Top 46 Fun Date Ideas in San Diego
Looking for fun date ideas in San Diego? Look no further! We put together a list of the top 46 fun date ideas in San Diego. There are so many things to do in San Diego from a thrilling boat tour of the San Diego bay to hot air ballooning over the city.
But not all fun date ideas in San Diego are equal, and we have some standout favorites.
Here are our favorite top date night ideas in San Diego:
- Explore the San Diego Bay on a boat tour
- San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
- Make a trip to Coronado with an electric GoCar
- Ax throwing
- Check out the mountains in Julian
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Wine tasting in Temecula
- Romantic Gondola ride in Coronado
- Paint a masterpiece while drinking wine
- Visit Bayview Park in Coronado
Other types of fun date ideas in San Diego:
Adventurous Date Ideas
Relaxing Date Ideas
Indoor Date Ideas
Outdoor Date Ideas
Explore San Diego Bay on a Boat Tour
Set out on the water as your own captain on a high-adrenaline boat ride in San Diego! Zip along the coastline and take in the stunning views of area attractions like the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, and of course, the iconic downtown skyline. No other boat rental in San Diego packs this much excitement and sightseeing into a two-hour tour.
San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
Spend the day at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. They’re about 40 minutes apart from each other so it may be difficult to complete both on the same day. You can touch kangaroos and wallabies without paying anything more than your general Safari Park admission. The only restriction is that they have to come to you. And you have to stay on the walking paths. But it does happen!
Make a Trip to Coronado Island With an Electric Car
Coronado Island is one of the top coastal retreats in San Diego. One quintessential aspect of Coronado is its theater district. There are various arts and theaters such as the Lamb’s Players Theatre, the Village Theater and the Coronado Playhouse, all of which have plays and other live performances year-round.
Courtesy of Baltimore Magazine.
Ax Throwing
Perfect for any date night but especially great for a first date! There are a few places to go in San Diego, make sure to make reservations so you won’t have to wait too long. Great way to get to know each other while learning a fun new skill.
Courtesy of San Diego Travel Blog – San Diego Tourism
Check Out the Mountains in Julian
Getaway from the busy city life and take in the fresh air and beautiful scenery in the mountains. Julian is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains just an hour east of Downtown San Diego. The drive to Julian is full of breathtaking views with changing landscapes. Stop for lunch, go apple picking, take a bite of Julian’s famous apple pie, take a hike and much more.
Courtesy of Tripsavvy
Cabrillo National Monument
Drive up to Cabrillo National Monument for a 360 view of San Diego. Learn about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and how he discovered the San Diego Bay, take photos or drive down to visit the Point Loma Tidepools.
Wine Tasting in Temecula
Drive up to Temecula for a day full of wine, eating and adventures. Take a jeep winery tour, hot air balloon over the wine country or dinner at a winery.
Courtesy of xpierencedays.com
Romantic Gondola Ride in Coronado
Not ready to take your date overseas? Don’t worry! You can take them right over to Coronado for a romantic gondola ride. Indulge in all the magic and tradition of Venice right here in San Diego as you gently cruise in a private romantic gondola through the enchanting canals of the Coronado Cays.
Courtesy of valleyjcc
Paint a Masterpiece While Drinking Wine
Best way to figure out your dates artistic abilities early on! Let loose and laugh your way through a creative night painting while enjoying local wines.
Visit Bayview Park on Coronado
Grab a hot beverage, warm clothes, and maybe a blanket before heading to Bayview Park. Wait until after sunset to see the entire Downtown San Diego skyline light up.
Adventurous Date Ideas in San Diego
Courtesy of SFGate
Swim With Sharks
If swimming with sharks is on your bucket list, make sure to do this while at La Jolla Shores. If you’re afraid of sharks don’t worry, the only sharks we see at the Cove nowadays are the harmless leopard sharks. The end of August and September are the best time to go and swim with these sharks. Make sure to go during the day when the water is calm and there is good visibility.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Take your relationship to new heights on an exhilarating hot air balloon ride.
Courtesy of BusinessWire
Belmont Park
Enjoy Mission Beach’s amusement park right on the boardwalk. Take a ride on the coaster, go to an escape room, or play mini-golf.
Courtesy of Xingzhao Wen
Go to the Secret Swing in La Jolla
Hidden up the hill from Sea Birch Aquarium is a local gem in La Jolla. Take a trip into La Jolla to find these secret swings with an incredible view of La Jolla.
Paraglide at Torrey Pines Gliderport
Cross this off of your bucket list for a fun date day! Take in the beautiful cliffs in La Jolla as you soar.
Courtesy of adrenaline.com
Take a Helicopter Tour
SoCal is known for its beautiful beaches and landscapes. See it all of San Diego from the sky.
Courtesy of San Diego Sky Tours
BIPLANE RIDE IN SAN DIEGO
Not a fan of helicopters? Take a biplane ride to experience epic aerial views of San Diego.
Courtesy of adventureribrides
Whale Watching
Take a boat tour out to the open seas to search for whales! You won’t see much on the bigger vessels so opt-in for the smaller groups on the RIB boats in San Diego.
Courtesy of San Diego Tourism
Go on the Bahia Belle
Cruise Mission Bay on the Bahia Belle. A scenic and romantic way to see Mission Bay. Hop on the Bahai Belle at the Catamaran Hotel or the Bahia Hotel. Enjoy food, drinks, and live music.
Relaxing Date Ideas in San Diego
Take a Spa Day
Relax and reset with a Spa Day in San Diego. It’s a great way to recenter mentally and physically. Here are a few of our favorite spas in San Diego: The Spa at Estancia La Jolla, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, The Chopra Center Spa, Spa Kingston, and Saffron & Sage.
