Today, I was putting together a list of date ideas for a few of my matchmaking clients, when I realized, no reason to hold back on these and share them with all of you. I hope you enjoy them as much as my clients have!
-
Hike
Make sure you have plenty of water and comfortable shoes. One my personal favorites include sweeping ocean views, fresh coastal air, and bubbly at the end. The hike begins at top of Ridgecrest park in Newport Coast and ends down at Crystal Cove State park, off PCH. After a morning of hard work, I highly suggest grabbing brunch or lunch at Shake Shack or the Beachcomber. Depending on the trail you take, you make need to uber from PCH to the restaurants, so don’t forget your phone.
2. Cooking Class
Nothing is more romantic and bond building that learning a new dish together. Take cooking or baking classes together – make sure to find a small class or coordinate a cooking party for a select number of couples. Don’t forget the wine!
3. Feel like teenagers again
Show that playful side of yours and have a day of fun at the arcades. Hit up Boomers in Irvine, play a little laser tag, do a little bowling, maybe even a round of mini golf, who knows if you’ll have enough time! Just get out there, forget everything else, and have fun with each other!
4. Skip the theater
Watch a movie under the stars at OC Great Park.
5. Instead of hitting up the Spectrum
Try the Sawdust festival in Laguna Beach. Do something a little more laid back, enjoy some local arts n crafts and have a beer, all while enjoying the evenings musical performance. Just a tip for the women, leave the heals at home, it’s not called the sawdust festival for no reason.
6. Get out on the Water
Rent a Duffy, bring a basket of wine and cheese, and enjoy the afternoon cruising the Newport Beach harbor. If you don’t feel like being captain you can always jump into a gondola, either, I guarantee an awesome make out session at sunset
7. Farm to Table
Early morning farmer’s markets throughout the area. There are few big ones, my favorite is located in Irvine, Saturday mornings, in the Mariners church parking lot. Come early and make a plan to get all your dinner ingredients for the evening at the farmer’s market. Meet there in the morning, have independent afternoons, then finish the date with a romantic cooking session later in the evening. Get some wine, dance in the kitchen to your favorite music, gaze into each others eyes, and forget the world outside. You’ll be sure to create something beautiful together……in more ways than one!
…….you’re welcome!
8. Weekend staycation
I love staying at a luxury hotel for the night or weekend. Places like Pelican Hill in Newport Coast or The Montage in Laguna Beach are just a few of the many great places in OC. Splurge on some great rest and relaxation with your lover.
If you’re more on a budget, rent a cottage in the Crystal Cove State Park. Not only is it set in one of the most beautiful places, but the grounds make you feel like your in the movie . Just a warning though, it’s a hot commodity, so plan a year in advance for that one.
9. Feel like a bad ass!
Sometimes the very thing you need to see in your partner, is their bad side…so start with a late afternoon of shooting guns. Don’t have a gun? No worries, you can always rent them there. Follow with dinner at Antonello, located in Costa Mesa. The overall ambience and amazing food will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an Al Pacino movie. You and your date will love it!
10. Picnic in the Gardens
So this one is a little outside of OC…..but one worth the memories you’ll make together. Take a day trip up to Malibu and visit the Getty Villa – Enjoy some art followed by a late lunch in the gardens. Make sure to get a ticket beforehand, tickets are free, but a must, to visit!
Check out our Matchmaking Company Cinqe.com. Our service is more like friends setting up mutual friends on a date. We only recommend people if we feel like there’s something about the two of you that would spark a real connection.
Join for free.