8 Out Of The Box Date Night Ideas In San Diego
We all know how tedious planning a date night can sometimes be, even if you live in one of the coolest cities like San Diego. There are times when you want to try something different and would rather not just go to dinner and a movie…again. Sometimes it’s hard to find fun things to do that are different from the typical date night. Don’t worry though, I compiled a list of some of the best out of the box date night ideas in San Diego; eight of them actually. These different and unique date night ideas will bring out the adventurer and creative in both you and your partner. It’s time to date in San Diego differently.
1. Mural Hunting at Chicano Park
If you and your date love street art and culture then this is the date night idea for you. Chicano Park is a 32,000 square meter park that you can find beneath the Coronado Bridge in Barrio Logan. Nestled in the middle of a predominantly Chicano neighborhood, Chicano Park has some of the most amazing murals to see; they really are something else and there are a lot of them. The intricacy of colors and detail are best seen on a bright and sunny day. After you’ve gotten your art fix, stop by Las Cuatro Milpas for some of the best tamales San Diego has to offer. The tamales there are so good they run the store, and if your date enjoy good food then they’ll definitely enjoy this family ran shop.
2. Bonfire on the Beach
The best thing about San Diego is that there is always a beach just a car ride away. Whether you’re in Oceanside, Encinitas, or even Downtown you can always find a beach or bay front that has bonfire pits. All you need for this date night idea is some fire wood, a blanket or chairs, to pack your favorite snacks, drinks, and a speaker, and take your date to one of the fire pits around the city. The earlier you get there, the better. You can watch the sun set with your date while you enjoy a nice picnic, some good tunes, and each other’s company. Then hang around the fire until you run out of wood or the beach parking lot closes. This is one of my favorite San Diego date night ideas.
3. Ride a Speedboat in the Bay
In the San Diego Bay you can find yachts, sailboats, paddleboards, and even speedboats! If you and your date are looking for something adventurous and thrilling, then riding a speedboat through the bay is the perfect date night idea for you. The boat just accommodates the two of you, and even if you’ve never driven a speedboat before it’s still a really fun date idea. The crew will give you detailed instructions on how to drive the boat and you’ll be following a guide boat on your speedy little cruise. It’s thrilling, it’s exciting, and you and your date will have an amazing time.
4. Kayaking or Snorkeling in La Jolla
La Jolla Cove is one of the prettiest spots in San Diego. While walking along the cove and seeing the sealions is great, the views from the water are even better. Visiting La Jolla in general makes for a nice date night idea, but kayaking and snorkeling can make it an incredible date night idea. On a kayak tour, you and your date can explore the cove’s caves and see the wildlife that live there. If you decided to go fully for it, snorkeling with the leopard sharks is also a really fun time. You can swim out from the beach to the coast off of La Jolla Shores and see the resident sharks and other wildlife that lives in the water. This is the perfect date idea for you and your date if you’re ready to commit to water and exploring.
5. Trip to Julian
Julian, California is just a short 45 minute drive from the city and it is worth all the windy roads up the mountain. Known for it’s apple picking and apple pie, a trip to Julian is one of the quaintest date night ideas that San Diego has to offer. After you get your first slice of pie, you and your date can explore the little town which comes equipped with a diner. bookstore, brewery, and other cute little shops. Then head to one of the town’s orchards or pumpkin patches and collect your own basket of freshly picked apples or pumpkins. Return to the town for a pie to take home and a cup of apple cider; cold or hot. If you’re looking for a real country Fall and Christmas, Julian is perfect for dates at the end of the year, but it’s really a great spot to hit up at any time of the year.
6. Bike Along the Silver Strand
The Silver Strand Trail is a back trail that connects downtown to Coronado. It is perfect for all levels of biking, making it a great date night idea for you and your partner if you’re into getting some exercise while enjoying some fantastic views. You can peddle alongside one another and the Pacific Ocean until you reach Coronado. Once you get there, the trail continues through neighborhoods packed with luxurious homes and the occasional glimpse of the Coronado Bridge. Finally, you’ll reach Orange Ave, where you can visit some of Coronado’s best restaurants and shops. You can even pop over to Coronado beach and/or Hotel Del to finish off the date.
7. Hit Up a Speakeasy
San Diego has quite a few speakeasy bars to hit up on date night; you just have to find them. If you can find Prohibition Lounge, it is one of the best places to take a date. Disguised as the front of a law office downtown, the underground bar is a perfect date night idea. The cocktails are amazing, they have cute little couches that you can sit on, and the music is phenomenal. They play jazz, blues, and classic era tunes that you can either sit and listen to or even dance around to. It’s cozy and the lighting is romantic making it one of the best spots for an intimate date. There are a couple other speakeasy-like bars you can stop by also if Prohibition Lounge isn’t enough.
8. Go to a Farmer’s Market
Just like the abundance of beaches that San Diego has to offer, there is also an abundance of farmer’s markets. A perfect date night idea if you and your date are interested in spending your time shopping for the best local produce of San Diego. A perfect first date idea, too because it provides an opportunity to get to know each other while walking around and looking for yummy things to eat. There’s also something else to focus on if an awkward silence arises. It can also become a new tradition that you can continue together. Also a great date for seasoned partners who know that going to a farmer’s market is something that will make both of you happy. There’s nothing like picking up the ingredients for the dinner you’ll make together at the end of date night.
