You finally got a babysitter. The kids are fed, pajama’d, and someone else is handling bedtime tonight. You look at your partner and realize… you have absolutely no idea where to go. Sound familiar?

As a Temecula family photographer and a mom of five, I hear this from parents all the time—and I live it, too! Between soccer practices, laundry, and the beautiful chaos of raising a family, date night planning often feels like one more thing on an overflowing to-do list. But I’ve found that even a quick run to the grocery store alone can feel like a massive victory. There is something so restorative about having a conversation that isn’t interrupted by a request for more chicken nuggets!

Because I know how precious those child-free hours are, I’ve rounded up my favorite date night ideas in Temecula and Murrieta, organized by the “vibe” you need right now.

Romantic Date Nights (When You Want to Feel Like a Couple Again)

Sometimes you just need to peel off the yoga pants, put on that dress that’s been sitting in the back of your closet, and remember who you were before you were “Mom and Dad.”

• Ponte Winery (Wine Country): This is the quintessential Temecula experience. It’s elegant and timeless, making it the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy a long dinner surrounded by the vines.
  • Address: 35053 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
  • Website: pontewinery.com
• Mount Palomar Winery: Another breathtaking option in the hills. The views here are incredible, and it feels like a true escape from the daily grind.
  • Address: 33820 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
  • Website: mountpalomarwinery.com

Pro Tip: Always make a reservation in Wine Country at least a week out, especially for weekend sunsets!

Fun & Active Date Nights (For a Little Nostalgia)

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines of youth sports all week, you might want to actually do something yourself!

• MindTrap Escape Room: My husband and I have done multiple rooms here! It is so much fun to work together on a “mission” that doesn’t involve finding a lost shoe.
  • Address: 26780 Ynez Ct, Temecula, CA 92591
  • Website: mindtrapescaperoom.com
• Coin-Op Game Room: Located in Old Town, this is perfect for a nostalgic night of arcade games. Follow it up with a drink at 8 Bit Brewing Company for the ultimate throwback vibe.
  • Coin-Op: 28588 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590 | coinopgameroom.com
  • 8 Bit Brewing: 26755 Jefferson Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562 | 8bitbrewingcompany.com
• Downtown Public House (Murrieta): One of our favorite spots for great food in a relaxing, historic environment.
  • Address: 24619 Washington Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562
  • Website: dtpublic.com

Low-Key Date Nights (Because Sometimes You’re Just Tired)

I get it—some weeks, the mental load is heavy and you just want to SIT and connect.

• The Press Espresso: Grab a high-quality latte and just talk. It’s casual, warm, and cozy—exactly how I love to keep my brand and my coffee.
  • Address: 29601 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590
  • Website: thepressespresso.com
• Intazza Coffee Works: A great Murrieta spot to hide away for an hour of quiet connection.
  • Address: 38860 Sky Canyon Dr, Murrieta, CA 92563
  • Website: intazzacoffeeworks.com

Outdoor Date Night Ideas (Fresh Air and Golden Hour)

As a photographer, I am partial to the light in our valley! These are “free-ish” and restorative.

• Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve: Taking a sunset walk here is incredibly restorative. There is something about the wide-open space that helps you breathe again.
  • Address: 39400 Clinton Keith Rd, Murrieta, CA 92562
• Sykes Ranch Park: I love shooting sessions here, but it’s also a lovely spot for a simple evening stroll to see the historic ranch house remnants.
  • Address: 24145 Hayes Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562

Why “Dating Your Spouse” Matters

In the midst of raising a family, it is so easy to lose the “us” in the “them.” But I truly believe marriage is a beautiful work that requires intentionality. As Sally Clarkson often emphasizes, the home is a direct reflection of the love shared between parents; when we nurture our relationship, we are actually nurturing the very foundation our children stand on.

This isn’t just a sweet sentiment, either—there is real power in taking this time away. Psychology often points to the importance of “shared novelty,” or the act of trying new things together to increase relationship satisfaction. When we step out of our routines to try a new escape room or explore a different coffee shop, we aren’t just “getting out of the house”—we are building a reservoir of connection and shared joy that carries us through the busier, more demanding weeks of family life. Taking time to grow together isn’t just a luxury; it’s how we model a healthy, committed love for our kids to see.

Go Have Fun (You Deserve It!)

My husband and I aim for a date once a month. It’s not a hard and fast rule, and it took us a long time to find babysitters we truly trusted—watching how they interacted with our kids at family gatherings first. But once you have that peace of mind, go!

Whether it’s a fancy night in Wine Country or a 20-minute walk at the Santa Rosa trails, the point is the connection, not the perfection.

Want to make your next date night extra special? Let’s book a “Just Because” couples session at one of these spots! It’s a great excuse to get dressed up, laugh together, and capture the love that started your family in the first place.

I’d love to hear from you: What is your favorite “secret” date spot in Temecula or Murrieta? Drop it in the comments!