Originally posted on https://www.speedboatadventures.com/ventures/45-best-date-ideas-in-san-diego/

 

Looking for fun date ideas in San Diego? Look no further! We put together a list of the top 45 date ideas to do in San Diego. There are so many things to do in San Diego from a thrilling boat tour of the San Diego bay to hot air ballooning over the city.

 

 

SAN DIEGO ZOO & SAFARI PARK

Spend the day at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. They’re about 40 minutes apart from each other so it may be difficult to complete both on the same day. To really make the day special reserve a time to feed the giraffes or hold a sloth!

 

 

 

BALBOA PARK

Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, restaurants, theaters, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, gardens, trails, concert venues and more! Visit one of their museums, walk around and explore or have a picnic and enjoy lunch right in front of the botanical building and the lily pond.

 

 

 

 

 

TAKE A SPA DAY

Relax and reset with a Spa Day in San Diego. It’s a great way to recenter mentally and physically. Here are a few of our favorite spas in San Diego: The Spa at Estancia La Jolla, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, The Chopra Center Spa, Spa Kingston, and Saffron & Sage.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of Baltimore Magazine.

 

AXE THROWING

Perfect for any date night but especially great for a first date! There are a few places to go in San Diego, make sure to make reservations so you won’t have to wait too long. Great way to get to know each other while learning a fun new skill.

 

 

 

Courtesy of SFGate

 

SWIM WITH SHARKS

If swimming with sharks is on your bucket list make sure to do this while at La Jolla Shores. If you’re afraid of sharks don’t worry the only sharks we see at the Cove nowadays are the harmless leopard sharks. The end of August and September are the best time to go and swim with these sharks. Make sure to go during the day when the water is calm and there is good visibility.

 

 

 

 

EXPLORE THE SAN DIEGO BAY ON A BOAT TOUR

Set out on the water as your own captain on a high-adrenaline boat ride in San Diego! Zip along the coastline and take in the stunning views of area attractions like the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, and of course, the iconic downtown skyline. No other boat rental in San Diego packs this much excitement and sightseeing into one fun-filled day.

 

 

 

TAKE A HIKE

Torrey Pines State Reserve has one is one of the most beautiful hikes in San Diego. It has various trails that even lead down to the beach! We recommend parking your car in the free spots just outside of the entrance. Walk through the main gate and begin hiking up through the trails, find the trail that takes you down to the beach and walk along the beach all the way back to your vehicle.

 

 

 

Courtesy of Roots Rated

 

WATCH THE SUNSET

There’s no better spot to watch the sunset than at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Walk along one of the cliffside trails or find a spot to sit down and watch the sunset. Check out the nearby restaurants in Ocean Beach for dinner and drinks. Some popular spots are Hodad’s, Wonderland, OB noodle house, Ragland’s, and Pizza Port.

 

 

 

Courtesy of San Diego Travel Blog – San Diego Tourism

CHECK OUT THE MOUNTAINS IN JULIAN

Getaway from the busy city life and take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery in the mountains. Julian is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains just an hour east of Downtown San Diego. The drive to Julian is full of breathtaking views with changing landscapes. Stop for lunch, go apple picking, take a bite of Julian’s famous apple pie, take a hike and much more.

 

 

 

WATCH A MOVIE TOGETHER

Would you rather watch a movie in a pool, rooftop or under the stars? In San Diego, you can do all three! Check out the Rooftop Cinema at the Grand Hyatt, the Pearl Hotel for a Dive-in movie or the Cinema Under The Stars.

 

 

 

Courtesy of Tripster

 

MARITIME MUSEUM

Leap aboard one or more of the historic ships at the Maritime Museum. Learn about what life would have been like aboard one of these historic vessels. Make sure to explore the oldest active sailing ship, The Star of India.

 

 

 

 

 

USS MIDWAY

The USS Midway is a naval aircraft carrier located in Downtown San Diego. Take a few hours to explore over 60 exhibit areas on the USS Midway. Take a boat tour with Speed Boat Adventures to see the USS Midway from a different perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

SEAWORLD

Enjoy exciting rides, shows, aquariums and visit sea animals. Take the Seaworld Bayside Skyride to get a beautiful view of Mission Bay and Seaworld from up high. Make sure to try out the new Electric Eel ride.

 

 

 

Courtesy of Tripsavvy

 

CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT

Drive up to Cabrillo National Monument for a 360 view of San Diego. Learn about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and how he discovered the San Diego Bay, take photos or drive down to visit the Point Loma Tidepools.

 

 

 

 

Western Inn

 

WINE TASTING IN TEMECULA

Drive up to Temecula for a day full of wine, eating and adventures. Take a jeep winery tour, hot air balloon over the wine country or dinner at a winery.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of yelp

 

 

GO ROCK CLIMBING

Strengthen your relationship and trust at Vertical Hold, the Grotto or Mesa Rim. These gyms also have yogo studios, climbing clinics, slacklines, fitness facilities, and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of chefsfeed

 

 

DESSERT AT SALT & STRAW

Located right in Little Italy is the popular delicious ice cream spot, Salt & Straw. Their incredible ice cream flavors make this place the new standard to beat.

 

 

 

 

 

BEACH BONFIRE

Pack up and head to the beach for a bonfire. Bonfire pits are available in Ocean Beach, Coronado Island, La Jolla Shores and Mission Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

Take your relationship to new heights on an exhilarating hot air balloon ride.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of the Sugar Factory

 

 

 

SUGAR FACTORY

Get a sugar rush together at the Sugar Factory in Downtown San Diego.

