Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo

We hear it all the time: guys want us to take the lead. And, collegiettes, don’t count choosing whether he buys Lime or Fruit Punch Gatorade as the end of your ring leader role.  Surprise him with something bigger. Whether it’s your first date with a new guy, or your weekly Tuesday dinner, take it up a notch and make the plans.
 
Even if you already do the choosing, you still want him to enjoy the date, right?  Her Campus can help you out. We’re here to help get those creative juices flowing! We’ve asked 20 college guys and recent grads what their date of choice would be if they could pick any activity. In typical guy fashion they came up with a few out-there answers (Richard Branson’s island, anyone?). Steal some inspiration from their ideas, grab your guy, and go on a date!
 
Here’s the quick breakdown of the number-one date guys say they’d want to go on:
 

  
The classics
 

 
These tried-and-true ways, the ones we see in movies or read about in books, are popular for a reason. They may be the simplest dates to plan, but if you’re looking for a low-key way to enjoy your guy’s company, check out one of the ideas from the boys below.
 
“I’d want to go to the beach. It’s romantic, beautiful, and economical. After, we’d also do dinner on the beach,” Jake, 20, The University of Oklahoma
 
“Eating dinner out, or even cooking dinner together when you know each other well enough,” Casey, 20, Clark University
 
“I like long walks on the beaches. Perhaps some vino tinto y queso [red wine and cheese]?” Adam, 22, Syracuse University
 
“I’d keep it casual. Grabbing dinner and going for a walk at night; preferably in a place with a good scene like a beach, park, or city,” Maxwell, 18
 
“I’d do dinner and then a movie, because it’s not a one-on-one environment. It’s more casual and comfortable,” Donald, 21, Virginia Commonwealth University
 
“My first date would most likely be a home-cooked dinner and either a horror or feel-good movie after. Who doesn’t like a guy who can cook a damn good meal and hold a conversation?” Greg, 20, Syracuse University
 
“I’d want to go out to a bar or party and just have a good time. It helps you let loose and just be yourself,” Matt, 18
 
“I’d say a nice dinner and then do something where we can talk after,” Charlie, 20, Syracuse University
 
[pagebreak]

For the creative-types

Up for something totally out of the ordinary? Want to show your guy you’re spontaneous and creative? Take a cue from the ideas of these boys and plan something completely unexpected. He’s bound to remember this date for sure.
 
“I would take her on a cruise. There’s so much to do!” Brett, 20, SUNY Cortland College
 
“Sky diving. It’s something I would want to do but can also be fun for her,” Garrett, 20, The University of Oklahoma
 
 “We’d go to Richard Branson’s island in the middle of nowhere. No distractions, just me and her,” Michael, 20, Roger Williams University
 
“I’d want to go grocery shopping, then go home and make a dinner together,” Brian, 30, graduate, Pennsylvania State University
 
“I would bring a girl to place that I have an emotional attachment to. It could be a favorite childhood play area, maybe a car ride to a remote spot I like, or even another country that I have been too andconnected with. It’s all about making the woman feel like she’s not just on another date,” Tristan, 20, Plymouth State College
 
“Let’s do mini golf and then make dinner. I like to have fun first,” Robbie, 25, North West Florida University
 
“I’d want to go to the Superbowl. I love football, and if a girl can enjoy that with me, that’s awesome,” Trace, 20, The University of Oklahoma
 
“A home-cooked meal. Or bring PB & J to a national park for some fun in the woods,” Tariq, 21, Syracuse University
 
For the nature-lovers
 

 
Tons of guys love outdoor activities. If they were to plan a date, these boys would take you out in the fresh air. Beat him to the punch and plan a postcard-ready nature-themed date.
 
“Going out and doing an event is a great way to have laughs and learn a lot about each other. I would say going to a concert, or beach if it’s the summer, and snow shoeing, or snowboarding if during winter,” Keith 21, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
 
“Rock climbing. Doing something physical helps create a connection. It also gives you something in common,” Luke, 20, The University of Oklahoma
 
“A hike on Pilot mountain in North Carolina, and once we get to the top have a picnic. There’s nothing like a nice hike and a picnic,” Patrick, 20
 
“I would probably go for a hike that’s not too hard but has an awesome view from the top. I’d bring along a nice picnic to eat at the top and watch the sunset over the mountains with a little wine and such,” Ben, 21, Plymouth State College
 
So collegiettes, what’s the best date a guy has ever taken you on? Have you ever planned a unique date for you and your guy? Share your ideas below!

Heather is a 2012 graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School with a degree in Magazine Journalism. Growing up in southern Vermont, she learned to appreciate the New England small-town life. During her time at SU she served as Editor-in-Chief of What the Health magazine on her college campus and was a member of the Syracuse chapter of ED2010. This summer Heather is exploring the world of digital entrepreneurship at the Tech Garden in Syracuse, NY where she is Co-Founder of Scrapsule.com. Aside from social media and home decor, she loves vintage jewelry, strawberry banana smoothies, running, and autumn in Vermont.