30+ Unique & Fun Date Ideas San Diego: How to Plan the Perfect Date

Most Romantic Things To Do in San Diego

San Diego has so many cool things to do, it is not hard to come up with a fun and romantic date night that is a bit more inspirational than dinner and a movie. Our San Diego date ideas will help you plan the perfect romantic date night with your special someone, no matter what your budget and interests are.

Cheap or Free San Diego Date Ideas

Romance does not have to be expensive. I always tell my husband that a thoughtful date that he put a bit of planning and effort into, will make me swoon much more than a dinner at a fancy restaurant.

There are plenty of cheap or even free things to do in San Diego that will make for a memorable date that won’t break the bank. These activities below are free or under $30/ per person.

Fly a Kite at Seaport Village

Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 530-0704

Seaport Village still has its touristy-kitschy charm that no-one can resist. Take your date out to the waterfront promenade, get some ice cream, and fly a kite in the park overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay.

Bring a blanket, maybe some drinks and snacks, and enjoy the beautiful SoCal weather. Show your date how to do some awesome flips and moves with your kite, or just watch the other kiters do their magic.

Murder Mystery Tour in the Gaslamp Quarter Downtown

This fun and scary tour takes you on a walk around the beautiful Gaslamp Quarter downtown. You will hear a lot about the gritty history of the old (and not so old) days, from brothels, bars, and brawls to gruesome murders, ghost stories, and much more.

Wine Bar & Flower Shop

A wine bar and a flower shop in one? How cool is that? This unique concept at Cork & Stem just opened in Hillcrest and offers delicious wines and little nibbles (charcuterie boards, flatbreads, etc.), and you can also design your own bouquet. Think of the popular “Sip & Paint” venues but with flower bouquet binding instead.

Isn’t this a cute idea? This would be perfect for a romantic date night idea, don’t you think? I am in love with this concept and had a great time when Greg and I tried it out during their pre-opening media night. Can’t wait to go back!!!

Drive-in Movies – Always a Classic

A Drive-in movie is a fun twist to an always popular classic. Show your date that you are fun and unique. but with a classy base. Extra points, if you pick your date up in a classy car with a big back seat (wink wink).

You have two options for drive-in movie theaters in San Diego:
South Bay Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet
Santee Drive-In Theatre

Picnic at Sunset Cliffs

Pack up a basket, a blanket, and some pillows and take your date to one of the most romantic picnic spots in San Diego – Sunset Cliffs. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you can relax, unwind, and get to know each other.

If you bring your own picnic supplies, this is a super low-cost option, but if you want to splurge, you can also get a little help. PopUpPicnic offers to organize and set everything up for you. I am in LOVE with the Boho-style picnic!!!

Play in the Tide Pools in La Jolla

Address: 303 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (619) 525-8213

Channel your inner marine biologist and take your date to the Tide Pools in La Jolla. Climb around the rocks, play in the water, and see how many critters you can spot.

This place is usually pretty crowded with families and kids, so I recommend going later in the day and best during the week for a more quiet atmosphere. Then, watch the sun go down on the horizon.

Read our full post on the best Tide Pools in San Diego

Go Mural Hunting at Chicano Park

If you and your date like Street Art and murals, you HAVE to go to Chicano Park, right between downtown and Barrio Logan. I recommend going during a sunny day, as the colors of the paintings seem to pop even more.

Afterward, take your date to Las Cuatro Milpas for some of the best tamales in San Diego. This family-operated gem has been around since 1933 and a great place to check if your date’s got good taste! Make sure to get there early enough, as they close as soon as they run out of tamales. It is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Barrio Logan.

Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour

Here is another spooky date idea: you can take a tour on a renovated all-black “doom buggy”. Get transported back in time with such skill that by the end of the tour, you’ll feel as if you’re a ghost roaming the astral plane. This tour is not appropriate for children as the stories told contain graphic details and adult themes. Read our full review of the Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour here>>

Go to an Arcade

Our favorite Arcade in San Diego is Punch Bowl Social. You can grab dinner or appetizers, play arcade games and see how far your quarters stretch. Punch Bowl Social also has a bowling alley, if you want to show of your skills to your date that way.

