Moving to a new city can be hard because you don't really know what's around or what you can do when your significant other inevitably asks for a date night. Here is a list for everyone that is new to San Digeo or anyone who just needs a refresher on what there is to do in the dirty D.
1. Hotel Del Coronado
Right on the beach, Hotel Del has a little bit of everything. There are restaurants, ice cream stores, cute little boutiques and great swimming spots. Hotel Del is a great place for an all-day date or just a good spot to get a sunset dinner and a walk on the beach.
2. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Located downtown, MOCA is great for any couple that loves art or just loves to take artsy pictures together. MOCA is free for students under 25 and it is also free from 5-7 p.m. every third Thursday of the month. The MOCA features many different mediums of art such as light exhibits and videos.
3. Museum of Contemporary Art Sculpture Garden
Located in La Jolla, the MOCA Sculpture Garden has incredible artwork made by local artists and has great views of the beautiful La Jolla beaches.
4. Cat Cafe
The perfect spot for cat-loving couples. The Cat Cafe lets you sip your drinks and spend time with cats. The cafe is partnered with a local humane society, and all the cats are adoptable!
5. Lions, Tigers and Bears
Like the name says, this sanctuary not only contains lions, tigers and bears, but you can also feed all the animals and learn about where and how each of these animals was rescued. On top of that, it is a no-breed, no-kill sanctuary.
6. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
Tucked away in Hillcrest by Balboa park, the Spruce Street Suspension bridge is one of my personal favorite spots in San Diego. It has a beautiful canyon to explore and a pristine view of the downtown skyline that is absolutely breathtaking at sunset.
7. Torrey Pines
Great for couples that love to explore the beach and couples that love to get active together. Torrey Pines has many different trails to explore and peaks to look out on. Trails range from easy to moderate, and it is a perfect spot for couples of any fitness level.
8. 25th Street Bridge
If you love making music, then you'll love the 25th Street Bridge. Designed by Roman de Salvo, the bridge's railing doubles as a musical instrument with a railing that is made up of chromatic bells. Don't forget your sticks!
9. Anza-Borrego Desert
Although it is not technically in San Diego, the Anza-Borrego Desert is by far one of the coolest spots to have a date in Southern California. This is home to over 130 sculptures of dinosaurs, dragons and many more!
10. San Diego Zoo
Although the zoo can be pricey, it is still a great spot for a date because there are so many things to see there. With all the different types of animals and all the education you gain from going, the San Diego Zoo is definitely worth the splurge.
11. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Most people know about the zoo, but not everyone knows that there is also a safari park in San Diego that is almost 200 times larger than the zoo! The park offers many different activities that the zoo doesn't, like feeding giraffes and rhinos.
12. Balboa Park
The possibilities are endless in Balboa Park! There are art galleries, coffee shops, museums and so much more! Balboa Park is two square miles of hundreds of activities to do; you can easily spend an entire day there, and still have not done everything.
13. Legends Gallery
If you're from San Diego, you have to love the local legend, Dr. Seuss. The Legends Gallery carries artwork from many of Dr. Seuss' books and shows how all the artwork came together.
14. Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream
If you love ice cream, but you hate picking just one flavor, then this is the spot for you. At Hammond's they have put a fun twist on beer flights, by making ice cream flights. Their mini cones are perfect for sampling many different flavors without having to get full ice cream cones. Flights come in six, which is great for two people, but they also have a large flight of 32 flavors, if you're ready to take on a real taste test.
15. Ho Chi Minh Trail
This trail straight to the beach is maintained by hikers and surfers. This trail is definitely not for the faint of heart; with steep slopes and loose footing in places, it makes for a rough hike at many points. If you're up for the challenge it is definitely worth it.
16. Seaport Village
Just like Hotel Del, Seaport has lots of different activities. Looking out on the San Diego harbor, Seaport has a beautiful view of the ocean and the USS Midway. At night, the lights of the harbor and stars make for a perfect night-time date.
17. Old Town
Old Town -- if you couldn't figure out from the name -- is the older version of downtown San Diego. With some of the best Mexican food in San Diego and classic Mexican architecture, Old Town is a great place for a nighttime stroll to take a break from the busy life you live.
18. Ghirardelli
Perfect for the ice cream- or chocolate-loving couples. Located in the Gaslamp District of downtown, this shop has a lovely old time ice cream shop feel. You can also buy gourmet chocolate and souvenirs from one of the best chocolate makers in America.
19. Sunset Cliffs
Not only does this spot have a beautiful view of the sunset, but it is also a great site for cliff jumping. With eight miles of cliffs, there are so many different angles that you can see from the sunset. You can even jump off the deep end with your significant other.
20. The Baked Bear
If you love ice cream, cookies, donuts, brownies or a combination of all of them, then this is the spot for you. The Baked Bear is an ice cream sandwich shop that is serving up delicious ice cream stuffed between your choice of cookies, donuts or brownies. The location is great for a walk on the beach afterward to burn off all those delicious calories, too.
21. George's Ocean Terrace
Lunch with a view – what more could you ask for? The outdoor seating with a beautiful beachfront view makes for a romantic meal, and the delicious food is just a plus. If you're looking for a fancy dinner then you can wander over to George's by the Cove, which is attached to the terrace.
