25 Simple Ways to Add More Romance to Your Summer (Even If You’re Single)
Looking for romantic summer ideas? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, curling up with a great romance novel, or simply hoping to slow down and enjoy the season, here are 25 simple ways to add a little more romance to your summer.
It’s ninety-eight degrees here today and my hair is nothing but frizz. The beach is too crowded and there’s no breeze to be had anywhere else. What’s a girl to do?
Air conditioning? Check. Cold lemonade? Check. Romance novels?
Check, check, check!
Because when it’s too hot for everything else, bring on the romance. And the wonderful thing is, romance doesn’t require reservations, a passport, or even a partner.
Romantic Summer Ideas Begin with Joy and Hope
Whether you’re bingeing a Chinese historical romance on Netflix, waiting for Amazon Prime’s newest adaptation of a favorite novel, or watching Hallmark Christmas movies in the middle of July, one thing is clear—we’re all in the mood for a good love story.
That’s because romance isn’t only about finding love. It’s about choosing to see the world through a slightly more hopeful lens.
It’s lingering over coffee instead of rushing through it.
It’s buying flowers.
Calling a friend.
Reading that extra chapter.
Taking the scenic route home.
Romance isn’t reserved for couples. It’s a way of experiencing life. It’s about living with hope, curiosity, joy, and the courage to believe the best chapters of your life may still be ahead.
So, it doesn’t matter if you are twenty-five or seventy-five, married or single, dating or not. Everyone can use a little romance.
Everyone can choose a little more romance.
Because a romantic life begins long before someone else walks into it. The more curious, imaginative, fearless, and hopeful we become, the more room we make for romance.
Looking for romantic summer ideas that don’t require a big budget? These 25 simple ideas are all about finding beauty, hope, and joy in everyday moments.
I bet you could add to this list with twenty-five ideas of your own, but here are twenty-five of my easy, inexpensive ways to spark joy and hope—to add a little romance to these summer days.
Some of my favorite romantic summer ideas involve getting away, even if it’s only for an afternoon.
1–5 Escape Into Summer
1. Take a weekend getaway or staycation.
Something magical happens when we leave home. We become more adventurous. I’ll try zip-lining on vacation, explore museums I didn’t know existed, or happily spend an afternoon wandering neighborhoods I’d never visit at home. Vacations—even staycations—give us permission to become a slightly braver version of ourselves. That’s romantic.
2. Read a romance set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit.
Want to travel without leaving your lounge chair? Read a romance set somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting—Paris, Patagonia…or maybe aboard a cruise ship with a charming Broadway star.
(Yes, Sydney and Aaron are giving me ideas.)
And if your next romantic escape happens to include…
- a billionaire penthouse…
- a podcast about five ex-boyfriends…
- or a cruise ship sailing toward unexpected love…
I’d love to introduce you to a few of my favorite people.
Bedazzled (still just 99¢ for a limited time)
3. Spend the day somewhere beautiful.
Beauty looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a beach or a garden; for others, it’s home with family. I know someone who loves crowded music festivals; I love art fairs and street fairs. Find your spot and enjoy.
4. Visit a cozy coffee shop with a great book.
Order something complicated, then stay longer than you planned. Not a coffee girl? Take that novel and curl up in a hammock, sit on a porch swing, and savor your space.
5. Watch a sunset. Without your phone. Just once, let the sky be the entertainment.
6–10 Fall in Love With Stories
6. Read a romance that makes you ugly-cry. They are definitely some of my favorite books ever. Keep tissues nearby.
7. Read one that makes you laugh out loud. Oh yeah, these are my other favorites.
8. Finally, read the romance novel sitting on your Kindle. You know you have one, or twenty.
9. Watch an epic love story.
If you haven’t discovered Netflix’s Asian historical romances yet, prepare yourself. Gorgeous costumes, breathtaking scenery, slow-burn chemistry, unforgettable heroes…and yes, subtitles. They’re absolutely worth reading every word.
10. Revisit a childhood favorite. Mine are Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, and a charmer titled Twig. I reread them every year.
11–15 Romantic Gestures
11. Buy yourself flowers. Just because they are pretty. And you can.
12. Eat strawberries dipped in chocolate. And you don’t have to share unless you absolutely want to.
13. Write someone a handwritten note.
Even a postcard is great. A friend, a sister, a grandmother, or grandchild. Getting something personal in the mail can make the whole day better.
I have a girlfriend who drops me postcards all the time, and I watch for them with anticipation. It’s not what they say, it’s how they make me feel.
14. Have a spa day. Do it at home if you prefer with a fun facial and stick-on nails. Or splurge on a massage from a professional. Then sip tea and relax instead of running back to reality.
15. Make a playlist that feels like falling in love.
I have been swapping music recommendations with a special young woman visiting my neighbor. She’s teaching me all about a new generation of music, her music, and helping me get to know and connect better with her.
16-20 Savor Summer
16. Visit a garden. Wander through it. Sit quietly for a while. Watch the butterflies.
17. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Cuddling those puppies and kittens brings you wonderful warm fuzzies. So does helping them get a forever home.
18. Stay up too late reading. Let ‘just one more chapter’ turn into five more.
19. Perform a random act of kindness.
Romance doesn’t always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with kindness.
Carry someone’s groceries. Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog. Bake cookies for a friend. Send flowers for no reason.
The world could always use a little more kindness. And kindness has a beautiful way of finding its way back to us.
20. Explore your own town. Big city? Find a new museum or neighborhood. Small town? Whether it’s discovering a new grocery store, or stopping into that antique shop you’ve always wondered about, there’s always something new to discover.
Not all romantic summer ideas are about travel or grand gestures. Sometimes the most meaningful moments come from connecting with the people we love.
21-25 Celebrate Connection
21. Call your best friend. Need I say more?
22. Watch a romantic movie.
Hallmark’s Christmas in July is one of my favorite traditions. Somehow snowflakes, gingerbread, and happily-ever-afters make ninety-eight degrees feel much more manageable.
Not your thing? Try a classic instead. “It Happened One Night,” “Roman Holiday” or “Gigi” are still totally swoon worthy
23. Leave a review for a favorite book. You would make an author’s day.
24. Make time for laughter. There really is no better medicine. Find the people who make you laugh, or the comedies that never fail you.
25. Dream about your next adventure. We all need to dream. Often.
Today’s Love Lesson
Romance isn’t something someone else gives us.
Sometimes it’s simply the decision to notice beauty, hope, laughter, and possibility again.
What would you add?
Those are my twenty-five ideas—but I have a feeling they’re only the beginning.
So tell me…How do you add a little romance to your summer?
Do you buy fresh flowers? Take long evening walks?
Read until two in the morning? Watch Hallmark Christmas movies in July?
I’d love to hear your favorite way to make summer feel just a little more magical.
Looking for your next summer escape?
Whether you’re in the mood for a billionaire romance, a laugh-out-loud romcom, or a cruise ship love story, I hope one of my books helps make your summer just a little more magical. I hope these romantic summer ideas inspire you to slow down, notice beauty, and make this season one you’ll remember.