft light and beautiful sceneries while at your own pace, without any rush.
12. Solo hike on a new trail
Pick a trail you’ve been curious about and pack a snack, plenty of water and maybe a little notebook. The first mile might feel like effort, but once you settle into the rhythm, your brain quiets down and the trees do the rest. It’s one of the most underrated solo date ideas for women who love a little adventure.
13. Park picnic for one
If the weather is warm out, how about enjoying an outdoor picnic? Pack a baguette, some cheese, fresh fruit, drinks and a book. Don’t forget a picnic blanket too. Find a spot under a tree and enjoy the scenes around you. The ducks in the pond, birds singing nearby, the cute dogs leading their owners, and the ambient city noise too – take it all in! Be mindful in the moment and immerse your senses.
14. Botanical garden afternoon
Most cities have a botanical garden and they’re often quieter than parks and full of beautiful things to look at. Take a stroll through the nearest one, stopping by interesting plant tags with facts. Sit on a bench to people-watch or journal about all the thoughts that pop into your head.
15. Catch a sunrise somewhere new
Set your alarm, pack a thermos of coffee and head out to a new spot to watch the sun come up. Beach sunrises are my favorite! But, hilltops and rooftops are just as great. Practice some simple yoga moves too… Sun salutations anyone?
16. Or a sunset with a view
Much like sunrises from a rooftop, mountain or the beach, go exploring to a new spot to watch the sunset. Watch the colors change every minute and slowly descend into darkness as the stars become more visible. This is a great way to wind down a busy day.
17. Ride a bike
Take a loop around your neighborhood or go for a longer ride to a coffee shop that’s a little further away. The wind in your face is a great feeling and helps you remember being in the moment. You can also enjoy the simple thrill of moving without a destination in mind.
18. Hammock and a book
Put up a hammock between your favorite trees or find swings in nature. Spend the whole afternoon swaying gently with a good book, a snack and maybe take a little nap. The point is being horizontal outside without anywhere else to be.
19. Stargazing at night
Drive somewhere with less light pollution, lay out a blanket in a safe spot and look up at the sky. Use a star map app to figure out what constellations you’re looking at, then put the phone away and just stare. It’s humbling and grounding in the best way, and a great fun solo date for clear nights.
This is my absolutely favorite thing to do and I use Stellarium (app)!
20. Photo walk
I love doing this too!
Spend an hour walking around your neighborhood with your phone or camera and take photos of anything that inspires you. Architecture, unique textures, gorgeous flowers and the cutest, silliest dogs are all perfect subjects. The photos train your eye to notice the small, beautiful things.
Sometimes, I choose a random color before I start the walk and take photos of things that are shades of that color. Purple is hard for me – though I did see an amazing sunset with lots of pinks to purples!
“In solitude, the soul finds the law by which it must live.” – Indira Gandhi
Self care date ideas
When life feels like a lot, these self care date ideas can help you slow down and reset. They’re perfect for weeks where you’ve been giving too much and need to refill your own cup.
21. Book a real massage
Take an hour for yourself by booking a great massage. Time block it so no one needs anything from you and all you have to do is relax. It’s a great way to reconnect with your body. And, if a full massage isn’t in the budget, then try a smaller hand or foot massage. Heck, even the chair massages in the mall can be fun.
22. Manicure or pedicure
Pick a color you wouldn’t usually go for and treat yourself to a slow appointment. The hand massage, the foot soak, the small chitchat with the nail tech, all of it counts. You’ll walk out feeling pampered after.
23. Yoga class
Breathing deeply as a class can help you feel so connected to strangers. Or, it can simply quiet the noise in your head. Find a class for your fitness level, visit with an open heart, and finish off the class in savasana, which truly feels like relaxation heaven.
24. Sound bath or breathwork sessions
If you’re into less mainstream relaxation techniques, try sound baths and breathwork classes. Some studios run them as community classes and an hour spent breathing intentionally or surrounded by singing bowls is unlike anything else you’ve tried.
25. Sauna
Heat plus quiet plus zero pressure to talk to anyone, sign me up! Most gyms with a sauna will let you book a session and the time spent sweating and rinsing will make your body feel rejuvenated and reset.
26. Slow morning ritual
Skip the alarm one weekend, stretch in bed for as long as you want and make coffee the slow way. Sit by a sunny window, sip slowly, and pretend you’re in a fancy hotel even though you’re at home in your softest pajamas. It’s the perfect solo time to enjoy your thoughts.
27. Outdoor meditation
Find a park bench, a quiet patch of grass or your own backyard and sit for a 10-minute guided meditation (there are tons on YouTube and Spotify). Pair the meditation with fresh air and the sound of birds and you’ve got yourself a relaxation trifecta.
