If you live in San Diego you’ll pretty much never have to worry about what activities to do on a date.
As the second-most populous city in California, it lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and has almost year-round perfect weather.
So you’ll always find something to do no matter what interests you and your date. Keep reading for the best date ideas San Diego!
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How is dating in San Diego?
I often hear people ask “Is San Diego good for single men?” and “Are people attractive in San Diego?” The city certainly does have a lot of men.
There is a large Navy Base there, which means that the city has more than its fair share of young, single men at any given time.
If you’re a woman looking to date in San Diego you should have no problem, but I’ve heard from many that it can be harder in this city for a single man to find a woman that interests them based on the demographics alone.
As for attractiveness, the city is known to be filled with beautiful people, and using dating apps such as Tinder or Hinge is also a great way to meet new people around the city!
Check out this article on what the best dating apps are for meeting new people!
Where can I go on a date in San Diego?
There’s definitely no shortage of places to go on a date in San Diego! From the awesome beaches to the cool different San Diego speakeasy bars and everything in between, the city has a lot of fun places and activities.
Since the weather is pretty much always perfect, you can always find an outdoor activity to do whether it is for a first date or a fun third date idea.
What can couples do in San Diego?
If you’re into surfing or yoga, there are plenty of activities that center around those things in San Diego.
There are also other fun things like a rooftop cinema, Jazz festivals, hot air balloon rides, viewing the San Diego sunset, and so much more.
It will take a long time to run out of date night ideas San Diego.
Now that you’re a bit more familiar with what the dating scene is like in this spectacular city, here is the ultimate list of date ideas for couples or friends to do in San Diego:
- Romantic Date Ideas In San Diego
- Fun Date Ideas In San Diego
- Cheap Date Ideas In San Diego
- Adventurous and Outdoor Date Ideas In San Diego
- Date Night Ideas In San Diego
- Arts And Culture Date Ideas In San Diego
Romantic Date Ideas In San Diego
There are so many romantic things that you can do in San Diego that you should no longer spend time wondering “Where should I go on a date tonight?”
Check out our top picks for outings that will make the heart flutter.
Take a Gondola Ride
Nothing says romance like a romantic boat ride navigated by a gondolier.
We love The Gondola Company, which offers romantic 50-minute cruises complete with wine and dessert option add-ons.
There are sunset cruises available for extra romance and if you’ve been dating a while and looking to pop the question, their “Proposal Cruise,” is the perfect way to make it memorable.
Have A Picnic At Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs National Park is the perfect place for an incredibly romantic picnic. You and your date will overlook the Pacific Ocean while you wine and dine and get to know each other.
This place is also amazing to take in the San Diego sunset. Plan on getting there around 7:00 PM so that you’ll be all set up to watch in wonder during the time of sunset San Diego.
Visit A Winery
There’s always something romantic about walking through the grapevines and sipping on a perfect Chardonnay.
Visit Bernado Winery, which is San Diego’s oldest, and relax in their tasting room with a bottle of your favorite vino.
You can also take in their Sunday Brunch which includes bottomless mimosas.
Fun Date Ideas In San Diego
Romantic dates are great, of course, but sometimes you’re just looking for something fun to do!
Maybe you’ve been dating a while and want to freshen things up, or you just want to get out and enjoy the great weather together.
Here are some great dates that will up your fun factor!
Go Ice Skating
Yes, San Diego isn’t exactly known for snow and ice, but at the UTC Ice Sports Center, you can pretend it’s winter all year round.
Feel like a kid again while you skate away to disco lights and top music hits. General admission includes skate rental and allows you to skate during their daily open skate hours.
After skating, grab a bite at one of the many nearby restaurants.
A Night Out At The Gaslamp Quarter
The area called the Gaslamp is right in downtown San Diego and is known for its bars and nightlife.
It is sure to provide a fun night out for couples and is great for late night date ideas. Here you’ll find bars, rooftop clubs, cigar lounges, live music and so much more.
Check out their events calendar before you go to see what’s happening during your visit.
See A Rooftop Movie
Yes, a movie night can be considered an overdone date night, but not when you’re watching one on a rooftop under the stars!
At the Cinema Under the Stars, you can cuddle with your partner while taking in a cool flick.
Don’t worry about the weather! The theater has a retractable dome and infrared heating to keep you warm and dry while still having a fun and unique experience.
Cheap Date Ideas In San Diego
California can be expensive and it can be tough to stay on a budget while planning fun and unique dates.
Even though the city offers plenty of things you can splurge on, there are still plenty of opportunities for fun and cheap date ideas!
