23 Date Ideas in CALIFORNIA (Romantic, Unique, & Relaxing)

With its endless attractions and vibrant culture, California always offers opportunities to explore and discover adventurous and romantic.

Here you will find romance in the food, nature, and stunning views of California that will surely make your date unforgettable.

From funny and cute to romantic, there is everything to plan for your first date.

As dating keeps the relationship healthy, love nurtures perfect date ideas and helps build quality relationships.

It constantly improves communication and lets you learn more about your partner and maintain healthy relationships.

And it will give you long-lasting memories.

Hereunder, explore the perfect date ideas according to your interests.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Romantic Getaways in California.

Date Ideas in San Francisco, California

1. Sunset Walk at Baker Beach (Romantic Beach Views)

The stunning views of the golden gate bridge and the romantic atmosphere of the beach are perfect for exploring love.

You will start feeling loved with hiking, where you will feel elevated with your loved one seeing the beautiful landscape.

And the majestic beach will make it more adventurous.

Also, watching the sunset from the sandy beach is romantic, and strolling along the coast is unforgettable.

Watching the vibrant colors of the sunset is perfect if you are on your first date, and it will profoundly impact your loved one.

Moreover, a picnic at baker beach will give you a pleasant, calm, and mesmerizing experience.

Baker Beach also offers a bonfire under the stars; bring blankets and wine to enjoy this while cuddling.

Address: Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA

2. Spend Time Together at Golden Gate Park (Explore Japanese Tea Garden)

Golden Gate Park is the epitome of the best lakes, live music, art, and vibrant culture to give you a remarkable experience.

You should ride a paddleboard from stow lake and explore the park’s scenery will make it unique.

Enjoy the park’s hidden beauty in the Japanese Tea Garden, where you can explore the commons with your date.

And for art lovers, the De Young Museum is the perfect place for art lovers to walk together and learn about art.

Moreover, strolling in the historical Botanical gardens house of various plant collection varieties will surely fill you with its beauty.

The Golden Park is perfect for arousing the Golden feelings in your love with its majestic views and serenity.

It will surely turn your day into a fantastic memory.

Address: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

3. Explore the San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts (Hidden Love in Art)

It says, “You must explore the art to find the hidden love, anger, and hate.”

With this, art is a great way to find this hidden love, and Modern Art has given modern meaning to love.

Take private tours to help you learn and develop the same feeling.

And the extraordinary exhibitions will provide you with a provocative and unique experience.

Explore the art galleries of famous and renowned artists, and let out hidden interests of each other.

You can also spend quality time in the workshop to learn about paintings, art, and printmaking, a fun activity with your date.

SFMOMA occasionally hosts live concerts, making this art gallery even more wonderful and perfect for art lovers.

The museum store is the home to a unique gift shop; pack a gift to make this date wonderful.

Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, California 94103, United States

Also see our article on Bachelor Party Ideas in California.

Date Ideas in Riverside, California

1. Camp Overnight at Lake Hemet (Camping Under the Stars)

The desire to escape daily stress often comes with going out and spending time with your love.

Lake Hemet is a beautiful destination to spend the Night with your partner at the lake and enjoy the serenity and peace of the lake.

It is known for its camping sites along the lake or under the beautiful Night of the Forest, all set to give you the best lifetime experience.

And turn it into a memory by fishing with your partner, hunting the trout and catfish, and boosting healthy relationships.

In addition, swimming in the warm waters of Lake Hemet will give you the most needed relaxation.

Also, the Lake Hemet café, with its picturesque mountains and greenery, is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal. 

Address: Lake Hemet, Riverside, California 92561, USA

2. Visit the Glo Mini Golf (Unique Mini-Golf Experience)

Glo Mini Golf has unique opportunities and activities that will keep you busy.

The best thing is that it’s a great place if you are looking to celebrate special moments.

Here, mini golf is the main attraction, and its fun activity can profoundly impact your love.

And the escape rooms are perfect for lovers who are into adventure or seeking thrilling experiences.

It’s heaven for tech and people who love gaming because of its versatile gaming options.

Also, you will have the best quality time with your love.

Moreover, it also hosts parties where you can show your dancing skills to your love.

By this, you can turn your date night into a beautiful memory.

Address: 1299 GALLERIA AT TYLER STE #E106 RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92503

3. Go Hiking at Mount Rubidoux (Scenic Hike with City Views)

The hike restores or improves love because it offers beautiful landscapes and scenic beauty.

