Romantic Dates San Diego

Sometimes the best dates showcase our talents or even expose our flaws... and they always unite us in pursuit of a common goal. Usually it's love, but if it's not love, at least it can be a 3 course meal! Attending a cooking class is a great way to learn to have fun together in the kitchen again.

PLAY DATE: A cooking class at Great News Cooking School, Cooking with Class, The Balboa Park Food & Wine School or a dessert class at Cups!

One of San Diego's best kept secrets is "Cinema Under the Stars!"  And last year, Mission Hills welcomed a new star with the opening of The Red Door Restaurant right down the street.  This date offers all of the qualities of a potential love interest- charm, romance... and most importantly... personality!

PLAY DATE:  Dinner at The Red Door- A Movie at Cinema Under the Stars (Seasonal)- An After Dinner Drink at Starlite.

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Gourmet To-Go + The Cove + Sunset + Scrabble = Love on a BUDGET.

PLAY DATE: Pack your boardgame- Order food to-go from Whisknladle's newest project, Prepkitchen- Take all of these items down to the picnic tables at the Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla and enjoy some friendly competition overlooking the cove- Dessert at Cups.

Little Italy is known for its romantic old world charm, but with the additions of Bencotto and Red Velvet Wine Bar it will soon be known for its in-fashion passion! And speaking of fashion, Little Italy now seems to have more boutiques than the modern day Milan... Which means great gift shopping for that special someone.

PLAY DATE: Espresso at Pappalecco- A Surprise Gift from Vocabulary- Dinner at Bencotto- Wine at Red Velvet Wine Bar.

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The Gondola Cruises through the Coronado Cays is by far the most romantic and creative play date in all of San Diego.  (How can I make sure that my seriousness about this matter transcends your computer screen?!)  This date is the real deal, so let me throw caution to the wind:  Do not plan this play unless you are very much in love (or are ready to be so)- because hearts will break twice as hard after this outing.

PLAY DATE:  Dinner at Il Fornaio- Gondola Cruises at Loew’s Coronado Bay Resort- Drinks inside the Resort at the Mistral Bar.

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This date is very special to me because it showcases two places that have been milestones in my memories.  George's on the Cove was the very first place I dined in San Diego (and the reason I decided to move here from Georgia), and the lovely La Valencia is where I married my husband.  Add a little fun before and after... and you've got a night to remember!

PLAY DATE:  Wine Tasting at Burgundy- Dinner at George's on the Cove- Dessert at Cups, Drinks and music at La Valencia or an evening scene at Whisknladle.

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Need a Zen-sational experience to en-lighten up your mood?  Then check out the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas... and check out of the daily grind.  After reconnecting with the Earth and your partner from this prime veranda, enjoy the sunset at Wine Steals and then dinner at Zenbu.

PLAY DATE:  A Walk Through the Meditation Gardens- Sunset Drinks at Wine Steals- Dinner at Zenbu.

Some Like It Hot!!  Or at least Marilyn Monroe enjoyed all that The Hotel Del Coronado had to offer.  This is one of our FAVORITE date destination in all of San Diego.  For the two of you who have never been to Coronado, it is the Hamptons of our harbor.  Prepare to feel like you are a wide-eyed, 16 year old on the dawn of your family vacation as you ride your beach cruiser down the extra-wide neighborhood streets.

PLAY DATE:  Bike Rental- Ferry Ride- Hotel Del Coronado (Options: Sun Deck Bar & Grill, Ocean 1500, Sheerwater, Eno, Babcock & Story Bakery, Spreckles Sweets & Treats, Mootime Creamery, Cabana Bar, The Spa at the Del, or a Picnic)- il Fornio or Candelas for dinner.

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30th Street in North Park is the hottest drive for urban wining and dining.  This play date is so darling that you might just charm her pants off!  Ok, I apologize for that one... but I had to say it.

PLAY DATE:  Wine tasting at Mosaic- Dinner at Alexanders- Sweets at Heaven Sent Desserts. Read more...

A date should be an experience shared by two people.  This date design packages the gifts of wine, food, and culture together and tops it off with a sugary bow!  Whether you are going on a first date or an anniversary date- this Little Italy play is sure to impress. 

PLAY DATE:  Wine Tasting at Enoteca Style- Dinner and a Show at Anthology- Coffee and Sweets at Extraordinary Desserts OR Pappalecco.

