Show Your Significant Other Some Love with a Weeknight Excursion
Sometimes life gets in the way of having a romantic night out with your partner. And once you’re able to finally set some time alone, it could be even tougher to know exactly what to do that will please both of you. Fortunately for you and your beau, Orange County is a couple’s dream come true with activities perfect for any day of the week. From breathtaking beaches to world-renowned amusement parks, Orange County has it all. If takeout and Netflix at home are getting old, here’s our lineup for must-do date ideas to break up the work-week monotony that will surely swoon your SO!
Get in Touch With Your Creative Side
A local favorite, Salty Bear in Costa Mesa is a home for all beer lovers. And what better way to follow sharing an ale with your best bud than by skipping right over to an art class! Ceramics is something that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime, and ARTime Barro is here to teach you the ropes. From one-on-one pottery-throwing lessons to open studio memberships, taking a class not only opens the artistic door for yourself but allows you to share this special skill with your significant other. Whether you’re both novices or pros, you’re sure to have a good time with one another at Salty Bear.
Location: Costa Mesa
Rent a Moke in Newport Beach
What’s cuter than exploring Newport Beach in a Moke?! Mokes are classic-looking electric, low-speed vehicles that are street-legal and absolutely one of the cutest rides on the road. With a top speed of 25 mph, renting a Moke with your partner is the move for a casual beach drive. Head down to The Wedge at sunset or take the ferry across to Balboa Island for a frozen banana!
Location: Newport Beach
Bowling at Bowlero
In need of some Sunday-night date inspo? Challenge your date to a game of bowling at Bowlero! Where else can you have oven-fired pizzas and coconut shrimp delivered right to your bowling lane underneath the neons? Keep things cool and casual at this deluxe bowling alley with their Sunday Funday Special. Double your chances of rolling that lucky strike with unlimited bowling and a $5 arcade card. All the competition is bound to leave you feeling parched. If you’re in the mood for a challenge, pull up a stool at their sports bar and split a Dunk Tank—their 123-ounce signature cocktail!
Location: Tustin
See a Show at The Rec Room Comedy Club
The Rec Room is a far cry from the visuals of underground basements its quaint moniker stirs up. With dim lighting, vintage arcade games and a lineup of comedic talent, this comedy club is the perfect spot for an intimate night out on the town. With a rotating selection of drinks on tap, laugh the night away hearing from some of the world’s funniest comics. The Rec Room keeps things budget-savvy for date night, with entertainment that only costs a quarter to play! Take a trip down memory lane with old-school joysticks and button-mashing.
Location: Huntington Beach
Unwind With Beach Drinks at Sunset
If you’re craving an easygoing weeknight date, head straight for the sand in Huntington Beach. Kick things off with drinks in the ocean breeze, live music in the background and plenty of space to relax into an Adirondack chair. SeaLegs at the Beach brings the laid-back vibe you want after a long day, giving you time to breathe, reconnect and let conversation unfold naturally. For something a little more hands-on, end the night with a paint session at Pinot’s Palette. A glass of wine plus matching canvases is always a sweet (and slightly messy) pairing.
Location: Huntington Beach
Dine and Dance the Night Away
Anaheim is a great place for a fun date night. Start your evening with dinner at Anaheim White House and indulge in expertly prepared northern Italian dishes while enjoying the historic ambiance. Once you’re fueled up, head to Tierra de Fuegos for a dance night that’s equal parts flirty and energetic. You can try salsa, tango or bachata, just show up and dance. Wrap up your outing at Rise Rooftop with a drink and a view of the city.
Location: Anaheim
Dine Your Way Through South County
South County’s coastal dining scene is an effortless win for date night. Start at Craft House in Dana Point for elevated comfort food and a warm neighborhood feel. Then make your way to Laguna Beach for dinner or dessert at Studio Mediterranean. The fresh flavors, friendly service and breezy coastal atmosphere turn a simple night out into something slow, scenic and special. It’s a relaxed, delicious way to reconnect midweek.
Location: Dana Point & Laguna Beach
Sip, Sail and Soar Along the Coast
When you want your date night to feel memorable (without weekend-level planning), stay in the Newport Beach area. Start by unwinding at WREN, a calming wellness club designed for relaxation and reconnection. From there, choose how adventurous you feel: keep things intimate with cocktails at Mesa, take to the water on an OC Wine Cruise for a harbor tasting with ocean views, or go big with a helicopter coastline tour for sweeping panoramas of the shoreline. No matter what you pick, you can basically guarantee a night you’ll talk about for weeks.
Location: Newport Beach Area
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
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