In any case, going to an arcade is a fun date idea and definitely something a little more unique than dinner and a movie.

Stargazing at Palomar Observatory

Address: 35899 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Phone: (760) 742-2119
Website

Yes, it is a bit of a drive out there, but oh so worth it. If you and your date like nerdy things, a trip to the Palomar Observatory is a MUST! The CalTech research facility has a visitor gallery and offers guided tours.

Keep in mind that looking through the Hale Telescope is not part of the tour, however, you can ask all your geeky astronomy to the CalTech docents, who will gladly give an impromptu presentation. Read our full guide for more spots to go stargazing in San Diego.

Take the Ferry to Coronado for Amazing City Views

Want to take your date on a bay cruise with a stunning view but don’t want to break the bank? Take the San Diego – Coronado Ferry! Yes, it only lasts about 15 minutes, but it only costs $5 per person. You can’t beat that!

When you get to Coronado, check out the shops at the Coronado Ferry Landing, and if your budget permits, grab some happy-hour snacks and drinks at Peohe’s.

Take a Hike at Mission Trails

Address: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Phone: (619) 668-3281
Website

Mission Trails is one of the top hiking spots in San Diego County and locals as well as tourists flock to this San Diego Park for lots of outdoor fun. The regional park was started in 1974 and with over 8000 acres, it is one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

With a total of over 60 miles of trails, you can pick, choose, and combine trails to make the perfect hike for your stamina and skill level. If you are in it for the long haul, you can complete the 5 peak challenge, even if the official deadline has passed, it is still a lot of fun!

Ride the Coaster at Belmont Park

Address: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 488-1549
Website

The Great Dipper at Belmont Park just screams childhood memories, right? Take your date on a ride on the wooden rollercoaster overlooking the ocean, then feed them some cotton candy and win them a huge bear. Who wouldn’t fall for you after this? I know I would… Pssst… don’t tell my husband Take a look at this Groupon for an unlimited ride day pass that will save you a lot! Read our article on what else to do at Belmont Park in Mission Beach.

Laugh Together at the Comedy Club

Comedy Clubs are awesome. Whether you take your date to see a big-name comedian or simply go to open mic night, you’ll instantly know, if you have the same kind of humor. Ever heard of the saying: Couples that laugh together, stay together? Yeah, that is definitely true.

San Diego has quite a few comedy clubs to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:
American Comedy Co. San Diego
The Comedy Store – La Jolla
National Comedy Theatre

Visit the Whaley House for a Scary Date

Address: 2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone (619) 297-7511

The Whaley House is known as one of the most haunted houses in San Diego, if not even in the whole of the US. Visitors report seeing orbs and apparitions all over the house during both the day and night tours. There are quite a few ghosts that are rumored to show themselves. 

A visit to the Whaley House is not for the faint of heart. You definitely will have a lot to talk about after your visit and will open your communication up to a whole other dimension. Book your tour here>>

Clubbing with Style: Trailer Park after Dark

Address: 835 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 236-1550
Website

To be honest, I don’t like clubbing. It’s just not my favorite way to spend a Saturday night. But Trailer Park after dark is different. It’s like a food truck park, but underground and instead of food, they have cocktails and there is music. It’s a really chill atmosphere, I love the concept, and I love that place!

Adventurous Date Ideas San Diego

Go Cliff-Gliding in La Jolla

Address: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 452-9858
Website

Nothing gets your blood rushing on a date more than… jumping off a cliff of course! If you want to fast test if your date is as adventurous as you, this is the ultimate test.

On the other hand, your date will be strapped tightly to another person, so if you are the jealous kind, this might not be a good idea. However, if you go for it, the rush of excitement should keep you engaged and talking for hours afterward.

