What are the best fall date nights in Spokane, WA?
There’s something about fall in Spokane that makes getting out for a date night even more enjoyable. The cooler temperatures, changing leaves, cozy coffee shops, local breweries, and seasonal events give us plenty of reasons to get out and explore the city.
Fall is one of my favorite times of year to enjoy Spokane. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon together, a fun activity, or a classic dinner date, there are so many ways to enjoy the season. Here are some of my favorite fall date night ideas in Spokane, WA.
1. Take a Fall Stroll Through Manito Park
One of my favorite places to visit in Spokane is Manito Park, and fall might be one of the best times to explore it. The changing leaves throughout the park make the walking paths especially beautiful, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon together.
Grab a coffee from a local shop beforehand and take a walk through the gardens. The cooler weather makes it much more comfortable to wander around, and there are plenty of pretty spots to stop and enjoy the scenery.
2. Make a Day Trip to Green Bluff
Fall and Green Bluff just belong together. This is one of those Spokane-area traditions I look forward to every year.
Spend an afternoon exploring the farms, picking apples, grabbing fresh produce, or enjoying some of the seasonal treats available throughout the area. Depending on the time of year, you can also find pumpkins, cider, baked goods, and plenty of fall decorations.
I love that Green Bluff feels like a little getaway without having to travel very far from Spokane. Make an afternoon of it and stop for dinner or drinks on the way home.
Related: Orchards & Acreage: Exploring Green Bluff Just North of Spokane, WA
3. Have a Cozy Coffee Date
Sometimes the best date is sitting somewhere warm with a good cup of coffee and plenty of time to talk. Spokane has no shortage of local coffee shops, which makes fall the perfect season to explore a few new favorites. In fact, I’ve written about some of my favorite Spokane coffee shops here.
Try making your own coffee shop crawl by visiting one spot for your morning drink, exploring a nearby neighborhood, and ending with a pastry or dessert somewhere else. It’s a great option when you want to get out without planning an entire evening.
Related: 8+ Best Coffee Shop in Spokane’s Favorite Neighborhoods
4. Visit a Local Brewery
Cool fall evenings are made for local craft beer. Spokane has a great brewery scene, and visiting a new brewery together can be a fun way to spend an evening.
Try a seasonal fall beer, order some food, and find a cozy spot to sit and catch up. If you’re feeling adventurous, make it a brewery crawl and visit a couple of different spots around town.
5. Explore Riverfront Park in the Fall
Riverfront Park is beautiful in every season, but I especially enjoy seeing it when the leaves start changing. Take a walk along the Spokane River, enjoy the views of Spokane Falls, and explore some of the park’s attractions.
A fall evening downtown can easily turn into a full date night. Start with a walk, grab dinner nearby, and finish with coffee or dessert.
Related: 10+ Best Date Night Ideas this Winter in Spokane, WA
6. Plan a Fall Picnic
A picnic may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about fall dates, but I think it’s one of the best seasons for one. You don’t have to worry about the heat or bugs and there’s something especially cozy about bringing a blanket and enjoying the changing scenery.
Pick up sandwiches, coffee, or pastries from a local spot and head to one of Spokane’s parks. Just bring a few extra layers and enjoy the crisp weather while it lasts.
7. Take a Scenic Drive to See the Fall Colors
If you want a date that gives you plenty of time to talk, take a scenic drive and look for the best fall colors around Spokane.
Head toward the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Green Bluff, or take the Palouse Hwy and make a playlist for the drive. Stop whenever you find a view you like, grab a snack along the way, and turn the afternoon into your own little fall road trip.
8. Have a Classic Dinner Date
Fall is a great excuse to dress up and go somewhere a little nicer for dinner. Spokane has plenty of restaurants that are perfect for a cozy evening out, whether you’re looking for an upscale meal or a local favorite.
I love a dinner date where you don’t have to rush. Take your time, order dessert, and make an evening of it instead of treating dinner as just another stop in the day.
Some of my favorite restaurants are: South Perry Pizza, Wild Sage, 1890 Public House.
Related: A Three-Day Weekend Guide for Summer in Spokane, WA
Photo Credit: Wild Sage Bistro
9. Catch a Movie at a Local Theater
There’s something nostalgic about going to the movies when the weather starts getting cooler. Instead of staying home, make a night of it by grabbing dinner beforehand and heading to a local theater for a movie, a personal favorite of mine is the Garland Theater.
For an extra-fun fall date, look for a classic movie, Halloween screening, or special event. Spokane’s historic theaters often have something interesting on the calendar, so it’s worth checking what’s playing before you make your plans.
10. Go Apple Picking or Find a Pumpkin Patch
Fall activities don’t get much more seasonal than apples and pumpkins. Head out to one of the farms around Spokane and spend an afternoon picking apples, choosing the perfect pumpkin, or enjoying other seasonal activities.
This is especially fun if you’re the kind of couple who likes having something to take home from your date. You can turn those apples into a pie together or use your pumpkins for some fall decorating.
Photo Credit: Heather Winkler on Spokane Talk
11. Go for a Fall Hike
If you’d rather spend your date outdoors, fall is one of my favorite times to explore the trails around Spokane. The cooler temperatures make hiking much more enjoyable, and the changing leaves add a beautiful backdrop.
Choose a trail that fits your comfort level, pack some snacks, and make a morning or afternoon out of it. I’ve listed 10+ hikes and walks near Spokane, WA here which will make it easy to select something that works for the pace you desire. If you finish your hike around lunchtime, reward yourselves with coffee, lunch, or a local brewery afterward.
So, What’s the Perfect Fall Spokane Date Night?
One of the things I love most about Spokane is how much there is to do right outside our front door. But, if I had to choose my personal favorite, I would plan a combo of the ideas above. Start for coffee somewhere in the middle of town, like Indaba on Monroe. Then, head north for a day at Green Bluff. You’ll get to take in all the fall colors on the drive and end with an afternoon in the coziest, most idyllic farming community. Fall gives us an especially beautiful window to enjoy the vibrant local community Spokane has to offer.
And if you’re looking for even more reasons to love living in the Spokane area, take a look at my portfolio or reach out to me here.
