12 Great Date Spots In A San Diego Neighborhood Near You!
San Diego is home to so many fun, and often unique, date ideas that the question isn’t so much “what is there to do,” but “what isn’t there to do?” Here is a list of ideas that you can use to impress your date, whether it be a first date or a special outing for a long-time love.
From enjoying the breath-taking views to indulging in some special San Diego experiences, we’ve got 12 suggestions for your next date.
1. South Bay Drive-In – South Bay
Drive-in movie theaters have been a dating hot spot for many years. While the majority of the drive-ins have closed since their heyday, the South Bay Drive-In, which opened in 1958, still offers love birds a chance to recapture the romance of the past. Stop in for a double feature on one of their three screens any night of the week for just $9 per adult. How’s that for dating on a budget?
2. Bali Hai – Point Loma
Offer your date a romantic view of the San Diego skyline across the bay and book dinner reservations at the stunning Bali Hai Restaurant’s patio. The tropical-themed restaurant is highly sought after for weddings so you know it has all the makings for a perfect date night, too!
3. Del Mar Dog Beach – Del Mar
San Diego is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country and if you happen to be dating one of its many dog owners, they may appreciate a date that includes their favorite four-legged friend. Take a stroll along Dog Beach in Del Mar, toss a few tennis balls into the waves to entertain the pups and take in the beautiful surroundings of a day at the beach. If you’re looking to grab a bite, many Del Mar restaurants welcome dogs onto their patio, too.
4. Kate Sessions Park – Pacific Beach
When you think of PB, chances are you picture the assortment of bars along Garnet that cater to the college-aged crowd, or the expansive beach and boardwalk that attracts tourists from near and far. While these may be fun activities, they’re not exactly ideal for a romantic date. Instead, head away from the hustle and bustle to the peaceful, hilltop Kate Sessions Park. With views stretching across Mission Bay all the way to Downtown, it’s a beautiful setting for a date. Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee and bask in Mother Nature’s glory.
5. Gliderport – La Jolla
Whether your choose to join a hang gliding adventure or prefer to simply watch the other daredevils take flight from the comfort of the cliff, the Gliderport’s ocean views make for a gorgeous date setting. Bring your own food for a picnic or grab a bite at the Cliffhanger Cafe as you take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the rainbow of colorful sails as the paragliders and hang gliders float in the air above the water.
6. The Gondola Company – Coronado
While you can’t always escape to Venice for a romantic gondola ride, you can recreate the experience with just a short trip to Coronado. Embark on a 50-minute excursion and cozy up under the provided blankets while you take in the sights of Coronado Island. Bring your own bottle of wine to chill in the complimentary ice bucket and make a toast to your future together. You can even hire a musician for an extra fee to add a bit more ambiance as the gondola cruises through the canals of the Coronado Cays.
7. Sunset Cliffs – Ocean Beach
Few things are more romantic than a sunset but you can up the ante by visiting Sunset Cliffs in OB to watch the sun sink into the Pacific. As the name implies, Sunset Cliffs offers a stunning vantage point to witness one of San Diego’s many beautiful sunsets.
8. The American Comedy Co. – Downtown
For a twist on the typical downtown bar scene, you can grab a drink while enjoying a comedy show at the American Comedy Co. The ever-changing line-up of comedians provides a different, hilarious experience for nearly every show and makes for a unique date night that will leave you laughing for days.
9. Dave And Buster’s – Mission Valley
Bring out your inner child with a fun date night filled with friendly competition and exciting games at Dave and Buster’s. This isn’t your average arcade, though. Dave and Buster’s is targeted towards adults and you can indulge in an array of alcoholic drinks from one of their bars while you play air hockey, skee ball or one of their many video games. It’s like a carnival game night any time of the year!
10. La Paloma Theatre – Encinitas
The magic of going to a movie theater on a date may have been lost when the gigantic multiplexes took the reins from the quaint, hometown theaters. Take a stroll back through time by visiting the historic La Paloma Theatre along the 101. The venue opened in 1928 and still maintains much of its charm. You may not find the latest blockbuster but you will find a weekly midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and other select indie films.
11. Lake Poway – Poway
Visit Lake Poway for an outdoorsy date. Hike along the trails that border the lake to take in all of the beautiful scenery or rent a pedal, row or motor boat to see the view from the lake. If you’re up for an adventure, and a workout, you can even embark on the 7-mile round trip hike to the local favorite Potato Chip Rock on the Mount Woodson trail that starts near the lake.
12. Cinema Under The Stars – Mission Hills
When you live in a city with weather as nice as San Diego’s, you might as well take advantage of it. Switch up the typical movie night and catch a flick at the Cinema Under the Stars. The outdoor theater provides an eclectic experience with zero gravity recliners, cozy blankets and movies ranging from current to classic films. Worried about the rare potential for bad weather? The theater has a retractable roof and plenty of infrared heating to make it a comfortable experience year-round!
Get Out There!
You don’t have any excuses now. Pick one of these great date ideas and get out there!
