Couples Date Guide: Sunrise/Sunset

The couples date series is a guide to organizing a day or event to keep the passion alive between you and your partner. The date guide will walk you through how to setup the beginning and middle so you get the perfect ending.

You know you’ve seen them. Those gorgeous pictures your friends have posted on Instagram. There’s GOT to be a filter on that sunset, right? You won’t know unless you go see one yourself! So why not make a date out of seeing the sun rise or set with someone special?

I grew up going to the beach and have seen many a sunset in my day. Not as many sunrises, but a few. I love the date idea of watching the sunset or watching the sunrise because:

1. Each one is different. No two sunrises or sunsets are the same. And that makes them once-in-a-lifetime…even if you watch the sunset multiple times a week!
2. Watching the sun do-its-thang reminds you of the magic of the earth and you can feel that same magic with the person you’re with.
3. You create an opportunity to snuggle up, hold hands or create a romantic moment to start or end your day, whichever sun option you choose.

How to Plan this Ahead

We are lucky enough to know the sun will rise every day and set every night. It’s a very reliable idea for a date, for that reason! But there a few small things you can to do to plan this well.

Time and Place

Lots of options here, depending on where you are. At the beach on vacation? Out west where you have mountains everywhere you look? Wherever you are, make sure you pick a good spot to watch the sun. All viewing spots are not created equal! Googling good spots to view the sunrise or sunset in the place you want to have your date is a great idea. Lots of people post about that kind of thing, helping other peeps see that magnificent ball of fire.

Once you know your spot, make sure you know how to get there. Sometimes paths can be tricky, whether you have to hike, find a specific spot on a long line of beach, or drive through a park to find the highly recommended place you found.

Make sure you look up the exact time of the sunrise or sunset! And remember, that exact time represents the single minute the sun will either hit the horizon coming up or the last waking minute anyone can see the sun as it sets. So, don’t show up with your date at the exact minute! Plan for at least 20-30 minutes ahead of time to be in the spot you want, enjoying the process of the sun rising or sun setting. That’s the perfect time for some QT, arms around each other, sitting and chatting and watching the sun as it does its magic. It’s also a great time for pictures! (And then you know if your friend’s picture has a filter or not)

Weather/Appropriate clothes

Depending on where you go and when, checking the weather and having the appropriate clothes is important. Temperatures are always cooler at night, so if you watch the sunrise and take a little hike in the morning to get to a good spot you will probably want to have a sweatshirt and/or long pants since the sun won’t have had time to warm up where you are. If you catch the sunset at the beach, warmer temperatures might linger and you may not need any more clothes. Know if your date runs hot or cold and make sure you tell (s)he what they should wear or bring!

Even though the weather can be unpredictable, you want to plan your sunrise or sunset date for a morning or evening when it’s clear and not cloudy. That changes by the hour, so this date might not be able to be planned weeks in advance. Or if it is, have a Plan B for yourself in the event that the weather is not cooperating.

Mood enhancers

I love the extras! Here’s where you can take the already magical sunrise/sunset date to be even more magical. What else will enhance the mood you’re going for? Maybe you bring a little blanket for the two of you to get cozy under or on top of. For a sunrise date, maybe you bring two WATER BOTTLES filled with your date’s favorite coffee or kombucha. If you catch a sunset, maybe wine is a better option along with a small spread of snacks. Music could set the mood even further for you, so have a charged phone and data left on your plan to use! There are a lot of extras you can do to up the ante of this date. You do you!

How Does this Date End?

As someone whose love language is physical touch, I can’t imagine this date not ending in some hand holding, body rubbing or at least a smooch, right then and there while you watch the sun. After you watch the sunrise, you might go back home and have a little morning romp to kick off what just might be the best date ever. If you watch the sunset, following it up with a night out or romantic night in could yield you some nice nighttime activities, if you know what I mean.

Step-by-Step Guide for Planning a Sunrise or Sunset Date

Here’s your condensed guide for how to plan a sunrise or sunset date!

1. Find a good viewing spot to watch the sunrise or the sunset.
2. Look up the exact time of sunrise/sunset, and plan to be there at least 20-30 minutes prior to the actual sun time.
3. Research the weather for your date/time. Make sure you and your date pack the appropriate clothes!
4. Be flexible with the actual day of your date in case the weather interferes with the sunrise/sunset.
5. Bring mood enhancers! Blanket, food, drink, music – whatever you want for whatever mood you want to create!

Sunrises and sunsets are beautiful on their own. But seen with someone you care about and making that memory is even more beautiful. Enjoy!