Long Island City is a thriving neighborhood in the borough of Queens in New York City. It’s a vibrant, eclectic and exciting place, offering beautiful city skyline views, plenty of places to eat, interesting cultural hotspots and plenty of green spaces and parks. There are lots of fun activities to explore, perfect for a first date.
1. Long Island City parks and places for a walk on a first date
A great first date idea is to take a walk and explore the area. Long Island City has some great places to explore, including Astoria Park, Gantry Plaza State Park, Socrates Sculpture Garden and Hunter's Point Park. Astoria Park is the largest public park in the area and has lots of walking trails, waterfront views, a public pool and more. Gantry Plaza State Park is perfect for a couples walk and has stunning views of Manhattan and the East River. Socrates Sculpture Garden is a great spot for couples to check out some art and take a stroll. Hunter's Point Park has a scenic bike and walking trail that's a great spot for a date.
2. Places for a coffee date in Long Island City
If you’re looking for a relaxed, low-key coffee date, then Long Island City has plenty of great options. Try Sweetleaf Coffee, which has an eclectic, cozy atmosphere and serves up some of the best coffee in the area. Stray Coffee offers delicious vegan pastries and coffee, as well as some freshly made sandwiches, perfect for a casual lunch date. Queens’ Kickshaw is a great spot to try some interesting coffees and teas and enjoy some tasty snacks.
3. Long Island City galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
If you’re looking for an activity to do together, why not visit some of Long Island City’s art galleries, museums and exhibitions? The MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest contemporary art museums in the United States and offers a great chance to explore some interesting exhibitions. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, then The Sculpture Center is a great spot to check out some interesting sculptures and installations from local and international artists. The Noguchi Museum is also a great place to explore some modern art, and it’s also a great place for couples to take a stroll in the outdoor Japanese Garden.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Long Island City
Long Island City is a great spot to check out some live music and entertainment. The neighborhood has plenty of great venues, offering musical performances, comedy shows and more. The Paper Box is a fantastic spot to check out some live music, from indie rock to hip hop and more. The Creek and the Cave is a great spot for a comedy show, which is a great way to add a bit of laughter and fun to a date. There are also plenty of bars and pubs that offer music, whether it’s a live band or a DJ.
5. Long Island City pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
If you’re looking for a night out in Long Island City, there are lots of great pubs, bars and restaurants to try. Aretsky’s Patroon is a great spot for a romantic drink, offering a fantastic selection of craft beers, wines and spirits. The Skyline is a great spot for some inventive cocktails and superb river views. If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, then The Dutch Kills is a great spot for a casual beer and some delicious bar food.
6. Other date ideas to try in Long Island City
If you’re looking for some more unusual date ideas, Long Island City has plenty to offer. The Raceway Park at North Beach is a great spot for a date, with plenty of go-karting, bumper cars, mini golf and more. The Sands Point Preserve is a great spot for a romantic walk and some beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. If you’re looking for a more relaxing date, then why not spend an evening in an outdoor movie theater or visit an escape room?
