Nestled between the Pacific coast and inland valleys, Irvine offers couples plenty of romantic activities for a dreamy getaway. From scenic natural areas to high-end resorts, you and your sweetheart can create magical memories together in Irvine.

Activity	Description
Sunset Picnic at William R. Mason Park	Romantic evening picnic with panoramic views.
Paddleboarding Date	Couples paddleboarding in Newport Back Bay.
Helicopter Tour Over Catalina Island	Aerial coastal views with a champagne toast.
Wine Tasting in Temecula	Vineyard tours and wine tasting experiences.
Elegant Dinner at Marché Moderne	Fine French cuisine in a cozy ambiance.
Photography Session	Capture romantic moments in scenic settings.
Sunset at Crystal Cove State Park	Beachside sunset views and stargazing.
Mixology at Mix Mix Kitchen Bar	Learn cocktail making in mixology classes.
Fine Dining at FIFTY SEVEN	New American cuisine with city views.
Hot Air Balloon Ride	Sunrise balloon flight over Temecula wine country.
Surfing Lesson	Learn to surf together on Californian beaches.
Visit the San Diego Zoo	Explore wildlife and enjoy shared experiences.

Here are 12 of the most romantic things to do in Irvine, California.

Table of Content

Sunset Picnic at William R. Mason Regional Park

Name and Location: William R. Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

History and Significance: This peaceful nature park features scenic lake views, perfect for a romantic sunset picnic.

What to Expect: Relaxing picnic dinner on the shore, watching the sunset over the lake.

Visitor Information: Park open daily 6AM-10PM. Entry fee $3-5 per vehicle. Bring blankets, food, drinks.

For natural romance, enjoy an evening picnic as the sun sets over William R. Mason Regional Park. Spread a blanket on one of the park’s grassy knolls and take in the panoramic views stretching to the Saddleback Mountains.

Sip wine and savor gourmet cheeses and fruit as the sky lights up in hues of orange and pink. The lush garden areas filled with roses and camellias add to the ambiance. As dusk falls, steal a romantic kiss before cuddling under the stars.

Paddleboarding Date

Name and Location: Newport Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Beach areas

History and Significance: Paddleboarding is a fun activity to enjoy ocean views and marine life together.

What to Expect: Rent boards and paddle through harbors, coves. See seals, dolphins if lucky. Picnic lunch.

Visitor Information: Rentals around $25/hour. Lessons available for beginners. Calm morning conditions best.

Paddleboarding is the perfect watersport for a romantic couple’s day on the water. Rent a paddleboard built for two from a location like Newport Aquatic Center and paddle out together onto Back Bay. Gently glide across the calm waters taking in gorgeous bay views.

Paddle over to a secluded cove and float blissfully in each others arms. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on board. Paddleboarding together makes for an unforgettable romantic memory.

Helicopter Tour Over Catalina Island

Name and Location: Catalina Island, departing from Long Beach or Newport Beach

History and Significance: See breathtaking aerial views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean together.

What to Expect: Panoramic island and coastline views from the air. Spot wildlife like buffalo. ~15 minute tour.

Visitor Information: Tours from $150 per person. Book well in advance online. Flights daily.

For romance on an epic scale, take a helicopter tour over Catalina Island. Depart from John Wayne Airport and soar over the Pacific Ocean side-by-side taking in aerial coastal views. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Catalina’s interior from breathtaking new heights.

Wine Tasting in Temecula

Name and Location: Temecula Valley Wine Country, Temecula, CA

History and Significance: Temecula vineyards offer charming wine tasting rooms nestled amid rolling hills.

What to Expect: Sample varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy views and cheese boards.

Visitor Information: Tastings ~$20-40 per person, waived with bottle purchase. Designated driver recommended.

Temecula Valley Wine Country offers couples endless opportunities for romantic wine tasting outings. Meander hand-in-hand through lush vineyards overlooking rolling vineyard landscapes. Savor award-winning vintages at wineries like Longshadow Ranch and South Coast.

Share cheese and chocolate pairing boards on winery patios. Catch live music and soak in the sunset ambiance. Hot air balloon tours provide stunning aerial views above the vines. Temecula makes for idyllic weekend wine getaways.

Elegant Dinner at Marché Moderne

Name and Location: Marché Moderne, 31415 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

History and Significance: This acclaimed French bistro features elegant cuisine and upscale ambience perfect for a special date.

What to Expect: Fine French fare like duck confit, beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse. Extensive wine list.

Visitor Information: Open Tue-Sun for dinner. Reservations strongly recommended. Valet parking.

For fine French cuisine in an intimate bistro ambiance, book a table for two at Marché Moderne. Sit at a cozy corner table and toast with champagne. Share rich escargot and silky French onion soup.

Savor exquisitely presented dishes like duck confit, seafood bouillabaisse, and leg of lamb with lavender honey glaze. Enjoy chocolate mousse or crème brûlée for dessert. With impeccable service and refined yet rustic decor, Marché Moderne sets the mood for romance.

Photography Session

Name and Location: Various scenic locations in Orange County

History and Significance: Capture your love with a professional photoshoot in a romantic coastal setting.

What to Expect: Tailored photos of you as a couple on the beach, trails, sunset locales.

Visitor Information: Book a 2-hour session with a local photographer. Price ~$300-500.