Courtesy of Roots Rated
Watch the Sunset
There’s no better spot to watch the sunset than at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Walk along one of the cliffside trails or find a spot to sit down and watch the sunset. Check out the nearby restaurants in Ocean Beach for dinner and drinks. Some popular spots are Hodad’s, Wonderland, OB noodle house, Ragland’s, and Pizza Port.
Courtesy of chefsfeed
Dessert at Salt & Straw
Located right in Little Italy is the popular delicious ice cream spot, Salt & Straw. Their incredible ice cream flavors make this place the new standard to beat.
Beach Bonfire
Pack up and head to the beach for a bonfire. Bonfire pits are available in Ocean Beach, Coronado Island, La Jolla Shores and Mission Beach.
Courtesy of blog.sandiego.org
Go To a Tiki Bar in Pacific Beach
Surprise your date at this Pacific Beach speakeasy. Also, their rum drinks can be pretty strong so make sure to grab some food while you’re there too.
Get Dinner in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
If you’re craving some delicious Mexican cuisine, then head over to Old Town! Our favorite is Miguel’s Cocina and Cafe Coyote.
Get some Vitamin Sea at the Beach
There’s a perfect beach for everyone here in San Diego. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach head over to Coronado, La Jolla Shores, and/or Mission Beach by Belmont Park. If you are a surfer wanting to shred the gnarr… check out the beaches in Ocean Beach or near Scripps Pier. Other popular beaches are Windansea, Pacific Beach, and Marine Street.
Courtesy of the Hornblower
Sunset Cruise on the Harbor
Take a sunset dinner cruise down on the San Diego harbor. Enjoy dinner and drinks on the water while watching the sunset.
Dine Out in Little Italy
Grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants in Little Italy. You’ll find seafood and Italian restaurants, dessert spots and more. Here are the top restaurants to eat at now: Kettner Exchange, Juniper & Ivy, Born & Raised and the Crack Shack.
Courtesy of the San Diego Union Tribune
Brunch at Morning Glory
Visit the top brunch spot in San Diego right down in Little Italy.
Indoor San Diego Date Ideas
Maritime Museum
Leap aboard one or more of the historic ships at the Maritime Museum. Learn about what life would have been like aboard one of these historic vessels. Make sure to explore the oldest active sailing ship, The Star of India.
USS Midway
The USS Midway is a naval aircraft carrier located in Downtown San Diego. Take a few hours to explore over 60 exhibit areas on the USS Midway. Take one of our boat rides in San Diego to see the USS Midway from a different perspective.
Courtesy of yelp
Go Rock Climbing
Strengthen your relationship and trust at Vertical Hold, the Grotto or Mesa Rim. These gyms also have yoga studios, climbing clinics, slacklines, fitness facilities, and more.
Courtesy of the Sugar Factory
Sugar Factory
Get a sugar rush together at the Sugar Factory in Downtown San Diego.
Courtesy of Pechanga Arena
Attend an Event at Panchanga Arena
Watch the San Diego Gulls play, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, concerts and more at the Pechanga Arena.
Laser Tag
It’s fun, it can be a workout and it’s cheap! Grab a bite to eat afterwards.
Courtesy of American Comedy Club
Have a Laugh Together
The American Comedy club has open mic nights and professionals come and perform. They usually have a 2-drink minimum here so be ready to have a few drinks.
Courtesy of Ritz Carlton
Get Lucky at the Casino
Head east to Barona or Sycuan Casino to test your luck. Play some blackjack, eat at the buffet and try not to spend too much money.
Courtesy of Thrillist
Play Games at Coin-Op Game Room
Go play at the first arcade bar in San Diego. Located in the heart of North Park. Head over there for date night to play games, eat food, and grab a drink.
Outdoor Date Ideas
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, restaurants, theaters, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, gardens, trails, concert venues and more! Visit one of their museums, walk around and explore or have a picnic and enjoy lunch right in front of the botanical building and the lily pond.
Take a Hike
Torrey Pines State Reserve has one is one of the most beautiful hikes in San Diego. It has various trails that even lead down to the beach! We recommend parking your car in the free spots just outside of the entrance. Walk through the main gate and begin hiking up through the trails, find the trail that takes you down to the beach and walk along the beach all the way back to your vehicle.
Watch a Movie Together
Would you rather watch a movie in a pool, rooftop or under the stars? In San Diego, you can do all three! Check out the Rooftop Cinema at the Grand Hyatt, the Pearl Hotel for a Dive-in movie or the Cinema Under the Stars.
Seaworld
Enjoy exciting rides, shows, aquariums and visit sea animals. Take the SeaWorld Bayside Skyride to get a beautiful view of Mission Bay and SeaWorld from up high. Make sure to try out the new Electric Eel ride.
Explore Coronado Island
Go explore California’s Crown Jewel, Coronado Island. Grab lunch or dinner on the Sun Deck at Hotel del while watching the sunset, grab ice cream at MooTime Creamery, go on a boat tour, walk the beach or bike the island. There’s an endless number of ways to spend your day or night here.
Picnic at the Fish Market
Stop by the Fish Market for a warm loaf of bread and some fresh salmon. Enjoy your food while sitting out on the waterfront at Tuna Harbor Park.
Courtesy of discovery.hotelindigo.com
Explore Gaslamp Quarter
Right next to the San Diego convention center and Petco Park is the Gaslamp Quarter. Take your date to one of the many restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter. Popular places to grab a drink in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Tipsy Crow, Rustic Root, and Double Deuce.
Courtesy of GreatRuns
Go on a Run on the Boardwalk
If you’re a couple that enjoys working out together take a run on the boardwalk in Mission and Pacific Beach. You can start your run on the mission bayside and run your way over to the beachside.