10 Best Romantic Places in San Diego, California

romantic places in san diego
Chandana
Chandana 
Updated
| 3 min read

Whether you have just found the love of your life or you have been together for ages, it is essential to keep the romance alive in your relationship. While there are a good many ways of going about this - from buying your sweetheart expensive jewelry to going on a fantastic vacation to simply gaze into one another’s eyes – the most happiness is derived from the small things in life. These include exploring new places and finding new things to do together. Here are some romantic places in San Diego, that can bring you closer together – if that is even possible!

1. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove 29 2017-10-19
Source: Photo by user View more used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This beautiful cove and beach tucked away amid the soaring cliffs of the San Diego coastline is part of an ecologically rich marine reserve. The beautiful cliffs offer vantage overlook points that are perfect for romantic picnics. As the sun sets, there is nothing more romantic than a walk down the beach with your hands intertwined.

La Jolla Cave

Address: La Jolla Cove, California 92037

Opening hours: All day and night

Price: Free

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2. Little Italy

Another beautiful day at the Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market!

Posted by Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market on Thursday, 11 February 2016

No one does romance better than the Italians! That makes Little Italy the perfect choice for a cozy evening out in San Diego. Stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets of the area as you take in the sights and sounds. Find a charming eatery to enjoy an intimate candlelight dinner with some delicious food before you. With the number of pubs and restaurants lining the streets, you are sure to find something you like quickly!

Little Italy

Address: Downtown San Diego

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3. Tower23 Hotel


This luxury hotel on the beach is a great place for a romantic weekend or a memorable vacation to celebrate a special occasion. Book a suite or room with stunning ocean views and elegant furnishings to serenade your sweetheart. Opt for a couples massage in the comfort of your room and rejuvenate your senses. This is also an ideal location for renewing your vows and commitment to one another.

Tower23Hotel

Address: 723 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109

Website: Tower23Hotel

Price: 270 – 300 USD

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4. Bahia Belle Cruises

Throwback to this beautiful night the Bahia Belle was cruising Mission Bay! #TBT

Posted by Bahia Belle Cruise on Thursday, 21 September 2017

Take your dear one on a cocktail cruise aboard this towering sternwheeler boat. The open-air observation deck is a great spot to view the sunset as you enjoy each other’s company. As night falls, the boat turns into a night club complete with live entertainment and pulsating DJ music so you can dance to your heart’s content.

Bahia Belle Cruises

Address: 998 W Mission Bay Dr San Diego, CA 92109

Website: Bahia Belle Cruises

Opening hours: 6.30 pm – 12.30 am (Wed-Sun)

Price: 10 USD

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5. Bernardo Winery

The Bernardo Winery, San Diego, USA
Source: Photo by user Nvvchar used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The wine has been a quintessential part of romance. So, why not spend a day at a charming winery, far away from the chaos of city life. Walk hand in hand through vineyards, olive trees, and old buildings. Enjoy a wine tasting session at the winery that produces the beverage on site. Savor a leisurely lunch before heading back.

Bernardo Winery

Address: 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte San Diego, CA 92128

Website: Bernardo Winery

Opening hours: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

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6. South Bay drive-in theater

South Bay Drive-In Theater and Swap Meet
Source: Photo by user Visitor7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Catch a movie at one of the drive-in theaters that San Diego is known for. Cuddling up with your sweetheart with a bucket of popcorn, as you watch the big screen come alive is a magical experience like no other. With drive-in theaters on the decline, this might soon become a rare occurrence!

South Bay drive-in theater

Address: 2170 Coronado Ave San Diego, CA 92154

Website: South Bay drive-in theater

Opening hours: 7.00 pm -10.00 pm (Mon-Thu/Sun), 7.00 pm – 12.00 am (Sat)

Price: 9 USD

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7. The Prado at Balboa Park


Wander through the attractions in Balboa Park before you make your way to The Prado. This full-service restaurant is perfect for a relaxing dinner where you can spend quality time together. The beautiful décor is a blend of the historical and the whimsical while the cuisine on offer is varied and includes creative entrees to tease your appetite.

The Prado at Balboa Park

Address: 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101

Website: The Prado at Balboa Park

Opening hours: 11.30 am – 3.00 pm (Mon), 11.30 am – 9.00 pm (Tue-Thu/Sun), 11.30 am – 9.30 pm (Fri), 11.00 am – 9.30 pm (Sat)

Price: 11 - 30 USD

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8. Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument-San Diego
Source: Photo by user Robert Arends used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A treasure trove of natural and cultural resources, this national park offers stunning views of the city skyline and the harbor. There are plenty of picnic spots from where you can glimpse the ocean and the rugged coastline. The park also has two lighthouses and a visitor center with interesting exhibits.

Cabrillo National Monument

Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr San Diego, CA 92106

Website: Cabrillo National Monument

Opening hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Price: 10 - 100 USD

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9. Seaport Village

Seaport Village
Source: Photo by Flickr user Cindy Devin used under CC BY 2.0

This picturesque waterfront complex offers you numerous shops, eateries, and outdoor entertainment. Stroll across the complex that has been built to resemble a harbor side setting of a bygone era. Sit a while and watch some of the live performers as they display their talent or enjoy snacks or a meal in the outdoor seating areas.

Seaport Village

Address: 849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Website: Seaport Village

Opening hours: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm (Jun-Aug), 10.00 am – 9.00 pm (Sep-May)

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10. Ellen Browning Scripps Park

Ellen browning scripps park in La Jolla
Source: Photo by user Jon Sullivan used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Feel the wind caress your hair as you stroll hand-in-hand across this lovely park. A popular spot for weddings, this has been adjudged the most photographed spot in the city by AAA magazine. Situated just a short distance from La Jolla Cove, it can’t get any more picturesque than this!

Ellen Browning Scripps Park

Address: 1133 Coast Blvd La Jolla, CA 92039 La Jolla

Website: Ellen Browning Scripps Park

Opening hours: 4.00 am – 8.00 pm

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Keep the romance going

Even the smallest romantic gesture can go a long way in communicating your feelings to your partner. So, don’t delay and take your pick of these romantic places in San Diego to visit.

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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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Chandana is a versatile writer with nearly two decades of experience in media, spanning clients across the globe. An avid traveler, she enjoys experiencing every new place to the fullest. Having...Read more

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