For those of us who are still in the trenches of dating, we know it’s a numbers game to find your soulmate, and that can be exhausting. From boring and uninspired dates that take place at bars and that’s it, to how much money it costs to date in San Diego, and many other factors.
About 30% of people in America are single, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity for romance, especially since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. No matter the time of year, dating can be difficult and with this guide, we hope that you’ll have a more fun, creative, and easier time with it.
1. Take a stroll through Balboa Park
For art and culture lovers, Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s top landmarks. A cultural park that’s 1,200 acres of gardens, musical theaters, sports complexes, and 17 museums, plus the world famous San Diego Zoo. Get an explorer pass that lets you hop between museums like the Fleet Science Center, Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, and the Museum of Us for an inside look at the nature of humans, the perfect existensial questions to discuss on your date in San Diego.
2. Explore Sunset Cliffs
For people who love the beach, Sunset Cliffs is an excellent choice for people to take in what makes San Diego such a gorgeous place to live (and date). A first date can’t possibly go wrong when you’re having a sweet little picnic at Sunset Cliffs National Park, a 68-acre resource-based park stretching along the Pacific Ocean bordering the western edge of Point Loma. Hike along the coastal trail, check out the tide pools during a low tide, or take in the view (the sunsets here are known for being incredible).
3. Discover the magic of We Call It Ballet together
“We Call It Ballet” in San Diego is a unique and romantic plan featuring spectacular ballet dancers and inspired by Tchaikovsky’s famous The Sleeping Beauty. From the captivating costumes fitted with LED lights to the breathtaking music and informative narration, this phenomenal show provides an incomparable atmosphere for a date.
4. Go on a hike
For people who love to be active, a great first date idea in San Diego could be to enjoy a hike. The city has a huge list of different places to go hiking like Torrey Pines in La Jolla with beautful coastal views, Cowles Mountain Trail which is the highest peak in the city and one of the most popular, or the easy Big Laguna Trail where you’ll be rewarded with groves and a lake.
5. Walk through Embarcadero
Another cheap activity to do is Embarcardero, a walk along Big Bay and adjacent to the Downtown Skyline. Visit a museum like the Contemporary Art Museum or the Maritime Museum, grab a bite or go shopping at Seaport Village, or sit and stay a while at the Waterfrot Park while watching the views.
6. Experience a sensational tango show
We Call It Tango is a stunning spectacle of music and dance. Once the violinist and pianist take to the stage, a dazzling tango dance duo will bring all the fire and passion of the tango to the entire spectacle. From “Adiós Nonino”to “El choclo”, famous tangos take the spotlight over the course of 60 mesmerizing minutes. What better way to keep the fire burning than with an impassioned evening of music, dance and Argentine magic?
7. Visit a food hall
Food halls are the best way to experience the gastronomical culture of a city, and San Diego is not short of food halls to visit. Go hopping from one food vendor (or one food hall) to another at one of these many spots. Little Italy Food Hall was once named in the Top 10 in the US, Market on 8th has a big variety of Asian infleunces in their concepts, and Mexican and Latin-inspired concepts are exciting at Old Town Urban Market.
8. Go on a blindfolded dinner
For couples that want to elevate their date night, do it with Dining in the Dark. It’s an immersive culinary adventure like no other where you will step into a world of sensory exploration as you and your partner dine in complete darkness, relying solely on your senses, you will savor each exquisite flavor and texture. With a thoughtfully crafted menu including meat, seafood, and vegan options in an intimate ambiance free from visual distractions, Dining in the Dark promises to deepen your connection and create lasting memories. It’s the perfect and original choice for a romantic evening at one of San Diego’s best restaurants.
9. Go see live music
Watching live music on a weekend is one of the best ways to spend some time, and San Diego has no shortage of intimate live music venues. Check out some bars and venues like Music Box, House of Blues, Soda Bar, or SOMA San Diego for a unique mix of national, international, and local acts.
10. Enjoy some friendly competition
One of our favorite ways to spend a date is with some friendly competitive games like darts, pool, or bowling. It’s especially fun if you have a bit of a competitive streak. For bowling, Punch Bowl Social, Mira Mesa Lanes and Breakpoint are all options. Bars that have billiards are Pocket Billiards and Brew and O Billiard Cafe which is a pool hual. For mini golf, go to Pelly’s Mini Golf in Del Mar or Rockin’ Jump.
11. Get closer while coloring the canvas at Neon Brush
Neon Brush is a fun-filled sip and paint experience, from the retro neon-lit setting to the fantastic playlist. Show off your artistic skills to your date and express your creative sides. Bond while painting a cityscape, abstract shapes, or a serene sunset and enjoying a drink. You can even take your work home with you afterward—something to treasure and a keepsake to have from your date.
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