We’re not reinventing the wheel here. Check the weather forecast, pack some snacks, and head to your favorite park for a romantic picnic. But where to? We love the hill adjacent to Miller Outdoor Theatre at Hermann Park and the cozy lawn areas in the Eastern Glades portion of Memorial Park. If you’re into something flashier—or perhaps you’re planning to propose—opt for any spot in Buffalo Bayou Park with stellar downtown views. Of course, there’s always the classic Menil Collection lawn.

We were trying to think what the sexiest museum in Houston would be. Hear us out: It might just be the MFAH. The largest in the city and one of the largest in the country, the museum has so many galleries it’s easy to get lost and find an area for a more intimate stroll. Pro tip: Head to the Glassell Collections on the second level of the Caroline Wiess Law Building. The discreet entrance to the gallery is easy to miss, making for less crowded rooms filled with gorgeous African art and gold artifacts from the Americas and Indonesia. Some of the jewelry may give you gift ideas, too.

If MFAH is still too busy for you, head to one of the institution’s satellite sites, the Bayou Bend Collection. The former home of philanthropist Ima Hogg is a romantic and serene place to spend time with your significant other. Stroll the beautiful 14-acre gardens and dip into the Hogg mansion to admire period furniture, home decor, and art—guaranteed to result in fewer arguments than a trip to IKEA.

This sprawling, cavernous space is perfect for a moody date. Come here for the 45-minute sound healing meditation sessions on weekends and Wednesdays. If you’re more of a nerdy couple, book a history tour Wednesday through Sunday. The Cistern is also home to rotating art installations and musical performances. 

Admire the grounds’ many varieties of plant life, including a coastal prairie garden flush with native species like Indian blankets and Louisiana irises. Even if you can't take them home, the memories of these flowers will last longer than a dozen red roses. They've also got a picnic grove with a few tables and great shade courtesy of large oaks, accessible with or without admission to the HBG. 

This date can happen either during the day or at night—even better, make it a sunset event. When the sun is up, walk around Rice University’s beautiful campus and pop into the Moody Center for the Arts, then spend some time at the famous Skyspace. Come nightfall, an LED light sequence projects onto the structure’s ceiling, a dreamy backdrop for your couple's selfies.

Switch up movie night from the big, chain theater to a retro drive-in. Head to Moonstruck, an outdoor movie experience in a big field in the East River development, and bring cozy blankets, pillows, and snacks to snuggle up and watch a movie from the comfort of your car.

Instead of taking in a starry sky at the outdoor movie theater, you could also drive out to the countryside to view your favorite planets and constellations from the domed telescopes at the George Observatory. This attraction also features the famed 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope, one of the largest in the United States. If you really like your date, you can do both ideas—probably not on the same night, though.

Don’t know if you’ve heard, but Houston’s burlesque scene is not only back post-pandemic—it’s better. This recommendation is for those who want to bring a little spice to a date, whether it’s to rekindle a flame or light one up. AvantGarden in Montrose hosts burlesque shows every Friday, often featuring legendary local performers like Abby Cadabra, Valentina J’Adore, and Cara Cherie.

Visit a clubby cocktail bar on downtown Houston's Main Street that’s a groovy time. Masquerading as a vinyl shop from the outside, Off the Record bills itself as a “listening lounge” with themed nights and DJs that span genres from Motown to ’90s hip-hop. You can dance with your boo or sit in a corner and vibe to the music together if that’s more your speed.