Best Date Ideas on the South Shore

Are you tired of the same old date night routine? It’s time to think out of the box with interesting date night plans that keep you and your partner on your toes. The good news? The South Shore has endless options, so you’ll always have something exciting to try!

Daytime Date Ideas

Explore the Downtown Shops

A fun, low-stress date idea is exploring some of the shops and antique stores in the South Shore's downtown areas like Miller Beach, Crown Point and Valparaiso. See who can find the most unique items and learn more about your date as you peruse the shelves. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at a nearby cafe or coffee shop - if it's nice out, find one with patio seating here.
 

Daytime Crawls

Wine and beer lovers have plenty of spots to enjoy a daytime crawl and drink some of the best pours on the South Shore, no matter the season. Head to a wine tasting to sample wines and meads proudly made in Indiana. For craft pours, breweries are aplenty - check out our Brewery Trail and plan your date!
 

Farmers' Markets

Of course, nothing beats a date to a local farmer’s market to enjoy local produce and artisan goods, from springtime through late fall. Some even have live music! The markets in Cedar Lake and Hobart are right off a lake where you can take a short stroll, too.
 

Take a Tour

If you're both into history, dive into the region's past at historic homes like Barker Mansion, Buckley Homestead, Halsted House or, inside the Indiana Dunes, Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm. Head to the Museum at Lassen's Resort to learn about Cedar Lake's history as a resort town and take a steamboat ride, or take a guided tour at the Porter County Museum.
 

Ride a Train

Welcome your date aboard trains of all sizes at the rail attractions in the area. Explore Hoosier Valley Museum then go on a diesel or steam train excursion, or ride along on three different-sized trains at Hesston Steam Museum and finish your date at Doc's Soda Fountain on-site.
 

Fun and Games Date Ideas

Play Like a Kid

Embrace your inner child with simulators loaded with games, AR darts, ping pong and duckpin bowling at Public Bar and Rec in Crown Point while enjoying some apps and drinks from the bar.
 

Catch a Baseball Game

There are plenty of options to sit back, snack on popcorn and hot dogs, and cheer for your favorite team - from big city games with the Sox to local teams like the Gary SouthShore RailCats or Lake County Corndogs. For a historical day of baseball, catch a Deep River Grinders game played by the original rules of 1858.

Trivia, Paint or Karaoke Nights

Many breweries, bars, wineries and restaurants in the region host fun night out entertainment like trivia, karaoke or a paint and sip. Check out our event calendar to see what's coming up!
 

Artsy Date Ideas

Art Classes and Workshops

Interested in something more hands-on? Take your pick from the area’s best art classes and workshops so you and your date can get creative with ceramics, painting, and more. Beale Pottery in Westville hosts popular Pottery Date Nights - keep your eye out for them as they book up fast! Or sign up for a series of art classes at Art Barn School of Art in Valparaiso, Chesterton Art Center or South Shore Arts in Munster.
 

Visit a Gallery

Appreciate the arts at a local art gallery as you both try to share your deepest insight into each work of art.
 

See a Show

What's better than going to a movie theater? Seeing a brilliant play, ballet or musical at one of the many amazing places across Northwest Indiana. Watch a show at The Dunes Summer Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Chicago Street Theatre, or Memorial Opera House or a performance from Indiana Ballet Theatre. Check out shows coming up soon here!
 

Catch a Concert

Dance the night away with your date at one of the local music venues. From blues and pop to country and hip hop, the South Shore rocks all year long! Find upcoming concerts here.
 

Outdoor Date Ideas

Explore the Indiana Dunes

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan by walking along the shoreline or hiking one of the scenic trails at Indiana Dunes National Park. During the warmer months, cap off your adventure with a romantic beachside picnic—pack favorites like fresh fruit, artisanal cheeses, crusty baguettes, and charcuterie for an extra romantic touch! 

Roam the Gardens

Get lost exploring the gardens, wetlands and miles of hiking trails, plus a 2-acre Railway Garden at Purdue University’s Gabis Arboretum. Friendship Botanic Gardens, open to the public from May through October, is another great spot for strolls through nature and their historic Heritage Gardens.
 

Visit with the Animals

Are you and your date animal lovers? Sandy Oak Ranch in Lake Village is a unique experience where you can view animals roaming the property during the drive-through adventure, then get up close to even more animals in the walk-through version.
 

Float Across the Waters

If you want to spend a day on the water, take your date on a kayaking or canoeing excursion along the Little Calumet River, Lake Michigan or on Cedar Lake. You can also rent a boat for the lagoon at Marquette Park with J&M Excursions. 

Head to the Orchards

Take your date to the orchards or upicks then head home to create a delicious treat from your haul! Johnson's Farm Produce has festivals from summer through fall, featuring everything from strawberries to pumpkins. The orchard at Fair Oaks Farms grows apples and pumpkins to pick. Harvest Tyme Family Fun has tulips in the spring and a pumpkin patch in the fall.
 

Watch the Sunset

What's more romantic than enjoying a sunset together? From the gorgeous Lake Michigan lakefront to wineries and restaurants, there are plenty of great spots to experience the colorful changes in the sky. Here are a few locations we suggest to see the sunset.
 

Winter Date Ideas

Slide Across the Ice

Take advantage of the chillier months by ice skating hand-in-hand at Bulldog Park or Central Park Plaza from mid-November through early March. 
 

Explore on Skis

When there's a thick layer of snow on the ground, head to the trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. A great way to get out and explore the Indiana Dunes or Lake County Parks in a whole new way! For more fun, grab your sleds and hit the hills. Check out our favorite spots for these winter activities here, including where you can rent equipment.

Christmas Adventures

During the day, wander through the "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center, featuring six animatronic window displays from Macy’s in New York. Then at night, check out the light displays at Harvest Tyme Family Farm while sipping hot chocolate. 
 

Get a Cup of Joe

When you're ready to come in from the cold, there’s nothing like a visit to a local café or coffee shop to warm up with a cup of locally roasted joe.
 

Romantic Restaurants

Once date night comes around, it’s time to impress with a romantic restaurant that fits the bill in atmosphere and food. Set in a historic waterfront Victorian home in downtown Hobart, Bon Vie has the makings of an intimate, cozy evening with your date. Enjoy farm-to-table dishes that feature local ingredients whenever possible. 
 

Cedar Lake is home to Lighthouse Restaurant, which offers stunning views of woods and water. During the summer months, an outdoor patio offers live entertainment and lakeside dining tables.
 

For something a bit different, enjoy fine dining in the Zen-like atmosphere of Asparagus in Merrillville while savoring dishes inspired by Thailand, Vietnam, the Americas, and classic French culinary techniques. Pair your meal with carefully chosen wines or indulge in their signature drinks. If you need more ideas, check out our blog on the perfect restaurants for Valentine’s Day.
 

Spend the Night

Take date night to the next level with a staycation at Brewery Lodge and Supper Club in Michigan City. Unwind at their 12-suite boutique hotel on 42 acres of woods, streams and ponds. Indulge in a massage or facial at their day spa then dine at their restaurant that takes fresh, local ingredients and creates an unforgettable meal.

Find more places to stay on our site here.

Looking for more date ideas along the South Shore? Check out our complete listings for things to do in the area, and stay tuned to our events calendar for the latest buzz around town!