Did you know Arizona became a state on Valentine’s Day in 1912? It’s true. You might only catch cupid in February, but you can fall in love any month of the year in Phoenix. Lots of sunshine and little rain make the Valley of the Sun a perfect city for exploring enticing date ideas.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, an outdoor adventure, or just some silly fun, Phoenix has plenty of possibilities.
Turn Taco Tuesday into a Tasty Tryst
Finding the best Mexican food in Phoenix is an art form. Residents love to share their favorite taco truck or best tamale spot. If you’re seeking flavors south of the border to entice a significant other, you’ve got to find a restaurant that will capture all their senses, and Phoenix boasts several AAA Three Diamond restaurants with southwest flavor. Ocotillo in the heart of Phoenix focuses on New American cuisine with a touch of Arizona influence. Paradise Valley’s El Chorro is Arizona cuisine with a Southwestern flare among the ambiance of fine dining. The Mission in Scottsdale serves sophisticated modern Latin dishes and is located next to a historic Catholic mission.
Dinner and a View
Do you have an anniversary coming up? Looking for some classic luxury? Book a room at Hyatt Regency Phoenix, a AAA Three Diamond hotel right in the heart of the city, and have dinner at The Compass Arizona Grill located on the 24th floor. Known as the “iconic revolving rooftop restaurant,” you and your better half will get 360-degree views of the city at this iconic spot that’s been an award winner for 45 years. Order a bottle of vino as you slowly watch the world turn around you.
Go Underground and Chill
Phoenix is home to some of the best underground bars and nightclubs that are much cooler than the city streets above. If you book a room at the AAA Three Diamond Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, you’ll be within walking distance to the city’s underground scene. While Melinda’s Alley shares the same building as the Renaissance, you’ll need to come out of your hotel and spot a colorful mural of a woman’s face in the back alley. The woman beckons patrons to an underground cocktail lounge showcased by a single red bulb. Or visit Valley Bar across the street on Central Avenue just north of Adams. Once you nimbly walk down the flight of stairs, you’ll enter one of the best music venues in the city. Finding these spots is like having the secret passcode to Phoenix’s most spectacular speakeasies.
Tempting Tempe History
Are you courting a history buff? You may know that Tempe is home to Arizona State University, but did you know it’s also a town that archives all its memories? Plan a visit to Tempe History Museum and learn how generations survived and thrived in the Old West. Or wander over to Papago Park and investigate the Arizona Heritage Center, where you can romance your partner among the gem and mineral exhibit. There’s also the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, which links the cultural history of the past to our modern lives. And why not stay at Tempe Mission Palms, a AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel? Described as “Arizona Mid-century Mission” style, the newly renovated accommodations with upscale amenities is just down the street from historic Hayden Flour Mill Avenue.
Sweep Your Sweetheart off Their Feet with Something Offbeat
Not up for an overly traditional dinner? Maybe you’re a romantic but not a sucker for anything too sweet and sentimental? Take your date to Durant’s, a swanky AAA Three Diamond downtown restaurant where you’ll walk in the backdoor and meander through the kitchen to be seated. If your dizzying dinner isn’t funky enough, add something on the spookier side. A Phoenix Murders and Mysteries Ghost Tour will give you a dark taste of Arizona’s history and true crimes. Or you could explore Mystery Castle, located in the foothills of South Mountain. This place may look unusual, but once you learn the castle’s story of enduring love, you’ll know you've found the most romantic spot in town.
Pop the Question
If you’re ready to level up to a truly special affair, why not pop the question in style? Treat the love of your life to a Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix. You’ll both soar up to 5,000 feet over the desert with unobstructed views of the city. And once you’re safely returned to the ground, you can toast to your future with a picnic featuring chilled champagne and some hors d'oeuvres.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Phoenix today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.