Looking for a romantic dinner cruise for yourself and a loved one? How about an edifying tour of historic San Diego Bay replete with narrative history? Perhaps whale watching inspires the Captain Ahab in you. Well avast, ye matey and all aboard a Hornblower Cruise. They’re setting sail multiple times a day, all year ‘round.
From its origin as a two vessel business operating out of the San Francisco Bay, Hornblower Cruises has expanded down the California coastline to permanently drop anchor in several ports of call, bringing with them their unique brand of seafaring entertainment. In partnering here with the San Diego Natural History Museum, The Maritime Museum, the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, and the USS Midway, Hornblower brings guests not just an entertaining afternoon, but genuine science education supplementing the experience of the area’s rich, oceanographic history. Not only will you spend an afternoon in close proximity to the sea lions who call the San Diego bay home, or with the whales and dolphins further out, but you’ll benefit from the knowledge of some of the world’s finest researchers broadening your understanding of the world before you.
Or maybe it’s a romantic dinner and dancing cruise you’ll be wantin,’ ye scalliwags! Well, they’ve got that, too. Steak dinners with all the fixins and as much champagne as you can toast are yours for the asking on the Hornblower evening dinner and dancing cruises, seven nights a week. Evenings all tied up? Try the Saturday and Sunday brunch cruises. You won’t believe the menu.
Of course, you might prefer privacy. Easy! Just charter a Hornblower yacht for yourself and your guests. With over 10,000 private and corporate charters under their belts, who better than the crew of a Hornblower cruise to navigate you and your party to a good time? Besides, what prom would be complete without an evening-ending cruise around the bay? They’ll provide the band, the refreshments - and won’t getting the captain to marry you and your date make it a night to remember? It can’t hurt to ask!
There’s a Hornblower leaving port any minute - landlubbers, don’t miss out!
A visit to the Hotel Del Coronado should be a must on any vacationer's list.
With beautiful accommodations, delicious food, a full-service spa and shopping galore, you can experience the height of luxury.
Additionally, the new Beach Village resort accommodations affords breathtaking views of the ocean, with private access to the beach and other amenities.
Dine at one of several amazing restaurants or have a drink at the Babcock and Story bar - which looks like no bar you've ever been to before!
You can also shop at one of 15 stores located within the Hotel Del, from clothing to eyewear, spa products to toys, you can find whatever you need - or want!
With so many things to see and do, and beautiful accommodations, a trip to the Hotel Del Coronado will be a visit you'll remember forever.
Show that special someone you care by taking them to dinner at the romantic Cafe Pacifica.
Located in the heart of San Diego's Old Town district, Cafe Pacifica offers a variety of fresh seafood cuisine, as well as a selection of pasta, lamb and steak.
Voted "Best Seafood Restaurant" in San Diego Magazine's reader's poll again and again, Cafe Pacifica cannot be beat.
Start off your evening with one of several delicious appetizers, including grilled portobello mushrooms stuffed with crab meat or a shrimp quesadilla.
If you like, you can add one of seven hearty salads or soups to your meal. But I suggest leaving room for the seafood entrees!
From grilled mustard catfish to cafe shrimp scampi, Cafe Pacifica caters to all taste buds.
Whether you are a native to San Diego or visiting from out of town, a relaxing cruise aboard a yacht from Classic Sailing Adventures is an absolute must.
The yact departs from Shelter Island and offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.
You can choose to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery or actually take part in the sailing yourself!
In order to maximize your enjoyment, beverages and hors d'oeuvres are typically included on a cruise. During the summer, you have your choice between an afternoon sailing cruise or a wonderful champagne cruise at sunset.
Plus, during late winter and early Spring, you can enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of watching the gray whales migrate past San Diego.
Whatever your pleasure, take a cruise aboard a yacht from Classic Sailing Adventures. You will be very glad you did.
If you are looking to have a night out on the town or a rowdy rendezvous with friends, Dave & Busters will be the perfect fit!
A restaurant that's like the adult equivalent to Chuck E. Cheese? Who wouldn't be stoked to play a few games, have a nice meal and throw back a cold one or two?
You might think you'll have trouble sitting down to a meal with all the fun things you can do at Dave & Busters, but trust me - with such amazing food, you'll have no trouble packing on the pounds!
Whether you go for the classic Philly Cheesesteak or try something new with Black Jack BBQ Chicken, there's something for even the pickiest eater.
Then it's time to hit one of two fully-stocked bars where you can choose from a wide assortment of drinks including margaritas, martinis, beer and wine and other delicious beverages.
Whether you choose to play games at their exciting midway before or after you've had a few is up to you, but either way you'll have a blast! Choose from over 200 games ranging from classic arcade-style of old and the latest and greatest video games. You'll feel like a kid again!
For over 70 years, San Diego's Old Globe Theater has drawn crowds from all over the world. The year-round season hosts 14 plays and musicals, including the much-loved Shakespeare Festival.
You can also enjoy several special events the Globe hosts each year, including their famous Gala. The public are invited to come and participate in these events - check their website for further details.
If you want to plan a romantic night on the town, take in a show at the Old Globe. Your date will be thrilled, and both of you can cherish the experience for a lifetime.
California's oldest professional theater, the Old Globe has had a long and exciting history as one of the country's leading regional theaters!
Here's hoping the Globe will continue to showcase excellent talent for many years to come.
A favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, Seaport Village allows you to enjoy the best of San Diego in one place.
With over 50 fabulous shops and galleries, four award winning restaurants and numerous sidewalk food stands, you can shop, dine and snack to your hearts content.
