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Wellness > Sex + Relationships

5 Spots for a Last-Minute Date

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

February is hitting hard with vibrations of love. Surrounded by Valentine’s Day ads and promotions, you are held with a rush of affection and excitement. But… oops! You find out you haven’t planned anything for the special day! Well, don’t freak out, here is a date map in Davis to help you come up with some ideas before heading out with your bae aimlessly. 

1. UC Davis Arboretum

Go enjoy the sunshine and nature at the arboretum! Even though it’s cold and windy, you could still spend some quality time outdoors, making the day unique and fun. You could wear your favorite dress and put on delicate makeup, see the light from the lake reflecting in your lover’s eyes, view the romantic scenery, cuddle with them on the comfy and soft grass, and nothing could be more beautiful at that moment. And if you’re not too put off by the cold, a picnic date could be added too! Grab some food and drinks to spend a great afternoon on campus! (Be careful with hungry squirrels though)

Location: 920 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA 

Fee: Free

Image source: Courtesy of the author

2. Paesanos

I meanis there really anyone who doesn’t like pasta and pizza? I know they sound basic, but what about trying them at a great Italian restaurant with exquisite dishes? Paesanos is in downtown and serves lovely pasta and salad. I would definitely recommend it! There’s nothing better than basking in the cozy and romantic faint light with your loved one. But it usually has a long line during dinner hour, so make sure to plan 30 minutes in advance before getting there!

Location: 139 G St, Davis, CA 

Price: $10-$30 each

3. Theaters

A movie date would never be a wrong choice, especially when it is your first date! If you don’t have time to get ready for a delicate date, just take them to the cinemas, since there are tons of times available. Buy the tickets and you are all set! 

Location: 

Regal Cinemas Davis Holiday 6, 101 F St, Davis, CA

Regal Cinemas Davis 5, 420 G St, Davis, CA

Davis Varsity Theatre, 616 2ndSt, Davis, CA

Fee: $10-ish per adult

4. Music and Art Shows

 A music concert is an entertaining alternative. Since the first dates are risky and uncertain, sitting in a music hall could be a safe and relaxing choice. When you‘re deciding between a musical or an opera, you could get to know your date’s taste in music! If things go well, you could discover more stuff about your date and even discover more things you have in common! Btw, students sometimes can get half prices or even free tickets at the Mondavi Center!

For more info about shows and events on campus, hop over https://www.mondaviarts.org/events/upcoming-events

Location: Mondavi center, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 

Fee: *Varies

5. Netflix… and chill?

 For people like me who are broke AF, just invite your crush over to your house. It seems like it is the most down-to-earth and affordable way to interact with each other. And yes, make sure to clean up your room a bit. Binge Netflix, chat about everything, and cook something if possible. And you decide the rest of the night. :)

Location: your place

Fee: Free!

Image source: Toa Heftiba

So, if you are trying to figure out some date ideas right away while impressing your cutie, hopefully this will help!

Yishan is a recent graduate majored in Communication at UC Davis. She is down to basically anything fun and looking for creativity here at Her Campus. Now she has started her journey of grad school at both LSE and USC. She would like to pursue a career at PR, marketing, or advertising after graduation.