The best places to take your date in southern Utah

We know dating is on your mind because it’s February. Here are some of our favorite experiences and dining options for any season:

Biking in Zion follow by farm-to-table bites

This is one of the most awe inspiring date nights you can do in Southern Utah.

Start the evening cruising through Zion National Park on e-bikes with Ebikes Zion powered by Zionic Adventure. No engines, no rush, just you gliding through the canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and views that make you slow down and actually take it all in. You ride all the way to Temple of Sinawava, where the Narrows begin, and it truly feels like you’re inside a postcard.

Then head back down the canyon and turn the night into something really special at Black Sage, part of Open Sky Zion. Black Sage is one of my absolute favorite restaurants. Their farm-to-table menu changes with the seasons, and every dish feels thoughtful, intentional, and beautifully rooted in what’s fresh and local.

Dining under their stunning canopy as the sunsets over the canyon, then staying long enough for the stars to come out… it’s peaceful, romantic, and honestly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of night.

This is the kind of date night that reminds you just how magical Southern Utah really is.

EBikes Zion: 801 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale. Book online or call 435-922-5350. Open seven days a week.

Black Sage: 3405 Dalton Wash Road, Virgin. Open Wednesdays-Mondays, 5-9 p.m.

Dinner, stars, and a little sense of wonder

Start with dinner at Lotus Asian Bistro. It’s quick enough to keep the night moving but still feels special. Bold flavors, beautifully plated dishes, cozy modern vibes. The kind of place where you share plates, steal bites from each other, and realize you’re already having a really good time.

Then head out for the real magic with Dark Skies Astronomy Tours. Southern Utah’s dark skies are unreal, but seeing them through guided telescopes takes it to a whole other level. Wrapped up under the stars, learning about constellations and planets, with nothing around you but quiet and infinite sky. It’s peaceful, a little mind-blowing, and somehow very romantic in a “wow, the universe is big” kind of way.

This is a Southern Utah date night done right.

Lotus Asian Bistro: 1501 South River Road, St. George. Open Monday-Thursday, 4-10 pm.; Friday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.

Dark Skies Astronomy Tours: Book online or call 435-772-2640. Primary location is outside Hurricane.

Sugar overload

This date night is gonna be a little sweet… and a little sticky!

Have you visited the Taffy Shop in Santa Clara yet?!

We did their Taffyology Experience and let me tell you… SO fun. A little sticky, but a whole lotta yum. You get to make your own flavors, mix the taffy yourself, and watch the entire process come together right in front of you. It’s hands-on, interactive, and way more fun than I expected. And the best part? You leave with a big bag of taffy that you made all by yourself. Instant win.

Call ahead to book a class or hop on their website and book it super easy online.

And if that’s not enough sweetness for one night… head just down the road to Gigi’s Gelato. Grab something cold and creamy to finish things off because clearly this date is all about sugar on sugar. My favorite is the pistachio!

Sticky fingers, lots of laughs, and dessert on dessert. I warned you… this one’s sweet!

Taffy Shop, 2397 Santa Clara Drive, Santa Clara

Gigi’s Gelato, 1255 W Sunset Blvd, Unit 2, St. George

Sweat and smoothies

This date night is for the couples who like to sweat a little… then sip something green!

Start at Plunj and ease into a healthy kind of love. Cold plunges, hot saunas, contrast therapy, all the things that make you feel slightly uncomfortable for a minute and then AMAZING after.

It’s energizing, weirdly bonding, and honestly such a fun way to do something different together. You walk out feeling refreshed, accomplished, and like you just did something really good for your body.

Then keep the healthy vibes going and head to Smoothie King. Think smoothies and bowls packed with real ingredients, protein options, greens, fruit, all the good stuff without feeling like a chore. Perfect post-plunge fuel and a great excuse to sit, sip, and recap how brave you were in that cold water.

Healthy, refreshing, and still very date-worthy.

Plunj: 558 E Riverside Dr #111, St. George. Open Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Smoothie King: 740 W. Telegraph St., #3, Washington. Open Monday-Friday, 8 .m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Note to readers • We collaborate with southern Utah foodie Ryanne Day to bring you information about the new restaurants she profiles on her popular Instagram account STG Eats, where she is occasionally paid for her posts.