Chris Evans Reveals the Most Romantic Thing He Ever Did – for Himself

Before We Go director and star Chris Evan gets candid about his views on love and relationships

Photo: Angela Weiss/Getty

Beneath the muscles and the machismo of Captain America, there’s a softer side to Chris Evans – at least according to the actor himself.

“I’m a pretty romantic guy,” Evans, 34, told PEOPLE at the premiere of his directorial debut, Before We Go, in Hollywood on Wednesday night.

“I don’t necessarily limit the notion of romance to people, though. I think I have a romantic relationship to art, to music, to nature,” added Evans.

With that in mind, he also revealed the most romantic thing he’s ever done for someone – even if that someone was himself: “I went camping once for three weeks by myself, which is very romantic,” he told reporters. “It’s true. It was very romantic, but maybe not in the conventional sense.”

The first-time director also stars in the film as a trumpet player who spends one night with a stranger who may or may not be the love of his life.

“It’s two people who are somewhat damaged and find some peace in the arms of a stranger. I think that sometimes that’s the best place to go,” Evans said. “Sometimes you can really spill your guts when you’re talking to someone who has no judgment.”

Through the years, Evans has been linked to many actresses, including Jessica Biel, Minka Kelly, Sandra Bullock and, most recently, Lily Collins. But hints that right now he’s simply married to his movie.

“Oh God, I couldn’t even think about my own life,” said Evans when asked if he’s ready to stop playing the field and settle down. “I had no life during this movie. This movie was all about the movie and that was it.”

Either way, be prepared to see a sensitive Chris Evans in Before We Go, not just the butt-kicking Captain American role we’re used to.

“There’s a lot less punching in this one,” he said with a laugh.

is available on VOD and iTunes now, and will be in theaters Sept. 4.