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1st Date Ideas
updated: Mar 01, 2013, 4:36 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

Hi Edhatters! I need help coming up with an outdoor idea for a first date. It's a beautiful weekend and I'm trying to plan a special day-date for a special someone.

Can you help me come up with some ideas? Not overly romantic for a first date, but something fun with the Santa Barbara feel.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 380353	2013-03-01 04:46 PM
You could do stand up paddling from the Harbor with Channel Islands Outfitters or SB Fitness Tours. You could bike the Wine Country and taste with I Bike Santa Barbara. Rock climbing with SB Adventure Co. Or for less expense, hike up to Inspiration point and pack a picnic.
SBSURFERLIFE	2013-03-01 04:50 PM
Urban Wine Trail, walk down the wharf, rent those dorky but fun bike surrey's.
COMMENT 380357	2013-03-01 04:51 PM
Geocaching. It brings out the kid in most people and you get to focus on something other than how awkward you feel about finding something galvanizing to say. Also you get to hike around a little, get dirty, get flummoxed, get excited and be somewhat amazed too when you find a cache someone has actually put some time into building that camouflages well with the surroundings. What other activity can bring out the bomb squad or DHS to question you about your activities? It's memorable and unusual.
COMMENT 380360	2013-03-01 05:02 PM
Landshark, State Street trolley, dinner, movie. Don't do flowers unless you're picking that person up at home and the flowers can be put in a vase right away. Be yourself (unless you're naturally unpleasant). Don't speak poorly about your exes. It's a red flag. Be mindful of your attire. Males: clean jeans, nice button down with no crazy patterns. Wallet, phone in pocket. FGS, no fanny packs. Women: jeans, nice blouse, black sweater, comfy slip-on shoes. Have a great time.
COMMENT 380362	2013-03-01 05:03 PM
Stroll up and down lower State Street to enjoy the aroma of stale urine and the heady experience of being accosted by bums and panhandlers. Per your requirements, certainly not overly romantic and definitely has that "Santa Barbara feel!"
COMMENT 380364	2013-03-01 05:07 PM
go walk the labyrinth out on campus point and then go to the beach that is right there.
COMMENT 380370	2013-03-01 05:21 PM
Go to Hendry's for a long walk at low tide and then have lunch or Happy Hour at the Boathouse (you can make reservations to sit outside if you do it in advance). Or pack a killer picnic if you want to hang at the beach. Another fun day is to go to the Channel Islands for a day trip and do a little hike or kayak. If you leave out of Ventura, go to "Lure' restaurant after - it's really good, fun and hip.
COMMENT 380373	2013-03-01 05:29 PM
Start off at the Sportsman 7am and have a couple long islands, then head down to the breakwater and heckle the rich yatch owners down on Marina 4. Tell them Goose sent you.
COMMENT 380380	2013-03-01 05:44 PM
Sun down at the top of the park on Las Positis, take some wine and remember to practice safe sex!
COMMENT 380405	2013-03-01 06:25 PM
Take a stroll along Yanonali between Garden and Calle Caeser Chavez. That will put her in the mood.
COMMENT 380415	2013-03-01 06:51 PM
Botanic Gardens walk. Picnic on the beach. End with a nice walk on the breakwater.
COMMENT 380416P	2013-03-01 07:00 PM
Picnic at Hammonds is good, go when the tide is going out so you can check out the tide pools
COMMENT 380424	2013-03-01 07:21 PM
I'm guessing the top rated answer here would be to pick up your best gal in your dad's Impala and take her to the malt shop for a nickel soda. In reality, just try and find a spot where you step over bums less than every half dozen steps...maybe a picnic up Rattlesnake Canyon....hiking is good because you don't need to look into her face...a talent lost by hours of staring at your iThing.
COMMENT 380429	2013-03-01 07:25 PM
Geez, take the poor girl to the Cabrillo art walk on Sunday morning. Grab a coffee on the way or hit the Sportsman, whatever floats your boat. When she has had enough she still has the rest of the day by herself. Must say I agree with 350...
