11 Date Ideas in Laguna Beach

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Laguna Beach is easily Orange County’s most lovey-dovey child. The beautiful coastal town is where romantic stories elevate to a whole new level. With its white sandy beaches, inspiring art scene, elegant beachfront diners, and year-round sunshine, the city is an open call for romantic getaways. For an extra romantic escapade, surprise your boo with a romantic beach date, a whale-watching excursion, or a spa day for two. Be spontaneous and romantic, and rest assured that your loved one will appreciate your efforts. Lucky for you, Laguna Beach offers you a long list of enchanting date ideas, so the planning will be easier than you’d initially think.

1. Spend a Fun Day at Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is one of California’s most spectacular open spaces and natural landscapes. The three-mile-long sandy beach is where excitement meets romance in a chill environment. A day-long date with your favorite person at this beautiful beach can never get boring, especially if you’re a fun-loving and adventurous couple. Swim, scuba dive, surf, and get your tan in check at one of the best beaches for couples in the Golden State.

2. Rent a Unique Airbnb

Ever dreamed of living steps away from the beach? Ocean Front Beach House in Laguna Beach is where your dreams come true. This fully equipped California Airbnb has the stairway to beach heaven, and it’s totally private. Spend your days at the beach with your boo and your evenings cuddled up on the deck enjoying the greatest views the area has to offer.

3. Hike the Trails of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Laguna Beach has one of the last standing coastal canyons in SoCal. The 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is one of the most breathtaking places you can go with your significant other. As you hike the 40-plus miles of trails in the park, you’ll pass through a large variety of fauna and flora, as well as the only natural lakes in Orange County. Grab your water bottles and enjoy a sunrise hike at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

4. Dine at Splashes Restaurant

A Laguna Beach date night has to end at one of the city’s most recommended oceanfront restaurants. Splashes Restaurant at Surf and Sand Resort is one that will blow your date’s mind. Between the incredible and unobstructed ocean views and the mouthwatering fresh seafood, the two of you will have something to talk about for days. Whether you choose to sit on the palm-shaded patios or in front of the open windows inside, the fresh ocean breeze will add to the romance of the night.

5. Take a Self-Guided Public Art Tour

The best way to view the incredible public art in Laguna Beach is by walking the whole length of the city’s coastline. The colorful artworks are spread all across the coastline and range from murals and sculptures to signage and painted bench parks. Enjoy a tranquil stroll with your boo and watch as the creativity of the city’s artists unfolds with every step you take.

6. Go Tidepooling at Treasure Island or Main Beach

If your date appreciates wildlife, taking them to explore SoCal’s best tide pools will be a winner. All over the shore, you can find incredible tide pools ready to be explored, but the ones at Treasure Island and Main Beach stand out with their rich collections of sea creatures. These shallow pools of water will introduce you to adorable starfish, anemones, and hermit crabs. Just make sure to check the tide levels before you go on your exploration journey, as the pools can be dangerous at high tide.

7. Have a Picnic at Heisler Park

You can always have a waiter serving your boo food, but you don’t always serve it yourself. How about you change that during a picnic at Heisler Park? Located high above Laguna Beach along the cliffs on Cliff Drive, the park boasts breathtaking ocean views. Walk the trails of the park, and explore its tide pools, before having a barbecue on one of its picnic tables. This unique date idea in Laguna Beach will be the best declaration of love ever. 

8. Spend Time With the Mammals

Looking for an unconventional date idea in Laguna Beach? It’s about time you introduce your boo to the rescued animals at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. The rehabilitation center, which is the first of its kind in the Golden State, rescues, takes care and then releases endangered marine mammals. You’ll meet hundreds of sea lions and all types of rescued seals at the center, and you’ll learn more about them and the mission of the center.

9. Treat your Boo to a Spa Day - Spa Montage

If your partner is a hard worker who’s totally invested in their hectic yet fulfilling work life, then booking a couple’s massage will be the best reward you can give them. Best yet, you could gift them a full spa day at one of Laguna Beach’s world-renowned spas. At Spa Montage Laguna Beach you two will witness the healing powers of nature and understand what it means to actually feel relaxed. A day at the magnificent oceanside retreat will be one you won’t forget any time soon.   

10. Go Whale Watching 

One of the best Laguna Beach activities for couples is going on a whale-watching excursion. Companies like Newport Landing Whale Watching allow you to view the giant mammals in their natural habitat. No matter what time of year you visit Laguna Beach, you are sure to see finback whales and humpbacks. Meanwhile, gray whales are only around during the spring and winter, and blue whales during the summer and autumn. Wow your date this creative and jaw-dropping trip and let them know you put extra thought into planning your days out.

11. Walk Through the Cave at Thousand Steps Beach

You’ll find the most romantic beaches for couples in California, Thousand Steps, where 9th Avenue meets South Coast Highway. The gorgeous stretch of sand is 223 steps steep and has cliffs marking both ends. Visit this Orange County gem for a romantic date with your boo and ride the waves for a fun day out. Afterward, stroll towards the southern end of the beach, where, at low tide, you can find the entrance to a cave, walk through it, and enjoy the small beach on the other side.