14 Feb 2025

Guide to San Diego's Most Romantic Spots

By builtbygcommerce

San Diego is the perfect destination to keep the spark alive with your special someone. From stunning sunsets over the bay to intimate dining experiences, romance is in the air year-round in this coastal paradise.

Start your getaway with the perfect accommodations at The Dana on Mission Bay, one of the best romantic hotels in San Diego. With luxurious hotel amenities, breathtaking waterfront views, and onsite dining at Firefly Eatery & Bar, your escape is off to an unforgettable start. Firefly's cozy ambiance and craft cocktails make it a top pick for romantic things to do in San Diego.

Looking for more ideas? Here are some of the best date spots and activities to enjoy near us, The Dana on Mission Bay, ensuring your love story continues to bloom in the month of love—and beyond!

Most Romantic Spots in San Diego

Romantic Restaurants in San Diego (Miles from Hotel Varies – 0 to 7 Miles)

San Diego is full of incredible dining experiences, and we’ve rounded up some of the best romantic spots to enjoy near Mission Bay. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a lively night out, these waterfront gems are sure to impress.

Firefly Eatery & Bar: Nestled right here at The Dana on Mission Bay, Firefly is the perfect place to dine under romantic market lights, with breathtaking bayside views and cozy firepits on the patio. Indulge in coastal-inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails while enjoying the serene waterfront ambiance.
Coasterra: With sweeping views of San Diego Bay and a modern Mexican menu, this sophisticated spot sets the stage for an elegant evening together.
Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music: Located at our sister hotel, Humphreys Half Moon Inn, this waterfront venue combines delicious dining with live music for a truly unique date night experience.
Cannonball: For something more casual yet equally romantic, head to San Diego’s largest beach rooftop. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views while savoring fresh sushi and cocktails in a relaxed, beachy atmosphere, just down the road from us.

Each of these dining destinations offers its own blend of romance and flavor, making them perfect for your next date night near Mission Bay!

Enjoy a Romantic Picnic in the Park (3.3 Miles to Hotel)

What’s more romantic than a picnic in the park with your special someone? Right onsite at The Dana on Mission Bay, Sunset Point Park offers the perfect setting for an intimate picnic. With lush greenery and peaceful waterfront views, it’s an idyllic spot to enjoy the warm SoCal sunshine or watch a breathtaking West Coast sunset together. Prefer to venture out? Just minutes away, Palisades Park in Pacific Beach offers another great romantic picnic location. Grab some delicious bites from The Dana’s Firefly Eatery & Bar, find a cozy spot on the grass, and soak in the serene ocean views. Whether you’re spending the day or catching the sunset, it’s the perfect way to celebrate love in San Diego.

Visit a Beautiful San Diego Beach (Miles from Hotel Varies – 4 to 12 miles)

The perfect thing about San Diego is that you are never too far from one of our beautiful beaches. Our stunning coastal location offers some of the best date night locations with views of colorful sunsets, providing a plethora of romantic opportunities, especially on Valentine’s Day! Plan to spend a romantic evening at beautiful Sunset Point Park near The Dana for the perfect sunset view with a cozy fire on the beach. Or you may choose to take a romantic stroll along Windansea Beach for picture-perfect skyline and sculpted rock formation views. For those who enjoy sea life, visit La Jolla Cove, also known as Seal Beach, to catch a glimpse of the playful seals and other marine life as well as the crystal clear water along the rugged coastline. With all of this and unobstructed sunset views, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite of San Diego locals.

Enjoy a Couples Massage

Treat yourself and your special someone to the ultimate relaxation experience with a luxurious couples massage. Nothing says romance like unwinding side by side in a serene setting, enjoying a rejuvenating spa day together. If you're looking for the perfect spot, we’d love to help coordinate and connect you with a local spa to create a truly blissful and memorable experience for you and your partner. Relax, recharge, and let the romance flow!

Sunset Dinner Cruise (6.4 Miles to Hotel)

Two people standing on a cruise deck at sunset

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s dinner cruise with your favorite person enjoying an evening of dinner and dancing! The San Diego Signature Dinner Cruise by CityCruises offers a delicious dinner buffet, handcrafted cocktails, and gorgeous views of the San Diego skyline. Truly one of the most popular romantic things to do in San Diego, you will feel love in the air as you take in the stunning city views and popular landmarks from the open-air roof decks while sipping on your favorite cocktail and cruising along the beautiful San Diego coastline.

Romantic Gondola Boat Ride (17 Miles to Hotel)

Nothing says romance like an authentic gondola boat ride on the water in San Diego. Definitely one of the most romantic things to do in San Diego, a relaxing gondola boat ride under the stars is a Valentine’s date you will both remember for years to come! Sip on a delicious glass of local California wine, snuggle together under the blankets, and enjoy a romantic evening out on the water with your favorite person on the planet.

Escape to The Dana on Mission Bay for a Romantic Getaway

Who says romance is limited to just one day? At The Dana on Mission Bay, we believe love deserves to be celebrated all February long and beyond! Plan your perfect getaway and treat your special someone to a stay at one of San Diego’s most romantic hotels. For an extra touch of romance, book our Romance on the Bay package, which includes sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a late check-out so you can fully enjoy your time together.

