The Best ‘Dawn Dates’ You Should Try

You just came home from a date. You’ve had a few drinks and you’re tired and a little annoyed you skipped the gym to see what turned out to be a mediocre connection. If coming home late at night from a date just doesn’t do it for you and your schedule anymore, then you might want to consider going on a “dawn date” next time.

Why “dawn dates” are a good idea

A dawn date is exactly what it sounds like: a date that happens at the crack of dawn—or at least sometime in the morning. With a dawn date, you’re not being put out of your schedule; you can connect with someone when you’re less burned out; and you have a clear time frame around the date.

“I’ve always been a big believer in having a clear end-time for first dates, so I’m a big fan of dawn dating because it creates a natural end-time,” Amanda Bradford, CEO and founder of the dating app, The League. “This reduces anxiety around how long the date should go, and wondering if one person is ending it because of lack of chemistry or actual commitments, etc. And if it turns out it’s an awesome date, it’s never a bad thing to leave them wanting more, right? Dawn dates work perfectly for this approach.”

Bradford says dawn dating is also a great way to see each other in a more natural light with less emphasis on what you’re wearing and outward appearances. “[Dawn dating] allows you to showcase your authentic, typical day-to-day self right away,” she says. “It’s also a useful way to assess if you’ll align on similar routines and lifestyles. For example, if you like to start your days exercising, a morning walk is a great dawn date, and it helps you suss out if your date has similar lifestyle habits.”

According to Bradford, she’s seeing more people gravitate toward dawn dating. “People don’t want to rearrange their whole schedule for a first date where you are just vetting in-person chemistry,” she says. “It’s hard to justify spending a weekend night out with someone you don’t really know vs. close friends. Without the pressure of a ‘romantic’ setting, dawn dating fosters an environment where you can feel more like yourself. And having a fresh mindset at the start of the day can also be a great foundation to build meaningful connections with people.”

Below are some excellent dawn date ideas to help get to know your date better and hopefully get your day off to a great start.

Meet for coffee

As Bradford says, going out to coffee with a date is a classic choice for any time during the day, but in the morning it’s one of the easiest dawn date options— and this way you both can get your caffeine fix together. “My favorite is to meet at a coffee shop, then take a brisk morning walk with coffee in hand,” Bradford says. “It gives you both something to do/drink on the walk while also getting exercise.”

Watch the sunrise

Whether you live near a beach or a scenic park, choose a spot that has a clear view of the sunrise and meet there to watch it rise. You can chat as you drink coffee and venture for a walk later if you wish.

Take a workout class

If you’re both into fitness, Bradford suggests working out together. “A workout class is a great way to connect with someone who has the same goals as you,” she explains. “Plus, who doesn’t love a rush of endorphins to start the day?” Suggest a yoga class or even a run first thing in the morning—it might be the boost you both need.

Go golfing

If you both enjoy golf, then you might want to try an early tee-off. Morning times are typically cooler and less busy, providing the perfect atmosphere to chat while improving your golf game.

Walk the dog

If you have a dog, you probably have a morning routine that includes a walk before starting work. Instead of listening to your usual podcast, Bradford recommends asking your date to tag along. “You can have a great conversation and see if they truly are a dog person.”

Hit the farmers’ market

Visiting the farmers’ market is a low-key date that allows you to chat while picking out your favorite fruits and veggies together. Who knows? If the date goes well, you might want to use them later and cook dinner together.

Go for breakfast

If you’re intimidated by dawn dating, Bradford suggests easing into it with a weekend breakfast date. “A sit-down meal mimics the classic dinner date, but also has less pressure, and also allows for built-in outs, since you’ll need to get on with the rest of your day.”

Commute together

Okay, so this might not be the most romantic idea but it’s the most practical. If you live near each other, you might consider commuting together for work either via public transit or by car. You can use the time to get to know each other on your way to work and see if there’s potential for a second meet-up.