50+ Best Date Ideas in the Inland Empire

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Looking for the best date ideas in the Inland Empire? Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a fun first date, or searching for things to do for couples near you, this list has you covered.

From romantic restaurants in Riverside to scenic hikes, wineries, and hidden gems, here are 50+ Inland Empire date ideas you’ll actually want to try.

🌴 Palm Springs Date Ideas

Dinner + live music at Las Casuelas Terraza
Walk and explore downtown Palm Springs day or night- the art scene in Palm Springs is phenomenal!
Day date at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Aerial Tram for dinner, drinks and views

*Stay at the Renaisaacne Esmerelda for a fantastic over night experience.

🍷 Temecula & Wine Country

Wine tasting at Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Intimate wine tasting at Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery
Sunset wine views in Temecula wine country
Indoor or outdoor skydiving near Perris or take a hot air balloon ride from here as well
Old Town Temecula at night for a mix of historic charm and a fun nightlife

🌇 Downtown Riverside Date Nights

Romantic stroll around Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Split appetizers, dinner, and dessert at multiple downtown spots (favorites are: Mario’s, Duane’s Steakhouse, Le Chat Noir French Restaurant, The Food Lab, and the Mission Inn Restaurant)
Visit The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture
Explore Riverside Art Museum
Catch a show at Fox Performing Arts Center or a concert at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Citrus Heritage Park for views and history
Sunset hike and picnic at Mount Rubidoux
Explore the UCR Botanical Gardens on campus

*Added: Riverside has one of the few drive in movie theaters in the area and that is also a blast!

Another fun destination (food isn’t our favorite but ambiance is 10/10 worth a walk through) is Tio’s Tacos.

And something a little different than normal mini golf is Glo Mini Golf at the Tyler Mall.

🍊 Redlands Date Ideas

Explore Downtown Redlands Together
Sunset walk or show at the Redlands Bowl
Dinner date at Finney’s Crafthouse
State Street Winery for live music and drinks
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens

🍽️ Rancho Cucamonga & Nearby

Romantic dinner at The Sycamore Inn
Trendy dinner at The State (Cucamonga Service Station)
Hiking date on Etiwanda Trails
Electric or normal bike ride date on the Pacific Electric Trail
Dinner and Shopping at Victoria Gardens (an escape game is also a fun thing to do together here).

You can also see a Minor League basebal l game at a brand new stadium.

🎶 Claremont, Upland & Unique Dates

Walk + dinner in Claremont Village
Live music night at The Quarter Creole Cuisine
Explore Downtown Upland restaurants
Try a new restaurant together (foodie date)
Escape room challenge date (Exodus Escape Room)
Library date (browse + pick books for each other)

🌄 Nature & Adventure Dates

Hike: Claremont Wilderness Trail, Stoddard Falls in Mt Baldy
Picnic date at a local lake
Horseback riding at a local ranch
Visit local farms or ranches
Lavender Festival date (seasonal)- I23 Farms is Incredible Year Round and you should def plan a date here

🏔️ Mountain Getaways

Day trip to Big Bear Lake
Explore “The Village” in Big Bear
Cozy escape to Crestline
Artsy weekend in Idyllwild
Oak Glen for Berry Picking, hiking, and enjoying close mountain air.

🍝 Corona Date Night Spots

Romantic Italian dinner at Con Amore Ristorante
Elegant dinner at Cisco’s Restaurant
Spa day at Glen Ivy so much fun for couples.

🍇 Classic Inland Empire Experiences

Date shake stop at Hadley Fruit Orchards
Scenic drive through orange groves
Sunset cruise in a classic car (or just your car 💛)
Progressive dinner date (multiple stops in one night)

❤️ Final Thoughts

So, if you’ve been searching for the best date ideas in the Inland Empire, this list proves there’s way more to do than you might think. From romantic restaurants to outdoor adventures and hidden gems, there are endless ways to make date night feel special.

Whether you’re planning something fancy or keeping it casual, the Inland Empire is full of fun, romantic, and unique date ideas for couples.