Not sure what to do on your next romantic adventure? Try one of these 33 San Diego date ideas – whether you want culture or something good to eat, we’ve got you covered.

33 San Diego Date Ideas

San Diego is a truly alive city, and with the right activity it can be quite romantic. Whether you’re looking for an air of sophistication or you want to go on a fun little adventure, there’s something out there for you. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit more exciting, we’ve got 33 San Diego date ideas for you to consider.

Best San Diego date ideas

1. Embrace childhood at Belmont Park

San Diego’s beachfront amusement park, Belmont Park, is a fantastic date idea. Dating back to 1925, this San Diego favorite has a massive roller-coaster, a boardwalk lined with yummy restaurants, and a few places to shop. Whether you want to spend the whole day or just a few hours, there’ll be plenty for you and your date to do.

2. Feel the need for speed at K1 Speed

K1 Speed is an indoor go-kart racing track that will definitely get your heart racing. With state-of-the-art electric karts that can reach speeds of almost 45 miles per hour, this is not your average go-karting experience. K1 Speed also offers a arcade and a fully stocked bar, so you can make a real even of it.

3. See the sights on a San Diego Harbor Tour

There’s no better way to see San Diego than from the water. A harbor tour gives you and your date an opportunity to learn about the city’s history, see the stunning skyline, and get a different vantage point of some of San Diego’s most famous landmarks.

4. Get your fill of culture at the Balboa Park museums

With 17 museums to choose from, Balboa Park is a veritable paradise for culture lovers. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or science, there’s sure to be a museum that piques your interest. Plus if you pick the right day, you might even get it to your museum pick for free.

5. Spend a day wine tasting in Temecula

Just a short drive from San Diego, Temecula is home to more than 40 wineries. With beautiful vineyards, stunning views, and plenty of delicious wine to sample, a day of wine tasting is the perfect way to relax and spend time with your date.

6. Get your adrenaline pumping at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Torrey Pines Gliderport offers visitors the chance to fly like a bird. With stunning views of the ocean, this is an exhilarating experience that you and your date will never forget. Word of warning though, this is not a date idea for the faint of heart – it’s OK if you’re not quite ready for it.

7. Take a romantic stroll through the La Jolla cove

The La Jolla cove is one of San Diego’s most scenic spots. With its turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and gentle waves, it’s easy to see why. Taking a romantic stroll along the coastline is the perfect way to enjoy each other’s company and soak up the stunning views.

8. Visit the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is world-renowned, and if you’ve never been it could be a good date idea. With 3,500 animals to see, it’s one of the largest zoos in the world. Not only are there a ton of cute animals to see, but you can grab snacks, walk around in nature, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

9. Go on a gondola ride in Coronado

Want a truly romantic water experience without heading all the way to Venice? San Diego as gondolas! As you float along the canals of Coronado, you’ll be treated to views of beautiful homes and lush gardens. Gondola rides are available through a variety of companies, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

10. Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs

San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, so why not check one out with your date? There’s no better place to watch the sun go down than at Sunset Cliffs (it’s all in the name!). With its cliffside setting and crashing waves, Sunset Cliffs is the perfect place to cuddle up with your date and enjoy the view.

11. Sample some delicious craft beer

San Diego is home to more than 150 breweries, so it’s no surprise that craft beer is one of the city’s most popular drinks. With so many breweries to choose from, you and your date can spend a day exploring the local beer scene. Whether you want to settle down at your favorite place or sample a few, a DIY pub crawl of San Diego’s best breweries is the perfect date idea for the beer lover.

12. Get your game on at Coin Op Game Room

Coin Op Game Room is an arcade-themed bar that has something for everyone. With classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, as well as modern favorites like Call of Duty and NBA Jam, there’s sure to be a game that you and your date will enjoy. And if you need a break from gaming, it also offers a fully stocked bar.

13. See a show at the Old Globe Theater

The Old Globe is one of San Diego’s most iconic theaters. It’s the perfect place to see a play, musical, or other live performance. From Shakespeare to Dr. Seuss, you’re sure to find one that you and your date will enjoy. Plus, the historic setting is sure to add a touch of romance to your evening.

14. Visit the USS Midway Museum

If you (or your date) is interested in naval history, the USS Midway Museum is must-see.

With more than 60 exhibits, it chronicles the history of the aircraft carrier from its commissioning in 1945 to its decommissioning in 1992. It’s a great date idea for maritime history enthusiasts.

