Whether You’re a Coastal Cruiser or Travel-Loving Twosome, These Romantic OC Outings Are Sure to Please
POV: Date night is coming up. 2023 is off to a busy start, and you don’t have the bandwidth to sit and brainstorm on what romantic rendezvous you should take with your significant other. You want to cancel but know you shouldn’t. Well, look no further than this list! We’ve done all the leg work, so all you have to do is lead with your heart. Let’s talk L-O-V-E in the OC. As a coastal city, we basically have that built-in fairytale factor crucial for those core memory dates. You can take Newport Beach by land, air and sea and still be home by bedtime to binge your favorite show together. Here are our favorite ways to take your February trysts to the next level.
For the Casual Couple
Mokes are the electric boats of surface streets. Rent one of these cutie cars from Newport Beach Moke to go on a casual beach ride with your date. This style of transportation originated in England in 1964 and has made its way to Newport Beach! Each one is electric and resembles a colorful retro golf cart that can reach a top speed of 25 mph. They are the ultimate cruisers and a great way to see the sights and hear the sounds of this charming city by the sea. Grab a graze box from local purveyor Graze OC so you can grub on the go as you take the town by two-wheel drive. The Balboa Peninsula offers some of the best views in town, especially around sunset, so head down to The Wedge to catch the sky changing colors.
Location: Newport Beach
For the Coastal Cruisers
Vision Electric Boats offers vibrant vessels for lovers and friends to cruise the canals and crannies of Newport Harbor. This is an awesome way to waste the night away on a date, a double date or even a triple date (they hold up to 10 people, after all). If you are looking to get a little boozy, swing by Billy’s at the Beach for a to-go mai tai and some cheesy bread or dock and dine over by The Cannery to enjoy their ever-popular happy hour from 3:30-6:30 p.m. in the Jellyfish Lounge. Electric boat rentals range from $150-$200 depending on whether this is a weekday date or a weekend romp.
Location: Newport Beach
4/3
For the Lovers Who Need a Laugh
They say laughter is the best medicine, and we could all use a double dose. The Improv at Irvine Spectrum is prime time for good times and great humor. Snag tickets to Whitney Cummings show on Valentine’s Day (there are a few left!) or opt to see Summer House’s Hannah Berner on Feb. 16. The Irvine Spectrum is chock-full of awesome restaurants, too, so grab a bite before at Habana, Little Sister or Javier’s. Want to really make the night picture perfect? Ride the Ferris wheel for some of that old-school Hollywood movie romance.
Location: Irvine
For the Travel-Loving Twosome
Did you know you don’t have to go to Italy to get your gondola fix? Long Beach offers this iconic Italian activity with all the molto romantico fixings. Dubbed “The Gondola Getaway” each cruise is 50 minutes long and includes a long-stemmed rose, complimentary corkage, cozy blankets and a picture keepsake. This is a fun activity to do as a twosome or with your couple friends.
Location: Long Beach
For the Libation Lovers
Shh…don’t tell anyone, but there’s a new speakeasy-style spot in town where you can fall in love and get your libation fix all in one dimly lit locale. Situated at The CAMP, Cowboys and Poodles is a cocktail safe haven that feels like a prohibition-era secret hideout where you can get your yeehaw on and horse around without judgment. We recommend pregaming at Folks Pizzeria to prep yourself for a night filled with craft cocktails. Cowboys and Poodles is open from 6-11 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on the weekends.
Location: Costa Mesa
For the Adventure Enthusiasts
Who doesn’t love jet skiing? It’s as all-American as apple pie and is the perfect date activity for adrenaline junkies and adventurers alike. Jet Ski 2 Catalina promises “the ultimate vacation in a day” with their escapade-filled package, including a full day’s worth of exploring, enjoying and entertaining. They provide all of the equipment, as well as a guide, so you can just sit back, relax and ride your way to a five-star day date. Check out their website for pricing and additional details!
Location: Long Beach and Santa Catalina Island
For the Duo Who Need a Change of Scenery
Sometimes you and your significant other are just craving a staycation to rekindle the romance, and the Water Tower House in Sunset Beach is just the ultimate luxury retreat you need. This unique Airbnb is a restored 87-foot-tall water tower that offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean. Sure, you could bring your kids (there’s plenty of room, after all), but why would you when you can hot tub in peace with bedrooms to spare? Boasting four stories and a spiral staircase, you won’t be able to get enough of the natural light and nautical vibes.
Location: Long Beach
For the Romancers Who Like to Relax
The NOW is an Instagram-worthy oasis of epic proportions that feels like you’ve been transported to Tulum for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. Offering services at affordable pricing, The NOW features semi-private rooms that are equipped with everything you need for ultimate euphoria. There are three types of “journeys” you can embark on: The Now, a classic Swedish-style massage, The Stretch, a sportier option stimulating the lymphatic and circulatory systems and The Healer, a mind, body and spirit energy balancing rub-down. Enhancements include gua sha, a scalp massage, heat therapy and soothing eye masks.
Location: Long Beach
