Best Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in San Diego

From romantic dinners on San Diego Bay to gondola rides in Coronado, here are eight romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas to try out in San Diego this February.
Todd Sarouhan
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8 Romantic Valentine’s Day Date Ideas to Try Out in San Diego

Todd and Erika at Wormwood in University HeightsEntrance to Din Tai Fung at the Westfield UTC Mall

With so many fun things to do throughout the year, San Diego has great year-round weather, with average highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 50s during the month of February; making it a perfect time to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one without the worry of rain, snow, or cold ruining your date night plans.

To help you plan your best date night ever this Valentine’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of our top 8 ways for you to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Diego with your significant other this February 14th.

If you feel even more romantic, don't miss our special guide for the 11 Best Romantic Things to do in San Diego. Come check it out!

Best Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Todd and Erika at Wormwood in University Heights
Todd and Erika at Wormwood in University Heights

1) Take Your Valentine to a Special Dinner at Wormwood

Neighborhood: University Heights
Address:
4677 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116
Date & Time: Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Located in the heart of University Heights, Wormwood is a 1,700-square-foot French-style restaurant and bar / lounge known for its Modern French Cuisine, its selection of absinthe spirits, and its delicious food! Also being a top dining experience for its customers on Yelp is a plus.

Its menu features a multi-course dinner prepared with seasonal and local ingredients curated by its very own chef–perfect for couples who prefer a more elegant Valentine’s Day dinner experience.

I love Wormwood every day of the year, but I love this day so much that this event not only lands on this list but also as one of the best holiday activities on our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego!

Make Reservation
Main Stage at the San Diego Civic Theater
Main Stage at the San Diego Civic Theater

2) Go to the Broadway Show Chicago

San Diego Theaters & Venues: San Diego Civic Theater
Address:
1100 3rd Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Dates: February 13th - February 18th, 2024

For those couples who enjoy the performing arts, a visit to see the classic Broadway musical CHICAGO on or around Valentine’s Day in 2024 at the San Diego Civic Theatre is sure to be an incredible choice!

CHICAGO tells the story of fortune and fame and has received 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations over the past 25 years since its creation. Be sure to buy a pair of tickets before it’s too late - the show is only being performed in San Diego for a short time.

Buy Show Tickets
Taking a Gondola Ride with the Gondola Compay Coronado
Taking a Gondola Ride with the Gondola Compay Coronado

3) Take a Romantic Gondola Ride in Coronado

Best of Things to Do: 11 Best Romantic Things to do in San Diego
Address:
503 Grand Caribe Causeway Suite C, Coronado, CA 92118
Date & Time: Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM and weekends from 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: $64 and up, depending on group size. Reservations required.

If you’re looking for something a little different this year, consider taking a relaxing and romantic Venetian gondola ride with your sweetheart through the canals of Coronado Cays in San Diego Bay on authentic gondolas imported from Venice, Italy.

As featured on our complete guide to all the holidays in San Diego article, these private cruises are 50 minutes in length and can be made even more special with a bouquet of roses, mandolin accompaniment, or a carefully curated bottle of wine or celebratory bubbly.

There are many different cruise packages for you and your partner to choose from this Valentine’s Day, so be sure to make your reservations today!

Buy Tickets
One of the many Grassy area great for a Picnic at Balboa Park
One of the many Grassy area great for a Picnic at Balboa Park

4) Have a Picnic at Balboa Park

Neighborhood: Balboa Park

Looking for a budget friendly Valentine’s Day date idea? How about a FREE relaxing picnic with your loved one at Balboa Park!

There are many public and more private seating and grassy areas for you and your partner to choose from and enjoy a romantic meal together. Forgot the most important part of your picnic (the FOOD)? Head on over to The Market Place to choose from ready-to-eat side salads to pasta salads to custom sandwiches.

Balboa Park even offers a few places where you can BYOA (Bring Your Own Alcohol) and let loose with your significant other between noon and 8:00 PM.

Chicken and Mushroom Buns at Din Tai Fung at the Westfield UTC Mall
Chicken and Mushroom Buns at Din Tai Fung at the Westfield UTC Mall

5) Get the Best Dumplings in San Diego at Din Tai Fung

Shopping in San Diego: Westfield UTC Mall San Diego
Address:
4301 La Jolla Village Dr., #2000, San Diego, CA 92122
Date & Time: Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

When in the mood for a romantic meal with great Taiwanese food Din Tai Fung is the place to go!

Every time I take my sweetie to Din Tai Fung we leave happy. Additionally with nearly 5,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Yelp, Din Tai Fung is one dining experience you won’t want to miss!

