San Diego is home to an endless number of date options, day or night, and can be the perfect romantic getaway for couples looking to escape. In San Diego, there are sometimes too many options to choose from, with the skyline views, restaurants, museums, and spas, you might have trouble deciding where to take your date.
In case you’re having trouble deciding on the perfect date idea, we’ve compiled our top 10 favorite romantic dates for the San Diego area.
WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FREE, ROMANTIC, OR ADVENTUROUS, WE’VE GOT A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY:
10. MOUNT SOLEDAD
A prominent landmark in the San Diego area, Mount Soledad has been home to the “Soledad Cross” for over 100 years (first built in 1913). Mount Soledad is also home to some stunning romantic views. If you’re looking for a vista of the entire San Diego area, this is an excellent place to start. It’s an easy drive up to the top of the hill, which has a memorial to San Diego veterans, and you will be rewarded by being able to see most of the city.
9. TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE
While you might not be in Venice, you’re still in an incredibly romantic town that is worthy of a Gondola ride. Go cruise through the bay while being serenaded by your very own Gondolier. It’s significantly cheaper than a plane ticket to Italy, and the entire date will be worth remembering.
8. GO PARAGLIDING OR PARASAILING
Not for the faint of heart, this date is for lovers that are interested in a little bit of adrenaline and adventure. Due to its proximity to the ocean, San Diego receives a constant breeze or light wind coming off the coast. This makes San Diego an excellent paragliding and parasailing destination, and paragliding is especially popular on the coasts near La Jolla and UCSD. There are some schools and tour companies in town that can provide you with your first paragliding lesson, and take you on your first ride.
7. CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT
For those of you still interested in finding a romantic view, Cabrillo National Monument is another excellent choice. The monument is a historic site that marks the landing of the first European foot expeditions onto the West Coast. Regardless of how you feel about its colonial roots, this National Monument does offer some great views.
Here, you will find stunning views of the bays, skyline, and coastline that surround San Diego. If you’re looking for a romantic view, this is a great destination, day or night.
6. DINNER CRUISE
Nothing says romance quite like a quiet dinner cruise through the San Diego harbor. You can enjoy some fine wine and dining, enjoy the skyline, and listen to your boat gently slip through the water. Dinner cruises aren’t ever the cheapest dinner date, but if you’re interested, consider searching through Groupon (and other discount sites) to save yourself a few bucks.
5. SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART
If your date has an artistic soul, he/she will love the San Diego Museum of Art. The museum boasts an extensive collection but has a particularly impressive collection of Spanish art. Even those of us that aren’t particularly interested in art can still find something of interest in this massive museum.
4. VISIT THE SPA
Even for those of us that prefer “adventure dates,” everyone can occasionally appreciate a day at the spa. San Diego is a great spa city, and there are many options to choose from. Receiving a couple’s massage can be the perfect way to kick off your date night or mini-vacation. If you’re looking to save some money, discount sites usually have many great spa deals.
3. VISIT A WINERY
If you’re in San Diego, you’re a short drive from one of the great wine capitals of the world. Temecula is located just outside of San Diego, roughly 45 minutes away, and there are dozens of great wineries to choose from. If you’re visiting San Diego, consider extending your trip a night or two to stay at a winery. If you live in town, wineries can be a great mini-getaway.
2. RIDE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON
Not the best option for those of us that are afraid of heights, but a ride in a hot air balloon can be one of the most memorable dates of your life. If you’re looking to go big and impress, and enjoy some great views along the way, this is the type of date that movies are made of. There are a number of hot air balloon options for the San Diego area, and there’s even a festival once every summer.
1. WATCH THE SUNSET
This date is hard to beat. It’s romantic, simple, comfortable, and it costs zero dollars. In our busy lives, sometimes it’s the little things that make for the best dates. So slow down and enjoy the sunset. Incidentally, San Diego has some of the best sunset views in the world.
ADVENTURE AND RELAXATION
Whether you’re looking for adventure, great views, or fancy dinners, San Diego has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s hard to go wrong in this coastal city, and if you’re looking to impress the love of your life, this is the place to be.
If you want a combination of rest and fun, you can take your date to a surf lesson or pamper your partner with a surf retreat. And if you are single, there are plenty of other options at San Diego Surf School and many more in this fantastic city.