17 Cheap Date Night Ideas in Atlanta

It’s easy to fall into a date night, where you always go to the same restaurant or do the same things. If you live in Atlanta, give your relationship a kick start with some of these inexpensive date ideas. Pick one — or try all of them — and explore Atlanta with your significant other, on the cheap.

Wine Tasting
Take your date on a road trip just 40 minutes north of Atlanta to Sharp Mountain Vineyards. The vineyard is located at the base of two mountains, with beautiful scenery. Daily wine tasting is available for $5 per person, and guests can take a tour of the winery followed by a picnic on their grounds.
Stone Mountain
JT Tran, a well-known dating coach, recommends taking your date for a hike and picnic on Stone Mountain. “It’s nearby, so you won’t need a hotel, though you can also certainly go camping there if you wish,” says Tran. “Tickets are as low as $10-20 per person, which is an absolute steal compared to the typical dinner and a movie.”
Have a Coke and a Smile
Tran also suggests taking a tour of the World of Coke museum, which is often considered a tourist attraction, so not explored by Atlanta natives. Play tourist for a day! Tickets to the museum cost just $16 per adult, though discounts can always be found on sites like Groupon.
Go Underground
No matter what the weather may be outside, you and your date will be able to enjoy street performers, shopping and restaurants at the Underground Atlanta mall. This downtown historic site is great for history buffs — and the brickwork, original storefronts and granite archways are great conversation starters.
Art Museums
Atlanta has a great art scene that you can take advantage of. Try the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, the Center for Puppetry Arts or the Atlanta Cyclorama, all have ticket prices under $10. The popular High Museum also offers free entry to Fulton County residents on certain days of the week.
Oakland Cemetery
If you’re looking for something a little unique and even spooky, Lauren Patrick, Georgia native and editor of Pretty Southern, suggests taking a picnic in Oakland Cemetery. “Many famous Georgians are buried here, and you can tell Margaret Mitchell’s grave ‘Well frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,’” she says. For virtually no cost, you can see Bobby Jones’ grave, mausoleums and much more.
Dive Right in
Take a tip from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and enjoy a cheap but delicious lunch at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack. “For only $4.20, you can taste some of the best chopped pork in the city,” recommends Ted Jenkins, a blogger for Atlanta Eats. “You’ll get a sandwich and chips and eat for under $10 for two.”
Beer and a Burger
If your date is up for something relaxed and delicious, Jenkins also suggests West Egg Café, located on the West side of Atlanta. On Wednesday nights, you and your date can enjoy a killer burger and ice cold beer for under $10.
Sample a Bit of Everything
Food trucks are a huge trend right now. Why not try a little bit of everything and hit up the food truck court at Howell Mill? Dare your date to try something new and be adventurous about what foods you explore.
Worldwide Flavors
Buford Highway is home to multiple restaurants with reasonably-priced ethnic cuisine. Check out Co’m (Vietnamese), Lee’s Bakery (Bahn Mi), Gu’s Bistro (Chinese), Shoya Izakaya (Japanese) and Crawfish Shack (Vietnamese-Cajun). Be adventurous and try something new!
Atlantic Station
Take a stroll at Atlantic Station. It’s a great place for a free date, located north of downtown Atlanta.
Centennial Olympic Park
This spot is another free date — a park located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Take a walk with your special someone, enjoy a picnic and listen to free music during the summer.
Gaze at the Stars
Check out the stars at the Fernbank Science Center, which is located just northeast of the city. Catch a planetarium show Thursday through Saturday at just $7 per adult.
Go With the Wind
If your date is a big fan of the book or movie “Gone with the Wind,” tour the author Margaret Mitchell’s house. Tickets are only $13 per adult.
Learn About Atlanta History
Get a taste of the history of Atlanta by visiting the Atlanta History Center. Admission is $16.50 per person, but if you plan ahead and make reservations online, you can get $2 off of your ticket price. (You can also visit the Margaret Mitchell House for free if you go there within nine days of visiting the center.)
Drive-in Movies
If you still want to take your date out for dinner and a movie, combine the two and take a step back in time with a trip to the Starlight Six Drive-in? Snuggle up with your date in the car, while watching the movie — all for just $7 per adult.
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Can’t make a decision? See it all! Make up a list of all of the famous landmarks and buildings in downtown Atlanta, play tourist for the day and check items off your list as you see them.