28. Get bossy with yourself
Tackle all the boring tasks you’ve been avoiding for weeks. Budget, calendar, the doctor’s appointment you keep pushing, the email you’ve been ghosting, promise yourself to do it and then actually do it! Light a candle, put on music and knock everything out. Future you is going to thank present you.
29. No screen day
Books, journal, walks, naps and real food all sound simple, but a full day without scrolling, streaming or notifications is one of the most clarifying solo dates you can give yourself. Try it once and see how different the day feels. Help your dopamine baseline to drop so you can get excited for the simple, little things again.
30. Love letters to you
Grab a pen and paper and write everything you wish someone would say to you. List your strengths, the things you’re proud of and the moments you handled with grace. Seal it in an envelope and read it on a hard day when you need a reminder of how amazing you are.
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
Free and cheap solo date ideas
Solo dates don’t have to cost a thing. These cheap solo date ideas prove that the best moments with yourself are about attention and intention, not the size of your wallet.
31. Library afternoon
Pick a comfy chair, browse without buying anything and leave with a stack of books that would have cost you a fortune at the bookstore. Most libraries also have free events, magazines and quiet spaces for journaling, so a library visit can be a full afternoon of fun for zero dollars.
32. Free museum day
Most museums have at least one free admission day a month, and many smaller museums can be free. Move slowly through them, sit on the benches between rooms and read the wall text on the pieces that catch your eye. You’ll leave feeling cultured and a little poetic.
33. Be a tourist in your own city
Pretend you’re visiting your own city for the first time. Window shop in a beautiful neighborhood, notice the architecture you usually drive past, and grab a couple flowers from a park you’ve never been. This can be free, fun and weirdly grounding all at once.
34. Three album walk
Pick three albums you’ve never listened to all the way through and queue them up in order. Go for a long walk while they play out. It’s amazing how the artist’s intent can be evident when you stop hitting shuffle and let an album breathe.
If you want to start smaller, queue your favorite album or artist and listen to a couple of their albums. It’s the songs you already love with some extras you may not be as familiar with. Listen to them, get inspired and enjoy the solo date.
35. Backyard or balcony picnic
Take whatever you want from the fridge or snack shelf to the balcony, plus some flowers and a candle if it’s getting dark out. The exact same food eaten outside on a blanket suddenly becomes a whole experience, and you didn’t have to leave the house to make it happen.
36. Coffee shop date
While this isn’t exactly free, it’s a couple bucks and worth a try. Pick a beautiful coffee shop, a window seat and a book you’ve been meaning to start. One drink and two hours later, you’ll feel relaxed without spending much. The slow productivity of strangers around you is its own little vibe.
37. Free outdoor concert or movie
Most cities run free summer programming in parks and public squares. Pack your own snacks, bring a blanket and turn an evening that costs nothing into a memory you’ll love. Check your city’s events calendar for what’s coming up and plan your solo date around it.
38. Public transit adventure
This only counts if the public transit options in your area are free or really inexpensive. If they are, hop on the bus or train and get off at a stop you’ve never been to before. Walk around for an hour and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells. This treats your own city like a brand new destination, and you’ll be surprised what you find a few stops over.
Creative solo date ideas
Sometimes a solo date is exactly what you need to wake up your creative side. These ideas are perfect when you’ve been stuck in your head and want to make something with your hands.
39. Drop in art class
Pottery, life drawing, calligraphy, candle making or even glass blowing are one class away. A simple drop-in class can be the perfect dose of new without the commitment of a full course. You’ll likely leave with something handmade and would have supported a local, small business, which is a really nice bonus.
40. Writing date at a cafe
Bring a notebook, order a fancy latte and write for two hours without checking your phone. Free write, journal or work on the project you keep saying you’ll start. Treat yourself like a writer for the afternoon and see what shows up on the page.
41. Vision board afternoon
Grab a stack of magazines, a pair of scissors, glue and poster board. Spread them out on the floor and start cutting things out that speak to you. Curate your own Pinterest-inspired mood board. The finished poster makes a great reminder of where you’re heading.
42. Paint by numbers
Cozy, repetitive and weirdly meditative, paint by numbers is perfect for rainy afternoons when you don’t have the energy for a full creative session, but you still want to make something pretty. Pick a design that speaks to you and work on it slowly.
43. Self-portrait photo shoot
Set up a tripod or prop your phone against a stack of books, put on a cute outfit you love and photograph yourself the way you’d photograph a friend. Play with light, angles and poses until you have a few pictures you actually love. It’s a confidence boost and a great way to update your camera roll.