Whether you're looking for the perfect backdrop for a romantic date or simply want to explore the sights and sounds with family or friends, Seaport Village offers entertainment that cannot be beat.
Conveniently located within Downtown San Diego, Seaport Village can easily be reached via local freeways or public transportation. Free 2-hour parking with any purchase, and thereafter parking is only $3 an hour.
Come enjoy one of San Diego's finest attractions and go home with memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you're looking to plan a romantic date or simply enjoy the sand and surf, La Jolla Cove offers a versatile way to explore the best of San Diego.
This beautiful, small beach tucked away between sandstone cliffs affords breathtaking views of the ocean. The Cove, only a few minutes away from the city of La Jolla itself, also offers plenty of beach fun for a date or a family getaway.
If you're into picnicking, visit Grassy Scripps Park adjacent to the Cove. It provides an excellent area for an outdoor picnic, and afterwards you can attempt snorkeling or scuba diving at the Cove, favored for its excellent water visibility at deeper levels.
If you plan to take a trip out there, visit their website for driving directions. Also, keep in mind that there is no public parking lot for La Jolla Cove - plan to arrive early to find decent on-street parking, or park in one of the paid lots downtown.
Whether you're planning an intimate moonlit stroll along the shore or a family outing, La Jolla Cove offers the perfect setting for any adventure you can dream up.
Romance, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. One person's candlelit evening can just as easily be another person's 3 hour hike.
Therefore, when you're the one in charge of setting up that romantic date, it is important to know the person you are planning for. When you're in San Diego, the romantic date ideas are as diverse as the city itself.
Romantic Dinner
If dinner in a fabulous setting is your style then consider trying the restaurant that locals have just recently voted as their city's top romantic spot. The Prado at Balboa Park has been a trump card of love since 1915. Located in the historic Hospitality Building in the heart of Balboa Park, The Prado boasts some of the most savory cuisine in town. Customers that rave suggest taking a walk around the park with your sweetie beforehand to build a healthy appetite! (Something to note: if things go well, the Prado has also been hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions since 1935).
San Diego Adventures
If adventure is your middle name and the route you plan to woo, check out some of the activities held at the world famous San Diego Zoo. You can live out your Jane and Tarzan fantasy in style. The Skyfari Aerial Tram runs from 10am to 4:15pm and gently soars over the zoo with unique views of not only the animals but the extensive botanical gardens below. Plus kids under 8 must be with adults so the chances of an ankle biter upstaging your jungle call are slim.
The Gaslamp Quarter
Perhaps you see yourself as more of an old school dater. Someone that would like to show of their knowledge of history and architecture. If that's you then bring your date some walking shoes and get yourself over to the Gaslamp Quarter. By day you can marvel at the stunning Victorian era buildings and at night you can stop by one of the many restaurants that make up the city's "liveliest neighborhood".
The Spa
Of course there are some of us whose idea of a dream date includes luxury and pampering. If that sounds more like your angle then a visit to one of the many spas in San Diego. One that gets top marks for being couple friendly is Spa Veila, which offers a wide variety of spa services.
Because of the great weather in San Diego, there is a never-ending supply of fun dates ideas to go on in the city.
Balboa Park offers fifteen museums for you to explore with a date. There is also beautiful architecture and you can often catch a live performance from professional musicians. It is a great place just to get a cold drink from one of the many vendors and walk around. Balboa park often features special events at the museums, such as new IMAX shows.
San Diego offers two great places to view animals. The first is the world famous San Diego Zoo, which is always a fun date idea for any animal lover. You can also visit the Wild Animal Park. Here you can view animals in a simulated natural environment. If you arrange it ahead of time, you can take a special tour right into the habitat and feed the animals.
Do you like being near the water? San Diego has beautiful beaches which you can visit almost year round. There are hundreds of restaurants located right on the sand. There are places to bike and roller blade together. If you know how to surf, San Diego is a great place for it. If not, why not take a lesson for two?
Another fun date idea is to go to the San Diego Civic Center. They have year-round Broadway musical touring companies performing, and the prices are very reasonable. San Diego is also home to a large number of smaller theater companies, so if you enjoy the performing arts, there is an endless supply of shows you can take in.
If you head downtown by the airport, you will be able to see a wide variety of docked ships. There are many Navy ships, but San Diego also is a busy cruise port. You can head out for a longer cruise on one of the major cruise lines, but there are also popular dinner and dancing cruises departing each night. You should definitely spring for a whale-watching cruise. If you do not see a whale on your trip, you will receive a free pass to come back and try again. You will also be able to purchase a picture taken as your board the boat as a reminder of your special day.
San Diego is also home to Sea World. Sea World is great fun for adults and kids alike. If you want to embrace your inner child, check out LEGOLAND. You will not believe the amazing LEGO creations on display. LEGOLAND is specially designed for children up to age 12, so this makes a great spot to go if you or your date has children.
If you are into sports, you're in luck. San Diego is home to the Padres baseball team and the the San Diego Chargers. If you are looking for something a little different, check out the San Diego Gulls (Ice Hockey) or the San Diego Spirit (soccer).
San Diego is a great place for a fun date with that special someone.
Looking for a romantic dinner cruise for yourself and a loved one? How about an edifying tour of historic San Diego Bay replete with narrative history? Perhaps whale watching inspires the Captain Ahab in you. Well avast, ye matey and all aboard a Hornblower Cruise. They’re setting sail multiple times a day, all year ‘round.
Romance, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. One person's candlelit evening can just as easily be another person's 3 hour hike.
Because of the great weather in San Diego, there is a never-ending supply of fun dates ideas to go on in the city.