10 Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day in San Diego

Love Is In The Air…

Valentine’s Day is the traditional day each year that people everywhere set aside to express their feelings of love.  The holiday is most widely celebrated between lovers, but even extends to school children exchanging messages among classmates.  In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius I declared February 14^th as Valentine’s Day, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers.  The Roman version of Cupid is that he was the son of Venus (Goddess of Love) and Mars, and today we recognize the cherub with wings, bow and a quiver of arrows to be the personification of love and courtship.  Our hearts are the center of emotion, and we associate the Valentine’s heart with passion.  Wedding proposals and weddings are popular happenings on February 14^th, as well as a variety of other expressions of love.  Flowers, candy, cards, candlelit dinners or any romantic special event is what this day is all about. Here are ten suggestions for you lovebirds in San Diego…

#1: Indulge in all the magic and tradition of Venice right here in San Diego as you gently cruise in a private gondola through the enchanting canals of the Coronado Cays. Whether it’s a relaxing journey or a romantic adventure, each cruise is A Truly Memorable Experience. The Gondola Company offer special Valentine’s packages such as a St. Valentino Cruise that includes a complimentary plate of chocolate dipped strawberries and souvenir wine glasses, a Sunset Valentino Cruise that includes the items listed above, and a Valentino Musica Cruise where you chose either of the two cruises and it will be accompanied by a violin or mandolin player. Reservations are required. Prices range from $145-325.

#2: Take a romantic cruise on the San Diego Bay with Hornblower Cruises & Events. You’ll enjoy spectacular Bay views with famous San Diego landmarks, wonderful menus and music for dancing. There are four cruises to choose from: a romantic dinner cruise, Cupid’s dinner cruise with a live band, Valentine’s weekend dinner cruise, and a Valentine’s weekend brunch cruise. Prices range from $54.95-129. Also, Flagship Cruises & Events offers Valentines cruises that include a Touch of Romance Cruise with dinner and music, a Sweethearts Cruise, a Valentine’s Weekend Brunch Cruise, and a Special Valentine’s Cruise. Prices range from $37.50-150. Maritime Museum San Diego is also offering a Sweetheart Sail, where guests will board the official tall ship of California, the Californian, for a four hour scenic tour of the bay, marine wildlife and local attractions. Ticket prices include keepsake photos, souvenirs and gifts bag for each guest. Price is $35 per child and $60 per adult.

#3: Fly near the coast during sunset and over some of the most elaborate and luxurious neighborhoods in San Diego, or over the Temecula Wine Country. Sip champagne while enjoying the spectacular views from up above. The tours range in length from 45 minutes to one hour, 15 minutes. Prices range from $158-$188 per person, depending on where you choose to enjoy your flight. Suggestions of hot air balloon companies include Skysurfer Hot Air Balloon Flights, California Dreamin’ Balloon Rides, and Sky’s the Limit Ballooning Adventures.

#4: San Diego wineries are like hidden jewels across the County. Offering the sweet smells of locally grown grapes across a beautiful landscaped country vineyard, with tasting rooms featuring boutique wines, wonderful gift shops filled with memorable keepsakes, and county-wide events to please wine lovers and aficionados, visitors can enjoy a “taste of San Diego Wine Country” – with locally made wines to please any wine enthusiast and present the many joys at an affordable escape. So, enjoy over 50 local wineries with your sweetheart. Rent a limousine, create a romantic and care-free experience, and enjoy this romantic day at wineries such as the Bernardo Winery, Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Carruth Cellars, Fallbrook Winery, and so many more!

#5: Feel like Cinderella and experience the elegance of a horse drawn carriage and be chartered throughout the downtown area with the Cinderella Carriage Company. You may start by touring the Star of India or the Gaslamp Quarter and venture on to Seaport Village and the Embarcadero. Or ride a buggy through beautiful Balboa Park! Reservations are recommended. Prices range from $35-110.

#6: Have a relaxing and sensual day with your loved one at a spa. Get a couples massages, facials, and end your experience with a lunch and champagne. Some spas that offer couples massages are The Hidden Spa, Massage Heights, and Bellagio Salon & Spa. Don’t really want to spend Valentine’s with the lady getting pampered? Then send her for a luxurious spa treatment while you wait and enjoy beers at a nearby bar.

#7: Get out of the house and have an unforgettable night getaway to a fancy hotel in the heart of downtown Gaslamp or on Coronado Island. Surprise your loved one with rose petals sprinkled all over the room and a bottle of champagne. Then, go out to eat for a romantic dinner, just your two. Romantic getaways include the Hard Rock Hotel, The Sofia Hotel, Hotel Del Coronado and so many more.

#8: If you are not the best cook in the world, make reservations at a quaint, dimmed, candlelit restaurant where you can shower your special someone with a delicious meal and tell them how special they are over dessert. Some romantic restaurant suggestions are Vigilucci’s in Encinitas, Anthony’s Fish Grotto in San Diego, Bertrand at Mister A’s in San Diego, 333 Pacific in Oceanside, and Donovan’s in La Jolla just to name a few. If you happen to be a great cook, then cook for your loved one and create your own romantic restaurant experience right in your own home with dimmed lighting, candlelight, wine or champagne, and an elegant dessert.

#9: If you like to keep it old school, you can’t forget about giving chocolates and flowers. Order a customized bouquet from 1-800 Flowers or any local florist near you. You women love roses, but if you don’t there are also orchids, orange blossoms, tulips, or gardenias that are just as beautiful and scream “I Love You!” Some local florists in San Diego include Francos Flowers in Encinitas, Coronado Island Florist, Del Mar Floral & Gifts, and Ohana Creations in Carlsbad.

#10: For the adventurous, go flying and see San Diego’s best sights from up above. Fly and dine with Barnstorming Adventures or take an 18 minute coastal tour flying you and your loved one over Torrey Pines, Blacks Beach, La Jolla Shores, Crystal Pier and Mission Bay with Corporate Helicopters.