10 Best Things to Do in San Diego for Couples

The Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a large expanse of pine forests and cinnamon-dusted canyons. The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake tree, the Torrey Pine, and its surrounding wildlife. Tourists flock to the reserve to hike its endless trails, which bring you through desert landscapes and to cliff edges that look out across the Pacific Ocean.

A short drive from downtown San Diego, it’s best to hike in the cool of the morning or towards the evening, when you can also catch the sunset. For couples looking to maximise their time, take the Broken Hill Trail, which is 2.5 miles long and has amazing ocean views.

Gliderport is found within Torrey Pines and is an exciting place to visit during the spring and summer months. As one of the best places to paraglide and hang glide, it is often busy with adventure junkies. If you’re feeling adventurous, soar over the cliffs of La Jolla and take in the brilliant blue of the ocean.

If you’d rather relax, you can watch the colourful parachutes of the gliders float across the sky and ocean. Also nearby is Black’s Beach, a secluded section of sand beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines. To end the day, come here with a blanket and watch the sky darken.

San Diego has no shortage of farmers’ markets. However, Ocean Beach Farmers Market is arguably the most eccentric of them all. Held weekly in the hippie enclave of Ocean Beach, you’ll find local farm stands and vendors selling delicious fresh fruit and vegetables.

Wander around the market with your loved one and take in the laidback, fun atmosphere. You can sit along the beach and watch the unusual goings-on of the market, including guitarists and drummers jamming out together or jugglers and fire dancers amusing passing shoppers. Alternately, partake in an impromptu yoga class, something easily found in San Diego.

You can lie on the 1-mile stretch of sandy beach or in the cool grass of the park at La Jolla Shores. This quaint beach and park are lovely places to bask in the sun and enjoy the sea breeze, making La Jolla Shores a truly tranquil setting. Why not share a romantic picnic or take a scuba diving class together?

If you visit during early August or early September, you can see leopard sharks relaxing near the beach. Don’t worry, they’re harmless. Go snorkelling or kayaking with them and make some special memories with your loved one.

Tourmaline Surfing Park is a hidden gem located in North Pacific Beach. Lined with craggy cliffs that are 75 feet high, this amazing stretch of sand is separated into 2: one side for surfers, the other just for swimmers.

Bring a picnic to have on the beach or at one of the many picnic tables dotted around, and watch surfers and windsurfers go about their routine. There are also fire pits available, so you can extend your stay into the night and watch the stars from the sand.

San Diego Bay holds some of the best views of the city’s skyline as well as the beaches of Coronado. Treat yourselves to a day on the water and book a sailboat tour of the bay or, if you want a more hands-on experience, rent a jet ski.

San Diego Bay Adventures have guided jet ski tours, which take you to some of San Diego’s historic military sites. Scooting around the bay, you’ll find yourselves taken aback by the blueness of the water and the dramatic curves of the coast. For extra dreaminess, stay on the water for sunset and watch golden rays glisten on the waves.

Little Italy, near the harbour, is home to charming Italian restaurants, bakeries, cocktail bars and boutique shopping. A wander around this quaint neighbourhood will reveal bustling streets filled with life, especially at night. The restaurant-heavy area has impressive Italian joints such as Barbusa, Buon Appetito and Civico 1845, all found on India Street.

Tuck into a hearty dinner then head over to Extraordinary Desserts, a bakery that offers mini portions of delicious cakes, in case you’re too full from your main course. On Saturday mornings, the Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market takes over the area, with over 175 vendors selling handmade gifts, artisanal foods and fresh produce. Food-centric couples will flourish in Little Italy.

Cabrillo National Monument marks where, in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped onto the shores of what would become San Diego, making him the first European to visit the west coast of North America. The brilliant white monument is stunning to behold against the all-encompassing blue of the ocean. Its rich history and magnificent views of San Diego make the monument well worth a visit.

You can also take a walk around the picturesque park and see Old Point Loma Lighthouse atop its jagged cliff. The tide pools come alive during low tide and are fascinating places to explore. They close earlier than the rest of the park, at 4.30pm, so head there first.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park extends along the shore of the Pacific Ocean, bordering the western edge of Point Loma. Come sundown, it’s immersed in a golden hue of light and views from the park are really spectacular. Its natural beauty gives it a romantic atmosphere that is heightened at dusk and dawn.

This spot is very popular during sunset for good reason, so come early to secure a nicer spot for you and your loved one. Why not bring a bottle of wine and a picnic as well?

The Gaslamp Quarter is 16 blocks of trendy clubs, cocktail, dive bars and restaurants. Because of this, it draws in crowds who fill up the streets come nightfall. Some even say it gets busier here than the streets of Las Vegas. 

For couples who want a bit of liveliness, you won’t be disappointed. Particularly popular and unique bars include The Tipsy Crow and Noble Experiment. If you’re just looking to soak in the lively atmosphere, a walk down 5th Avenue will be just what you're looking for.