Ride a Speedboat in San Diego Bay

Speed is exhilarating, so a private speedboat ride on the San Diego Bay is a great adventurous date idea in San Diego. I love that you can ride your own speedboat, just you and your date. How fun and exciting is that?

Even if you have never commandeered a boat, this is still for you. They will give you detailed instructions and you follow the guide boat around on a fun little speedy cruise on the bay.

Horseback Riding in San Diego

What’s not to love about a horseback riding adventure? This is the perfect date idea. You get to go out in nature, spend time with animals, and enjoy each other’s company. Horseback riding in San Diego is always a good date idea! Check for Groupon deals here>>

Historic Bi-Plane Ride over Downtown

Take your date on a vintage 1920s bi-plane ride over San Diego! This unforgettable adventure is definitely a San Diego date idea that will impress your special someone.

Your flight can take you over the beaches, downtown, or over to Coronado. There are many flight routes and itineraries available. Go check them out here>>

Go Kayaking at La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a stunning piece of coastline, but even more mesmerizing from the water. Take your date out on a kayaking tour around the sea caves of La Jolla.

You’ll get to explore the caves and learn a lot about the local ecosystem, and see some wildlife while you are out there having fun on the water. Greg and I saw a sea lion snatch up a spiny lobster right from the cliffs when we were out. Book your kayaking tour here>>

The Escape Game San Diego

Escape rooms are always fun. This is the latest addition to the San Diego escape rooms and a fantastic choice as you can either book the room to yourself or join an existing team and meet new people. Located right on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter, The Escape Game offers four different Escape room options:

1. Gold Rush: A good ol’ treasure hunt during the California Gold Rush era.
2. Special Ops: Mysterious Market: We did this one and it was amazing!!! If you have ever wanted to play CIA agent on a secret mission to save the world, then this one is for you!
3. Prison Break: This is the hardest game they offer. Are you up for the challenge?
4. The Depths: Discover the secrets of a mad scientist with a lab in the middle of the ocean.

The storylines are interesting and the decor really transports you to a different world. I highly recommend this one!

Go Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks in La Jolla

The best time of year to go leopard shark snorkeling in La Jolla is June through September. During that time, you’ll see most of them. However, a resident population of about 100-200 is always hanging out in La Jolla, so you can enjoy this activity year-round.

The best place to see leopard sharks is off the coast of La Jolla Shores in the La Jolla Underwater Park Preserve. You can simply swim out there from the beach. If you don’t have Snorkeling equipment, you can rent it here>>

Find some more outdoorsy date ideas here>>

San Diego Date Ideas for Foodies

Farmer’s Market Outing With Brunch

Going to the Farmers Market is always fun and San Diego has some really great one. Check out our guide on the best San Diego Farmers Markets here. Take a stroll, try some local delicacies, and then head out to a delicious brunch somewhere nearby. Sound like a fun daytime date, don’t you think?

Go on a Food Tour in San Diego

Food Tours are so much fun, even in your own city. Most people tend to go to the same restaurants over and over again. When you go on a food tour, you get to try lots of new places that you can add to your rotation and come back to for a traditional dinner date down the line. What’s not to love?

Sip your Joe at a Coffee Cupping Event

Who doesn’t love coffee? But most of us don’t really know much about the drink that gives us life every morning. Learn more about coffee, its history, and its origin at Achilles coffee shop. They do (free) monthly cuppings, where you get to taste and try various coffee beans and learn more about the tasty bean drink. Sign up for their newsletter to get notified for the next cupping event.

Taco Tour in Tijuana

We got some good tacos here in San Diego. But when you head down to TJ, it’s simply a different level. Yes, it is worth it to cross the border for tacos. My husband and I do it all the time and love our little mini-getaways. Read about our favorite things to do in Tijuana here.

