Top 10 Date Night Ideas In San Diego, California

date night ideas in san diego
Alina
Alina 
Updated
| 4 min read

We have all been there planning for a perfect date. You would obviously like to impress your date with that ‘unforgettable experience’ but even with much thought and effort spent into date ideas, you would always find yourselves at the same old movies or fancy restaurant. It is not always easy to come up with date ideas so we have compiled a few ideas that are great for people seeking an adventurous hopeless romantic night out. Whether it is your first date or celebrating an anniversary, we have got some inspiration for you! Here are the top date night ideas in San Diego, California.

1. Dress up and drop by Prohibition Lounge

Doors are open! Let’s show Friday the 13th what’s up!

Posted by Prohibition San Diego on Friday, 13 March 2020

Suit up, slip on an elegant pair of dress and get yourself ready for a night of dancing because this is the perfect place for dates to take place, especially ideal for first dates. For starters, there’s alcohol which means you will loosen up after a couple of drinks but make sure not to have too much! This basement lounge has a hidden entrance which gives off a 1920’s speakeasy vibe and they have amazing live music all night long. They also get really creative with their cocktails and their happy hour lasts till 8pm! How awesome is that?

Prohibition Lounge

Address: 548 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Website: Prohibition Lounge

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2. Embark on a sunset sail (from USD 115.0)

Nothing beats catching the golden hour. This might seem like something out of a rom-com movie but it is something everyone should do! Experience the panoramic views together by going on a sunset sail at the San Diego bay. This three-hour-long nautical activity will leave you mesmerised as you discover the beauty this city has to offer. If you are lucky enough, you could spot dolphins along the way. You will get unlimited complimentary beverages and light snacks during the trip. Overall, this will allow you and your partner to unwind and potentially strike up a heart-to-heart conversation.

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San Diego's Best-Kept Secret: Sunset Sail Aboard A Classic Yacht

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

230 reviews

3. Take a walk around Balboa Park

Balboa Park Botanical Building 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard Gagnon used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A perfect adventure for couples that are nature lovers, Balboa Park is a huge green oasis in the middle of the city. It is home to natural vegetation zones, Chinese gardens and the city’s renowned San Diego zoo and many more. You could host a romantic picnic here or perhaps just take a stroll around the park. Don’t worry there are many sights to explore together, so head down to this scenic local park that will take your breath away.

Balboa Park

Address: San Diego, CA, United States

Website: Balboa Park

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4. Watch a play at Broadway San Diego


Try something different and check out some of the performances at Broadway San Diego. It would be so much memorable than spending a night of Netflix and chill. Personally, I find Broadway musicals an experience like no other and it is important to pick the right production for each particular date. Join them for shows like “Pretty Woman” or “Crazy for You”!

Broadway San Diego

Address: 3651 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

Website: Broadway San Diego

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California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

5. Take your love out on a dinner cruise (from USD 117.0)

Looking to do something extravagant for your date? Book to experience a fine dinner at sea. It is ideal for celebrating special occasions like an anniversary or Valentine’s Day. On this tour, you will be aboard a luxurious yacht served with a gourmet three-course dinner whilst admiring the city lights and skyline. This date idea is a little on the pricey side but you will bypass that if you’re spending it with the one.

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San Diego Dinner Cruise

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

247 reviews

6. Hike Torrey Pines State Reserve Beach Trail

Sunset hike
Source: Need Pix

It’s all part of the excitement exploring somewhere new with your partner. Take a hike at Torrey Pines State Beach Trail during sunset to show your date how active and romantic you can get. It is a great idea for couples who need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The Torrey Pines State Reserve has an Oceanside trail that leads you to its beach. This hour-and-a-half hike through the trail allows you to discover the unique beauty of nature. This hike has an easy to difficulty level so it wouldn’t be challenging for many. Better yet, bring along a beach towel and some snacks for a well-deserved swim after the hike.

Torrey Pines State Reserve Beach Trail

Address: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

Website: Torrey Pines State Reserve Beach Trail

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7. Play well on a Sunset Trivia Night

Posted by Sunset Trivia on Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Spend your date night with Sunset Trivia where they host the best live trivia events. Trivia nights can be fun and it’s more than just working together as a team but how it helps bond the both of you together. Like for example, getting to know your mutual likings/dislikes or showing off your intellectual skills. Here at Sunset Trivia, they host weekly themed Trivia events on Wednesday with reasonable questions and each game lasts about an hour. Time to put on those thinking caps!

Sunset Trivia Night

Address: 1562 Chalcedony St, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

Website: Sunset Trivia Night

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8. Make it a unique night at South Bay Drive-in Theatre


Let me tell you exactly why a drive-in theatre is the cutest date idea of all time. It is something different from what you have experienced before. You could talk as loud as you want or laugh until you snort. There are even double features and plenty of snacks to choose from. Don’t you feel like it is way more exciting than a date night at the cinemas? Drive-in to South Bay Drive-in theatre to experience the one-of-a-kind drive-ins. For roughly about USD9, you will get screens that show movies. On top of that, the drive-in has affordable food and antiques sold. I mean you could even bring your own food and snacks (that’s right, anything you are craving for, the possibilities are endless).

South Bay Drive-in Theatre

Address: 2170 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154, United States

Website: South Bay Drive-in Theatre

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9. Keep rocking at Humphrey's by the Bay

Who's ready for Glass Animals with special guest Amber Mark?

Posted by Humphreys Concerts by the bay on Tuesday, 19 September 2017

For music geeks, this next suggestion on the list might entice you. Enjoy the hotel packages at Humphrey’s by the bay where it includes dinner for two prior to the concert and overnight accommodation at their inn. Their outdoor theatre has beautiful floral decors and beautiful views during sunset. This waterfront venue always has an amazing line-up of musicians playing and they have an in-seat drinks service during the show.

Humphrey's by the Bay

Address: 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, United States

Website: Humphrey’s by the Bay

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10. Attend a magic show at Red Spade Theatre

date night ideas in san diego | attend a magic show at red spade theatre
Source: instagram

Get ready for your mind to be blown because hosted every Fridays and Saturdays are magic shows at the Red Spade Theatre. Sebastian, the magician get everyone actively participating and his tricks are so smooth it would leave the both of you in awe. His intimate magic shows are great for a date night and they are entertaining.

Red Spade Theatre

Address: B, 2539 Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States

Website: Red Spade Theatre

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Have fun galore in San Diego

Well with that said, here is the list of special romantic date ideas! No matter what the outcome is, just remember to have fun and enjoy yourself. This mindset will allow you to walk away with cherishable memories.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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