10 Best Romantic Things To Do In Southern California - Updated 2023

Rachel
Rachel 
Updated
| 4 min read

We can all agree that being in a relationship is a joyous thing; sharing your life with someone special and creating new memories is some of the many beautiful things that exist. However, life gets a hold of us sometimes and not only do we struggle for time but sometimes even ideas on what to do for our special someone. Which is why we have compiled some of the most romantic things to do in Southern California! Regardless of whether you’re local, visiting, planning to visit, if you’d prefer the indoors or outdoors, bookmark this list right now and start planning that next memory to make with your better half!

1. Sail into the sunset (from USD 124.0)

Embark on a sailboat and venture out onto the horizon on this all-inclusive cruise. Marvel at some of San Diego’s landmarks set against mother nature’s gift of a sunset, spot wildlife such as dolphins and sea lions that call the harbour their home. You may even take the reins and try your hand at sailing! This is the perfect tour for couples who’d like to step out into the outdoors and embrace nature.

Visited this place?

Small Group Sunset Sail Aboard A Classic Yacht

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

225 reviews

2. Go on a pirate adventure (from USD 69.0)

Candlelit dinners and grand gestures will always be romantic and appreciated, but isn’t it nice to change it up every once in a while? Do something new and different! Pirates Dinner Adventure at Buena Park is a pirate show, packed with sword-fights, special effects and good food. Suitable for an evening for a couple, or a family day out! Unlike the traditional stage performances where you take it all in simply by being an observing audience, Pirates Dinner Adventure takes a more involved and interactive approach ensuring zero existence of dull moments!

Visited this place?

Pirates Dinner Adventure Buena Park

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

79 reviews

3. Taste some of the best wines in the world (from USD 259.0)

romantic things to do in southern california | taste some of the best wines in the world

Santa Barbara’s wine-tasting tour is the perfect date for you and your partner to relax in luxury and tranquillity. Take in the breathtaking views of the country with an informational tour on how some of the best wines in the world are produced. The tour includes visits to four different wineries with full wine tasting and a picnic catered by one of the top restaurants. The package also comes with exclusive discounts so you can take home your favourite wines at great prices!

Visited this place?

From Santa Barbara: All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour & Lunch

Duration: 7.0 hour

10 reviews

4. Experience your own private mountain top (from USD 549.0)

romantic things to do in southern california | experience your own private mountain top

Ever wanted to enjoy a view from the top of a mountain without actually having to climb it? Now you can! Take a flight up on a helicopter above the Pacific Ocean to your very own private peak and take in the beauty of the Malibu Coastline while enjoying a complimentary dessert and toast with your special someone.

Visited this place?

Los Angeles Romantic Helicopter Tour with Mountain Landing

Duration: 45.0 to 1.5 minute

22 reviews

5. Indulge in a night of luxury cruising along San Diego (from USD 155.0)

Known for its beaches, warm climate and beautiful parks, San Diego offers a romantic setting without even trying. After immersing yourselves in all it has to offer, jump on a luxurious yacht and watch all the memories you’ve made from the best seats in the house. Offering panoramic views from the deck, cosy up together and sip on champagne while enjoying a three-course delicious dinner and champagne on arrival. The perfect setting for an anniversary, proposal, or simply just to remind your special someone that you love them.

Visited this place?

San Diego Dinner Cruise

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

247 reviews

6. Experience a star-studded San Diego night (from USD 35.89)

experience a star-studded san diego night

Admire the city’s lights on San Diego’s unique mode of transport - the trolley. Although not exclusive to San Diego, the trolley is not as common around the world as buses or trains so travelling on one is a novelty in itself! The trolleys run throughout the city, allowing for one to travel without battling the city’s famous traffic.

Visited this place?

San Diego: City Lights Night Trolley Tour

Duration: 1.5 hour

133 reviews

7. See the stars, without the telescope (from USD 69.0)

see the stars, without the telescope

The lives of Hollywood celebrities have always been an interest of the public, it’s a curious thing to wonder about the “real” people behind our favourite characters and now you have a chance to. This two-hour tour takes you through the pristine beaches of Malibu, 40 over villas and mansions owned by some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. Cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway while taking in the sunshine, beaches and visit famous TV and film locations. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot one of your favourite Hollywood stars!

Visited this place?

Homes of the Stars Malibu Tour from Santa Monica Pier

Duration: 2 hour

45 reviews

8. Get up close and personal with Santa Barbara's local wildlife (from USD 48.0)

get up close and personal with santa barbara's local wildlife

You don’t have to live vicariously through nature documentaries anymore. Pair up with your special someone on a kayak and meet the marine life the harbour has to offer. Animals such as sea birds, seals, dolphins and possibly even whales! The tour includes a live tour guide as well who’ll share the rich history of the waterfront and information on the wildlife that live in the area.

Visited this place?

Santa Barbara: Harbor Wildlife & History Kayak Tour

Duration: 2 hour

3 reviews

9. Forget candle light, get an aerial view of the city (from USD 269.0)

forget candle light, get an aerial view of the city
Source: www.viator.com

Own a little private and peaceful 40 minutes above one of the most populous cities in America as you soar above some of the most notable landmarks in the world such as Hollywood and Sunset Strip. Admire the glistening lights dance beneath you. If that’s not enough, you can spoil them a little further with an upgrade to a mini limo transport and a champagne toast! Rise above the regular date nights and take your special relationship quite literally to the next level!

Visited this place?

Los Angeles Romantic Helicopter Night Flight

Duration: 40 minutes

5 reviews

10. Travel like royalty on The Queen Mary (from USD 129)

The Queen Mary is a historic icon preserved to take visitors back to a time of ultimate luxury. Before the times of aeroplanes, this ocean liner was one of the most prestigious means of transport with a passenger list that contained some of the most known names in history such as Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill and the Kennedys. Permanently stationed in Long Beach, The Queen Mary hotel has maintained its original art-deco styled cabins, as well as her first-class service ensuring your experience is one of royalty.

Visited this place?

The Queen Mary

Address: 1126 Queens Highway
1.21 km (0.8 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific

Add some romance to your vacation

Planning a wonderful trip for the two of you and wondering how to make it special? Fret not, check your calendar and start booking your ultimate date! Here are the most romantic things to do in Southern California with your partner.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Sharing the joys of traveling with as many people as possible

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore California
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!