With February around the corner, there’s only so much time to prep for Valentine’s Day. Lucky for you, San Diego is the best place to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the world! Ok, maybe we are exaggerating a bit – but if one thing is true, it is that the city is filled with many romantic plans to woo your significant other on this special day. So, without further ado here are 8 cupid-approved ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Diego.
1. Grab a drink at one of San Diego’s unique cocktail bars
Named one of the 50 best bars in North America, Young Blood is the perfect spot to spend your Valentine’s Day in San Diego. This cozy speakeasy is hidden behind East Village’s Neighborhood, where Noble Experiment is also tucked away. With a beautiful vintage decor that’ll transport you to the 1920s, indulge in an interactive cocktail experience in which Youngblood’s crafty bartenders create a series of three drinks tailored to your palate. No menu, just pure skills – and complimentary champagne at your arrival!
2. Revitalize your romance with a spa retreat
Get away from the busy city life and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Mediterranean at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Experience top-notch service and indulge in the opulent Spanish-Colonial ambiance at The Spa, making it the perfect Valentine’s destination this year. Pamper yourself and your bae with their lavish amenities, including a pool, private outdoor clawfoot tubs, a sauna, and a living room fireplace, ensuring you make the most of your day.
If you’d still like a pampering day, but need to stay on the more affordable side of things, check out The Spa at Estancia La Jolla. Get the treatment you prefer, chill out in a steam room afterwards and head to the main star of the show: the outdoor saltwater pool, with daybeds, cabanas, and a bar.
3. Be smitten at a Candlelight concert
On the hunt for charming places to take your date? Candlelight concerts may the most romantic activity for the perfect Valentine’s. Let the enchanting sounds of your favorite love songs, played by a cupid-approved string quartet, sweep you off your feet at Kroc Center. Expect to hear Lady Gaga’s Shallow, Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On, Elton John’s Your Song, and many more.
When words fall short, music speaks volumes. Get your tickets here.
4. Get lost at San Diego’s intimate wineries
Family-owned and operated, Bernardo Winery is the oldest continuously operating winery in Southern California. It survived prohibition by producing sacramental wine! This Valentine’s Day, you can get a great bottle of wine for just $25, with every order from the kitchen over $50. While you enjoy your delicious food and sips, live music will complete the mood. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the village shops and artist studios nearby for a truly romantic evening.
5. Go on a mystery picnic date
If you have an appetite for good food and love exploring the city, then this self-guided food adventure is the perfect activity! Starting with a picnic basket, have fun solving personally-curated clues and riddles sent to your smartphone. These will take you on a journey to collect your special gourmet picnic food, bit by bit. Each clue you solve will lead you closer to your next pickup, and closer to your final stunning secret picnic spot. If you like to get creative for date night, there’s no better plan!
6. Catch a flick at a local open-air theater
Indulge in the timeless charm of a classic movie night out! San Diego boasts numerous outdoor theaters, providing locals with a cinematic feast featuring classics, cult favorites, and the latest releases. Grab tickets for Cinema Under The Stars, or the vintage drive-in theater in South Bay, for a distinctive and romantic movie experience beneath the stars.
7. Set sail on a Valentine’s cruise
Embark on a luxurious Valentine’s cruise along San Diego’s scenic harbor. For 3 hours, you can indulge in a gourmet dinner, dance the night away to live music, and enjoy breathtaking views. Book now to save up to 20% on all Valentine’s cruises on February 14th and 15th with promo code VDAY20! Standard prices start at $116, include a 3-course menu, and unlimited tea, coffee and water. Packages with wine, champagne, roses, and guaranteed window seats are available.
8. DYI gifts
Just as people speak different languages, love does too. Understanding your significant other’s preferences, such as acts of service or gift-giving, can enhance your connection. Surprise your partner by booking an enchanting crafting class where you can create Valentine’s gifts for each other, while enjoying quality time together. San Diego is home to numerous workshops: try ceramic, paint & sip, making amazing food, and more. It’s the perfect setting for a fun and meaningful Valentine’s celebration!
9. Spend this lovers day on a cruise
Celebrate love with a romantic dinner cruise! Enjoy breathtaking views, a chef-prepared meal, craft cocktails, and amazing service. Take in iconic sights, like the Coronado Bay Bridge. Expect a live DJ to set the ambiance, too! Grab your tickets here.
10. Grab a super romantic dinner
Valentine’s Day in San Diego needs to end with a romantic dinner – and we have soooo many delicious options in the city! Below are just a couple of restaurants that will have something special on February, 14:
- Provisional Kitchen
- Humphrey’s
- Marina Kitchen
- Oceana Coastal Kitchen
- Covewood
- Dana on Mission Bay
- Sea & Sky
- Marisi
- The Prado (Balboa Park)
- Cafe Sevilla
…and many more!