8 Romantic Things to Do in San Diego
San Diego is made for couples. The weather is nice almost every day of the year, the coast is beautiful and the pace is relaxed. You can spend the morning on a beach, the afternoon in a garden and the evening on a patio with the ocean in view.
In this guide
- 1. Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs
- 2. Wander Balboa Park
- 3. Kayak the sea caves at La Jolla
- 4. Bike around Coronado
- 5. Have dinner in Little Italy
- 6. Hike Torrey Pines together
- 7. Explore Point Loma’s tide pools and lighthouse
- 8. Take a sunset cruise on the bay
- A simple romantic weekend plan
- A few small splurges worth it
- Where to stay as a couple
- Common questions
It’s also more varied than people expect. Here are eight romantic things to do, from easy sunset spots to a few small adventures.
1. Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs
The name says it all. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in Point Loma is a stretch of sandstone bluffs above the Pacific, with arches, sea caves and waves crashing below. It’s free, and it’s the best sunset spot in the city.
Bring a blanket and some snacks, find a spot on the bluffs and watch the sun go down. Stay back from the edge, since the cliffs can crumble. Afterward, grab dinner in nearby Ocean Beach.
2. Wander Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre park in the middle of the city, with Spanish-style buildings, gardens and 17 museums. Walking through it together is free and lovely.
Start at the Botanical Building and its long lily pond, one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. Then visit the Japanese Friendship Garden and the rose garden. On Sundays, there’s often a free organ concert at the outdoor Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
3. Kayak the sea caves at La Jolla
La Jolla Cove is a small beach surrounded by cliffs, with some of the clearest water in Southern California. It’s part of a protected marine reserve, so you’ll see sea lions on the rocks and bright orange garibaldi fish in the water.
Book a guided kayak tour for two to paddle out to the seven sea caves. In summer, you might even see leopard sharks, which are harmless. Afterward, walk along the coastal path and grab lunch in the village.
4. Bike around Coronado
Coronado feels like a small beach town, even though it’s just across the bay from downtown. Take the ferry over, rent bikes and ride along the bay and the beach.
The Hotel del Coronado is the star here. It opened in 1888 and has hosted presidents and movie stars. Even if you’re not staying, walk through the lobby and have a drink on the terrace. Coronado Beach, with its sparkly sand, is one of the best in the country.
5. Have dinner in Little Italy
Little Italy is one of the most charming neighborhoods in San Diego. It’s full of restaurants with outdoor patios, wine bars and gelato shops. On weekend evenings, the streets are lively but not crazy.
On Saturday mornings, the Little Italy Mercato is one of the best farmers’ markets in the city. In the evening, book a table somewhere along India Street or around the Piazza della Famiglia. Finish with a walk down to the waterfront.
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6. Hike Torrey Pines together
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve protects one of the rarest pine trees in the US, set on sandstone cliffs above the ocean. The trails are short and easy, and the views are big.
The Guy Fleming Trail is less than a mile and has great ocean views. For something a bit longer, take the Beach Trail down to the sand and walk back along the shore at low tide. Get there early, since parking fills up.
7. Explore Point Loma’s tide pools and lighthouse
Cabrillo National Monument sits at the tip of Point Loma, with views across the bay to downtown and Coronado. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, is open to visitors and has been restored inside.
Below, on the ocean side, are some of the best tide pools in California. Check the tide chart and go at low tide to see sea anemones, crabs and octopuses. From December to March, you might spot gray whales migrating offshore.
8. Take a sunset cruise on the bay
A sunset cruise on San Diego Bay is a classic romantic plan. Many companies offer short sailing trips or dinner cruises from the waterfront near downtown. You’ll pass the USS Midway, the Coronado Bridge and the city skyline as the lights come on.
For something simpler, take the Coronado ferry at sunset. It’s cheap, and the views are almost the same.
A simple romantic weekend plan
Day one: Spend the morning in Balboa Park, then head to Little Italy for a long lunch. In the late afternoon, drive out to Point Loma for the lighthouse, and finish at Sunset Cliffs as the sun goes down. Dinner in Ocean Beach is casual and fun.
Day two: Get to La Jolla early for kayaking, then hike Torrey Pines before the parking lot fills. Clean up, take the ferry to Coronado and end with drinks at the Hotel Del, or a sunset cruise on the bay if you’ve booked one.
Day three: If you have it, keep it slow. Brunch, a beach walk and nothing scheduled is a perfectly good plan in a city this pleasant.
A few small splurges worth it
If the budget allows, book an ocean-view dinner in La Jolla at sunset. It’s pricey, but it’s one of those meals you remember. A couples massage at a Coronado or La Jolla spa is another good treat. And for something different, a short hot air balloon ride over the Del Mar hills at sunset is about as romantic as it gets in Southern California.
Where to stay as a couple
La Jolla is the most romantic area, with ocean-view hotels and great restaurants, but it’s pricey. Coronado is relaxed and beachy. Downtown and Little Italy are best if you want to walk to dinner and nightlife. Prices are highest in summer, so spring and fall are the best value.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
Any time, really. September and October are especially nice, with warm water and fewer crowds.
Do we need a car?
It helps for La Jolla and Torrey Pines. Downtown, Little Italy and Coronado are easy without one.
What’s the most romantic area?
La Jolla, for its coastline, sunsets and ocean-view dining.
Can we see whales?
Yes. Gray whales pass from December to March, and blue whales are often seen in summer.
How many days do we need?
Three or four days lets you enjoy the highlights at a relaxed pace.
