Valentine’s date ideas that don’t require a reservation:
Don’t let the traditional expectations of celebrating Valentine’s Day bring you stress this year! Whether you (or your significant other) forgot to make a reservation or perhaps the idea of dressing up and dining in a crowded restaurant isn’t your idea of a fun, romantic evening—this list is for you! Huntsville offers a number of incredible places to spend time together with the ones you love, and with a little bit of thoughtful planning, they can feel just as special as a fancy pre-fix menu. So, if you find yourself scrambling to create a thoughtful date experience, allow us to inspire you.
Here are five Huntsville date ideas for Valentine’s Day weekend that won’t require a reservation:
Downtown Coffee Date
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, the weekend is a perfect time to celebrate. Grab a cup of coffee from your favorite local coffee shop and opt for heart-shaped pastry before taking a scenic stroll with your love! Big Spring Park downtown is a great place to spend the morning or afternoon.
Big Spring Park is located at 420 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801.
Picnic on the Tennessee River Greenway
Enjoying a picnic together outside is a great way to spend a weekend Valentine’s date. There are so many beautiful spots to picnic in Huntsville, but few include a view like the one found on the Tennessee River Greenway. With speed boats whizzing across the sparkling waterfront, kayakers braving the cold, and cars crossing the towering Clement C. Clay Bridge in the distance, the scene is hard to beat. The greenway makes a perfect site for an afternoon or sunset picnic—just be sure to pack appropriately for the ever-changing Alabama weather!
To get to the Tennessee River Greenway, park at Ditto Landing to find the trailhead. Once you’ve parked, grab your cooler packed with snacks and a cozy blanket to sit on, and you’re ready for a beautiful time together. Located at 293 Ditto Landing Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803.
NOTE: The greenway has a handful of picnic tables and benches available for use along the trail.
Huntsville Art Walk
Huntsville is LOADED with amazing murals and incredible street art. Impress your Valentine’s date with a thoughtful afternoon photo scavenger hunt around town to find these local treasures. Not only will they come away with some creative, colorful photos to fill their Instagram feed, they will have memories of a fun-filled day together. If you’re short on time but still want to snap a fun memory, don’t miss this LOVE themed mural in South Huntsville for Valentine’s weekend located at 8506 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville, AL 35802.
Take a Hike
There are few things I love more than spending the day outside with my husband and our dog. We all enjoy hiking together, and Huntsville offers some incredible trails that don’t require a road trip to find. Whether you choose to explore Monte Sano State Park, Blevins Gap Preserve, or one of the many incredible greenways—a hike (or even a leisurely stroll!) with the people you love is also a fun way to enjoy the day and spend time together. Plus, time spent outside in nature is a natural mood booster! Don’t forget to pack waters and a few snacks.
NOTE: While the majority of hiking trails around town are free of charge, Monte Sano State Park requires an entrance fee of $5 per person.
Some of Our Favorite Dog-Friendly (on leash) Trails:
Aldridge Creek Greenway: (5.5 miles) Ken Johnston Park, 1100 Mountain Gap Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
South Plateau Loop at Monte Sano State Park (3.3 miles) 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Bill and Marion Certain Trail at Blevins Gap Preserve (1.97 mi): : 3470 Cecil Ashburn Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
Sunset at Blevins Gap
Watching a sunset with the one you love is undoubtedly a romantic experience. One of the best places in town to see an incredible sunset is at Blevins Gap. With a large gravel parking lot off Cecil Ashburn, you don’t have to hike to experience this stunning view overlooking the city. Which makes this a perfect, easy place to end your Valentine’s date, located at 3470 Cecil Ashburn Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802.
NOTE: The overlook has four individual benches for seating.
Katie Ellis grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Journalism and Communications from The University of Alabama. She and her husband have lived in Huntsville since January of 2019, and together they enjoy spending their free time outside—hiking, biking, paddle boarding, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of North Alabama and beyond! They are also National Parks enthusiasts who are constantly planning their next adventure.
Katie is the editor for The Cottage Journal magazine, a national home decor publication owned by Hoffman Media, based in Birmingham. When she’s not traveling across the country leading photoshoots for beautiful cottage-style homes, she and her husband are tackling DIY home and garden projects at their own home in South Huntsville.
You can follow her outdoor adventures on Instagram at @outdoorellis, or spot her in town walking on her favorite greenways with their sweet yellow lab, Danner.
Thank you so much for all the tips! Hope to do some of these this weekend!