First dates are basically a social experiment disguised as a nice evening out. Even the most confident person suddenly forgets how to make decisions and ends up planning something from the “default date ideas” starter pack: ice cream, sunset, or mini golf. Are these ideas original? Not even close. But they’re classics for a reason: low-pressure, easy exits and just the right amount of awkward silence potential. Here are the top cliché first dates, ranked on awkwardness, entertainment level and how quickly you can fake an emergency if things go south.
Ice Cream: 5 stars!
Ah, the ice cream date. Unimaginative? Yes. Brilliant? Also yes. First of all, it’s the perfect length: anywhere from 30 minutes (“Oh no, I left the oven on!”) to a few hours if the conversation is actually going well. Bonus: it comes in with a built-in exit strategy. Just say your phone’s at two percent and your dog might be sick. You also get that sweet moment of seeing who will offer to pay first, which tells you everything you need to know about their vibe (aka are they generous or have they “forgotten their wallet”?). The one downside: if you’re a self-conscious eater, nothing feels worse than slowly melting dairy dripping down your hand while you pretend you’re totally chill about it.
Sunset: 4 stars!
In Marin County, going to watch a sunset is practically a dating rite of passage-you’re not really in a relationship until you’ve awkwardly sat on a blanket in slightly too much wind. On paper, it’s romantic. In real life, it can be two hours of forced small talk, trying to act unbothered by dirt in your shoe while you silently pray the sun hurries up and sets already. But sunset spots are very telling. If your date takes you to Bolinas Ridge, that’s a public, meaningful gesture. If they take you to a secret spot they swear no one knows about and turn off Snap map? Yeah, you’re not meeting their friends. Or their dog. Or their mom. Still, the drama, the view and the potential for cute golden hour pics?
Mini Golf: 4 stars!
This one’s criminally underrated. A mini golf date feels like something out of a 2000s rom-com, and we mean that in the best way. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it gives you something to focus on besides how weird your laugh sounds when you’re nervous. Also, it’s an easy way to gauge how
Sophomore Cade Jafee lines up his putt at the closest mini golf location, McGinnis Golf Club in San Rafeal.
competitive someone is-are they laughing off missed shots, or aggressively sweating over hole 3? Now, if your date swings like they’ve never seen a ball before, it could kill the vibe. But honestly? Watching someone fail at mini golf is a bonding experience. Bonus point if you end the night at an arcade.
Sure, these dates are overdone, but “overdone” is just another word for time-tested and slightly awkward in a charming way. So next time you’re planning a first date, don’t stress about being wildly original. Go basic, go safe, go slightly cheesy. At least you’ll have something to laugh about later. And hey-if all else fails, you still got ice cream out of it.
