Netflix and chill … again? Why not shake things up by planning a date outside the norm? Here are some local outside-of-the-box ways to woo that special someone.
Get Wild … Animals
While usually a go-to for family days, do not sleep on OdySea Aquarium for a date—especially its VIP experiences. The SeaTREK underwater walking program, penguin interaction program, sloth encounter, and behind-the-scenes shark tour are the perfect way to take a walk on the wild side together. OdyseaAquarium.com
Get Your Fixe
While there is no shortage of fine-dining spots in town, Café Monarch has the distinction of being named one of the top three most romantic restaurants in the nation by Trip Advisor. Its prix fixe tasting menu is one for the ages, with courses ranging from white truffles to caviar. CafeMonarch.com
Wine and Rosés
Forget roses! Opt for rosé (among other fabulous wines) instead by booking a wine-tasting experience at LDV Winery in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The tasting room, which is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team, features a variety of Rhone-style wines from which to choose—and all are made in Southern Arizona. LDVWinery.com
Perfect Pairings
If interested in wine paired with food, consider a dinner reservation at Ember. The up-and-coming fine-dining eatery in Scottsdale is a recent recipient of the Wine Spectator Best of Excellence Award for its collection of 900 wines by the bottle and 26 wines by the glass, each curated to complement award-winning chef Richard Pelz’s craveable menu. WeKoPa.com
Spa Day(te)
Why not restore and renew the mind, body, and soul together? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess boasts two spas from which to choose, making it an idyllic date option. Well & Being Spa features a full-scale traditional day spa complete with a coed grotto and a host of treatments for two, while Sisley-Paris is the benchmark in skin care worldwide. There are also co-ed fitness classes, ranging from aerial yoga to tai chi. ScottsdalePrincess.com
Game On!
Enjoy some lighthearted, low-stakes competition at Clubhouse at Maya, an outdoor day club that boasts nostalgic small bites, as well as giant-size Jenga, corn hole, Pop-a-Shot, The Claw, Connect 4, and more. There is even a giant twist on beer pong where guests throw volleyballs into almost human-sized containers shaped like red Solo Cups. MayaClubAZ.com
All FORE Love
Mini golf for the modern couple—Puttshack in Scottsdale Quarter—is a 25,000-square-foot, two-story entertainment destination with 36 holes to play, each of which doubles as an art installation. Music pumps throughout the space, and dancing is highly encouraged. There is also a sit-down eatery and full-scale bar inside. Puttshack.com
Morning Would … You Be My Valentine?
Brunch is for more than just the girls! And this is one unlike any other in town. Chef/owner Cory Oppold is as much a magician with plating as with flavors, and as a result this multi-course tasting menu is equal parts whimsical, wild, comforting, and culinary couture. CourseRestaurantAZ.com
Magic Museum
The Museum of Illusions boasts more than 60 mind-bending exhibits—a combination of optical illusions, installations, holograms, immersive rooms, and more—that are best enjoyed with someone similarly spectacular. MOIScottsdale.com