Roses Are Red. Violets Are Blue. Here Are a Bunch of Date Ideas Just for You!
Love is in the air in San Diego! Whether you’re flying solo or snuggled up next to your significant other, San Diego is full of celebratory spots to make this Valentine’s Day cozy, entertaining, romantic or downright delicious. This year, we’ve put together our list of the top date ideas all over the county to sweeten up your V-Day plans, so you can focus on enjoying time with whoever it is you love. Valentine’s Day San Diego
Beef & Bubbles
Toast to love at Ranch 45’s Beef & Bubbles event on Feb. 10 from 6:30-9 p.m. The loaded pre-fixe, four-course menu will feature locally sourced options, including Brandt Beef along with champagne pairings from Ayala Champagne on the outdoor patio. Don’t fret if you’re celebrating later: the farm-based Solana Beach restaurant will be serving up a special Valentine’s Day menu on February 11-12, in addition to their regular menu offerings. Don’t miss out on this beautifully curated dinner under the stars created by Chefs Aron Schwartz and DuVal Warner!
Location: Solana Beach
Brunchin’ With the Galentines
Get excited for Galentine’s Day! With bold pink and green decor and glowing, Insta-ready neon signs, Brian’s 24 is the ultimate brunch spot. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the downtown diner with Cereal Killer Lattes (a caffeinated spin on your childhood favorite!), or opt for a Charcoal Margarita to detox while you retox. For the real gal pal celebration, indulge in the Traditional Souffle Pancakes—trust us: they’re worth the wait.
@localemag #brians24 #brians24sd #sd #sdfoodie #gaslampsandiego #localemagazine #sdfoodies #sdbrunch 🎥: @33jazzygirl ♬ pastel skies – Rook1e
Local Insight: Looking for a late-night bite? Brian’s 24 is open everyday from 8 a.m. -3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays until 3 a.m.
Brian’s 24
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
@brians24sd
Valentine’s Day San Diego
Seas the Day
If the way to your date’s heart is via food (we’re here for it!), head to La Jolla’s Pacific Catch for a sumptuous seafood-packed dinner. Nestled in the stunning Westfield UTC mall, this ultra-fresh fish spot boasts an airy, pup-friendly patio and a cozy firepit to snuggle up next to your special someone. Kick off the meal with calamari before diving into a spread of tacos, lobster rolls, sushi and more! The restaurant also offers a Mixed Grill for Two meal that comes with salmon, striped sea bass, jumbo shrimp with miso chili lemon butter and a variety of delicious sides.
Location: La Jolla
Sweet Staycation
Pack your suitcase and head to the coast for a serene stay at the beachfront Mission Pacific Hotel. After a day spent by the pool or soaking in the oversized, spa-like bathtubs, take in the sunset from either your room’s private ocean-view balcony or while sipping a craft cocktail at The Rooftop Bar. And don’t forget to book a reservation for dinner at Valle to experience award-winning Chef Roberto Alcocer’s innovative creations! This coastal restaurant celebrates the traditional cuisine of the neighboring Valle de Guadalupe region.
Location: Oceanside
Valentine’s Day San Diego
V-Day at Verbena
Spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetie at North Park’s Verbena Kitchen! This neighborhood restaurant is bringing their A-game this V-Day with a stellar pre-fixe menu curated by Verbena’s culinary team of experts. Begin your evening with an amuse of roasted beet, citrus and pistachios, then select your first course, which includes your choice of a little gem Caesar, shrimp bisque, burrata and citrus or oysters. Next, choose your entree—think delicacies like Roman spiced prime rib eye and parsnip and truffle ravioli. And be sure to leave room for a few bites of the brown butter lemon curd or pot de creme! Guests also have the option to add on wine pairings or cocktail pairings to their meal.
Local Insight: Before arrival, diners can also purchase a bottle of champagne, seasonable bouquet or cocktails to-go via TOCK!
Get Your Game Face On
If an activity-based date is your dream evening, Punch Bowl Social will be right up your alley. Lace up your kicks and get ready for an exciting night of bowling while munching on shareable apps and sipping on local draft beers. Couples can keep the competition going with table games like ping-pong, Jenga and giant Scrabble. Or, for a real evening to remember, pick your favorite love song and belt it out at karaoke!
Location: East Village
Valentine’s Day San Diego
Embark on a Gondola Adventure
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It wouldn’t be a San Diego list without a water activity! Snuggle up and enjoy a scenic gondola cruise through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Add a bottle of bubbly and red roses to pair with a box of Eclipse Chocolate truffles for resounding romance. If you’re looking to pop the question on the holiday, The Gondola Company has a special Valentino Proposal Package, assuring that your big moment can be captured and celebrated to remember forever.
Location: Coronado
Picnic in the Park
Take advantage of San Diego’s year-round nice weather and piece together a romantic picnic. Whether it’s your first date or 100th, a cute picnic setup is always a good idea. There are even local companies that will do the work for you, such as Pop Up Picnic Co.! From umbrellas and throw pillows to champagne and charcuterie, they do it all.
Valentine’s Day San Diego
Beer Safari With the Bros
Get ready to bro out this Valentine’s Day because Scavengers Beer & Adventure Tours is ready to take you and your bros on a Downtown Beer Safari aboard the Swiss-made Pinzgauer. The safari vehicle is operated by knowledgeable guides who will have you hopping from place to place as you taste some of San Diego’s best brews. All aboard!
Recreate Your First Date
If you really wanna bring your A-game this V-Day, bring a little nostalgia into the equation. Wherever your first date may have been, try to recreate that scene! Mimic the food and the ambiance or go back to the location if you can. Whether it was burritos on the beach, a candlelit dinner at home or anything in between, your Valentine is sure to feel the love with this clever idea.
