11 Unique Date Ideas In San Diego

Contrary to popular opinion, dates in San Diego aren’t hard to plan. Everywhere you look, there’s a new option you hadn’t thought of yet. Strolling through Balboa Park and checking out the animals at the San Diego Zoo—despite being cool options—are so “been there, done that.” All you need to do is up your planning game. It doesn’t matter if you're on your first date or the hundredth, these date ideas in San Diego will do the trick. 

Cute First Date Ideas In San Diego

1. Have Fun at Seaport Village

First dates are supposed to be all about getting to know each other and enjoying each other’s company, and we can’t think of a more fun date idea in San Diego than heading to Seport Village. Gorgeous streets, delicious food, and dozens of fun activities make this destination unique. Break the ice during lunch, ride the carousel for #selfies, and check out the galleries along the way—you’ll never run out of things to do. 

2. Take a Stroll at the San Diego Botanic Garden

Nothing beats a good stroll with your crush, especially when you're surrounded by gorgeous flora. The San Diego Botanic Garden is a hidden gem that’ll totally land you a second date. As one of the most romantic places in San Diego, the botanical garden features more than four miles of trails, 29 gardens, and 5,000 species of trees, palms, and bamboos—all this and more make for an incredible first date idea in San Diego. 

3. Plan a Picnic at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Going to a fancy restaurant is a great first date plan, but so is preparing snacks and enjoying them with unbeatable coastal views. This is where the gorgeous Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is your wingman Featuring spectacular views of the best beaches in San Diego, this park is where your picnic will impress. Grab a picnic basket, find a shady spot, and don’t forget that gingham blanket—the photo ops are super Instagrammable.  

4. Go on a Sunset Horseback Ride

You know better than to disappoint your crush. One of the most romantic things to do in San Diego on a first date is going on a sunset horseback ride. Ponyland San Diego has it all planned out for you, so all you need to do is pick up your date and head towards the beach. Being in the great outdoors is always a romantic way to spend time with your partner—they won’t see this one coming.

5. Go Coffee Tasting at Cafe Virtuoso

You’ve heard of olive oil tasting, but did you know you can do the same with coffee? For an out-of-the-box first date idea in San Diego, opt for coffee tasting to put a twist on the traditional outing. Cafe Virtuoso is your go-to spot for the best experience ever. Try out as many organic coffees as you can at one of the best coffee shops in the area, and we promise you’ll have the time of your life.  

6. Hike the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

Do you and your date love going on hikes? You’ll love trekking the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. There’s a reason why this 7.4-mile trail is considered one of the best hiking spots in San Diego—the views are breathtaking, it’s pretty easy to tackle, and you can bring your pup with you. Enjoy the vistas and each other's company as you bask in the glory of nature around you. 

Date Night Ideas in San Diego For Your Anniversary

7. Ride the Roller Coaster at Belmont Park 

Belmont Park is our definition of the perfect date night idea in San Diego, especially if you haven’t gotten an adrenaline rush in a long time—what you two need is the kind of fun that’ll bring out your inner child. Scream at the top of your lungs out on the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, bump into each other on the Krazy Cars, and snap a pic of you two on the Liberty Carousel. There will be screaming, there will be a lot of adrenaline rush, and there will be a lot of fun.

8. Be Crowned as Trivia King and Queen at Shakespeare Pub

There’s always that couple that gets extra competitive on game nights, and if you don’t know anyone like that, that means you’re probably that couple. We suggest going to Shakespeare Pub; trivia nights at this famous pub are pretty exciting. Score points in different categories like music, general knowledge, and more. Put your brains to the test as you two celebrate your anniversary on your date night in San Diego. 

9. Take the Ferry to Coronado

Want to take your date out on a romantic dinner but don’t want it to be cliche? Add a ferry ride to Coronado to the mix and you’ll have your romantic anniversary date night planned down to a T. Flagship Cruise and Events will take you to Coronado, where you get to enjoy a dinner at any of the city’s many world-class restaurants. Trust us when we say your efforts will definitely not go unnoticed. 

10. Enjoy Extraordinary Live Music at The Shout! House  

Ready for the best live music show in San Diego? Take your date to The Shout! House. Here, pianists duel at your request while you enjoy a fine dining experience. You can even join the performers on stage and show off your talents. Sing, dance, dine, and shout if you want, as long as you enjoy the full experience—we can’t think of a better way to spend your anniversary and swoon your boo.

11. Dine and Play at Punch Bowl Social

Going out on an anniversary date in San Diego might get a little tricky if you haven’t decided what kind of an outing you’re planning. We recommend fine dining paired with an arcade, bowling, and a little bit of karaoke, and the Punch Bowl Social will give you the ultimate experience. Sure, there are plenty of spots with good food and fun activities, but no place combines them as smoothly as Punch Bowl Social.