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Best Places In OC To Rekindle Your Romance

610 header couple love
(credit: istockphoto)

It is insanely easy to lose big chunks of time tending to the responsibilities that come with being a productive, contributing member of society. Should you happen to be married and or have children, the likelihood of getting lost in the day to day only increases. Spontaneity, discovery, and romance are all the things that most often are sacrificed in the name of our daily priorities. Obvious getaways, vacations, traveling can definitely reignite a bit excitement when it comes to the romance department, but what about realistic options for those nights when the babysitter is willing to hang out a few hours longer? Here is a quick rundown of destinations in Orange County that work when a romantic retooling is long overdue.

Frida Marquee cinema santa ana
(credit: Friday Cinema)

The Frida Cinema
305 E 4th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
www.thefridacinema.com

There is something particularly nostalgic about splitting a tub of popcorn and nursing a box of Red Vines for a couple of hours in a movie theatre. This single-screen, non-profit arthouse pictureshow specializes in screening difficult to find independent films, along with timeless cult classics. Complete with a weathered marquee that only adds to the film house's charm, The Frida opts for showings of Hedwig & The Angry Inch, E.T., and small production documentaries – the kind of programming that is almost certain to spark some conversation and connection when the credits roll.

alta laguna beach
(credit: Vanessa C./Yelp)

Picnic In The Park
Alta Laguna Park
3250 Alta Laguna Blvd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.recreationparks.net

Browse the scenic paths of this beautiful park after you've brought in your favorite food and wine for a picnic with your special someone. After all, nothing says romance quite like a picnic overlooking the ocean, right? If you're into being active, you can even go for a hike!

Montage Laguna
(credit: Montage Laguna Beach)

Spa Day
Montage Laguna Beach
30801 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-6000
www.montagehotels.com

The beautiful and luxurious oceanfront resort is the perfect spot to rekindle your romance. Whether you want to stay the weekend or just go for a spa day, the hotel rests along an amazing oceanfront with access to refreshing beaches. At Spa Montage, choose from signature services including massages, wraps, body treatments and more.

thousand step beach YELP
(credit: Laurie N./Yelp)

Thousand Step Beach
9th Ave. & Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
www.discoverlaguna.com/1000steps

For a unique and different excursion, come on down to Thousand Step Beach in Laguna Beach. Although you'll have to trek down the many steps, once you're down on the beach, you can explore the many unbelievable sights that will take your breath away. With caves, serene and peaceful beaches and seclusion, its a great place to tell your loved one how much they mean to you.

Related: Best Spots To Spend A Summer Day With Your Family In Orange County

McClain's Coffeehouse
(credit: Anna R./Yelp)

McClain's Coffeehouse
817 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, California 92832
(714) 525-5282
www.McClainsCoffeehouse.com

A coffeeshop may not be the first place you think about to rekindle your romance but the bungalow-styled home turned Harbor Ave. coffeehouse is one of the coolest retreats from the loud music and alcohol-fueled madness of Downtown Fullerton. Offering premium coffee and café staples (their baked fresh daily pastries are perfect for sharing), you and that special someone can cozy up on the patio under the bistro lights and connect over a cup of Joe until 4am. Playing host to local artists and musicians weekly, there is a casual comfort that makes this joint ideal for a pair of lovers looking to keep things simple.

laguna art museum featured
(credit: Laguna Art Museum)

The Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Dr
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8971
www.lagunaartmuseum.com

While Southern California has no shortage of options when it comes to museums, Laguna has the distinction of exuding fine art presentations with a much more approachable, welcoming feel. The fact that the sand is in close proximity doesn't hurt as well. Home to the Pageant of the Masters as well as a thriving beachside monthly artwalk, Laguna is a cultural hotbed that is gaining much more recognition as such. The Laguna Art Museum is a sprawling testament to California-based art and the anchor to the artistic community at large – it also happens to be a beautiful place to soak in some visual stimulation with a special someone.

Mission San Juan Capistrano Thinkstock
(credit: Thinkstock)

Mission San Juan Capristrano
26801 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300
www.missionsjc.com

Famous for the wave of swallows and monarch butterflies that have made the historic grounds their home, this testament to California's rich legacy is also one of the most stunning locations. Boasting events like morning yoga in the courtyard, their summer concert series under the stars, and regular guided tours of the magnificently manicured gardens, it would be difficult to ignore the kind of romantic possibilities of sharing a kiss under one of the gorgeous archways that have supported the building since the 1700s.

What are your favorite places to rekindle your romance? Share in the comments below!

Article by Ramon Gonzales

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