So, a romantic hike of the Rubidoux trails with varying difficulties and surrounding mountains will make this more adventurous.

After summiting the peak, the fantastic view as the sun sets behind the mountains is worth watching the scene.

Make it more romantic by bringing the blankets and wine and turning this into an adventurous picnic.

And for a thrilling adventure, moonlight hiking is famous for watching the city’s lighting and the park’s peace.

Horseback riding in the park is popular among couples seeking more adventurous ways.

Also, the park hosts outdoor movie nights during the summer, so it becomes more romantic in summer, and you can enjoy the movie with your date.

Address: 4706 Mount Rubidoux Dr, Riverside, CA 92501, United States

Also see our article on Couples Resorts in California.

Date Ideas in Anaheim, California

1. Have a Romantic Dinner at Disneyland (Romantic Destinations in Disneyland)

Nicknamed “the happiest place on earth,” Disneyland is the perfect place and offers romantic destinations to fall in love with.

With the Pixar Pier Ferris wheel, you will experience floating, and enjoying the beauty from the above will fill your heart with love.

At Disneyland, bowling has become a love language to show your skills to the love of your life.

For couples’ relaxation and giving new ideas to date, the signature massage will rejuvenate and elevate your body.

And your date will be complete with dining, and Disney offers romantic dinners and bars that will let your conversation continue.

Moreover, the fireworks before the sleeping beauty castle will fill your other half with excitement and pleasure.

It’s a good place for a first date that can turn into more.

Address: Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California

2. Spend Time Together at Huntington Beach (Surfing & Horseback Riding)

Whether you are on your first date or looking for new places, Huntington Beach is the place for new activities and experiences.

The beach is known for surfing, where you can surf with your partner in the beautiful waves.

It will also give a new level of understanding and enhance communication.

And strolling and exploring the beach jewels is a place for admiration and gives enough time to understand each other.

You will feel elevated during the horseback riding along the Pacific Ocean, and it’s a must-try thing to make a good impression.

With its picturesque scenery, the hunting harbor is perfect for closely viewing beach beauty on boats or kayaks.

So, the rich beauty of the beach is the perfect place to have fun with your love.

Address: Huntington Beach, California, USA

3. Go for Date Night at Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel (Relaxing Pool & Spa)

Anaheim Majestic Garden is the perfect hotel date night to relax and reconnect with your significant other.

And the perfect way to start your date is by relaxing in the pool’s crystal clear water.

The hotel’s spa offers massages in a private room, a great way to connect with your partner.

Taking Night strolls over the koi pond bridge with beautiful scenery and fresh air is suitable for conversation and making a date memorable.

Also, Night of Magic, performed by the world’s premier magicians, offers magical experiences for couples that will add magic to your perfect date.

In addition, the hotel also provides romantic hot dinners of Japanese style with beautiful and comfortable seating.

Challenge your date with board games and cards that is all fun and offers to know each other.

Address: 900 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States

Also see our article on Fun things to do in California.

Date Ideas in Los Angeles, California

1. Spend Relaxing Time at Griffith Park (Botanical Gardens & Horseback Riding)

Griffith Park is a hidden gem with multiple attractions for couples, and it is open all day and Night.

Hiking is a popular recreational area where you will hike Mount Hollywood, and the breathtaking view of the city is impressive.

The stunning city view with sunset from the peak is perfect for making memories.

At Night you can explore the stars in the Griffith Observatory, and the night view of the city and Hollywood sign is astonishing.

And the Griffith Park botanical gardens are great for animal lovers and can have a close encounter with animals.

Horseback riding through the park’s beautiful scenery will make this journey adventurous.

Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

2. Have a Picnic at El Matador Beach (Surf Lessons & Beach Walks)

El Matador is known for its rock formations and sea caves; this beach offers plenty of scenic views of the Pacific, making it a romantic ambiance.

Hiking along the beach gives you a world experience where you can walk down the beach.

Taking surf lessons, riding the waves, and seeing dolphins will create an unforgettable memory.

Enjoy the beach walk hand in hand; exploring the beach and sea caves is excellent to make your day memorable.

And enjoy the picnic on the hilltop with El Matador’s hidden beauty, making it perfect for couples.

The astonishing view of the sunset from the hills or beach with a bottle of wine makes the conversations deeper.

