6 Affordable Summer Date Ideas

1. Bike rides. We would be riding down Pacific Coast Highway on some beach cruisers during a sunset after grabbing dessert, but I think coasting down an old dirt road in the country would be equally as romantic. (image source)

2. Drive-in movies. We loooove movies, and I can't think of a more fun way to spend a warm summer night with Matt than cuddled up in the back of our car watching a film on the huge screen, surrounded with cozy blankets, and a chowing down on a big, fat pizza. (image source)

3. Strawberry picking. Few things are better than fresh fruit, and I like the idea of grabbing a squeaky wood crate and piling it high with strawberries with your significant other. (And sneaking in a few juicy ones while picking them — you know, the small joys in life.) Then you can whip up a fresh batch of this strawberry honey butter once you get home! (image source)

4. Hot air balloon ride. Okay, so I know these can be a little spendy, but I just had to include it on this list. Here in San Diego there are always hot air balloons dotting the sky, and I think it's incredibly dreamy. (And perhaps this would be a fantastic splurge date considering all of the money you save on the other dates!) I am even willing to overcome my fear of heights to go on one! (image source)

5. Picnic dinner. A simple and intimate date, which are always the best. Cook something together to take on the go, or pick up your favorite take out and find a cozy tree to hang out under and enjoy good conversation. (image source)

6. Stargazing. Matt and I used to do this all the time when we were dating. We'd print out a map of the constellations and head up to the mountains on a clear, bright night, looking up at the stars while lying on the hood of our car. It's pretty darn magical. (image source)