Local Date Ideas in Somerset West
With Valentine’s Day coming up, you might be thinking about how to treat the one you love – but maybe you’re not in the mood for the standard chocolates, flowers and a dinner reservation. Luckily, Somerset West has no shortage of simple, charming date ideas that work just as well on a random Tuesday as they do on 14 February.
Here are a few local favourites to keep up your sleeve – for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Slow Stroll at Radloff Park
A dog-friendly gem tucked into the Morgenster neighbourhood, Radloff Park is a true village favourite. Grab a coffee or snack from the food trucks on the corner of Lourensford and Helderzicht (Merkava coffee, pizza and more), or pop into the Shell garage across the road for your Vida e Caffe fix.
Then take a leisurely stroll along the river, people-watching, dog-watching, and scouting out the perfect bench to pause for a while. On a warm day, kick off your shoes and cool your feet in the water – just be prepared for the occasional enthusiastic dog shaking off nearby.
Sunset Dip at Bikini Beach
What’s more romantic than a sunset dip at the beach? A sunset dip at Bikini Beach. Smaller, more secluded and a little cosier, the extra 15-minute drive is well worth it. You’ll also score some bonus time for scenic car chats – which can be surprisingly romantic in their own right.
Dinner Under the Fairy Lights
If you are in the mood for a dinner reservation, make it local.
Giuseppe’s Pizzeria in Fountain Square has a wonderfully low-key romantic vibe with fairy lights, the gentle sound of the fountain in the courtyard, and – obviously – legendary pizza. Bonus: no corkage.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier (but still warm and romantic), The Hussar Grill at Waterstone is a classic – also with free corkage. Just don’t leave it too late: Valentine’s reservations at both spots tend to fill up fast.
Ice Cream at Kirsten’s
With wild and wonderful flavours – from Biscoff! Biscoff! Biscoff! to Renboblok, Double Pistachio, and everything in between – Kirsten’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream is basically an ice-cream Eden.
Pop into the colourful shop at The Forum (across from the Village Garden), grab a scoop or two, and take a seat at one of the little outdoor booths along Drama Street. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the calm, quiet hum of a summer evening in town.
Picnic & Sundowners at the Irene Reservoir
If you’re after a picnic with a view, head to the Reservoir Park at the top of Irene Avenue. Drive past anytime from around 4:30 pm, and you’ll see cars lining up for front-row seats as the Helderberg Basin lights up in sunset colours.
Pack a simple picnic and enjoy it from the comfort of your car, or take a short walk to one of the benches (extra romance points if you bring a proper tablecloth!)
Whether you’re planning a big romantic gesture or just carving out a simple moment together, Somerset West has a way of making the everyday feel special – especially when you lean into what’s right on your doorstep!