15. Take a surf lesson

San Diego is one of the world’s most popular surfing destinations, so why not take a surf lesson with your date? This might not be the ideal San Diego date for everyone, but with its mild climate and ample waves it’s a great idea for those looking for an adventure.

16. Visit Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a charming waterfront shopping and dining area in San Diego. With its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and beautiful views, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your date. Besides taking a romantic stroll down the streets, you can also grab a delicious bite to eat.

17. Enjoy the sympathy

The San Diego Symphony is one of the city’s most popular cultural institutions. If you and your date appreciate music and are looking for a truly romantic date, consider checking out the sympathy. With its world-renowned musicians and stunning setting, it’s sure to be an evening that you won’t forget.

18. Visit Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a gorgeous 1,200-acre urban cultural park. With its museums, gardens, and other attractions, it’s the perfect place to spend a day with your date. Whether you just want to scope out the fairytale gardens or you want to check out the model trains at the museum, there are plenty of things to do and see.

19. Catch a San Diego Padres game

If you and your date are sports fans or you simply want to enjoy a lively atmosphere, consider catching the San Diego Padres game. You’ll find a scenic setting and an excited atmosphere in Petco Park. You don’t have to be a massive baseball fan to enjoy this date either, if it’s your first time the experience will be well worth it.

20. See a show at the La Jolla Playhouse

The La Jolla Playhouse is a Tony Award-winning theater that produces both new works and revivals. If you’re looking for a culture-filled date, this is the perfect chance for you. Whether you’re interested in musicals or comedies, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy.

21. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

There are two locations of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and it’s a great place for you and your date to visit. Featuring modern and contemporary exhibitions, it’s the perfect place to appreciate the beauty that is art. If you want a stunning waterfront view, be sure to check the La Jolla location out.

24. Go on a whale watching tour

San Diego is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. If you’re looking for an adventurous date, consider a whale watching tour. You can learn more about these majestic creatures, and maybe even seen them up close.

25. Visit the Fleet Science Center

The Fleet Science Center is a hands-on science museum that’s perfect for those who are curious about the world around them. With its many exhibits and demonstrations, it’s the perfect place to spend a day with your date. You can learn about everything from space exploration to the human body, and maybe even have a little fun too.

26. Check out the aquarium

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego. Home to more than 60 different species of fish, it’s a great place to learn about the underwater world. If you’re looking for a date that’s both educational and fun, it might just be the perfect option.

27. Enjoy a rooftop film

Want all the joys of a traditional movie date without the boringness? Check out the Rooftop Cinema Club. It’s an airy way to watch a film with other movie enthusiasts. But you’re most likely to see an older flick than something hot off the press.

28. Go rock climbing

For the adventurous in the crowd, rock climbing might just be the best idea. It’s an opportunity to learn something new with your date while also getting some exercise. With so many different locations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for you.

29. Grab some ice cream

Looking for a simple and affordable date idea? Why not go out for some ice cream? San Diego is home to some great artisan ice cream shops, so you’re sure to find the perfect flavor for you and your date. Sitting down for a quick cone can be the end of a date or the whole thing, depending on what you’re going for.

30. Eat something in Little Italy

Who doesn’t love delicious Italian food? San Diego’s Little Italy is a great place to find something delicious to eat. With its many restaurants and cafes, you’re sure to find something that you and your date will enjoy. If you’re looking for a romantic setting, this is the perfect place to be.

31. Check out the Whaley House Museum

Fancy yourself a little ghost tour? Then the Whaley House Museum is a must-see. This supposedly haunted house (one of the most haunted in America) is the perfect place to learn about the city’s history. If you’re looking for a spooky date idea, Halloween seasons or not, this is definitely the place to go.

32. Do some yoga on the beach

If you and your date are looking for some balance and relaxation, yoga can help you get there. And why not do it on the beach? Not only can you get some exercise and enjoy someone else’s company, but you can also take in the stunning scenery.

33. Go diving

San Diego is a great place to go diving. If you’re looking for an adventurous date, consider going diving. You can explore the underwater world and see some amazing creatures. Just be sure that if you’re not a certified diver, you’ll want to start off with a class.

Ready for a great San Diego date?

America’s finest city has a ton to offer couples looking to have a grand ole time and get to know each other. If you want to spend the day on the water, there’s a date for you. But if you’d be more comfortable sliding through the air on a roller coaster, there’s something completely different for you. So, which of these San Diego date ideas are you ready to try?