We know. There’s so much to do around here that planning your next date can be overwhelming. Should you try something new or stick to what you’re familiar with? Aiming for adventure or looking for romance? Here are a few Orange County date night (or day) ideas to keep things fresh and fun.
The Great Escape
Put those problem-solving skills to the test as a team to solve a selection of puzzles. Will you work together well enough to survive the escape room? If horror movies and scary scenarios are your thing, try the Hex Room at CrossRoads Escape Games, Zodiac Killer at Fox In A Box Fullerton, or Escape the Darkest Hour: Torture Chamber at Mission Escape Games. Looking for something less fear-inducing? Each location has multiple games so be sure to review the details before you book.
CrossRoads Escape Games 4245 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim 92807
- Private 2 person games available, or team up with other couples
- Interactive theater experience with rooms for all ages
Fox In A Box 123 W. Amerige Ave. Fullerton 92832
- All private rooms
- Other available games include Cold War Bunker and Zombie Lab
Mission Escape Games 400 Disney Way #313, Anaheim 92802
- 2 person games available
- Other available games include The Ultimate Bank Heist and Escape The Hydeout
Solve A Mystery
Interactive dinner theater and murder mysteries can be a great date-night adventure for outgoing couples. These entertaining dinner experiences include a full dinner with beverage service and both take place at Orange County Hotels.
The Dinner Detective 1221 South Harbor Blvd, Anaheim 92805
- Ticket includes admission, food, and show. Guests begin with the interrogation reception and appetizers.
- Meal includes bread, salad, entree, and dessert.
- Fully stocked cash bar available.
The Gourmet Detective Irvine, Lake Forest, Newport, Costa Mesa
- Running since 1991. Become part of the crime scene upon entry.
- Ticket includes dinner and admission.
- Meal includes fresh bread, house salad, choice of entree, dessert, and coffee or hot tea.
- Bar service is available.
Just Hang Out
Take risks. Tackle a new adventure. Every relationship gets stronger when you seek out new things together. I’m guessing you haven’t mastered the art of trapeze, so why not give it a shot. Trying out the trapeze should be on everyone’s bucket list, and SwingIt Trapeze in Anaheim makes it possible for you to cross it off.
SwingIt Trapeze 900 N. Maple St. Anaheim 92801
Hit the Trails
Take a guided trail ride on horseback for a romantic country-style date. Choose from the equestrian center in Huntington Beach or the back country trails at Irvine Regional Park in Orange. Both companies are good with beginning riders so if it’s your first time saddling up, they’ve got you.
Horseplay Rentals 18381 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach
Country Trails 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange 92869
Climb the Walls
While heading up the side of Half Dome might not sound like your idea of a great date, recreational rock climbing gyms are super fun. You’re never too high, all the safety precautions are in place, and there are other people who are new to the sport too. Many gyms even offer other activities like yoga and fitness classes. Opt for taking a class together or participate in the open gym sessions. Check out the offerings at Rockreation and Planet Granite.
Rockreation 1300 Logan Ave, Costa Mesa 92626
Planet Granite 18030 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley 92708
See the Stars
Take your date to the planetarium to see the stars, explore the solar system, and learn about the mysteries of the universe. The OCC Planetarium is the newest addition to the area, but the Tessman Planetarium is one of our favorite spots. The small, intimate theaters gets you up close and personal on your journey through the solar system.
OCC Planetarium 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa 92626
Tessman Planetarium 1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana 92706
On the Water Adventures
Take advantage of Orange County’s waterways and spend some time cruising the harbors or the Back Bay. Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Sunset Beach all have kayak, boat, and SUP rentals and launch sites. Looking for a day date that includes physical activity? Kayaks and SUPs are for you. Keep in mind that the likelihood that you will get wet increases significantly on SUPs. If cruising the harbor with a picnic lunch sans submersion is more your style, opt for renting a Duffy Boat instead.
Dana Point
Pure Watersports 34671 Puerto Place, Dana Point 92629
Huntington Beach/Sunset Beach
Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals 16732 PCH, Sunset Beach, CA 90742
OEX Sunset Beach 16910 PCH, Sunset Beach 90742
Sunset Rentals 16862 PCH, Sunset Beach 90742
Newport Beach
Duffy Rentals 2001 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach 92663
Newport Fun Tours 2901 West Coast Highway #160, Newport Beach 92663
Other Orange County Date Ideas
Reserve a cabana and spend the day relaxing by the pool at one of Orange County’s top resorts. With a resort day pass, you get all the poolside perks, without staying the night.
Cuddling by the fire is pretty romantic. Have a beach bonfire, make s’mores, and take in the sunset. Here’s a list of Orange County beach bonfire locations and information.
Book a day at the spa. Schedule a couples massage, facial, or scrub and spend the day relaxing and getting pampered together.
Pack a picnic and take in the view. Here’s a list of some of Orange County’s top picnic spots.
Connect in nature. Despite our bustling cityscapes, Orange County has an abundance of excellent trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Check out Irvine Ranch Open Space Preserve for hikes out to Black Star Canyon, Fremont Canyon, and Limestone Canyon, some of OC’s most spectacular natural destinations.
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Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, an expert at exploring all that Orange County has to offer, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.