Hang At The Beach
Who doesn’t love a day spent on the beach with the sun and surf? San Diego has 70 miles of amazing coastline with a variety of different beaches that you can explore.
Find the perfect beach for a picnic, a bike ride, or just relaxing and getting some sun.
Feeling extra adventurous? Visit Black’s Beach which is the infamous nude beach San Diego. Don’t worry, only half of the beach is clothing optional!
Hike At Mission Trails Regional Park
The Mission Trails Regional Park has over 6,000 acres of open space to explore.
It is also home to the highest point in San Diego, Cowles Mountain. Hike the Cowles Mountain trail (a semi-strenuous hike) to reach the summit of Cowles mountain and be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of San Diego.
Visit The Cave Store
The Cave Store is a 100-year-old bootlegger’s tunnel that you can take a self-guided tour through.
It takes about 15 minutes and you travel through the sandstone cliffs of La Jolla Cove into Sunny Jim’s sea cave.
During the tour, you will descend and climb the original 144 stairs that bootleggers used to smuggle alcohol and opium into San Deigo. It only costs $10 a person!
Adventurous and Outdoor Date Ideas In San Diego
Because there’s so much to do outdoors in San Diego, there is always something adventurous you can find.
Here are some great picks for those of you looking for some excitement and adventure.
Surfing At Windansea Beach
This beach has large waves and rocky shores and is the perfect spot to hang ten. It is considered an expert surfing spot, so it’s perfect for couples who enjoy this activity together.
Because of its strong currents, it is not a great beach for swimming so keep that in mind as you plan your adventure.
Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Book a trip up in the air with Sky Rider Tours. They offer private hot air balloon flights over the Temecula Valley Wine Country.
This romantic adventure is perfect for the most special date night occasions like a birthday, anniversary, or proposal.
It’s also great for couples just looking to check a balloon ride off of their bucket list.
Take a Biplane Tour
Take in a beautiful view of the coastline, ocean, and beaches in a cool-looking biplane.
San Diego Air Tours offers rides from 20 minutes to 50 minutes in a vintage 1927 biplane.
Looking for a first date idea that will guarantee that you get a second date? This option will surely impress your love interest from the minute you take off.
Date Night Ideas In San Diego
There’s no such thing as an ordinary date night in San Diego! Whether you’re looking for an amazing dinner date or some late night date ideas, there’s so much to choose from.
Consider some of these options on your next night out together.
Find A Speakeasy
Did you know that the speakeasy San Diego is a fun trend? Seek out these hidden bars for a fun and mysterious night out.
Looking for a place to start? Check out Room 56, a top-secret bar inside of the Moxy San Diego (even their website is mysterious).
It hides behind a bookcase and you must obtain a “password” to enter it. Once inside, you’ll find unique and fun cocktails in an ultra-cool setting.
Laugh It Up At A Comedy Show
Check out The Comedy Store in La Jolla for fun shows by some cool comedians.
Each weekend it features professional comedians from Los Angeles. The location also has a cool history that includes legends like Dave Letterman, George Miller, and Gary Muledeer.
Take a Trolley Tour
The Olde Town Trolley provides a romantic trip through the city with expert guides who share the history and point out important landmarks.
Perfect for seeing the city in a whole new light and taking some great pictures, this 90-minute tour is the ideal date night idea.
Arts And Culture Date Ideas In San Diego
Sometimes a great date includes visiting a museum, learning something new, or taking in some of the city’s culture.
Here are some great picks for when you want to embrace your artsy side in San Diego.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums. It also includes performing arts venus, gardens, and other attractions, including the San Diego Zoo.
Visit the San Diego History Center or Timken Museum of Art, or stroll through a beautiful rose, desert, or Japanese garden.
There are so many arts and culture activities to see and do here it will take you many dates to get through it all.
La Jolla Playhouse
San Diego is a top location on the west coast for Broadway. In fact, the hit Broadway show Jersey Boys originated at the La Jolla Playhouse.
Check out what’s currently playing and snag some tickets to create a memorable evening of on-stage storytelling.
Visit The Arts District
Stroll through the Arts District Liberty Station and explore over 100 acres of Spanish Colonial Architecture.
Catch up on the local art scene or grab some food and drink. There are even dance performances, live music, and classes.
This area is a must-see for anyone who loves the arts.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about the wonderful things that the city of San Diego, CA has to offer couples of all types.
Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been dating a while, there’s always something new you can explore.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg of the fun you can have in this lively oceanside city.
Have a fun and fabulous date night idea that you don’t see mentioned here? Drop me a comment below. I love to hear from my readers!
Safe Travels!
