10 Ways to Plan a Date in Lodi Beyond Dinner and a Movie

Lodi makes it easy to find a memorable date, whether you’re in the mood for wine tasting, pottery, a spa escape, or a romantic meal. These are some of the best date ideas in Lodi, California.

01. Create a Custom Blend at Jeremy Wine Co.

At Zin Lab in Jeremy Wine Co., wine tasting becomes a creative activity for two. Blend different wines until you find a combination you love, then bottle it and bring it home. A custom app lets you preserve the recipe, design a personal label, and make the finished bottle your own. Between the tasting, experimentation, and back-and-forth decisions, the experience gives you plenty to enjoy together.

02. Make a Candle at Soy Into You

At Soy Into You’s candle-making bar, you can combine scents to create a candle designed by both of you. Once it has time to set, use the opportunity to explore Downtown Lodi, enjoy a meal, or visit a tasting room. It’s a relaxed, creative date that adds something hands-on to an evening downtown.

03. Play the Classics at Q25 Arcade Lounge

Q25 Arcade Lounge combines classic arcade games with a full bar in downtown Lodi. This 21+ arcade bar is a place for playful competition, easygoing energy, and a date night that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

04. Bowl at Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar

Book a lane for two at Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar and compete for the evening’s bragging rights. The venue also offers a full bar, comfortable lounge seating, and an on-site restaurant, so you can combine bowling with drinks, food, and plenty of cheering. It’s simple to arrange and offers more interaction than a standard dinner reservation.

05. Tour Wine Country on the Lodi Wine Trolley

The Lodi Wine Trolley takes care of the planning for you. Its guided route through wine country includes tastings and lunch, meaning you can focus on the day together instead of driving or managing the schedule.

06. Paddle the Mokelumne River by Full Moon

Trade a daytime kayak outing for the Lodi Boathouse’s guided Full Moon Paddle. The excursion begins at Lodi Lake as the moon comes up, continues along the Mokelumne beneath the moonlight, and returns under the glow of the night sky.

07. Share a Spa Day

For a slower date, reserve a treatment for two at The Spa at Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses. The Couples Interlude begins with a private candlelit soak in a duet tub and continues with side-by-side massages beside a cozy fireplace. It’s an inviting way to disconnect from everything else and simply relax together.

08. Take a Cooking Class at Cheese Central

Cheese Central offers a chance to step away from the usual dinner-and-a-movie plan and learn new recipes as a pair. Classes range from Creole to Italian and beyond. You’ll have a fun evening together and leave with another recipe to make at home.

09. Spend the Evening at Jimmy's Supper Club

Jimmy's offers more than a meal. Begin in the martini lounge, then settle in for a steak and seafood menu meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Later, create your own sundae, and choose a cigar from the selection available for purchase to take home or enjoy outside. Its dark, sexy atmosphere and strong playlist make it an evening-long experience rather than a quick dinner.

10. Shape Something Together at Meet the Maker

Meet the Maker’s "One and Done" wheel session welcomes complete beginners to work with real clay. You don’t need previous talent or experience, and the imperfect mug or bowl you make for your date is part of the charm. A handmade object can preserve the memory of the evening in a way a polished dinner may not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lodi a good place for a romantic weekend getaway?

Yes. Lodi is one of California's most romantic and underrated weekend destinations. Its location near Sacramento and the Bay Area, relaxed and walkable character, and combination of wine country, spa, farm-to-fork dining, and boutique experiences make it an appealing alternative to busier, more formal wine regions. Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses Resort and Spa is the standout property for a romantic overnight stay, with spa, pool, and on-site dining at Americana House.

How far is Lodi from Sacramento and the Bay Area for a date trip?

Lodi is approximately 35 miles south of Sacramento — about a 35-minute drive. From the Bay Area it's roughly 90 minutes depending on traffic. That makes it practical for a spontaneous day trip while still being close enough for a romantic overnight stay without a long commute in either direction.

Do these activities require a reservation?

Most do, particularly the hands-on and premium activities. Zin Lab, Soy Into You, The Lodi Wine Trolley, Meet the Maker, Cheese Central's cooking classes, Jimmy's Supper Club, and treatments at The Spa at Appellation Lodi all recommend booking ahead, especially on weekends.

Are any of these date ideas good for beginners or first-timers?

Yes. Meet the Maker's "One and Done" wheel option is intended for first-time potters, while Soy Into You provides step-by-step guidance throughout the candle-making experience. Zin Lab is also approachable for anyone who has never blended a wine before. None of these activities requires prior experience.

About the Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

Related Places

Meet the Maker

1110 W Kettleman Ln Ste 36,
Lodi, California 95240-6048
(707) 327-8551

Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar

302 N Sacramento St,
Lodi, California 95240-1298
(209) 904-1110

Soy Into You

9 Sacramento Street,
Lodi, California 95240

Q25 Arcade Bar & Lounge

114 N Sacramento St,
Lodi, California 95240-2130
(209) 310-2186

Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses Resort and Spa

2505 W Turner Rd,
Lodi, California 95242-4643
(209) 334-6988