Whether you are dating to find a partner or dating while already married to your partner, spending one-on-one time together is a major way to build and sustain a connection. Pop culture, whether on social media or reality dating shows, tells us that dates have to be over the top and extravagant. This is not always the case! Sometimes doing very simple things like having a picnic or a hike can help us learn more about our partners’ inner worlds.
Dating is extremely important in marriage.
It helps to keep the spark alive, strengthens the bond between a couple, and helps to keep things interesting. Dating can help to create memories that couples can look back on fondly, and also create new memories that can be shared. It also serves to keep the relationship fresh and exciting and helps to prevent it from feeling stagnant or boring. Ultimately, dating is an important aspect of marriage to keep the relationship strong and healthy, and to ensure that the couple continues to enjoy each other’s company.
Dating is an important part of forming a new relationship. It is a way to get to know someone better and to see if there is potential for a lasting connection. Through dating, you can learn about each other’s interests, values, and communication styles. It can also help to uncover any potential conflicts or areas of incompatibility early on. Dating is a great way to build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship and to figure out if two people are truly compatible.
For those of you located in the Santa Cruz area, here are some date ideas for both new couples and married couples.
You’ll notice that they vary in price range, type of activity, and time spent together. Dating doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun!
- Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Explore the iconic amusement park, take a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster, or just hang out on the beach.
- Take a Hike at Wilder Ranch State Park – Take in the beautiful views, spot wildlife, and explore the trails.
- Have a Picnic at Natural Bridges State Beach – Enjoy a picnic dinner with an unbeatable view of the ocean.
- Visit the Mystery Spot – Explore this gravity-defying tourist destination.
- Explore the Santa Cruz Wharf – Enjoy some delicious seafood and take a stroll along the pier.
- Attend a Performance at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium – Catch a show at this historic theater.
- Take a Surf Lesson – Learn how to surf the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
- Kayak or Paddleboard in Monterey Bay – Explore the bay while spotting sea lions, otters, and other wildlife.
- Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum – Explore the history of surfing in Santa Cruz.
- Take a Wine Tasting Tour – Sample some of the best wines in the region.
- Book a Sailing Charter – Visit the Chardonnay Cruise line in the Harbor for a romantic daytime or sunset cruise.
- Visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center – Take some time to learn about our local wildlife and watch the otters and sea lions.
- Eat Dinner at a Local Restaurant – Some of our favorites include Venus, Copal, Bantam, and Abbott Square.
- Get Pampered at a Local Spa – Santa Cruz has a few hidden gems like Well Within and Tea House, both located downtown.
- Go to the Beach – Many people like to just sit on the beach and talk! If talking isn’t your thing, bring a book or watch the surfers catch some waves.
Seasonal Date Ideas in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers something different every season, which means your date nights never have to feel repetitive. Some of the seasonal date ideas you can consider are:
- Spring and Summer: Catch a sunset at West Cliff Drive, grab fish tacos at the Wharf, or spend a lazy afternoon at Seabright Beach. Longer days mean more time for evening strolls through downtown.
- Fall: The crowds thin out, making it perfect for quieter hikes at Pogonip or exploring the farmers’ market together. The annual Open Studios Art Tour also offers a unique way to spend a weekend.
- Winter: Cozy up at a coffee shop on Pacific Avenue, visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center without the summer crowds, or drive up to the redwoods for a misty forest walk.
Do note that no matter the season, the goal stays the same: time together, away from the usual routines, focused on each other.
Making Your Santa Cruz Dates Count
A date can be a quick coffee run or an all-day adventure. What makes the difference isn’t the activity itself, but how present you are with each other.
Couples who date regularly tend to report higher relationship satisfaction. But “regularly” doesn’t mean weekly elaborate outings. It means carving out intentional time, even when life gets busy with work, kids, or the daily grind of Silicon Valley commutes.
A few ways to get more out of your Santa Cruz dates:
- Put phones away: The Boardwalk will still be there in an hour. Give each other your full attention.
- Try something new together: Novelty activates the same brain chemistry as early-stage romance. That surf lesson or kayak trip isn’t just fun; it can reignite connection.
- Talk about something other than logistics: Skip the conversation about who’s picking up groceries. Ask what your partner is excited about, worried about, or dreaming about lately.
- Debrief afterward: On the drive home, share your favorite moment from the day. This small practice helps you both feel seen and appreciated.
Dating isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for each other, even when a sunset picnic gets rained out or the restaurant has an hour wait. Those imperfect moments often become the stories you’ll laugh about years later.
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