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CAU | Wellness > Mental Health

10 Outdoor Solo Date Ideas To Romanticize Your Life

Shana Gallup Student Contributor, Clark Atlanta University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CAU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

How Outdoor Solo Date Ideas Can Help You Prioritize Peace, Joy, and Self-Love.

Soft life starts here! Discover 10 outdoor solo date ideas to help you unwind, explore, and fall in love with your own company. There’s something about being outside that just makes life feel more romantic. Maybe it’s the sun kissing your skin, the fresh air filling your lungs, or the way the world slows down when you take the time to truly be present. Whatever it is, outdoor solo dates are the perfect way to romanticize your life, prioritize yourself, and bask in the beauty of your own company.

As college women, we often carry so much on our shoulders—juggling school, work, family, and friends while still trying to show up for ourselves. But soft life isn’t just a trending phrase; it’s a lifestyle. And what better way to embrace it than by taking yourself on a dreamy outdoor solo date? Here are ten ideas that will have you feeling like that girl—because you are.

Spending intentional time alone allows you to reset, reflect, and reconnect with yourself in ways that a busy schedule often doesn’t allow. It’s about choosing peace over pressure, joy over exhaustion, and presence over productivity. Whether you’re indulging in a simple picnic or exploring a new nature trail, these solo dates will remind you that self-love is the foundation of a soft life.

1. Picnic & Playlist

Pack your favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, and a speaker, then head to a nearby park. Curate a playlist with songs that make you feel good (think: SZA, Jhené Aiko, or Tink), and just be one with yourself. Whether you’re journaling, reading, or simply lying in the grass watching the clouds, this is a vibe. Bonus points if you dress up just for the occasion—because why not?

2. Sunrise or Sunset Coffee Walk

There’s something peaceful about sipping a hot (or iced) coffee while strolling through your city or campus early in the morning or just as the sun sets. Hit up your favorite coffee shop, grab your go-to order, and take a scenic route. It’s the perfect way to clear your mind, reflect, and romanticize the simple things.

3. Farmers’ Market Stroll

A Saturday morning spent exploring a farmers’ market? YESSSS! Fresh flowers, homemade treats, and handcrafted goods from local vendors—it’s giving rich bougie auntie that drives a Benz and goes to pilates lol. Plus, it’s a great way to support small businesses. Treat yourself to a bouquet, some fresh fruit, or a cute little pastry just because you deserve it all.

4. Botanical Garden Calmness

Step into a fairytale by visiting a botanical garden. Surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery, this is the ultimate spot for a peaceful solo date. Bring a book, take aesthetic pictures, or just sit and soak in the beauty around you.

5. Hiking with a View

Anna Schultz-Friends On Hike
Anna Schultz / Her Campus

If you’re feeling adventurous, find a beginner-friendly hiking trail and get moving! Nature has a way of clearing the mind and lifting the spirit. Plus, the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top? Unmatched!!!! Just be sure to bring water, wear comfy sneakers, and let someone know your location.

6. Outdoor Movie Night

Check out if your city or campus hosts outdoor movie screenings. Pack a blanket, some snacks, and settle in under the stars for a solo cinema experience. If no events are happening, create your own by setting up a mini projector in your backyard or plan one in your dorm courtyard.

7. Thrift Shopping & City Exploring

Take yourself on a little urban adventure by exploring a new (NICE) part of town. Thrift stores, street art, cute boutiques—wander wherever your curiosity takes you. You never know what gems you’ll find or what new spots you’ll fall in love with. <3

8. Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Kayla Bacon-Paddle Board Summer
Kayla Bacon / Her Campus

For the girls who love being near water, kayaking or paddleboarding is such a fun way to switch things up. It’s peaceful, low-key a workout, and makes for the best solo adventure. If you’re a beginner, stick to calm waters and take your time.

Go Romanticize Your Life!

Solo dates are all about celebrating you. They’re a chance to step away from the noise, indulge in what makes you happy, and remind yourself that your own company is more than enough. So whether you’re laying in the grass with a book or gliding down the sidewalk on skates, make it a moment.

Because, GIRL—you deserve softness, joy, and love, and sometimes the best person to give that to you is you.

Shana Gallup is a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. As someone passionate about financial literacy and community empowerment, she is actively involved in the Finance Club, where she is studying to pass the FINRA SIE exam. She also serves as the secretary and social media head for Panthers for Paws, a student-led organization advocating for animal welfare. With a keen interest in digital media and branding, Shana uses her creativity to engage audiences and elevate conversations around self-love, independence, and financial growth.

Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Shana is a content creator dedicated to inspiring young Black women to embrace self-love and solo dating. Through her social media platforms, she shares affordable solo date ideas, personal growth tips, and insights on rebranding one’s life with confidence. She also contributes to Her Campus as a social media socialite, bringing her passion for storytelling and engagement to a broader audience. Shana aspires to use her platform to not only share her journey but also to help others flourish independently.

In her free time, Shana enjoys exploring new restaurants, trying out active hobbies like Pilates, and discovering ways to romanticize her daily life. She has a deep love for fashion, self-care, and curating a lifestyle that reflects confidence and self-sufficiency. Always striving for personal and professional growth, she plans to pursue opportunities in finance, digital media, and nonprofit work, with the ultimate goal of creating an after-school program that teaches young girls self-love and financial literacy.