There comes a time in every parent’s life when you have to refocus on your own relationship. Ignore sticky fingerprints on your sweatpants, piles of laundry, and the smell from your teenager’s room—when’s the last time you and your partner pressed pause on being Mom or Dad and prioritized yourselves?
I’ll admit that I’m no exception. My husband and I have been together since 1993. Our first date was a beer run through PB that ended with his roommate in a shopping cart. We got married in 2001 under an oak tree in Julian. Now, as parents of two teenagers, we need to date. It keeps things fresh and interesting and reminds us to put down the to-do lists, laugh, and have fun.
Here’s a guide for all you overworked San Diego parents without the bandwidth to plan date night. These are easy, low-key, budget-friendly ways to get away from the kids and reclaim the spark. So whether you’re a food fanatic, an outdoor junkie, or a ball of stress in need of some major relaxation, just put on a clean pair of jeans and get out there. Fill your bucket so you can get on with all the adulting that parenting requires.
San Diego Date Ideas For The Playful Couple
Spend time on the water
Surf, paddleboard, or sail. If you have dusty gear taking up space in the garage, time to drag it out and enjoy it. Never learned to surf? Take a lesson together with local instructors like San Diego Surf School or Pacific Surf School.
Unleash your inner dancing queen
Show off your moves as you glide to the music at Ringers Roller Rink in Lemon Grove. The rink’s live DJs often pump out ’90s throwback music sure to get your heart racing and take you down memory lane.
Get out of town
Julian is not just for apple-picking—it also makes for a romantic and convenient day trip. Climb into the car, roll down the windows, and enjoy a winding drive up into the mountains. Play like a kid as you try out some ax-throwing, archery, and slingshot paintball at Fort Cross Adventures. Afterward, belly up to a bar with beautiful orchard views and do some cider tasting at Calico Cidery. Before heading down the hill, pick up a loaf from women-owned Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel.
Get high at the movies
Okay, not literally—but the Embarcadero’s Rooftop Cinema Club is a step above the typical theater experience. Arrive early and challenge each other to a giant game of Connect Four. Grab a cocktail and popcorn, then cozy up on a loveseat and laugh out loud at old ’80s classics. Or check out the club’s monthly themed silent discos and get your dancing shoes on.
San Diego Date Ideas For the Creative Couple
Take a class
Get your hands dirty—or at least covered in paint—with the San Diego Botanic Garden’s craft classes in Encinitas. Whether you learn how to make succulent wreaths, paint with watercolor, or arrange orchids, creating something in tandem helps you grow together and produces a beautiful new addition to your home.
Immerse yourself in art
If all you need is some peace and quiet, enjoy a day browsing at The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. The view of the Pacific through the many windows is its own kind of art, sure to mesmerize and calm your spirits.
San Diego Date Ideas For The Leisurely Couple
Eat sandos at sunset
I live in the suburbs, but I never forget the beach is just a 20-minute drive away. One of our favorite dates is an evening picnic. We grab sandwiches from our favorite deli and load up the beach chairs before heading to OB, Coronado, or La Jolla. Even in winter, we kick off our shoes as soon as we hit the sand. Then, we picnic like kings and watch a glorious sunset.
Start your day with your sweetie
Who says date night has to be at night at all? If you’re worried about kids acting up at bedtime with the sitter, try a morning together at the beach. Visit Pier View Coffee Co. in Oceanside, then walk to the pier, holding hands and reminiscing about your relationship’s earliest days.
San Diego Date Ideas For The Food-Loving Couple
Stir up romance
Learn some new recipes to spice up veggies from your garden. Chef Martin, owner of The Green Door Cafe, makes cooking gluten-free and vegan delicious and easy. His cooking class includes food and wine, and he’ll teach you to whip up fresh dishes with international flair.
Turn a taco scavenger hunt into a weekly date night
Take a break from kitchen duty. Each Tuesday, try a new taco spot—and maybe even write up a March Madness–style bracket to find your ultimate fave. It’s a great way to break up the work week. Plus, you’re sure to discover some bargains.
Splurge on a farm-to-table experience
The only “fancy” date on my list takes place once a month at the beautiful Sage Hill Ranch Gardens in Escondido. Register in advance for a farm tour followed by a five-course meal prepared by renowned local chefs. You’ll feast outdoors with live music in the background.
San Diego Date Ideas For The Activist Couple
Volunteer at a community garden
Project New Village in Mt. Hope grows organic produce in its orchard and gardens and distributes it throughout southeast San Diego. The org welcomes helpers during monthly community work days. Or get your hands dirty at the San Carlos Community Garden, which beautifies the neighborhood and brings locals together to learn, trade crops, and become better composters.
Share the fruits of your romance
Hop on a “crop swap” with Produce Good: You’ll pick citrus for about two hours in a neighbor’s orchard or backyard. The org will distribute fruit that might otherwise go to waste to food pantries large and small.
