You knocked the first date out of the park (she actually giggled at your terrible jokes), and you’re convinced she’s the one. Is it smooth sailing from here? Not exactly, the second date is almost more important than the first date. It sets the tone for the rest of your relationship and makes or breaks if you decide to be long-term partners.
So where should you take your dream girl? Well, if you went the traditional route of dinner and a movie with your first date, the second date is the perfect opportunity to try something new and show her your personality. The key to choosing a successful second date is to pick an activity that you can bond over and stimulates conversation. Who knows! Maybe this date could be a funny story to reflect on down the line?
Don’t know where to begin? We have you covered!
Table of Contents
Take a Class Together
Our first-second date idea is a little out of the box but super memorable if done right. Take a class! Whether you want to use it as an opportunity to show off your skills in the kitchen during a cooking class, or the chance to break out of your comfort zone (say..dance class?) taking a class together creates a shared memory and helps the conversation flow naturally. Not sure which class to choose? Recall your conversation from the first date to find an activity that you are both interested in. She will appreciate that you kept her feeling in mind when choosing the date which means bonus points for you.
Go to a Flea Market
You never know what you might find at a flea market, and that is half the fun! While strolling through the sea of tents at a flea market, you can encounter anything from local art to ancient artifacts from your childhood (calling all 90’s kids). The adventure of searching through piles of junk to find cool pieces will be an endless source of conversation for the date. Plus flea markets are the perfect place to encounter live music and decent food! Talk about a one-stop perfect second date!
Go on a Ghost Tour

If you and your date are the adventurous types, what better way to get your adrenaline pumping than to go on a ghost tour of your city? This date is way better than taking her to just another scary movie. Exploring spooky neighborhoods and buildings will bring you closer together after seeing your local ghosts favorite haunts and living to tell the tale. Plus the eerie atmosphere is the perfect excuse to snuggle up to each other even after the excursion has ended.
Attend a Food Festival

Explore exotic countries without even leaving your hometown by attending a food festival! Stroll around and taste food from countries you have never been to. This an excellent opportunity to share food, learn about new cultures, and talk about your dream travel destinations. Always remember: A well-fed date is a happy date!
Go on a Mini Road Trip
Everyone knows that when it comes to road trips, getting there is half the fun! If you know of a serene destination that is less than an hour away, take your date on a mini road trip and make a day out of it! You can use the drive on the way there to get to know each other better and explore a new area together. Your date will appreciate your adventurous side and willingness to try something new.
Dishonorable Mentions…
Although it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to the second date, here are a few ideas we recommend you skip.
Netflix and Chill
The fastest way to lose a girl early into your relationship is to ask her to “Netflix and Chill” on the second date. Not only is it a date that requires very little preparation or thought. It signals to the girl that you are only interested in a sexual relationship. You have the rest of your relationship to hook up, use this time to show her the fun-loving and adventurous guy you are.
Meet the Family
This shouldn’t need to be said but planning a dinner with your extended family might be a bit of a turn off for your new fling. You should use your second date to get to know your crush on a deeper level which might be hard to do with your overprotective mom breathing down her neck. To put it simply: leave the ‘rents out of this one for now.
Deja-vu
Second dates are the one time the “stick-with-what-you-know” advice doesn’t apply. Doing the same thing you did on the first date is flat out lazy, and we know that you are way too smart to be lazy. Use this second date as an opportunity to show a new side of you so take advantage of that!
Final Thoughts
If you use any of these GentleManual approved second date ideas you are sure to impress.
Comment below your amazing second date ideas…and don’t forget to invite us to the wedding!
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