Love in one of America's Finest Cities: A Guide to Unique and Memorable San Diego Dates
8 minute read
If you’re looking to find love in America’s Finest City, the odds are in your favor. San Diego, California, is celebrated for year-round warm temperatures, sunny coastlines, delicious cuisine, and attractive singles. As the eighth-largest city in the United States, the City of San Diego has 1.4 million residents, a diverse population, the nation's largest military community, and a talented workforce of young professionals, mostly single and looking for connection.
A recent study comparing 182 US cities, ranked San Diego as one of the top places for singles in the United States based on a 35 key indicator assessment including the percentage of singles, city economy, single-friendly environment, attractions, social events, and cost of living. Cassandra Happe, a researcher on the study, noted the significant impact that city dynamics can have on one's love life, emphasizing the correlation between a high population of singles, engaging activities, and the likelihood of finding someone with shared interests. “If a city has a high population of singles and is packed with activities that you’ll enjoy, then you’ll have a better chance to meet someone with similar interests and can go on higher-quality dates.”
With that in mind, San Diego is the perfect city to find your person. There is no shortage of things to do from restaurant openings to horse races to music festivals (sometimes 3 in one weekend!), beaches, whale watching, and even paragliding off the coastal cliffs. San Diego has an unlimited supply of unique and exciting activities to choose from, for every kind of interest and preference.
In a city like San Diego, the date options are endless for all preferences, from outdoor and adventurous to intimate and luxury - when it comes to fun and interesting date spots, this coastal city has it all! Not sure where to start? Check out our list of our favorite SD date ideas that are certain to help you score a second date.
Why San Diego is a Top Destination for Romance?
1. Craft Cocktails and Live Jazz at the Lafayette Hotel
The newly redecorated Lafayette hotel is the newest (and oldest) hotspot in town, that is the perfect spot for a first, second, or third date. Built in 1946, the Lafayette now hosts multiple chic speak-easy style bars and candlelit restaurants with gilded ceilings and grandiose baroque decor. Mixology masters craft vintage inspired cocktails among free arcade games and bowling. Downstairs from the lobby is Lou Lou's Club and Ballroom, a jazz and supper club, promises swanky vibes and sets the mood for a nostalgic journey back to the 1920s. With a 20-foot glass clamshell stage and sunken dancefloor, where you can relax to live jazz in a cozy booth or hit the dance floor.
2. Rooftop Dining at Seneca
Elevators open to a dark jungle themed entryway before opening the doors to this hidden gem rooftop Italian restaurant. The decor at Seneca is carefully curated to resonate with the culinary heritage of Italy while incorporating contemporary design elements. Dark and light marble fixtures, vintage nautical details, and subtle nods to classic Italian architecture contribute to the restaurant's visual appeal. Enjoy a glass of prosecco overlooking the San Diego harbor under green and white umbrellas. Seneca is perfect for a sunny afternoon or a romantic evening with cityscape views.
3. The Marine Room
Nestled right in the sand of La Jolla shores, this exceptional venue offers more than a world famous menu of globally-influenced seafood; it provides breathtaking eye-level vistas of the ocean. Arrive during dusk to witness a stunning sunset or schedule your dinner during high tide to catch the waves splashing against the windows of the restaurant. Ideal for a romantic night out or to commemorate a significant occasion, such as an anniversary, the Marine Room promises an unforgettable dining experience heightened by its spectacular coastal setting.
4. Whale Watching Champagne Cruise
You’ve probably heard all the buzz around recent orca sightings around the San Diego beaches. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of them! You and your date can board a whale-watching cruise for the chance to see orcas, dolphins and humpback whales in their natural habitat. Enjoy a gourmet meal onboard or a glass of champagne at sunset to add an extra touch of romance.
5. Torrey Pines Glider Port
With nearly 100 years of flying history, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is the most historic aviation site in North America, and Southern California’s premiere location for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models, and sailplanes. The port is also known as a great spot to relax, gather for a yoga class, a photoshoot, or picnic and watch the waves. Certain nights, the port even hosts a pop up music event known as the Church of Music where you can dance the night away in the grass above the crashing waves. Take your date soaring over the California coastline and then relax with a picnic dinner and enjoy a beachy sunset. The Gliderport seamlessly merges adventure and relaxation, providing an ideal setting for a memorable and multifaceted date.
6. Rooftop Cinema Club
While movie dates remain a timeless choice, why not infuse a touch of enchantment into your next cinematic outing by immersing yourself in the glow of San Diego's starlit sky? Rooftop Cinema Club, set atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, offers a unique cinematic experience where classic and contemporary films come to life against the backdrop of the open night sky. Elevate your traditional movie date as you recline in comfortable lounge chairs, surrounded by the skyline and the gentle breeze from the bay. This rooftop venue transforms a typical movie night into a captivating rendezvous, adding a dash of magic to the cinematic tradition. Whether you're drawn to timeless classics or the latest releases, Rooftop Cinema Club provides a memorable setting that merges the allure of cinema with the charm of an open-air, starlit ambiance.
