If you plan or you’ve already made the decision that you’re moving to San Diego with (or because of) your partner, don’t worry about the ideas for what you can do together to have a fun time. A vast number of romantic things to do in San Diego awaits you once you come here. The mild climate during the whole year and extensive beaches make America’s Finest City one of the favorite spots for those in love. Here’s our list of a variety of places and stuff you can do.
La Jolla Cove and Beach Top the List of Romantic Things to Do in San Diego
For those living in San Diego, La Jolla Cove is undoubtedly one of the favorite spots to get away from the city and enjoy being near the sea and listening to the waves. For those who plan on packing their stuff and moving here, it will surely become their favorite. La Jolla Cove is a small cove in Coast Boulevard with a beach and cliffs. Its underwater life attracts many scuba divers, snorkelers, and kayakers. There are many ways for you and your partner to explore this cove and have fun. You can rent a bike or a kayak together, have some seafood in one of their restaurants, and even stay at a hotel in a romantic suite of your choice.
Balboa Park Is a Great Place to Spend the Day With Your Loved One
If you can’t decide whether you’re more in the mood for a stroll in nature, some sightseeing, or maybe a visit to a museum, the good news is that you don’t have to choose – Balboa Park has everything in one place. This is a vast area – it covers 1,200 acres with a mix of nature, culture, and science. Exploring this park is a fantastic idea for every couple who wants to have a day full of diverse events and contents. There is so much to see and do depending on your interests, and you can choose your adventure:
- If you’re nature lovers, you can start with a walk through some of the many gardens and the Botanical Building and the Lily Pond, continue with visiting the Natural History Museum, and end with the Zoo Botanical Collection or the famous San Diego Zoo.
- Science and technology lovers will really dig some of the museums like the Air and Space Museum, as well as the Fleet Science Center.
- If you and your darling love history, Balboa Park will thrill you. You can go to the Automotive Museum, History Center, Model Railroad Museum, or the Veterans Museum.
- Perhaps art and photography are your hobbies? Make sure that you see exhibitions at the Timken Museum of Art, Art Institute, and Museum of Photographic Arts.
Performing Arts Events in This Park Are Some of the Best Attractions
This place doesn’t stop surprising just yet – a suggestion for an enjoyable afternoon is to go and see what performing artists have prepared. Music and dancing always guarantee a good time, so take your partner’s hand and see a ballet play, Civic Dance show, or some other stage performance. WorldBeat Center organizes classes in international dance and drumming all year round, so you can even go to lectures together and learn some new skills.
You Can Also Go to the Old Globe Theater
Famous for its plays and musicals, this theater is one of the gems of Balboa Park. More than twenty plays are produced here, and it’s home to the most acclaimed artists and directors in the theater industry. Designers, directors, and playwrights who are known nationally and globally have also worked here for years. Watching a play at the Old Globe is an amazing experience that you’ll both love.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Is a Destination for a Lovely Picnic
There’s no better way to relax and enjoy your time with someone than being in nature, near the Pacific Ocean, and surrounded by an amazing landscape in this natural reserve. Torrey Pines State Reserve is a coastal state park in one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego, full of parks and outdoor activities. This is a fantastic location for long dreamy walks, picnics, biking, hiking, and breathtaking views. Torrey Pines State Beach will definitely surprise you with a picturesque shoreline and both sandy and rocky beaches. This spot has excellent reviews and recommendations on Facebook that may come useful. You can go for a swim or maybe surfing. Whatever you choose, you two will have a great time. Make sure you bring your camera with you!
How About a Dive-In Theater at the Pearl Hotel?
If you’re not a big fan of the old fashioned way of watching movies, we have another suggestion – The iconic retro Pearl Hotel in Point Loma has a dive-in theater every Thursday night. If you and your partner are looking to book a hotel with some special events, this will be the one. Even if you’re not a guest there, you can come and see a movie. Dinner at the restaurants, a couple of cocktails, and a movie by the pool – does it get more romantic than that?
