Best Valentine’s Day Date Locations
America’s finest city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains, and parks. With the abundance of natural beauty available to us, you can imagine how many romantic spots there are. You can spend quality time with a special someone enjoying a vibrant sunset, tasting America’s best apple pies, or even sipping on some locally produced vino. Next time you are trying to impress a date, take them to one of these ten magnificent locations right here in San Diego’s back yard. (Image by stevekc)
- La Jolla Cove: Hands down, the favorite of locals is to enjoy the natural beauty of La Jolla Cove. You can rent a tandem kayak and spend your day wandering around the cove gazing at schools of fish, leopard sharks, seals, and even an occasional group of dolphins playing in the waves. The local coffee shops and restaurants are a perfect way to end a wonderful day of playing in the ocean and watch a spectacular sunset.
- Mount Soledad: Over 800 feet above sea level is a mountain that offers visitors a 360 degree view of San Diego. Located in La Jolla, it is home to one of the most well known monuments in Southern California, the Mount Soledad Cross and Veteran’s Memorial. Although the cross is slightly controversial, the open air park surrounding it is unquestionably the best viewpoint San Diego has to offer. Enjoy the downtown skyline to the south, vast Pacific Ocean to the west, quaint beach towns to the north, and snow capped mountains to the east.
- Coronado Gondola Rides: Coronado Island is already one of San Diego’s top destinations for couples, but you can make that extra effort to be romantic by reserving a traditional Venetian gondola ride. You can experience the romance of Venice right here in San Diego, weaving your way through the canals of Coronado. It is as close to the real thing as possible with a traditionally clothed gondolier, Italian music, champagne, and a one of a kind sunset that only Coronado Island could offer its visitors.
- Kate Sessions Park: Just north of the famous Mission Bay is a large recreation park atop a small hill; just high enough to give you panoramic views of the bay and downtown San Diego. The spacious park is a popular hangout for recreation clubs playing sports on the weekends or families and friends having a barbecue in the perfect Southern California weather. For couples wanting a romantic evening, bring a picnic basket and a bottle of wine to the top just in time for a sunset that reflects off of the magnificent bay and downtown skyline. If you plan in advance and stay until dark, you can catch a free fireworks show from Sea World across the bay.
- Wine Tasting in Temecula: San Diego is home to California’s second most popular wine country, the Temecula Valley. Impress your date with an all day trip out to Temecula, either visiting one of your favorite vineyards or bouncing between a few of them. Sipping on some wine with miles of grape vines and a backdrop filled with mountains will guarantee a romantic day.
- The Prado at Balboa Park: In the heart of San Diego is Balboa Park, built in 1915 for the World Fair. The Prado area is a pedestrian walkway lined with museums with old mission style architecture. Once the sun begins to set, the park begins to glow like nothing you have ever seen before.
- The Bahia Belle: One of the cheapest and most romantic spots in the area is aboard a Mississippi style stern wheeler. The vessel moves slowly through Mission Bay between the Bahia and Catamaran hotels. For only $6, you can enjoy lovely music, sip some cocktails, and watch the sun set over the bay.
- Julian Apple Pie: Locals all know where the best apple pies come from: Julian. The small mountain town about one and a half hours away is home to Mom’s Apple Pies, the best pie shop in all of the United States. Make it a romantic day and meander around the antique stores and apple pie shops. When the temperature begins to drop, order a glass of the finest apple cider you will ever taste.
- Sunset Cliffs: San Diego is home to some of the most spectacular sunsets, but only one place holds the crown as the top spot. Drive out on the Point Loma peninsula and park your car right on the cliffs. There are 68 acres of walkways overlooking the bluffs with amazing surfing far below. Take a seat on the sandstone and watch the sun slowly disappear while turning the sky into a painting like mural full of vibrant colors.
- Drive-in Movie: A long lost tradition for a romantic night out is to pull your car right up to the movie, turn your radio to the proper channel, and lower the bed of your truck where you can cozy up and enjoy a show under the stars. Only two drive-in theatres still exist, in Santee and South Bay.














