COVID Friendly Date Ideas in Ventura County

Are you looking for some COVID friendly date ideas in Ventura County? Are you feeling cooped up at home with your loved one, wanting to do something fun and enjoyable? During this pandemic, it’s hard to be able to enjoy going out like we used to. With the use of face masks, social distancing, limits of people allowed in places,and a change in how we receive service, it can be hard to coordinate going out for dates. You want to do something special with your significant other, but are blanking on ideas.

We have compiled a list of fun and COVID friendly date ideas that are local to you in the Ventura County area! Whether you want to go out into the open and feel the fresh air or you want to stay comfortable and relaxed at home, we have options for you. 

Beach Activities in Ventura County 

There are multiple person bike rentals available for you to rent that ride along the coastline in Downtown Ventura. The company name is Wheel Fun Rentals, (get it? Wheel, like real..anway), they are a popular activity for wanting to get some exercise as well as enjoy the coastal views on your own time. 

They have a variety of different styles and number of riders to choose from. They also have varying rates depending on if you want to pay by the hour or hog the bike for half the day.. Or even the full day! 

If you’re looking for a two-seater, they have the Deuce Coupe which includes an overhead umbrella and trunk area for your bags. Have some fun and get out in the sun!

The beach in that same area is also nice for surfing or relaxing. They have a boardwalk as well as walkway along the beach with multiple seating areas for you to cool off and relax. Consider pulling up with a few chairs, towels, and snacks and enjoy hearing the waves crashing.

Oxnard State Beach and Park is also a great area. It is family friendly and dog friendly. Located in Oxnard, this park is full of big and beautiful palm trees. There is a large park area which includes seating, public restrooms, and walkways to the beach right beside it. 

If you’re in the mood for cozying up in front of a fire, Sycamore Beach along PCH is also a great place to relax. They have picnic tables that are socially distanced from each other. If you like to camp, you can also register to set up an RV or tent there overnight. Check out the Point Mugu rules for camping in this beautiful beach area here.

Date ideas in Ventura County: Hikes

Ventura County is blessed with beautiful mountains and trails for us to hike on. We have lots of outdoor space and activities to get involved with.

The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is a personal favorite. I like to come here to hike with my dog, however it can be much more romantic than that. The botanic garden has free entry and is open daily from 7:00am-5:00pm. Although some areas are used for plant research, you’ll find that there are lots of beautiful plant specimens and specialty gardens. There are 33 acres to explore with unique terrain and nature trails. 

You’ll find that there are lots of benches and seating areas located throughout the hill. You are more than welcome to bring some food and beverages to sit at one of them with your loved one. Just remember to clean up all your trash properly as wild critters roam the garden.

The Wildwood Regional Park is a hiking trail full of history and many different opportunities for the hike you are desiring that day. They have long, strenuous hikes or simple walks to follow. Paradise Falls is one of the park’s most famous attractions. Located at the bottom of the valley, you’ll find a beautiful, natural waterfall. 

Wildwood also has a lot of history to it. Native Americans have left traces of their presence in the forms of carving, supplies, and areas in which they’d rest. There is a special cave in this hiking trail named the Indian Cave. 

There are grand teepees that you can hike to and find a breezy, shaded area to rest. Dogs are welcome to join you on this hike as well. You can find a trail guide as well as detailed information about Wildwood Park here. As always, make sure to pick up all of your trash and belongings to retain the natural beauty of these wonderful places. 

Quick Target Run

There is a thoughtful and fun game trending around the internet from a popular app called TikTok that involves you shopping at Target. As if we need any more reasons to go to Target, am I right?

This fun game does not have a name as of yet, but I will refer to it as the “Target Date Night Challenge”. There are five-several categories, depending on your budget and what you’d like to do, in which you search for an item that matches that description. Depending on what website you refer to, the number of categories can differ. I referred to this one here.

These categories include: 1. Favorite drink. 2. Favorite snack. 3. Favorite color. 4. Something that reminds you of them. 5. An everyday, essential item. 6. Something you want the other person to try. 7. Something you need for the house

The objective of this game is to roam Target separately in order to find items that match these categories. You can shop at the same Target and try to keep distance from each other or put a jacket over your basket in case you run into each other. The typical price range for each item is $5-$15, but that is up to you and your partner to determine. 

Once you have both collected the five items that you believe match each category, you return to  your home to present them to each other. You are supposed to present them to each other at the same time, as a surprise. This will test your knowledge of the other person and also bring you closer together with this activity. 

At Home Activities 

Are you wanting to stay home and try something new? Maybe you have been wanting to travel somewhere in the world, let due to the current situation you are unable to? Here is a fun activity for you and your partner to try.