Create romantic keepsake photos together by booking a couples photography session. Many stunning Irvine backdrops like parks, beaches, and scenic bridges are available. Professional photographers can direct you in romantic poses that capture natural intimacy.

Change up looks and outfits for variety. You’ll walk away with professional photos commemorating your love that you can proudly display around your home. Photography sessions make for romantic and fun date activities.

Watch the Sun Set at Crystal Cove State Park

Name and Location: Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

History and Significance: With scenic coastal views, this is one of the best places in OC to watch the sunset.

What to Expect: Panoramic ocean vistas bathed in golden light. Bring a blanket and snacks.

Visitor Information: Park open daily 6AM-sunset. $15 parking fee. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Watching the glowing sunset from the bluffs of Crystal Cove State Park is a quintessential romantic moment. Stroll hand-in-hand down wooded trails leading to a vacant beach. Spread a blanket in the sand and cuddle up with your sweetie to watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon.

Stay to toast under the stars with a thermos of hot chocolate. The dramatic seaside scenery coupled with the peaceful atmosphere makes Crystal Cove one of the most romantic Irvine area spots.

Make Craft Cocktails at Mix Mix Kitchen Bar

Name and Location: Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, Santa Ana, CA

History and Significance: This lively spot offers craft cocktail classes perfect for a fun date night.

What to Expect: Learn to mix unique drinks together. Appetizers and snacks included.

Visitor Information: Classes offered monthly, $65 per person. Advanced reservations required.

Imbibe creative cocktails alongside your love at Mix Mix Kitchen Bar’s mixology classes. Learn to craft handcrafted drinks under the guidance of expert bartenders. Try your hand at muddling herbs, shaking mixes, and garnishing with flair.

Sip on unique cocktail creations like the Lavender Drop made with homemade lavender syrup. Enjoy getting tipsy together as you master the art of mixology. Cocktail classes make for lively date nights.

Fine Dining at FIFTY SEVEN

Name and Location: FIFTY SEVEN, 57 Forrest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

History and Significance: This intimate restaurant offers an indulgent fine dining experience with superb cuisine.

What to Expect: Artful dishes, extensive wine list, attentive service in an elegant setting. Jacket recommended.

Visitor Information: Open Tue-Sun 5PM-close. Reservations essential. Valet parking available.

For an indulgent date night, book a table at the elegant FIFTY SEVEN restaurant situated atop the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Take in romantic panoramic city views through floor-to-ceiling windows as you dine.

Sip Champagne and nibble on cheese fondue before digging into elevated New American dishes accented with global flavors. Share decadent chocolate cake or Crème brûlée for dessert. The sleek yet warm ambiance coupled with impeccable service sets the mood for romance.

Fly in a Hot Air Balloon

Name and Location: Temecula Valley, Orange County coastal areas

History and Significance: A hot air balloon ride offers unforgettable sweeping views. A memorable romantic adventure!

What to Expect: Float up to 1,000 feet high, champagne toast upon landing. Sunrise/sunset flights available.

Visitor Information: Book well advance. ~$200-300 per person. Flights last 1-1.5 hours.

Take date night to new heights by floating over Temecula wine country in a hot air balloon. Watch the sun rise as your colorful balloon soars gently through crisp morning air. Gaze at vineyards stretching to the horizon in every direction.

Pop a bottle of champagne at altitude to celebrate your amazing shared experience. Many companies offer sunrise wine country balloon tours perfect for creating once-in-a-lifetime romantic memories.

Surfing Lesson

Name and Location: Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, San Clemente

History and Significance: Learning to surf together creates lasting memories and new thrills.

What to Expect: Beginner instruction covering basics on land and in water. Catch your first waves!

Visitor Information: Private 2-hour lessons around $120-150 per person. Wetsuit rental included.

Trying something new and adventurous together strengthens bonds between couples. Take surfing lessons to learn this iconic California sport as a team. Let professional instructors teach you how to balance and catch waves while you cheer each other on.

Hold hands for stability as you master standing up on the board. Catching your first wave and riding it in will be a triumphant, exhilarating moment. Surfing lessons make for thrilling, romantic saltwater fun.

Visit the San Diego Zoo

Name and Location: San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

History and Significance: This world-famous zoo opened in 1916 and pioneered cageless exhibits. Home to over 3,500 rare and endangered animals.

What to Expect: See pandas, elephants, giraffes, lions, koalas, and more in spacious natural habitats.

Visitor Information: Open daily 9AM-5PM. Tickets from $60. Parking $17. Book online to save time.

A day spent enjoying wildlife encounters together at the renowned San Diego Zoo also makes for romantic fun. Marvel at the Zoo’s incredible biodiversity, from colossal elephants to tiny insects. Stroll hand-in-hand gazing at exotic animals from around the globe.

Ride the Skyfari across the park for panoramic views. Enjoy tender moments watching the koala bears cuddle or flamingos courtship display. The Zoo’s beauty and wonder create plenty of romance.

Conclusion

From sunset-lit beaches to Temecula’s wine country, Irvine provides endless options for romantic couple’s getaways. Spending quality time outdoors hiking scenic trails or picnicking in nature creates precious memories.

For excitement, adventurous activities like helicopter tours and surfing lessons get the heart racing. End evenings indulging in fine dining and craft cocktails that satisfy all the senses. With its incredible range of activities, Irvine delivers ideal ingredients for romance.

Top 12 Romantic Things to Do in Irvine