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’re being subjective – but if one thing is true, it is that the city is filled with romantic plans to woo your significant other. So, without further ado here are 10 cupid-approved ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Diego.
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!
If you’re looking for a different vibe, consider SD’s new Kiku Room – the city’s first listening bar. This spot is ‘community driven, music led, and cocktail focused’ – we can’t ask for more.
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.
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. Grab your tickets below.
Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip at Rumorosa
Enjoy a creative night by the San Diego Bay with a guided paint-and-sip experience led by a professional instructor, where you will create your own take-home canvas. All that while sipping wine and connecting with friends. The evening includes 2 glasses of wine and small bites, with tickets priced at $50 for 1 or $90 for 2. Get them here.
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! Last Valentine’s Day, they offered a great bottle of wine for just $25, with every order from the kitchen over $50. The offer isn’t yet confirmed for this year, but we’re keeping our eyes wide open! Don’t forget to take a stroll through the village shops and artist studios nearby for a truly romantic evening.
If you’re looking for a bit of a trip or a full day event, head to beautiful Temecula for some of the best wine in SoCal…and amazing views!
Cupid’s Skate Party
Cupid’s Skate Party is turning Gallagher Square at Petco Park into a festive outdoor roller rink from February 12 to 15, featuring themed decor, photo ops, live DJs, and more. Tickets start at $12 for entry, or $27 with a 2-hour skate session including rentals. Highlights include Galentine’s Theme Night on Friday, and a special Family Day on Sunday with Mother-Son and Father-Daughter skate moments.
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.
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. Grab your tickets below!
Set sail on a Valentine’s cruise
Embark on a luxurious Valentine’s cruise along San Diego’s scenic harbor. Enjoy a delicious brunch and take in the spectacular views, while you sip on delicate champagne or fruity mimosas. Does it get more romantic? Tickets start at jus $141 – and yes, it’s an open bar. More info and tickets are right below.
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 a 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!
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 usually 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!
Check out some amazing art
Connection and love can intensify in beautifully, artsy environments. Get ready for an immersive dive into the world of Banksy. This new exhibit uses the artist’s iconic stencil technique to showcase his work across every medium imaginable, from rare prints and photos to large-scale sculptures and art installations. Grab those tickets now for a different kind of Valentine’s Day date.