This world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant, named one of the top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world by the New York Times, is famous for its Xiao Long Bao, a.k.a. soup dumplings and noodle soup.

While you’re there, here’s a local’s dining tip just for you this Valentine’s Day: order your meal family style to share with your sweetheart!

Make Reservation
Erika Enjoying a Beer at Ballast Point Brewery
Erika Enjoying a Beer at Ballast Point Brewery

6) Go on a Fun Little Italy Food & Drink Walking Tour

San Diego Tours: 10 Best San Diego Food & Beer Tours
Date & Time: Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $85 / person

Calling all foodies! This Valentine’s Day, get immersed in the food culture of Little Italy and even enjoy a little history lesson or two in the process with a Little Italy Food & Drink Walking Tour.

Don’t worry about doing tons of hours of research, with a Little Italy Food & Drink Walking Tour, you’ll get to enjoy an authentic insider-only experience of what it’s like to live, eat and breathe Little Italy from cooking with nonna to shopping at the mercato (or open-air market) to sampling authentic Italian pizza.

I personally enjoy Italian food and think you can’t go wrong with this tour. If you too love food, fun and a little learning, this tour is a great Valentine’s choice for you and your par!

Book Tour
Erika at the Beautiful Coasterra Restaurant with a View of Downtown San Diego
Erika at the Beautiful Coasterra Restaurant with a View of Downtown San Diego

7) Have a Romantic Dinner on the San Diego Bay at Coasterra

Neighborhood: Point Loma
Address:
880 B Harbor Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Date & Time: Daily from 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Boasting 4.7 stars, nearly 7,000 reviews, and a bay front dining experience, Coasterra on Harbor Island is one restaurant you absolutely have to try this Valentine’s Day!

This innovative and modern Baja-inspired Mexican restaurant offers an exquisite and romantic view of San Diego Bay, the Downtown San Diego skyline, and the Coronado Bridge. Book a reservation well in advance of the Valentine’s Day holiday so you don’t miss out on such a spectacular night out!

Make Reservation
Sailboat and Downtown San Diego and Harborview Skyline
Sailboat and Downtown San Diego and Harborview Skyline

8) Take a Classic Yacht Sailing Experience in the San Diego Bay

San Diego Tours: 13 Best San Diego Harbor Cruises & Boat Tours
Address:
Meet at Safe Harbor Sunroad, 955 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Date & Time: Thursday through Monday from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $109 / person

If romantic and classy is on your bucket list of things to experience, why not take an all-inclusive 2.5-hour long Classic Yacht Sailing Experience on a hand-restored 1914-styled sailboat while enjoying the sun set over San Diego Bay.

You’ll pass by popular San Diego landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge, and USS Midway, all while taking in the diverse wildlife from sea lions to dolphins. You might even learn a bit about the interesting History of the Coronado Bridge!

But be sure to hurry and make reservations! It’s likely to book up quickly.

Book Tour

Take a tour of The Prado, a popular restaurant in Balboa Park serving all flavors of San Diego dishes. The Prado has maintained its reputation of excellence for years, making it an iconic locale.

Go on a Food Tour
Save big using Go Pass!
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is famous for restoring, operating and maintaining historic boats from all around the world. Use your Go Pass and enjoy public tours of their collection of ships. These ships are National Historic Landmarks.
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Local Tips
What is the cheapest way to buy a Go City San Diego pass?

The cheapest way to purchase a Go City San Diego pass is to combine Go Visit San Diego’s exclusive 5% discount with the Go San Diego passes already great deals!

Simply follow our link & use code GVSD5OFF to purchase your pass and begin saving!

A Few Bonus Thoughts Before You Celebrate

Dining at the Little Italy Food Hall
Dining at the Little Italy Food Hall

Reserve Early

Many of these events book up early so make your reservations as soon as you can.

Toasted Fish Sandwich at Ballast Point Brewery
Toasted Fish Sandwich at Ballast Point Brewery

Relax and Enjoy

Whatever your interests and pleasure, San Diego offers a diverse range of fun, romantic and unforgettable activities for each and every couple this Valentine’s Day.

We hope you and your loved one enjoy your special night out and look forward to being your go-to guide in the future for all things holiday in San Diego!

Featured Hotel
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Beachfront
Beachfront
Families
Families
Historic
Historic
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It doesn’t get any more iconic in San Diego than the Hotel Del Coronado. This luxury hotel is what other hotels strive to be. Treat yourself to this experience.
Prices Starting at $374
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Tours & Adventures
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
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Champagne Brunch Cruise
Champagne Brunch Cruise
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