10 Best Ideas for Valentine’s Day San Diego for any Budget

by Maria Haase

Dinner at an overcrowded restaurant and a bunch of flowers is probably the least genuine way to express your love for your special someone. How about something new, fun, and out of the box, but equally romantic? We have some of the best ideas for Valentine’s Day in San Diego for you that will sweep your lover of his or her feet. And for even more inspiration, check out our 30+ fun date ideas in and around San Diego here.

Valentine’s Day San Diego Ideas that are way better than Dinner and a Movie

Yes, dinner and a movie with your partner is nice. But also quite predictable and honestly, a bit boring. Maybe you can surprise your husband, wife, or loved one(s) with something a little different. San Diego has so much to offer. There are even a ton of free things to do in San Diego.

Axe Throwing

Woman in blue shirt in the forest throwing an axe towards a wood target — Hottest Date Trend: Axe Throwing

Let’s start with one of the hottest date trends in the last couple of years: Axe Throwing. Have you done it? It is quite an adrenaline rush, let me tell you. It is physical, fun, competitive and a great way for couples to break out of their routine and try something new.

Axe throwing is a bit like going to the shooting range, but way more fun. The first couple of throws can be quite embarrassing, but in the end, you’ll have a good time, I promise.

Book Axe Throwing for Valentine’s Day here>>

San Diego Bay Cruise

San Diego Skyline reflecting in the water at sunset with purple and pink sky — San Diego, California

What could be more romantic than a San Diego Bay Cruise on Valentine’s Day? Enjoy the beautiful view over San Diego, sip on some bubbly and enjoy each other’s company.

Yes, San Diego Bay Cruises are usually for tourists, but it is nice to experience your hometown from a different point of view every once in a while. Playing tourists in your own backyard gives you a new appreciation for the beautiful place you call home.

Book your Valentine’s Day Bay Cruise here>>

Staycation on the Beach

Water crashing onto the sand of the La Jolla shores with cliffs filled with buildings and greenery in the background — Beach Day Fun in La Jolla (San Diego)

A staycation is a perfect idea for Valentine’s Day in San Diego. You already live in the most beautiful place on earth, so why venture too far? Appreciate the beauty of your own hometown, but without the stress and drama of everyday life. The best part: You don’t even waste any time on travel!

A San Diego Staycation, especially if you stay at one of the many beautiful beach resorts in San Diego, can really bring you closer together with our partner. The stress of planning is almost eliminated because you know the area, and you can focus solely on each other. Go make some new memories right here in San Diego.

GLASS HEART TREASURE HUNT IN CARLSBAD VILLAGE

Colorful handblown glass hearts set on a succulent plant

On February 11th & 12th, 2023, grab your partner and head to Carlsbad Village and go on a fun and exciting treasure hunt. All around Carlsbad Village, 200 handblown glass hearts are hidden in plain sight.

If you find one, you not only get to keep the stunning heart, but you’ll receive a code to enter a giveaway with cool prizes. Find all the details here>>

Whale Watching

Two humpback whales swimming on the surface of the ocean next to each other. Photo shot from arial perspective. — Humpback Whales

There is nothing more romantic than being out on the water with your loved one and searching for whales. Whales are incredible creatures and here in San Diego, we are lucky enough to see the whale migration pretty much year-round. But February is one of the best months to see whales close to San Diego – perfect timing for Valentine’s Day. Book your Whale Watching Cruise here>>

Read more Whale Watching Articles here:
Top Tips for San Diego Whale Watching
Dana Point – Whale Watching Capital of the World

Couples Massage

Young couple lying on the massage table and smiling.

One thing that your partner never said: “Oh I wish I didn’t have that massage today!” Right? But even more fun, especially on Valentine’s Day, is a couple’s massage. Let the massage therapists knead you to a perfectly relaxed state, while enjoying each other’s company.

Book your Couples Massage here>>

Kayaking Tour or Rental

kayaks in the water near sand stone cliffs in La Jolla california - San Diego Valentine's Day — Kayaks near coastal caves at La Jolla Cove

Couples that kayak together, stay together. Or something like that. Renting a couple of kayaks, or doing a kayak tour if you never kayaked before, is a great Valentine’s Day date idea.

My husband and I did a kayaking tour in La Jolla a few years ago and it was awesome. We really had to work together to get to where we needed to go and while I may have hit him a few times with my paddle (accidentally, of course), we both loved it so much. We even saw a sea lion snatch a lobster off a cliff, how cool is that?

Reserve your Kayaking Rental here>>

Escape Room

Do you and your partner love to solve riddles and play games? Who figures out the killer first, when you watch a thriller? If those kind of games get you excited, an escape room just for the two of you would be the perfect Valentine’s Day date night for you two.

Please keep in mind that the escape rooms are usually under video surveillance, so ahem, keep things appropriate in there

Also, don’t forget to read our post on the best escape rooms in San Diego here.

Book your Escape Room adventure here>>

Rejuvenating Spa Day

Beautiful young couple enjoying and relaxing in SPA center and drinking wine — Valentine’s Day Date Idea: Spa Day

Saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzis make for a hot and steamy Valentine’s day date with your lover. Spoil yourselves with a day of pure relaxation.

Get a massage, or a facial and enjoy the cleansing treatments that will bring out the best in your body. What a great way to spark a fire between two lovebirds!

One of our top recommendations for a Day Spa near San Diego is Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Glen Ivy Spa is about 1.5 hours north of San Diego, about halfway between Temecula and Riverside. There, you will find natural hot springs with mineral-rich waters, mud baths, tropical landscaping and beautiful pools, and of course spa treatments that will make you feel pampered and rejuvenated. Read our full review of Glen Ivy Hot Springs here>>

Book your Spa Day here>>

Pools with lush gardens and palm trees Glen Ivy Hot Springs — Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Weekend Away

Close up portrait of Young couple on honeymoon in hotel room. Couple enjoying room service with breakfast tray. — Weekend Getaway for Valentine’s Day

You don’t have to go far or spend thousands of dollars, but a romantic weekend getaway with your loved one is one of the top Valentine’s Day date ideas – ever! Concentrate on your love and your partnership, enjoy each other’s company and make some awesome memories.

Book your romantic Weekend Away here>>

Ice Skating

Ice Skating is so much fun. Especially if you have to hold on to your loved one for dear life. Whether you are an experienced skater or have never been on the ice, it is twice as much fun with your partner.

And the best part about ice skating in San Diego? When you are done, you step outside and it is most like sunny and warm – even in San Diego.

Get your Ice Skating tickets here>>

San Diego has a lot to offer for couples, whether it is Valentine’s Day or not. I hope these ideas spark some ideas for this upcoming Valentine’s Day so you can really wow your sweetheart.