“Culture Night” is a reference to you curating and sampling food and/or beverages from different cultures. It could be as easy as having Indian takeout, or you can try to make these foods on your own with the original ingredients!

Let’s say you want to do Italian tonight. Oh, to dream of going to Sicily or Rome! Maybe sometime in the future, but for now, it’s time to cook. Research some ideas of popular and native food items and beverages. For Italy, this would be a classic pasta dish, charcuterie boards, and optional wine pairings. Make sure to google good appetizers, main courses, desserts, and paired beverages (they don’t need to be alcoholic). 

This website has wonderful ideas of international food recipes. Have fun navigating this site and let your taste buds guide you!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by being cooped up in the house with your significant other, consider starting couples therapy to encourage improved communication skills and address concerns you may have. We have online couples therapy and in-person couples therapy.

Ventura County Date Ideas: Picnic Ideas

Picnics can be very sweet and romantic, you just need to have the right area. Whether you want to sit at a picnic bench or set up on a picnic blanket, these two places are sure to make you feel close in a large open space.

Hendrix Park is located in Thousand Oaks right next to the Conejo Valley Botanical Gardens. This park is very large with tons of open grass area. There are lots of grand oak trees, optional tables, and overall good spaces for you to choose. It is open to the public and is quite the hidden gem on weekend mornings. It is more formally known as the Conejo Community Park.

The Gardens of the World, located just off Thousand Oaks Boulevard by the Lakes is a gorgeous place to have a picnic. They have free entry and you are welcome to find a nice grassy spot to have a picnic. Included in this garden is a gorgeous fountain display, a beautimous rose garden, a Japanese Koi Fish garden, and more. It is very relaxing and quiet to walk around and take in the beauty. They have multiple seating areas and benches for you to pull up or just relax. Open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00am-5:00pm. They also offer tours. You can find more information here.

Ventura Harbor Activities 

Are you looking for something to do out in calm ocean waters? Consider visiting Ventura Harbor where you will find lots of great activities to do together! 

At the Channel Islands Kayak Center linked here, you will find information about their single or double kayak rentals. You have the option to pay an hourly harbor rate or take it out for the full day. These kayaks are a great way to get some exercise, sun, and relaxation. Along your kayak ride, you will most likely see sea lions resting upon docks. It is not recommended to go near them – just enjoy their blubber from a distance. 

You also have the option to dock your kayak along the small beaches in the harbor to go for a swim. You are provided with life vests for your kayak adventure so you don’t need to worry about bringing one. This activity is great fun and obviously follows social distancing standards. 

At this same area, there are rental services for jet skis or standing paddle boards. Standing paddle boards allow you to move at your own pace throughout the harbor. Jet ski rentals can go for around $80 an hour. For more information on rentals, contact the Channel Islands Kayak Center. 

Ventura County Date Venture Into the Sea

We talked about independent ventures around the harbor, but what about getting into the open ocean? There are options to join groups onto fishing boats, whale watching boats, or boats to take you out to the Channel Islands!

There is a national park on the Channel Islands which is accessible by boat. These five islands hold a wealth of ocean life, natural and cultural resources. There are many unique animals and plants that live in this beautiful and preserved area. 

You can visit for the day or even camp there if your heart desires. It is about a 70 minute boat ride from Ventura Harbor. There are also rental options available as well, including kayaking, snorkeling, and more with gear provided for you.  

Hiking, picnicking, camping, snorkeling, exploring, fishing, marine animal watching, and wildflower viewing are just a few of the activities listed on the website, linked here. 

Outdoor dining

Socially distanced dining can still be romantic, if you’re comfortable with it. A lot of restaurants have taken to the sidewalks and streets to expand their areas in order to allow more customers in. By following social distancing guidelines, your table is sure to be at least 6 feet away from others. 

Some restaurants have strict guidelines to put your face mask on when a waiter approaches you, yet most allow you to remove your mask for the whole time while seated. 

Aloha Steakhouse is one restaurant with outdoor seating and a nice view of the Ventura beach. In Downtown Ventura, you will find that roads are closed off in order to accommodate restaurants and their guests. At the Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks, restaurants like Urban Plates and Lazy Dog are expanding their outdoor seating to allow for more people to enjoy.  Yolanda’s in Simi Valley offers delicious and savory Mexican food. They are open for both outdoor and indoor seating.

You have the ability to create meaningful memories together by exploring the world around you and trying out new things. 

The main point of your COVID friendly date is to enjoy the time together and appreciate each other. Make sure to discuss date ideas with your date beforehand to ensure that they are comfortable doing something out in this pandemic.

Have fun, lovebirds!

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