Orange County has it all for couples just visiting or on a romantic vacation - hike in the mountains, dine and listen to live jazz music, and go to the beach or opera.
Orange County, California is the perfect place for couples!
A little music always makes for a romantic weekend and Orange County has many nationally known concert venues including the Crazy Horse in Irvine, the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, and the Galaxy Concert Theater in Santa Ana. Live jazz music is available six nights a week at Spaghettini Italian Grill in Seal Beach and at the White House on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. After a night of jazz music, dine on a home style breakfast at the Cottage, a mile up South Coast Highway in Laguna. The Cottage is a popular breakfast location so reserve one of the smaller rooms for a romantic breakfast.
Opera was the music of love for Cher and Nicolas Cage in the movie "Moonstruck," and couples can find that same magic at a performance of the Opera Pacific, the Fullerton Civic Light Opera, or the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. These groups perform throughout the year at the OC Performing Arts Center. Each group has a schedule that is unique, so check the group websites to find out when they are performing.
The Balboa Boat Rentals offers double paddle boats so you can float out in the bay and relax, or really get a little exercise by paddling out into the Newport Harbor. Just a warning to stay out of the boat lanes when you relax or you'll hear the local boat horns up close and personal. If sailing is more your speed, small sailboats are rented at several locations on the bay side of the peninsula. Be sure to select a boat suitable for two person navigation! For a longer sailing trip, charter the Privateer Lynx for an overnight sailing excursion. The Lynx is a reproduction of one of the early tall ships that once sailed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Three to five day trips on the Lynx are also available, but the most requested trip for a romantic vacation is a sunset sail in the Newport Harbor.
Orange County is also a jumping off place for visiting Catalina Island. Island transportation is available from Dana Point and Newport Beach. The Catalina Passenger Service leaves regularly from the Balboa Pavilion. Be prepared to spend the day walking or bicycling around the island. Bring a picnic luncheon or eat at the island restaurants. The Wrigley Mansion, museum and casino are must sees on Catalina Island.
Whale watching is a popular couples activity. The whale migration paths run parallel to Catalina Island and the south coast of Orange County. Rent boats, or for an easier adventure, buy tickets on a whale watching excursion boat. Water and air transportation is available where sail and paddle boats are rented. Check online for migration calendars and book your reservations early.
For an evening full of fun, visit the Balboa Fun Zone and ride the Ferris wheel to view the islands and bay at night. Enjoy the bumper cars and a snack of pizza, and the famous Balboa Bar, which is a white ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and your choice of toppings. For the really adventurous snackers, try a frozen banana with toppings! Both are Orange County originals.
A romantic evening of dining in an upscale dining venue includes dinner at the Hobbit located in Orange on Chapman Avenue. Tucked away under shade trees and foliage, the Hobbit requires reservations well in advance of your visit. The house, turned exclusive restaurant, seats only a handful of couples and the seven-course, three-hour long meal, has won awards from the Mobile Travel Guide and the Wine Spectator Magazine. The Hobbit is exclusive romantic dining at its finest and has one of the largest wine selections in the country.
For another romantic dining adventure, in a less exclusive venue, try Ruby's on the Pier at Balboa or Huntington Beaches. The 1950s restaurants recreate the original pier diners that were open until the late 1970s on both piers. Arrive early for rooftop dining at sunset and enjoy a Ruby Burger, or chicken and, of course, a basket of Ruby's famous fries. Even though the eatery doesn't have any prestigious awards, Ruby's has the stamp of approval from Orange County locals.
If you prefer a zany eating experience, try Dizz's As Is. This restaurant, located in a Victorian home on the Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, is a real treat. Dizz's does not advertise, nor do they take reservations. Arrive early and put in a request for a table, then take a romantic walk on the beach across the street. The rest will be a real surprise. Dizz's is an Orange County original.
If Dizz's is hopelessly crowded, walk a few blocks down the street for a casual dining adventure that includes mushroom-tofu burgers. Taco Loco is a retro-hippy dining experience you won't soon forget. Make a picnic and take your food out to the beach for romantic sunset dining.
Whether you are a couple who prefers dining or travel, Orange County is the place for couples to visit!