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Wolfgang Puck recently opened a restaurant right next to the La Jolla Playhouse, and it is architecturally awesome!  I compare it to a treehouse because it's completely open to the outdoor air and tucked away in a small forest of trees.  Any one up for cocktails & culture?!

PLAY DATE: Dinner at Jai- Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse.

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Young men playing stickball in the streets, neighbors yelling “Ciao Bella!” and the happy locals gathering their fresh fruit, bread and flowers at the Mercado on Saturday mornings!  No… I’m not describing a small town in Italy… I’m describing a small Italy in San Diego!  If you're truly overworked and underplayed it's time to set your clock to European time and live it up in Little Italy.

PLAY DATE:  Wine at Sogno Divino- Dinner at Buon Appetito- Gelato and Espresso at Pappalecco.

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Going on a picnic sounds nice, but going on a picnic with cocktails, games, and a view sounds glorious!  Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach (or "P.B.") is one of the few semi-secret sanctuaries where you can still drink, but its best feature is that it is family friendly and the views are phenomenal.

PLAY DATE:  Pick up Food, Drinks (inluding cocktails), and Games- Picnic in Kate Sessions Park- Enjoy a Gorgeous View of the Beaches.

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Downtown Del Mar is so sophiscticated that I can't even use the word play.... its description deserves more luxurious terms like leisure or sweet hours of idle time...  For a great hometown holiday you must spend some time at the Del Mar Plaza and the L'Auberge.  And to add passion- fun at En Feugo!

PLAY DATE:  A drink with a view at Enoteca Del Fornaio- Dinner from Kitchen 1540 at L'Auberge- En Fuego for some firey night life.

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Oh how I have been dying to try a cooking class or a wine class at the Balboa Park Food & Wine School!  I'd much rather spend an evening having famous San Diego chefs personally teach me how to prepare mouth watering cuisine (overlooking the Prado Terrace and Balboa Gardens nonetheless) than to sit by the bar for 45 minutes waiting on a dinner reservation.  Please note:  These classes fill up quickly!

PLAY DATE:  A Cooking Class or Wine Class at The Prado in Balboa Park- After Dinner Drinks at The Prado, Cucina Urbana, or Wet Stone Wine Bar.

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Finally!  The recession is paying off!  These daily deals allow you to eat at really nice restaurants for half the cost.  Below is a list of some of the restaurants, and read more to find out the great deals...

PLAY DATE: Quarter Kitchen @ Ivy Hotel, Greystone, Ostera Panevino, Soleil K @ The Marriott, Donovan's, Morton's, The Red Door and The Pearl Hotel

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Want to play "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous?"  Then spend an afternoon at The Grand Del Mar, a luxurious oasis just inland from Del Mar.  But don't worry, I drive a volvo... So, I had to plan my play here appropriately.

PLAY:  The Grand Del Mar:  Happy Hour at the golf course, afternoon tea in the library, music in the lobby bar, a treatment at the spa, and dinner at Amaya.

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"The moment you walk in, you can feel the hipster vibe, and I noticed the bar was packed! Lots of low lighting and brushed metal hangings give this bar a low-key and young appearance. The host stand is outside, and we were welcomed with a smile..."

PLAT DATE: West Coast Tavern for Dinner and Drinks- Birch North Park Theatre for a Show (Movie, Concert, Play, etc.) Attached to the Restaurant.

Want to prove that you really know the hidden treasures of San Diego?  Try surprising your guest(s) with a trip to a fully functional, 119 year old winery in the middle of a Rancho Bernardo retirement community!  I try not to recommend “cheesy” spots, but this village is the yummiest of cheese…

PLAY DATE:  Rancho Bernardo Winery in it's entirety:  Cafe Merlot- Artist Village Shops- Tasting Room- Outdoor Patio- Sweet Pea Coffee Shop.

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From our Christmas date night competition (but good for any holiday- especially Friday nights!): "This year my husband and I said goodbye to costly gifts and hello to handcrafted romantic dates in our pursuit to prove that thoughtfulness is the reason for the season..."

PLAY DATE: Picnic in Balboa Park (with Adult Beverages!) or Dessert at Babycakes or Chocolat Cremerie- IMAX Movie at Fleetwood Science Center- Late Night Happy Hour at The Prado.