Explore the Cuisine of America’s Finest City Together
Having dinner with your partner is a usual thing, but trying the cuisine of the place you’ve moved to is a whole different experience. Make a list of the best restaurants in San Diego, create a schedule that works for you, and wake up the gourmets in yourselves. America’s Finest City has numerous eateries that can’t wait to become your favorites. No matter if you’re relocating for a job or because you’re moving in with your partner, living in a new city asks for you to know where to have a good meal. It’s also the perfect timing to try the food you haven’t yet, and doing it with your better half will make it that much more fun. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner can all be called date and an experiment. Here are our recommendations; prepare yourself for some tasting:
- San Diego Poke Company for all those who enjoy or haven’t tried Hawaiian food.
- King and Queen Cantina is a moderately priced Mexican place with a great cocktail and tapas bar.
- Tidal is an option if you’re up for some fancy dining. Seafood goes great with a bottle of white wine that you can share at a romantic dinner.
- Extraordinary Desserts is a spot where the name itself says what can you expect. Just hop downtown and let your senses enjoy.
- Another downtown restaurant is Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Not only the steak but also the lobster and desserts are amazing, so share a plate and enjoy the flavors.
San Diego Also Has Beautiful Rooftop Bars Worth the Travel
One of the most romantic and highly recommended things you can do as a couple is to go to some of the best rooftop bars in San Diego. Except for the great lounge vibe and tasty drinks, you’ll get to enjoy the view of the skyline. Night settings usually feature dreamy candlelights or dimmed lights to elevate the atmosphere. Many young people visit places like Cannonball or The Rooftop by STK, so new people in the city can easily make new friends. Check the work hours and make a reservation via their website or Facebook.
Date Night at the Old Town Trolley Is a Great Idea
One of the most unique things to do in San Diego is a tour on the Old Town Trolly. This truly is a one-of-a-kind thing when it comes to discovering America’s Finest City, especially if you’re moving from a small town to a big city. You’ll get two hours of a narrated tour that will show you the community from another perspective. The tour includes twelve stops. This is a great way to get to know the city together with your partner if you’re both from someplace else. If you’re moving in with your significant other who already knows this community, know that they’ll also probably hear something they didn’t know.
Another Great Option for Sightseeing Is to Go on a Cruise
If you want to spend some exciting time with your partner while getting to know the place, book one of the daily cruises. Being a harbor city, its cruise ship industry is quite strong. You can board Hornblower Cruises’ or some other harbor cruise and choose whether you’d like to see the daily view or the night time one. Or why not both? Being on a ship with your loved one and enjoying the skyline with a glass of wine doesn’t sound too bad, right?
For Adventurous Ones, There’s a Jet Boat Ride
Adrenalin goes perfectly with love. If you like doing adventurous stuff with your partner, you can rent a speed boat for a ride in the Bay. You can race, spin, and splash the water while experiencing the thrill of the speed. If you haven’t done it before, your guide will teach you the basics, and later you’ll be able to captain your speed boat. It doesn’t sound like a regular couple thing, but a date like this can be so much fun. Who knows, you might even become an expert! You’ll get to see sea lions, seals, and pelicans, and get close to the US Navy ships. This will truly be a unique experience and a wonderful day that you’ll spend in an unusual way. Make sure to check out the prices of the tours. Keeping in mind the cost of living in San Diego, some tours might not be cheap.
Booking a Suite at Hotel Del Coronado Is Perfect for Couples
Hotel Del Coronado is a historic place on the beach across the San Diego Bay, and it has always been a spot where couples love to go. It’s the second-largest wooden structure in the US, and its irresistible charm makes it more than just a hotel. It’s minutes away from Downtown, and it’s been there for more than 130 years. Many famous people were residents there, like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Nixon, Carter, and many others.
There are many beachfront recreations, surf lessons, beach parties, and spas. Many of the amenities are great for couples, and it’s a great escape from the city. Being there will feel like you’re on an island far away from your home.
Keep in Mind That This Is a Pricy Place
Walks on the beach in the sunset, listening to live music and couples’ spa treatments are just the thing you’re looking for. However, know that booking a room might not be for everyone’s pocket. If so, here’s a tip – you can go to Coronado Municipal Beach that’s one of the top ten beaches in the US. Everything is pretty walkable, but if you wish to transport your car with you and drive to Coronado, make sure you come early to take advantage of the free parking.