Category: Date Ideas

Sometimes dinner and movie just doesn’t cut it. If you’re dating an athlete or even someone who gets a little antsy sitting around at a coffee shop or movie, I have some great local places to get your move on. Luckily, Santa Barbara is a haven for fun outdoor activities. The obvious first choice is a hike and picnic. Grab a sandwich to go and check out some great hiking trails around the city. Chances are there is a trail within a mile from your house. Hiking is a great way to get to know someone with some quality one on one time.

We also have a TON of bike paths here in town. Rent a bike at the Pier and check out the town with a stroll along the water and around the downtown area. If you’re up for a climb, bike up the Mesa and through Hope Ranch for some awesome ocean views and beautiful homes. If you get tired climbing up those hills, just throw your bike on the bus and hop a ride back home.

For those of you that don’t want to venture too far, stop by the batting cages on lower Milpas Street. Right next door is Arturo’s Taqueria – I’ve heard it’s one of the best taco stands in town. Work up an appetite hitting some balls, grab some food and take a stroll a couple blocks down to the beach.

Wherever you choose to bring your partner, just remember that the endorphins you get from a great workout can only increase your chances of creating a perfect date.

Last night my boyfriend and I did a sort of Tour de Santa Barbara, by visiting a couple different Santa Barbara hotspots with very different atmospheres. After following the same Pizza, Jeopardy, and American Idol routine for about 2 weeks, we decided that we MUST get out of the house. Instead of driving to our downtown area (which luckily is only a mile away) we took a very nice walk into the heart of downtown State Street to try and seek out some food. We had no idea what we wanted and definitely did not expect the night that lay ahead of us.

To our surprise, it was the weekly Farmer's Market, and to our delight, we came across a delicious selection of summertime fruits and vegetables (with lots of samples so we didn't ruin our appetite!). While walking down State Street sampling and people watching, we didn't even realize we hadn't stopped for dinner until we had walked almost a mile. We eventually decided on one of our favorite restaurants, Carlito's Cafe and Cantina. Carlito's, with a fusion of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, has a magnificent atmosphere - quite sophisticated but casual enough where you can relax in jeans and a tank top (even outside where they have plenty of heat lamps for everyone). Last night they had a very talented guitar player that entertained everyone with traditional Latin songs as well as a little rock n' roll. Dinner was, as always, wonderful with plenty of food for leftovers.

For the amount of food and the elegant atmosphere, the prices for dinner are very reasonable. Our meal came to $39.00 without drinks. The servers are very attentive and you never have to wait long for anything. Our food actually came out in less than 10 minutes, which only added to my delight!

Instead of staying at Carlito's for dessert, we wanted to continue our adventure and try something new. We had always walked past The Chase Bar & Grill and wondered what they had to offer. We decided to stop in for coffee and dessert. The atmosphere was a bit confusing as the fancy lighting and decorations combined with the somewhat high prices ($15 to $25 a dish), clashed with a basketball game playing in the background. Also, to my disappointment, The Chase Bar & Grill lacked an espresso machine! After a couple minutes of wondering whether anyone knew we were there, we finally got served. I must say, the coffee and dessert were delicious. I had warm caramel apple pie and fresh coffee and cream - a perfect ending to my evening. As I glanced around, the other dishes looked inviting as well, although if you have an appetite, they seemed a bit small. My experience with their dessert, however, would definitely warrant another visit.

What I thought would be a difficult walk home proved otherwise. The beautiful Santa Barbara weather, good food, and great conversation were just the right recipe for a wonderful night out on the town.

Thank you Miss. Dobbs for your wonderful submission. Your boyfriend sounds like quite the gentleman :)

Romance is an essential part of dating, and fortunately, it is also something that you can plan for. Taking the time out to plan a romantic date is important if you want to get to know each other more. Santa Barbara is a city brimming with romantic places to take your date, and depending on your preferences (and budget), you can choose among these romantic ideas.

At The Beach

A walk on the beach will surely create a romantic atmosphere. With the gentle waves lolling on your feet, sea gulls flying and walking hand in hand, this is probably the best romantic idea. You can even bring a blanket where you can sit down and watch the sunset. For a little more romance, bring a bottle of wine and some cheese for a picnic. You and your date will relax and feel comfortable with the wonderful sea air stimulating all your senses. Walking on the beach is great because you don't have to spend much, but you get to enjoy nature, which is priceless. Among the best beaches in Santa Barbara are Butterfly Beach, Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

Candlelit Dinners

If you prefer, you can take your date to a romantic candlelit dinner instead. The nice things about this romantic date idea include good food and great conversation. Nothing will distract you from focusing on getting to know each other. If you both enjoy seafood, then you two are in for a treat. Restaurants like Bay Cafe can offer you scrumptious seafood and breathtaking views of the waterfront. For a healthy meal, you and your date can go to Natural Cafe and feast on the freshest and most natural ingredients.

Resort and Spa

If money is no object, you and your partner can enjoy Santa Barbara's famous resorts and spas. Nothing is more romantic than a weekend together in places like Bacara Resort & Spa, Sea Spa, or Avia Spa - all located in Santa Barbara. These places provide a relaxing atmosphere where you and your date can spend some time together away from the demands of everyday life. You will certainly enjoy blissful massages, night swims, candlelit dinners and romantic walks. There is absolutely no way it can get more romantic than being secluded from the rest of the world.

All these romantic ideas in Santa Barbara are meant to provide you with great choices for your date.

Dating in Santa Barbara doesn't have to be stressful. This city provides many wonderful recreational sites where you can take your date and have a great time. Having fun is very important when you are dating; laughter also makes natural connections between two people. A relaxed atmosphere will also provide you the opportunity to open up and forget all nervousness typically felt during dates. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from many places and activities.

The weather is breezy and the day is perfect to take your date out for a day of fun. Fun date ideas are easy to come by in Santa Barbara, and the exciting urban activities blend well with the surrounding natural world.

Fun Activities

For a great time out on a date, you can look for a place to take your date based on you and your date's interests. In Santa Barbara, you can have fun ice skating, riding go karts, flying kites, horseback riding, painting, playing Frisbee or simply taking a drive along the city's scenic routes.

Museum

If you and your date share a common passion for history and arts, there are many museums you can go visit. The Santa Barbara Historical Museum features artifacts, textiles, furnishing and photographs, all displaying the city's cultural heritage. On the other hand, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art will delight you with collections of arts from the Asians, French and Americans. These are both great places to go, and have many sights you and your date can enjoy.

Performing Arts

Visit the UCSB Arts & Lectures where you can watch dancers, classical musicians, theater companies and performing artists. Other places like the Lobero Theatre and Center Stage Theater offer hours of entertainment as well.

Non-Traditional Fun

Santa Barbara offers tons of places where you experience unique and unforgettable fun. You can build sandcastles, taste exotic dishes and even have your fortunes read.