Valentine's Day Date Ideas

The Auburn-Opelika area has so many options when it comes to planning a date.

If you’re new to the area though, you may find yourself lost when trying to find the perfect date idea for you and your loved one. Over the last year, my partner and I have explored just about every date idea in the Auburn-Opelika area that we can think of. Here are some of our favorites!

Best Restaurants for a Dinner Date

The Grille at Botanic

Out of all the restaurants I’ve been to in the area, this one definitely has the most romantic feel to it. The restaurant itself is inside of a beautiful garden in a large greenhouse, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit. Not only is it gorgeous, but the food and service are some of the best that you can find. If you’re looking for a classic romantic dinner date, this is the place to go.

Walt’s On The Roof

This one offers a very unique experience. Located on top of The Laurel, Walt’s On The Roof allows you to overlook Samford Hall from a beautiful rooftop garden. They offer small eats, appetizers, and refreshments, but not entrees. They do accept walk-ins but it’s best to make reservations ahead of time just in case. Access to get on the roof is usually $10 a person, then there’s open seating once you’re up there. In my opinion, the combination of the rooftop garden and the view of Samford Hall makes this the most beautiful spot in all of Auburn.

Café 123

Located in downtown Opelika, Café 123 is a must-try restaurant. Downtown Opelika already has a historic and romantic feel to it at night that makes for a desirable setting on any date; pair it with Café 123 and you’ve got a date night worth remembering. The restaurant itself has very dim and warm lighting that gives it a classy feel. It also has some of the best dishes I’ve ever had, and I would recommend this place to anyone who appreciates a good meal.

Coffee Dates

Wild Flour Bakery and Espresso

If you and your date enjoy coffee and desserts, this is your place. Located in Waverly, it’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown Auburn, but it’s well worth the slightly longer drive. This bakery not only has mouthwatering fresh pastries and desserts, but it also has really good coffee. It has a very vintage aesthetic and feel to it that makes it hard not to love. Waverly also has a few vintage thrift stores within walking distance of the bakery. There are often events like music festivals and flea markets that also take place in Waverly. It’s definitely a place that everyone in Auburn needs to go to at least once.

Side Track

Likely the most popular coffee shop in Opelika, Side Track is very unique due to its “pay what you want” payment model. Yes, you literally pay whatever you want. Aside from that, the service at Side Track is probably the best I’ve experienced at any coffee shop. The baristas are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet, and they bring you glasses with a large bottle of water while you wait for your coffee. The lighting and aesthetic of this place will make you never want to leave. I would recommend not going on the weekend because it’s usually hard to find a place to sit due to it being so busy.

Outdoor Dates

Hiking/Biking at Chewacla State Park

If you’re looking for a more active and outdoorsy date, Chewacla State Park is a really good option. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Auburn and is only $5 to get in. There are a lot of really pretty hiking and biking trails that are color coded by difficulty. If you’re a student at Auburn, you can even rent bikes from Auburn Outdoors and bike the trails instead of hiking. The best part is that if you return the bikes the same day, it’s free.

Picnic Date

If you’re interested in a picnic, there are some really pretty places for that too. One obvious option is Samford Lawn, although depending on the day, it may be pretty heavily populated. Other options include Town Creek Park or the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, both of which are absolutely beautiful places that won’t be as public as Samford Lawn.

Fun Dates

Auburn Candle Co.

Located downtown, Auburn Candle Co. is a great place to go if you’re looking for a fun, hands-on experience. Their studio allows you to pour your own candle and create your own signature scent. The experience starts at $20 a person but can vary depending on which item you choose.

Visions of Colors Paint and Pour Studio

Looking for something artsy? Visions of Colors Paint and Pour Studio has a range of different date night options and themes where they provide everything, you just show up and paint. Most nights it’s $40 per person.

Rock N Roll Pinball

With over 30 pinball machines and video arcade games, Rock N Roll Pinball is a good option for any couple that likes arcades. It’s also very budget-friendly, starting at just $10 per person for one hour of play. It’s located in downtown Opelika right next to Side Track, so there are plenty of things to do and places to eat within walking distance.

This is only a small preview of all the awesome date ideas that Auburn and Opelika have to offer but hopefully this list will help you find some ideas that would be good for you and your partner!

Be Well, Auburn