BURNTTHISTLE	2013-03-01 07:26 PM
Wildlife cruise on lake Cachuma followed by lunch at Cold Spring Tavern
COMMENT 380439	2013-03-01 07:46 PM
I agree with the hike if you think she will enjoy the outdoors. Plenty of great spots around here, and really gets out of the typical downtown Santa Barbara to reveal it's true beauty.
COMMENT 380443	2013-03-01 07:57 PM
For a first date I would not plan a big long all day event. Keep it short and simple. whatever you do.
MESARATS	2013-03-01 08:33 PM
Check out the tides. If low tide come at a good time for the date get some cruisers and ride from the pit toward Campus Point. Bring some cheese, olives, perfect pears and a good bottle of wine. It is one of those rides you can gage the time and always turn back. Have a drink and another snack at the Boathouse. Depending on the time. Stash some wood for a bonfire before or after and wind down. If the date doesnt work out you can always scrape that. I am a female and I think that would be light and fun. It is not so streneous that you don't have time to talk. .
COMMENT 380476P	2013-03-01 10:43 PM
A walk around Lake Los Carneros. And maybe a ride on the kiddie trains at the adjacent Goleta Depot if they happen to be running.
COMMENT 380479P	2013-03-01 11:14 PM
we hiked up rattlesnake - ate lunch - married a year later - 10 years ago
COMMENT 380481P	2013-03-01 11:30 PM
Scenic flight at Above All Aviation followed by a walk at Goleta Beach.
COMMENT 380484P	2013-03-02 01:01 AM
Out of all the comments made here, 443 gave you the best advice. Less is definitely more when you're on a first date. Plus, what happens if either of you starts to feel not so attracted? Please don't plan anything that lasts for hours, where your date (and you) can't bow out gracefully, if need be. Trips out to Channel Islands, Wine Country trips and such are best done when you get to know each other better. If it were me, I would take her down to the Cabrillo Beachway/bike path and rent one of those surreys. Peddle around for an hour. Then, after you've worked up an appetite, eat outside at Brophy's (can't hear each other talk inside!). Enjoy the harbor views. Keep that first date short but sweet. And whatever you do, don't talk too much about yourself. That's a deal breaker.
COMMENT 380493	2013-03-02 07:05 AM
pack a picnic lunch and drive up to Francheski Park it over looks the whole city and on a gorgeous day like today it is breath taking. The park is on Mission Ridge.
COMMENT 380498	2013-03-02 07:21 AM
Go on a Lotusland tour and then out to lunch or an early dinner at Zen Yai or Zaytoon.
COMMENT 380504	2013-03-02 07:46 AM
Secluded hiking trail
COMMENT 380509	2013-03-02 07:59 AM
whale watching on Condor Express
COMMENT 380513	2013-03-02 08:05 AM
Tell her you had to go on them Internet for first date ideas. See how long she sticks around. If you have so little romance In your heart, date more till you find a girl that really inspires you.
COMMENT 380528P	2013-03-02 08:42 AM
Geocaching sounds too frustrating for a first date! You can really get out fast to an uncomfortable limit of sweating, frustrated emotions, communicating, spraining an ankle, etc. Not first date material.
COMMENT 380557	2013-03-02 09:59 AM
493: You stole my idea! ;-) that is the BEST & very romantic!
ZEBRA STRIPES	2013-03-02 10:17 AM
I agree with 498 -- Lotusland Tour.
CEES	2013-03-02 11:03 AM
If you want active, then a hike to Inspiration Point is amazing, or should I say, "inspiring". If you just want "outdoors", then a walk on Hendry's beach followed by a meal at the Boathouse would impress me. Kayaking and/or SUP at the harbor is a good active option as well. What could be prettier than the SB Harbor... Good luck!
COMMENT 380595	2013-03-02 11:41 AM
one year running Pier to Peak I became aware it was a first date for a couple. Don't do that.
COMMENT 380896	2013-03-03 09:37 AM
I'd check out the Date Envy app. You plug in weather, cost, activity level, etc, and it gives you a bunch of ideas that match your criteria. I've gotten some great first date ideas from it!

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