Address: 32350 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

3. Visiting the Forest of Light, Descanso Gardens (Enchanted Light Exhibitions)

With its serenity and calm environment, the Descanso Garden offers magical experiences that uplift your soul.

The Enchanted Forest of Light is most fabulous, which is genuinely enchanted and has a one-mile track to light exhibitions.

This exhibition will soothe every piece, and you can fill your love with striking colors.

Ten different kinds of mesmerizing light displays illuminate the garden making it perfect for a romantic date night.

There is a spectacular gift shop where you can buy a gift for your loved ones.

During the daytime, you can stroll in the beautiful gardens of Descanso, which will take your breath away.

Enjoy live concerts in the lush green forest, where music in a serene environment is a must. 

And a picnic is how to enjoy the food with music and spend quality time together.

Address: Descanso Gardens, Los Angeles, California

4. Spend Time Together at the Getty Museum (Art Collections & Sunset Views)

With beautiful scenery, delicious food, and perfect photography Getty Museum is the place for a great date.

The magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures depicting inner feelings, and it’s great to talk about your favorite.

You can learn about painting and art with professionals, allowing you to pour out your love.

And Van Gogh’s Irises is the most loved painting in the museum.

Central Garden, a living sculpture with colorful plants and waterfalls, is perfect for a picnic; bring a blanket and spend quality time together.

Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the sunset of Los Angeles City from the hilltop’s location and the garden.

At the central garden, enjoy live concerts and performances throughout the year.

Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States

Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in California.

Date Ideas in San Diego, California

1. Take a Safari Tour at San Diego Zoo & Safari Parks (Wildlife Safari Experiences)

San Diego Zoo offers beautiful landscapes and wide animal varieties that give you a unique touch of nature.

Wildlife safari is the most popular, where you will ride along the animal enclosures and focuses on their ecosystem.

Some safari rides will make you get close to the wild animals and can also feed and take a picture with them.

And behind-the-scenes safaris with guides will give you an inside look at African forests and Australian wildlife.

You can also observe the wildlife from above by taking the famous zipline, which will give you a new level of experience in watching the wildlife.

Enjoy the evening at sunset safari and in a quiet place you can have a picnic where you can talk about things leisurely.

Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, California 92101, United States

2. Solve Puzzles at Quicksand Escape Games (Special Events & Celebrations)

An escape game provides real-life experiences and different mind-blowing puzzles to test your capabilities.

And it’s perfect for a first date to help explore each other.

At Quicksand, the escape rooms, with their unique themes and creativity, will make this visit into a memory.

You will be given one hour to solve the puzzles, although different clues are hidden inside the room.

These escape rooms are praised for their potential to increase and improve communication with your love.

Also, for thrill seekers, the speakeasy room will test and entangle your mind with repeated events.

In addition, it also offers an opportunity for special events, so it’s the best place to celebrate your happy moments with your date.

Address: 1001 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

3. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride (Complimentary Champagne for Romance)

The hot air balloon is one of the unique experiences that will give you a breathtaking view of the city and is perfect for a romantic adventure.

There is something special about a romantic hot air balloon ride that makes you celebrate your love with a beautiful landscape view.

And the complimentary champagne will make this ride unforgettable.

Start your day with sunrise flights from the wine valley, where you’ll ride over the vineyards and capture the beautiful wine region.

Sunset flights from San Diego’s coastline enjoy the beautiful coastline and landscapes in the sunset of the Pacific Ocean.

A hot air balloon ride over the Del Mar coastline gives a bird’s eye view of the city, and it’s a true gift of nature.

Address: Compass Balloons, 1969 Villa Cardiff Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007, United States

4. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at Hotel Del Coronado (Historic Hotel with Beach Views)

San Diego’s beautiful historic hotel, Del Coronado, with stunning beach views, is the perfect and unique place to explore.

You can take history tours walking the Victorian building and gardens and private haunted tours to observe the hidden fears.

The hotel provides private surf lessons; learning something new with your date is adventurous.

Enjoy the romantic picnic or plan the beach escape with a bonfire on the beach that is enough to give you a pleasant time.

Dining with an ocean view offers an excellent opportunity to discuss common interests.

Experience the outdoor movie on the rooftop, the perfect place to enjoy a classic time together.

And enjoy cocktails at the rooftop bar to enjoy the stunning ocean views.

Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States

Also see our article on Night Clubs in California.

Date Ideas in Oakland, California

1. Attend Live Concert at Lake Merritt (Romantic Lakeside Strolls)

If you want something charming and peaceful in Oakland, Lake Merritt is the place to enjoy serenity and calm.

The perfect way to start is to stroll the lakeside, which offers a unique and relaxed atmosphere.

At Night, the city lights reflection from the lake’s calm water is a mesmerizing and wholesome experience.

And the Autumn Lights Festival illuminates the lake with art and culture.

Gondola rides elevate this place where you can observe the city from the serenity, giving both of you peace of mind.

It will help make your conversations longer and more romantic while having a picnic at the lake.

Lake Merritt’s bonsai garden is a place for a peaceful environment and together explore the hidden beauties of nature. 

Address: Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA, USA

2. Spend Friday Nights at OMCA (Community Gathering with Live Music)

The first-ever off-the-grid community gathering has become a special place to enjoy this iconic place.

During Friday nights every year, there is a wave of special events.

Attending the concerts and live music are favorites to enjoy and make a good impression on your date.

You can enjoy the museum’s scenic garden, filled with romantic flowers.

Besides this, seeing the museums’ state-of-the-art exhibitions and art will let you feel the calm and serenity of your love.

And the gallery is filled with the natural and cultural history of humans and wildlife.

Also, you will feel incomplete without satisfying your taste buds with renowned and best dining options.

Address: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94607

3. Enjoy Movie Night at Fox Oakland (Historic Theatre Tours)

To plan a unique and wonderful date soaked in historical events, Fox Oakland will surely make beautiful, unforgettable memories.

You will tour the theatre to learn about its history, and the stunning auditorium will let you have fun and spend quality time together.

Enjoy the live concert of your favorite musician with your partner because it is the hub of great concert venues.

The diversity of music in this night beauty will lighten your soul and fill your heart with joy.

And the movie nights on the big screens and comedy shows add fun to your date, making it memorable.

Live theatre shows provide an excellent opportunity to experience and observe stunning live performances.

Address: 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612, United States

Also see our article on Kayaking in California.

Date Ideas in Sacramento, California

1. Take a Ride at the California State Fair (Attractions & Animal Exhibitions)

With its vast attractions and atmosphere, the California state fair always offers something special to make your date a unique experience.

Heart Health Park, in the heart of the state fair, offers a professional soccer ground making it the premium point for soccer and rugby fans. 

You will be overwhelmed with animal exhibitions and state fair farms that will enrich your knowledge and engage you with your date.

Leisurely strolling in the forest is perfect for a first date to make it more romantic and talk about the vibrant colors of nature.

The fair exhibits various art and culture to show California’s culture and history.

Many food options and beer and wine pairing offer a unique experience to strengthen the bond and make new memories.

Address: 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815

2. Laugh Together at Sacramento Comedy Spot (Live Comedy Shows & Classes)

The laugh is instrumental in improving relationships and a healthy lifestyle.

And will help you in developing the commons and improving your understanding.

Comedy Spot is a fun therapy where you will laugh for two hours, and you will be to make comedy scenes in your head.

You can make it more romantic by going up-stage for standup comedy.

It will allow you to outsmart and impress your date by cracking jokes.

By taking the sketch writing class, your love will significantly increase, and your only concern is your love.

Moreover, the film classes will let you record funny moments with your date.

So, this incredible place will surely make your date a memory.

Address: 1050 20th St. #130, Sacramento, CA 95811

3. Have Fun at Smash Sacramento (Stress-Relief Through Smashing)

Often to fill yourself with love, you must empty yourself first; without it, there will be no balance.

Smash Sacramento, as unique as its name, is a new fun activity that helps in relieving your stress and makes you feel happy.

The smashing is helpful to give you an escape from your stresses and build a new yourself.

Although there should be inner rage for this, it’s quite the opposite.

It’s a most adventurous and unique activity that will make a good impression on your first date.

Moreover, challenge your love with axe throwing and hitting the bullseye.

You will also experience delicious foods that will surely satisfy your cravings.

And it’s not just hitting and smashing, but it’s about creating love and strengthening the bond.

Address: 600 Broadway Suite D Sacramento, CA 95818

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Indoor Activities, Attractions, and Amusement Parks in California.

Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Date Ideas in Texas and Florida.