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Best Date Ideas in Orange County

orange county date ideas

Whether you’re planning a romantic walk on the beach or exploring some iconic restaurants, there are plenty of date ideas worth checking out in Orange County. Here, we cover some fun, fresh, exciting date ideas so that you can easily plan your next outing. 

If you want to avoid doing all that legwork, you could always sign up for a tour from Best Coast Tours. It saves you some driving, and you and your significant other can enjoy a guided tour from the best of the best.

If you’re still looking for date options, keep reading to find the best date ideas in Orange County and the surrounding areas. 

Laguna Beach

Between LA and San Diego, Laguna Beach is the perfect location for a date, no matter the time of day. Impress your partner with a sunset walk on the beach, then head to any of the iconic restaurants in the area. Not only can you enjoy seaside views and pristine beaches, but there’s always something to do in this tourist destination. With 20,000 acres of protected wilderness surrounding Laguna Beach, you can hike along any number of trails watching over these snippets of untouched nature. 

For those less interested in exploring the great outdoors, Laguna Beach is home to shops, restaurants, and entertainment options sure to please. With a little research and planning, Laguna Beach can be the perfect spot for a first date or a lovely getaway for the long-term couple looking to escape it all. 

Newport Beach

Another fantastic beach on our list, Newport Beach, is a great place for a date. Not only can you enjoy sunlit beaches, but Newport Beach also features the Balboa Peninsula Trolley, which runs during the weekends and major holidays over the summer. Ride in style while exploring Newport Beach with this fantastic trolley service. 

Of course, not every date in Newport Beach takes place in the sand. Check out any number of fantastic restaurants in the area, or head to the town website for arts and culture recommendations. If you’re looking to escape some of the popularity of Laguna Beach but still want to enjoy the sunshine with your significant other, Newport Beach is a great option.  

Disneyland and Downtown Disney

While Disneyland may not be the ideal place to visit for a first date, it sure takes the cake. Enjoy rides, exhibits, food, and more, all within the Most Magical Place on Earth. We don’t have to work to sell you on Disneyland; its reputation proceeds it. For a truly magical stay, consider renting a room at one of the Disneyland Resorts for behind-the-scenes access and an easy place to head back and spend quality time with your partner. 

If the parks are outside your budget, or you’d like a more shopping and restaurant-focused date night, Downtown Disney is where it’s at. This area, full of entertainment and food, is perfect for a casual night on the town. With all of the magic that makes Disney famous (and none of the ticket prices), Downtown Disney is a great option for the Disney fan on a budget. Check out their website for the latest happenings and plan your next date night. 

Paint & Sip Class

Spend quality time with that special someone while honing your artistic talents with a paint & sip class in Orange County. There are countless classes, including a moonlight love class perfect for couples. This activity is also great for long-distance couples, as several groups offer online paint & sip classes, so you and your partner can tune in from the comfort of home. If you’re looking for a fun, casual, wine-filled night of painting, check out some paint & sip classes in and around Orange County. 

The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)

If you and your partner value the arts, why not check out the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)? With an ever-rotating list of exhibits, you’ll find something new to appreciate every time you visit. If you’re looking for a high-class way to spend an afternoon, the OCMA is a great option. Check out their special events, especially for members or groups. A date to OCMA is one you’ll always remember.

Dancing Class

What better way to spend an evening than learning to dance at any number of studios in Orange County? Bella Ballroom is a great option for various dance lessons, perfect for couples looking to spice things up and learn a new skill. From waltzes to ballroom dances and more, there are plenty of dance styles and instructors to choose from, meaning you could spend a year’s worth of date nights at this studio and still have more to learn. To learn more, check out their website or visit any other incredible dance studios in Orange County that offer lessons. 

Anaheim Packing District Market

Live entertainment? Check. Food? Check. Eclectic atmosphere? Check. If you’re looking for a fantastic place to visit for your next date night, head to Anaheim Packing District Market. With live entertainment, countless storefronts, and food that’s to die for, you will surely have the time of your life at this iconic piece of Orange County’s history. Check out their website to find out their live music schedule or to get a sneak peek at the various restaurants and vendors that make Anaheim Packing District what it is today.

Orange County Coastal Tour

Looking for a date activity that takes the stress off both of you and allows you to sit back and enjoy everything Orange County has to offer? You’re looking for the Orange County Coastal Tour. This guided tour provides custom pickup locations, meaning you can head out from your hotel room and hit the road in style in one of our climate-controlled vans. Local guides know all the best spots around, meaning you can experience the Orange County coast as you’ve never seen it before. To schedule a tour, check out our website. 

Best Coast Tours offers friendly, insightful tours all across Southern California. To make a reservation or to find out more, check out our tour offerings today!