{"id":29405,"date":"2019-12-04T18:00:11","date_gmt":"2019-12-04T18:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=29405"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:25:45","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:25:45","slug":"date-ideas-in-san-diego","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/date-ideas-in-san-diego\/","title":{"rendered":"Date Ideas in San Diego"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re in a new relationship and looking to keep things flirty, or you\u2019re spicing up your tried-and-true commitment, San Diego<\/a> is the place to do it. This sunny city is vibrant year-round, offering amazing date ideas around every corner.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re the kind of couple that enjoys being outside, you\u2019ll find plenty of ways to soak up the SoCal sun. Rather explore the artsy side of town? You\u2019ve come to the right place. Whatever your romantic style, allow us to help you explore some of the countless fun date ideas in San Diego.<\/p>\n

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What are the best first date ideas in San Diego?<\/h2>\n
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Via DesiDrew Photography\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even if you\u2019ve been dating for a little while, there\u2019s still room for more \u201cfirsts\u201d! Taking your first vacation together is a big one, too. Luckily, there are tons of amazing ways to celebrate a first date on your first vacation to San Diego. Whether you want to explore the arts and culture or would prefer to revel in the city\u2019s natural scenery, you\u2019ll find tons of cute date ideas in San Diego.<\/p>\n

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Mission Beach Boardwalk <\/strong><\/p>\n

Mission Beach <\/em><\/p>\n

For the quintessential SoCal first date, make your way to Mission Beach Boardwalk. With the sand and sea on one side and restaurants, bars, and shops on the other, your date just planned itself. Take a stroll along the boardwalk\u2014look out for the scooters and bicycles that zip around!\u2014and make your way down to Belmont Park. Brave the Giant Dipper\u2014California\u2019s oldest wooden roller coaster\u2014and treat your honey to a Dole Whip ice cream (pineapple soft serve), which is a local favorite.<\/p>\n

Balboa Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Balboa Park<\/em><\/p>\n

Other awesome first date ideas in San Diego include a trip to Balboa Park. You could definitely lose track of time in this 1,200-acre urban park, where you\u2019ll come across gardens, museums, theaters, and even the zoo. When it comes to museums, pick your poison\u2014there are so many to visit. If you\u2019re in the mood for a Balboa Park art museum, stop by the Museum of Photographic Arts, Timken Museum of Art, or the San Diego Art Institute. You\u2019ll find plenty of fascinating exhibits at some of the best museums in Balboa Park, such as the Fleet Science Museum and the San Diego Museum of Man.<\/p>\n

South Bay Drive-In Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Bay<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re kind the couple that loves to go to the movies, then shake it up a bit with a date at the South Bay Drive-In Theatre. Yes, just like the ol\u2019 days, you can drive up to the lot and tune your radio into the movie playing on the screen. You can bring lawn chairs or make a cozy nest in the back of your car with pillows and blankets. The theater even has an old-school snack bar where you can stock up on popcorn, candy, and soda. As an added perk, admission lets you watch two movies back to back on the same screen, which makes it one of the best cheap date night ideas in San Diego.<\/p>\n

Hornblower Cruise<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Broadway Pier<\/em><\/p>\n

If the two of you want to enjoy the coast without getting your feet wet (or sandy!) then we\u2019ve got the perfect San Diego date idea for you. Head to Broadway Pier and board one of the Hornblower cruises. This cruise line offers short and affordable one- to two-hour cruises that take you on a tour of the harbor\u2026but they also feature more elaborate options like the Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise and the Nightly Dinner Cruise. It\u2019s a great way to explore the coast and get to know more about America\u2019s Finest City.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What are some special occasion date ideas in San Diego?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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All right, it\u2019s time to take it up a notch. If you\u2019re looking for date ideas in San Diego that are full of romance, allow us to help.<\/p>\n

Red Spade Theatre<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Old Town<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going for the wow factor, get tickets for a show at Red Spade Theatre in San Diego. You\u2019ll be captivated and blown away by the magic and illusions that occur on stage. Sebastian, the magician, promises to put on a show-stopping performance that will leave you with your jaw dropped. Come discover the magic!<\/p>\n

San Diego Symphony<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Downtown San Diego<\/em><\/p>\n

Dress in your best and attend a San Diego Symphony concert at the Copley Symphony Hall. You\u2019ll find all sorts of afternoon and evening performances throughout the year. Get tickets for a show and let the symphony be the soundtrack to your date night in San Diego.<\/p>\n

Kate Sessions Park<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pacific Beach<\/em><\/p>\n

No one ever said you had to spend a lot of money to have a romantic evening in San Diego. For a low-key but special date night, pack a picnic and set up at Kate Sessions Park for the evening. Fly a kite or toss the Frisbee around until the sun sets. From this grassy patch, you\u2019ll enjoy sweeping views of Mission Beach and the Pacific Ocean below.<\/p>\n

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What are the best date night restaurants in San Diego?<\/h2>\n
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We don\u2019t doubt your cooking skills, but sometimes date night calls for a night out on the town. Leave it to the professionals and allow one of San Diego\u2019s local chefs to whip up something for two.<\/p>\n

Juniper and Ivy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Little Italy<\/em><\/p>\n

You can\u2019t go wrong with reservations at Juniper and Ivy. This restaurant is at the top of everyone\u2019s list\u2014yes, even locals\u2019! The amazing industrial d\u00e9cor rivals the delicious menu. Order a round of cocktails and some shared plates, like the oysters and pearls, grilled peaches, and herbed gnocchi. And that\u2019s just to start!<\/p>\n

Mister A\u2019s<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Downtown San Diego<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Head on up to the twelfth floor to discover the elegance and charm of Mister A\u2019s. This restaurant serves up some serious views of the city skyline and harbor with a side of some of the best cuisine in town. Before showing up, be sure to check the restaurant\u2019s dress code\u2014they\u2019re serious about maintaining its classy vibe.<\/p>\n

Island Prime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Harbor Island<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

When it comes to San Diego, it\u2019s all about the waterfront views. At Island Prime, you\u2019ll dine right above the water while overlooking the San Diego Harbor. (Look for the Coronado Bridge in the distance!) You\u2019ll find surf, turf, and everything in between on the menu. But whatever you do, save room for the Key lime pie.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What are some romantic day trips from San Diego?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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You could certainly spend all your time in San Diego and never run out of things to do, but don\u2019t miss some of these nearby cities\u2014they make for great romantic day trip ideas.<\/p>\n