Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to SDtoday.
OK, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless, whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got more than 25 local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
The longtime Marine Room restaurant is known for its “High Tide Dinners,” which return this summer.
Photo via The Marine Room
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
- If you want sky-high views of San Diego Bay while you dine, make a reservation at Seneca Trattoria, a romantic restaurant that sits on the 19th floor of the Intercontinental San Diego.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as you eat at The Marine Room in La Jolla. This dining room offers cocktails and small plates — with an emphasis on coastal cuisine — and don’t be surprised if the tide hits the windows as you eat.
- Head to Mutual Friend in South Park for a scoop (or two) of ice cream like the bestselling Haole Pie. If the conversation is good, stay for a cup of coffee.
- Give your date stunning skyline views with dinner at Mister A’s in Bankers Hill. The classic fine dining restaurant was named among OpenTable’s list of the 2025 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants.
- Head to a local food hall like Liberty Public Market and try a little bit of a bunch of things.
- Sip on local craft beer at the hub that houses so many of our city’s finest breweries, Miramar — aka “Beeramar.”
The perfect date if laughter is your love language.
Photo via @paulscalone
For the ones who want a night out on the town
- If you want date night to rock, head to one of San Diego’s small music venues like downtown’s House of Blues. Here, you’ll find shows by big-name performers or dance parties paying homage to your favorite acts.
- Spend the night laughing together at a local comedy club. Many comedians have gotten their starts by performing at The Comedy Store in La Jolla — the writing is literally on the wall.
- Get a standing ovation by surprising your date with tickets to see a play or musical at a local theater. Broadway San Diego is in the middle of its 47th season, and more shows are coming for its 48th season in late September.
- Boo-k a Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour and learn about the history of downtown San Diego or Old Town through a much spookier lens.
The only thing that makes Sunset Cliffs better: going with the right person.
Photo via @the_breezy_blonde
If you love the great outdoors
- San Diego’s sunsets are priceless, but watching the sun go down at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park makes for a romantic date, and it’s completely free.
- Learn about San Diego together by taking a SEAL Tour. The 100-minute ride will cover local history and take you on a sea and land journey.
- You could spend a whole day exploring Balboa Park and discovering its history and beauty. Stop and smell the roses at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden or get colorful at the Spanish Village.
- Score the perfect couples picture by hiking Mt. Woodson Trail to Potato Chip Rock. Not your speed? There are plenty of hikes in San Diego County for all skill levels.
- Learn to go with the flow and book a 90-minute surf lesson from San Diego Surf School.
- Beach day? Make it a beach date — we are in San Diego, after all.
- Set sail along San Diego on a romantic Flagship Cruise; you can choose from sightseeing voyages or dinner cruises.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
- Prove that you’ve got game by winning a prize at one of Belmont Park’s carnival-style games. Or, score points and get a little competitive with a trip to the arcade.
- Book a session at Smash City Rage Room in North Park and let out all of your frustrations by breaking everything around you — just try to leave your hearts in tact. You can also try your hand at ax throwing while you’re here.
Show your date you’ve got game by taking them to Coin Haus in La Mesa Village.
Photo via Coin Haus
- Head to Coin Haus in La Mesa Village to pour your own craft brews and play arcade games like “Mario Kart,” “Frogger,” and “Pac-Man” on a giant screen. Pro tips: Games are free during happy hour daily until 6 p.m. and all day Sunday. Also, you can order food from Surfrider Pizza Co. across the street and they’ll deliver to your order to Coin Haus.
- Show off your smarts at trivia night — many local spots host trivia on a weekly basis.
- Prove you’re a hole-in-one by playing golf at The Loma Club. Don’t worry, you can always opt for mini golf, and food and drinks are available on site. You could also explore these other great local golf courses.
Who would you like to share this view with?
Photo by Eric Scires via Rooftop Cinema Club
If you want an “old fashioned”-style date
- A 1950s-style date is just a sock hop away at one of San Diego’s retro diners. If you’re near Liberty Station, Corvette Diner is always a rockin’ option.
- Watch a movie under the stars with views of San Diego Bay at Rooftop Cinema Club on the fourth floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
- The secret’s out, party like its 1929 at a local speakeasy. You have several options in San Diego, but if you find yourself shopping at Westfield UTC, Raised By Wolves is a good choice.
- Spark some good conversations by exploring a local museum or two. Pro tip: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego offers both art + sweeping views of La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re really hoping that it works out
- If you like long workouts on the beach, sign up for a fitness class at Hotel del Coronado. Classes like Beach Yoga and Beach Body Workout let you break a sweat while the ocean waves at you.
- The couple that sweats together, stays together — for the duration of a hot Pilates class, at least. If you can take the heat, try a class at SALT Pilates in Bankers Hill or Del Mar.
- You could also find your zen by taking a class together at a local yoga studio.
If you wanna show off by knowing all the hottest events in town
Sign up for our weekly newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it, you can take all the credit.
Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around San Diego with our events page (and check out this guide for our tips on navigating the page).
What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction.