7. Catch the Horse Races at Del Mar
Constructed in 1937, the Del Mar Race Track is a historic gem nestled in the coastal town of Del Mar, just north of San Diego. Known for its picturesque setting, this iconic racetrack provides a unique and thrilling experience for race enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The track's meticulously landscaped surroundings, coupled with the refreshing sea breeze from the nearby Pacific Ocean, create a charming ambiance that sets it apart from your standard dinner and a movie. For a date, the Del Mar Race Track offers a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping horse racing, social interaction, and the chance to showcase your style. From enjoying the races together to savoring delectable cuisine and cocktails, the Del Mar Race Track provides an ideal setting for a dynamic and entertaining date experience.
8. Iconic San Diego Speakeasies
While the option to grab drinks is ubiquitous, the allure of stepping into a glamorous speakeasy adds an extra layer of sophistication to the experience. San Diego boasts a collection of clandestine establishments, and notably, three of them—Young Blood, False Idol, and Raised by Wolves—have clinched spots among America's top 50 bars in recent years. The exclusivity and charm of these hidden gems are heightened by their discreet locations and meticulously crafted cocktails. With a touch of allure, leading your date through a concealed passageway into the intimate ambiance of a speakeasy not only adds an element of surprise but also elevates the entire evening into a uniquely special affair. As you explore the thriving speakeasy scene in San Diego, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where each venue boasts its own distinct character, making for an exclusive and memorable night out.
9. Music Festivals
San Diego is home to a vibrant music scene, offering an array of music festivals throughout the year that cater to every taste. From the rhythmic beats of CRSSD, the coastal ambiance of Oysterfest, the lively Cajun sounds of Gator by the Bay, to the country vibes of Boots in the Park, the city ensures a constant rhythm of music festivities. These festivals provide an ideal backdrop for a dynamic and entertaining date experience. Whether you're dancing to electronic beats or kicking up your cowboy boots, San Diego's music festivals create a lively and social atmosphere, making them excellent date destinations. The diverse range of options ensures that there's always something happening, presenting endless opportunities to share memorable moments and connect over the shared love of music.
10. Gondola Ride through Coronado Cays
Why limit the enchantment of Italy to overseas travels when you can savor a touch of Venice right here in San Diego? Elevate your romantic escapade with a gondola ride through the picturesque Coronado Cays courtesy of The Gondola Company. As you navigate the canals and waterways of the Cays, you’ll see a unique view of San Diego and its landmarks including the Hotel Del and the city skyline from the water, offering a unique lens through which to appreciate the city's beauty. Indulge in the luxury of sipping sweet beverages as you float along the shore.
11. Grand Opening of The Gaslamp Lighter
Prepare for the much-anticipated grand opening of Gaslamp Lighter, a sensational karaoke and cocktail bar set to debut on Market Street. Having recently treated guests to a sneak peek during its soft opening, Gaslamp Lighter is poised to bring a touch of glamour to the joy of singing exuberantly in the company of others. Helmed by Frankie Sciuto, the proprietor behind the well-established Side Bar, this new venture promises an exciting addition to San Diego's nightlife scene. As a San Diego native, a fourth-generation bar owner, and mind behind the iconic Lamplighter in Mission Hills, Gaslamp Lighter is positioned to become the downtown area's latest hotspot, infusing the heart of San Diego with a glittery blend of karaoke entertainment and craft cocktails.
12. LaLa
Lala, the latest addition to the Busalacchi family's legacy, celebrating 40 years in business. Lala offers an exquisite setting for a memorable date night. Delight your taste buds with slow-simmered Cioppino, savory Veal Parmigiana, and the luxurious Lala Caviar blinis featuring crème fraiche. The menu also boasts culinary delights such as Steak Tartare with Chicharrones, "Loaded Potato" Gnocchi, and a decadent New York Strip. Lala's aesthetic, a nod to Italian charm with a touch of moody decadence, provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. The more-is-more approach to design, curated by interior designer Taylor Shaffer of LPA Design Studio, creates a flirtatious atmosphere with two-toned olive leather and velvet furnishings, eclectic lighting, antique mirrors, and curved walnut paneling. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Lala, where Italian-inspired romance meets an array of sumptuous flavors, making it an ideal date spot for those seeking a touch of luxury and culinary excellence.
13. Private Charter Sunset Sail
Taking a sunset sail may prove to be among the most romantic and relaxing moments of your day. Enjoy an evening on a spacious 40ft sailboat, cruising the calm waters of San Diego harbor. Take in the sights along the coast including the city skyline and the USS Midway, and relax as the sun sets below the water.
14. Nights at the Museum
Every third Friday of the month, the Natural History Museum extends its hours until 10 PM, providing couples with the opportunity to have a romantic night out. Venture up to the rooftop deck for stunning city views and indulge in one of their signature cocktails as you explore the various exhibits and displays. These special nights at the museum offer a distinctive and elevated date idea for those looking to enjoy a unique cultural experience in the city.