44. Press flowers
Pick a few small blooms on your next walk, sandwich them in a heavy book and check on them in two weeks. Frame your favorites or use them in a journal collage. It’s a slow, patient kind of art that pays off later in the prettiest way.
45. Start a tiny project
Start a Substack, a blog, or a podcast that nobody asked for. Give it a name only you find clever and have fun with it. Creative projects with no audience are some of the most freeing things you can do, because the only person you have to please is yourself.
46. Curate the perfect playlist
Spend an hour curating a 60-minute playlist for a season, a feeling or a fictional version of yourself is time well spent. Theme it, name it, and design cover art for it if you’re feeling artsy. Play it on your next solo walk and enjoy the soundtrack you made.
Adventure solo date ideas
Sometimes life starts to feel a little small and you need an adventure to shake things up. These solo activities for women are equal parts thrill and self trust, and they make for the best stories later.
47. Solo day trip
Visit a small town an hour away, a vineyard, a beach or a hiking spot you’ve been wanting to try. Pack a tote bag, queue up a podcast or a great playlist for the drive and treat the whole day like a soft, little vacation from real life. You’ll come home feeling like a new person.
48. Try something out of your comfort zone
Aerial silks, a salsa class, kickboxing, surf lessons or rock climbing, pick something that scares you a little and sign up. Being a beginner in front of strangers is a great muscle to build, and you just might find a new favorite hobby in the process.
49. Solo overnight stay
Book a cute hotel one town over, a B&B or an Airbnb in a city you’ve never visited. Order room service, take a long bath, and don’t make the bed in the morning. It’s a particular kind of heaven that’s worth doing solo.
50. Concert alone
Buy a ticket to see an artist you love and get dressed up for it. The music belongs entirely to you for the night, which is a totally different experience than going with a group of friends. You’ll be amazed how much more present you can be when you don’t have to discuss it.
51. Tasting menu for one
Make a reservation at the nicest restaurant in town, sit at the bar and order the chef’s tasting menu. The bartender will probably be your friend by the end of the night, and you’ll leave feeling connected and content.
52. Solo road trip
Plan a weekend road trip with a loose itinerary, a packed cooler and a great playlist. Stop wherever looks interesting, eat at small-town diners and let the drive itself be the date. There’s a freedom in being the one deciding when to stop and when to keep going.
Foodie and culture solo dates
These dates are about paying attention to the things that delight you, with no one else’s preferences to consider but your own.
53. Wine or coffee tasting
Most cities have wine bars, breweries or coffee roasters that offer tasting activities. Take notes, learn what you actually like and let yourself be the only opinion that matters. There’s something quietly empowering about discovering you love a Spanish red or an Ethiopian single origin all on your own.
54. Farmers market into a meal
Spend a morning wandering the farmers market, sampling produce and chatting with vendors about what’s in season. Buy whatever looks beautiful, take it home and let the ingredients tell you what to cook for dinner. Two solo dates in one, what a great deal!
55. Weekday matinee
Catch a 1 p.m. movie on a weekday afternoon. Theaters at that hour are half empty, dim and cool, and the experience feels soft and easy going. It’s fun and will have you wondering why you don’t do it more often.
56. Bookstore afternoon
Find your nearest bookstore, browse without urgency, read first chapters on the floor and ask the staff for their favorite recent reads. Buy one beautiful book to take home, then read the first chapter on a bench outside before you even get back to your car. It’s the perfect slow afternoon.
57. Ballet or plays
Check your local symphony, opera house or community arts center for upcoming events. Dress up for the occasion and immerse yourself in a ballet, play or cultural experience. These activities feel delightfully over the top in the best way, and you’ll leave feeling completely transported into another world.
58. Poetry or comedy night
Explore poetry and comedy nights at local spots and enjoy listening to varying perspectives and experiences. Watch your pores raise during deep poetry readings and laugh until you cry (or pee a little) when comedians get onstage.
Reflection prompts for after your solo date
Pair any solo date with five minutes of journaling at the end. Pick one prompt and see what comes up.
- What did I notice today that I would have missed with company?
- When did I feel most like myself during the date?
- What’s something I’ve been wanting that I haven’t told anyone?
- What would my dream solo date for next month look like?
- What would I do tomorrow if I trusted myself completely?
The whole point of solo date ideas for women is that you don’t need permission – not from a partner, not from your friend group and not from your inner critical voice.
Pick one of these, put it on your calendar before you close this tab, and show up for yourself.
If you liked this list, you might also like my guides to birthday solo date ideas, free solo date recommendations, and solo Valentine’s Day ideas.