If you don’t want to go by yourself, you can also book a tour from San Diego. The guide will meet you at the border and take you over to Tijuana and back after the tour. Book your Tijuana taco tour here>>

San Diego Date Ideas for Boozy Lovers

Go Wine Tasting

Walking around the vineyards, tasting wine, loving life – how could this date idea not be a winner? Whether you prefer to stay local and explore San Diego wineries or head out to Temecula, you two WILL have an amazing time. If you want to make it extra special, check out these romantic winery hotels in Temecula for a romantic wine-tastic getaway.

If you don’t want to drink and drive (which I highly recommend!), you can book a tour that will take you around the best wineries in Southern California.

Drink with a View – Find the Best Roof Top Bars

Outdoor rooftop bars are special. Somehow, sitting under the stars on top of a roof makes sipping cocktails much more romantic, don’t you think? Here are some of our favorites:

Level 9 Roof Top Bar at the Indigo Hotel
The Rooftop By STK at the Andaz Hotel
Born and Raised
Altitude Sky Lounge
Mister A’s

Read our complete list of top San Diego Rooftop Bars here>>

Try Some Local Brews

San Diego breweries are renowned around the world and going on a brewery crawl is one of the best ways to enjoy a night out, whether you are going out with friends or on a date.

If you want to keep your date a bit more casual, you can invite them to an organized brewery tour. This option is perfect, as you don’t have to worry about driving and organizing anything. Just show up, drink beer, get to know your date, and have a good time.

Date Ideas in San Diego – Luxury Edition

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Pure romance. That’s what a hot air balloon ride is. Take your special someone on a ride above the clouds and make some really special memories.

I highly recommend going on a sunrise or sunset balloon ride, as the light and shadows down below and in the sky are simply breathtaking. Find a Groupon deal here>>

Plan a Staycation at a Luxury Beach House

A house directly by the beach is a dream for most people. Make this dream come true and rent one of these stunning beach houses in San Diego for a night and fall asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing.

RELAX – Luxury Spa Day

Take your date and enjoy a full day of bliss and pampering at a local spa. From couples massages to pools and jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms, this date idea is perfect if your loved one had a stressful time recently.

Spend some time with each other and let other people take care of you as the stress simply melts away. This is definitely one of the most relaxing San Diego date ideas on this list.

Another fun place to check out for getting a whole day of pampering is Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Read our full review on Glen Ivy Hot Springs here>>

Rent a Catamaran for a Sunset Bay Cruise

This date idea takes the good ol’ sunset bay cruise to the next level. Rent a private Catamaran for a sunset bay cruise. If you want, there is enough space to invite some friends or other couples for a double or triple date night.

Greg and I went on an amazing Catamaran bay cruise recently and it was so much fun. The company, Triton Charters, invited us on their catamaran for an epic sunset cruise on their Triton Catamaran. This Catamaran has space for up to 105 people, so this would be perfect for an engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or even a small wedding. Read our full review here>>

Watch the sunset from the water and enjoy the view of the San Diego skyline. That is a date night, your special someone will never forget!

A Night at the Del Makes Her Heart Swell

And last but not least, how about a little San Diego staycation? The Hotel Del Coronado is one of the most amazing hotels in Coronado, actually all of San Diego if you ask me.

Book a night or two at this iconic hotel and enjoy the time with your love, reconnect and relax together without the hassle of planning a big getaway. This is one of my favorite date ideas of all times. Classy. Luxurious. Simple. Find the best deal on your room at the Hotel Del here>>

According to Thrillist, San Diegan’s are flaky and non-committed daters and the competition is fierce. I have to disagree. Dating in San Diego is fun, active, and laid back. Whether you are looking for your forever sweetheart or just some fun in the sun, you can use these Date Ideas San Diego to win them over.

Date Ideas San Diego – Pin for Later:

Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Maria Haase

The post 30+ Unique & Fun Date Ideas San Diego: How to Plan the Perfect Date appeared first on San Diego Explorer.