 

 

 

 

 

EXPLORE CORONADO ISLAND

Go explore California’s Crown Jewel, Coronado Island. Grab lunch or dinner on the Sun Deck at Hotel del while watching the sunset, grab ice cream at moontime creamery, go on a boat tour, walk the beach or bike the island. There’s an endless amount of ways to spend your day or night here.

 

 

Courtesy of Panchanga Arena

 

ATTEND AN EVENT AT PANCHANGA ARENA

Watch the San Diego Gulls play, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, concerts and more at the Panchanga Arena.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of BusinessWire

 

 BELMONT PARK

Enjoy Mission Beach’s amusement park right on the boardwalk. Take a ride on the coaster, go to an escape room, or play mini-golf.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of xpierencedays.com

 

ROMANTIC GONDOLA RIDE IN CORONADO

Not ready to take your date overseas? Don’t worry! You can take them right over to Coronado for a romantic gondola ride.

 

 

 

 

blog.sandiego.org

 

GO TO A TIKI BAR IN PACIFIC BEACH

Surprise your date at this Pacific Beach speakeasy. Also, their rum drinks can be pretty strong so make sure to grab some food while you’re there too.

 

 

 

 

LASER TAG

It’s fun, it can be a workout and it’s cheap! Grab a bite to eat afterwards.

 

 

 

 

 

GET DINNER IN OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO STATE HISTORIC PARK

If you’re craving some delicious Mexican cuisine then head over to Old Town! Our favorite is Miguels Cocina and Cafe Coyote.

 

 

 

 

 

PICNIC AT THE FISH MARKET

Stop by the Fish Market for a warm loaf of bread and some fresh salmon. Enjoy your food while sitting out on the waterfront at Tuna Harbor Park.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of valleyjcc

 

 

PAINT A MASTERPIECE WHILE DRINKING WINE

Best way to figure out your dates artistic abilities early on! Let loose and laugh your way through a creative night painting and drinking wine.

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of American Comedy Club

 

HAVE A LAUGH TOGETHER

The American Comedy club has open mic nights and professionals come and perform. They usually have a 2 drink minimum here so be ready to have a few drinks.

 

 

Courtesy of discovery.hotelindigo.com

 

EXPLORE GASLAMP QUARTER

Right next to the San Diego convention center and Petco Park is the Gaslamp Quarter. Take your date to one of the many restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter. Popular places to grab a drink in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Tipsy Crow, Rustic Root, and Double Duece.

 

 

 

 

 

GO TO THE SECRET SWINGS IN LA JOLLA

Hidden up the hill from Sea Birch Aquarium is a local gem in La Jolla. Take a  trip into La Jolla to find these secret swings with an incredible view of La Jolla.

 

 

 

 

GET SOME VITAMIN SEA AT THE BEACH

There’s a perfect beach for everyone here in San Diego. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach head over to Coronado, La Jolla Shores, and/or Mission Beach by Belmont Park. If you are a surfer wanting to shred the gnar… check out the beaches in Ocean Beach or near Scripps Pier. Other popular beaches are Windnsea, Pacific Beach and Marine Street.

 

 

 

 

PARAGLIDE AT TORREY PINES GLIDERPORT

Cross this off of your bucket list for a fun date day! Take in the beautiful cliffs in La Jolla as you soar.

 

 

 

 

VISIT BAYVIEW PARK IN CORONADO

Grab a hot beverage, warm clothes, and maybe a blanket before heading to Bayview Park. Wait until after sunset to see the entire Downtown San Diego skyline light up.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of the Hornblower

 

SUNSET CRUISE ON THE HARBOR

Take a sunset dinner cruise down on the San Diego harbor. Enjoy dinner and drinks on the water while watching the sunset.

 

 

 

Courtesy of adrenaline.com

 

TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR

Socal is known for its beautiful beaches and landscapes. See it all of San Diego from the sky.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

 

BIPLANE RIDE IN SAN DIEGO

Not a fan of helicopters? Take a biplane ride to experience epic aerial views of San Diego.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of adventureribrides

 

 

WHALE WATCHING

Take a boat tour out to the open seas to search for whales! You won’t see much on the bigger vessels so opt-in for the smaller groups on the RIB boats in San Diego.

 

 

 

Courtesy of Ritz Carlton

 

GET LUCKY AT THE CASINO

Head east to Barona or Sycuan Casino to test your luck. Play some blackjack, eat at the buffet and try not to spend too much money.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of San Diego Tourism

 

GO ON THE BAHIA BELLE

Cruise Mission Bay on the Bahia Belle. A scenic and romantic way to see Mission Bay. Hop on the Bahai Belle at the Catamaran Hotel or the Bahia Hotel. Enjoy food, drinks, and live music.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of GreatRuns

 

GO ON A RUN ON THE BOARDWALK

If you’re a couple that enjoys working out together take a run on the boardwalk in Mission and Pacific Beach. You can start your run on the mission bayside and run your way over to the beachside.

 

 

 

 

DINE OUT IN LITTLE ITALY

Grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants in Little Italy. You’ll find seafood and Italian restaurants, dessert spots and more. Here are the top restaurants to eat at now: Kettner Exchange, Juniper & Ivy, Born & Raised and the Crack Shack.

 

 

Courtesy of the San Diego Union Tribune

 

 

BRUNCH AT MORNING GLORY

Visit the top brunch spot in San Diego right down in Little Italy.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of Thrillist

 

PLAY GAMES AT COIN-OP GAME ROOM

Go play at the first arcade bar in San Diego. Located in the heart of North Park. Head over there for date night to play games, eat food, and grab a drink.