Best Cheap Date Ideas

Picnic at Lake Murray

One of the best things about San Diego is its abundance of natural beauty and outdoor spaces. Lake Murray is a great spot for a budget-friendly date. Pack a basket with some food and drinks, and find a shady spot to spread out a blanket. Enjoy the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, and don’t forget to bring your camera!

• Cost: Free
• Location: Lake Murray, San Diego
• Website: https://www.sandiego.org/articles/parks-gardens/lake-murray.aspx

Happy Hour at Casa de Pico

Happy hour is a great way to save money while still enjoying a night out. Casa de Pico in La Mesa is known for its festive atmosphere and delicious Mexican food. The happy hour menu offers discounted appetizers, drinks, and even entrees. Grab a table on the outdoor patio and soak up the colorful decor and live music.

• Cost: $
• Location: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
• Website: https://casadepico.com/

Stargazing at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Experience the magic of the night sky at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The park offers several different hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, so you can choose a route that suits your fitness level. Settle down on a warm blanket and watch the stars twinkle overhead. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a shooting star!

• Cost: Free
• Location: 12600 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=657

Best Romantic Date Ideas

Watching the Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

There’s nothing more romantic than watching the sunset over the ocean. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego offers spectacular views of the Pacific, with plenty of benches and lookout points to enjoy the scenery from. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine, and toast to the beauty of the moment.

• Cost: Free
• Location: Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
• Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/shoreline/sunset

Cooking Class at Sur La Table

Take a cooking class together at Sur La Table in La Jolla. You’ll learn new skills, taste delicious food, and get to spend quality time with your date. Classes range from Italian pasta-making to Thai street food, so there’s something for every taste. Plus, you’ll get to take home the recipes and impress your friends at your next dinner party.

• Cost: $$
• Location: 7825 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Website: https://www.surlatable.com/

Bike Ride and Picnic at Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in California, with soft sand and crystal clear water. Rent bikes and take a leisurely ride along the boardwalk, enjoying views of the Pacific and the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Then, find a quiet spot on the beach and have a picnic lunch together, with the sound of the waves as your background music.

• Cost: $$
• Location: Coronado Beach, Coronado, CA 92118
• Website: https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/beaches-bays/coronado-beach.aspx

Seasonal Date Ideas

Spring: Flower Fields

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. The fields are filled with colorful blooms, and you can stroll through the gardens hand-in-hand with your date. Don’t forget to take a ride on the tractor-pulled wagon and indulge in some fresh strawberry lemonade.

• Cost: $$
• Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
• Website: https://www.theflowerfields.com/

Summer: Moonlight Beach Bonfire

Spend a summer evening at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, roasting marshmallows over a bonfire and watching the waves crash on the shore. Bring a blanket and some cozy sweaters, and enjoy the warmth of the fire and the company of your date.

• Cost: Free
• Location: 400 B St, Encinitas, CA 92024
• Website: https://www.encinitasca.gov/Residents/Parks-Beaches-Trails/Beaches/Moonlight-Beach

Fall: Pumpkin Patch

Get in the fall spirit by visiting a pumpkin patch with your date. Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center has everything you need for a festive day out, from hayrides to petting zoos to a corn maze. Pick out the perfect pumpkin together and take it home to carve.

• Cost: $
• Location: 15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082
• Website: https://batesnutfarm.biz/

Winter: Ice Skating at Hotel del Coronado

Get into the winter spirit by ice skating at Hotel del Coronado’s outdoor rink. The rink is located on the Windsor Lawn, with views of the ocean and the historic hotel. Skate rentals are available, and there’s even a hot cocoa bar to warm you up after your twirls on the ice.

• Cost: $$
• Location: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
• Website: https://hoteldel.com/activities/holidays-at-hotel-del-coronado/