Romantic walks are an incredibly underrated date option, and San Diego offers a lot of romantic options to get out and explore!
Whether it’s a first, third or 50th date… a walk is the perfect way to spend time together. And since Valentine’s Day may look a little different this year due to the pandemic, a romantic walk is a perfect way to spend quality time with someone you care about!
Balboa Park
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Even though most of the museums are currently closed, Balboa Park is still a great place to stroll around and take in the sights. There are various, beautiful gardens found throughout Balboa Park to visit. To locate each of the different gardens, click here! Swap out your typical date night and spend some time enjoying the fresh air at sunset to see the sky painted pink and the buildings glow. The architecture will capture your attention and keep you walking around until you can’t walk anymore. Or until you find Panama 66 and sit down for a cold beer or warm cocktail!
The San Diego Zoo
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There’s no date like a zoo date! If you’re living in San Diego, we hope that you’ve gone to the zoo at least once. If not, now is the time! Walking around the lush greenery and seeing all the different animals makes for a lovely day with your better half. You can easily spend a whole day watching the orangutans swing from branch to branch. To purchase tickets to the San Diego Zoo, click here!
The San Diego Safari Park
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If you’ve already visited the zoo and want to go somewhere new, the San Diego Safari Park is another must-visit spot! It’s located in Escondido but it is well worth the drive out of San Diego. Although there are fewer animals at the safari park compared to the zoo, this park is much larger than the zoo which allows for more space for the animals and more walking for you and your plus one. If you ask me, the best part about the safari park is the lion exhibit! You can get face to face with the King of the jungle and other wild animals.
If you want to see a full comparison of the zoo vs. safari park, click here!
Del Mar Beach
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What is more romantic than a walk on the beach? We can’t think of anything! No matter the time of day, it makes for a great way to spend time outdoors with someone who makes you smile from ear to ear. Start at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar and head south towards Torrey Pines State Beach for a beautiful view of the ocean and La Jolla. If you’re still not tired from the 2-mile walk, take on the hike at Torrey Pines! Although it’s considered an easier hike, you still might want to pack a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots.
San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas
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Whether you are a plant enthusiast or you just enjoying being around them, this 37-acre urban oasis offers four miles of trails and makes for the perfect spot for a romantic stroll around the gardens. There is a cost of $18 per person and they are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. To visit, you must pre-purchase tickets online and select what time you plan on visiting. Find more info regarding visitor guidelines here. Remember to bring your phone along to snap some selfies!
Kate Sessions Park
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You can’t beat the beautiful park and sweeping views from Kate Sessions Memorial Park! Make the trek to Mount Soledad in La Jolla to find the 79-acre park and stunning views of Mission Bay and Downtown.
Stroll Around a New Neighborhood
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Coming from someone who rarely leaves North Park, I know the importance of exploring all the different neighborhoods throughout San Diego. No matter how much you love where you live, try walking around a new part of the city – North Park, South Park, La Mesa, Encinitas, Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla, Solana Beach – we have so many great options!
Simply park your car, pin your location on Google Maps (yes, I’ve lost my car before), and explore! I like to keep track of spots I stumble upon that I want to visit at a later time. I usually use the bookmark feature on Instagram or simply add it to my notes on my phone!
Since giving never goes out of style and our local businesses can certainly use the support, while on your romantic walk, make a plan to buy each other one thing at a local spot! It will make the day more memorable, even if it’s just an iced coffee or a simple souvenir.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
If you’re struggling to plan a date for this Valentine’s Day, remember that it’s the small gestures that mean the most. In fact, quality time is one of the most common love languages. Getting out of the house away from any distractions can be the most romantic thing you do for your partner.
Plan a day to visit one of these spots and offer your undivided attention as you explore. No matter the place, you two will end up having an unforgettable time together.
Happy Valentine’s Day, and stay safe, San Diego!