And don’t forget—The Dana is a dog-friendly hotel, so your four-legged family member can join in the fun, too! Make this month of love unforgettable with a romantic escape to The Dana on Mission Bay.

guests walking on the property with a dog

01 Jun 2023

Planning the Perfect San Diego Staycation

By builtbygcommerce

Summer is here, the weather is warm, and many of us are eager to once again start planning those much-needed getaways. That said, if you aren’t completely ready to plan an all-out vacation, then we have a solution: the classic staycation. By sticking closer to home, you can minimize travel time (and expenses!) while still enjoying the benefits of an escape. Here are some handy tips for planning a San Diego staycation right here at The Dana that’s sure to raise your spirits.

Reserve Our Sweet San Diego Staycation Offer

We love locals here at The Dana. That’s why we’ve seen to it that you don’t have to be from out of town to enjoy all our beautiful waterfront escape has to offer! When you reserve our San Diego Staycation package, you can enjoy special discounts and perks we just don’t offer outside the area. You’ll not only receive 10% off your stay, but we’ll comp your parking — since you’ll be coming from across town. Think of it as our way of helping out our neighbors!

Summer Fun in the Sun With On-site Activities

San Diego may be one of the world’s most popular getaway destinations, but we’ve gone overboard to see to it that The Dana is a fantastic destination unto itself. We’ve packed our schedule so full of spectacular summertime goings-on that you’ll never have to set foot off-property to find your fun. From local beer tastings celebrating “The Craft Beer Capital of America”, to “Dive-In” movie nights at our heated outdoor pool, to S’mores night, lawn games, social wine samplers and much more, there’s no end of ways to enjoy your summer right here.

“Water” You Waiting for?

Being as The Dana overlooks the stunning sapphire waves of Mission Bay, we’re big fans of enjoying the water here. That’s why we’ve partnered with Adventure Water Sports to offer guests dynamite deals on watercraft rentals. No matter how you like to enjoy a day on the water, Our friends at Adventure have you covered. Enjoy on-site paddleboard, kayak, waverunner, ski and pontoon boat rentals, all designed with fun in mind. And landlubbers are taken care of, too. Adventure also offers bike rentals if you’re into a little pedal-pushing. There’s no better way to take in the sights!

On-site Dining at Firefly Eatery & Bar

Hungry? No problem. The Dana has your back there, too. Our very own Firefly Eatery & Bar serves a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu of always-fresh favorites prepared from local ingredients. So why not stop in for all the sunrise specials at our sumptuous breakfast buffet, then grab a juicy, cooked-to order Wagyu Bacon Burger or crisp Cobb Salad for Lunch? Then, after tucking into some Braised Short Ribs or Beer-Battered Fish and Chips for dinner, you can top it off with a nightcap from our rotating beer taps, craft cocktail menu, or local California wine selection. And if you’re traveling with a furry friend, our patio at Firefly is even dog-friendly!

Explore the Area

When you’re a guest at The Dana, you’re only ever just minutes away from all the best of San Diego. Interested in popping over to visit our neighbors at SeaWorld San Diego? Just hop on our handy shuttle, and you’re there in minutes. Heard the Mission Beach Boardwalk is a great way to spend a day shopping and seeing the sights? You heard right. And it’s right in the neighborhood. Looking for a white-knuckle thrill ride or three? You’ve come to the right place — Belmont Park is a classic west-coast beachfront amusement center that’s just minutes away. The Dana is also close to golf, San Diego’s coolest speakeasies, and some incredible local craft breweries. Just pick a direction and set off to explore. You’re sure to discover a memorable experience.

Check in to the Dana on Mission Bay

Don’t miss your chance to check in with the staycation experts! Our waterfront hideaway offers everything you could possibly need to enjoy your head-earned break. Plush guest rooms, a breathtaking location overlooking Mission Bay, warm hospitality, and everything just steps from the water. So if you’re in need of an escape that won’t break the bank, then feel free to enjoy any or all of what’s in store for you here — even if that’s just relaxing in your room, hanging out on the waterfront, or lounging poolside with a beverage. How you staycation is entirely up to you!

01 Mar 2023

POV: When Your Parents Let You Plan a Kid-Friendly San Diego Vacation

By builtbygcommerce

When we say San Diego has a little something for everyone, we mean it. Especially if “everyone” includes the kids! Our city is absolutely chock-full of family-friendly activities that young visitors — and their big people — can enjoy equally. So we thought it would be fun to imagine what might happen if the responsibility of planning an escape to “America’s Finest City” fell to the youngest members of the crew. With that in mind, here are some great activities to consider when planning your family-friendly San Diego vacation.

Adventure Water Sports (Just Steps Away!)

(Photo: @danamissionbay)
Our good friends at Adventure Water Sports offer family watercraft rentals so you and your squad can set off on a fun aquatic adventure. Their fleet features easy-to-operate craft like twin-engine waterskiing boats, waverunners, pontoon boats perfect for leisurely cruising, and other multi-passenger craft ideal for fun and exploration. Best of all, they have a location right here at the Dana! So you won’t have to go far to find a great day.
1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Seaworld San Diego (1 Mile)

a father and daughter interacting with a beluga whale

(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
You find out your family is taking you to sunny San Diego, and aside from boogie boards at the beach, what else comes to mind? A day at SeaWorld! This attraction has delighted generations of visitors with its entertaining and educational up-close marine-life exhibits of playful seals, orcas, dolphins, and more. Any kid-friendly day would have to include riding the brand new Emperor rollercoaster, watching the high-flying Dolphin Adventure show, and zipping through the fastest, longest straddle coaster of the West Coast with speeds of 40 mph on Arctic Rescue.
500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Belmont Park (1.1 Miles Away)

(Photo: @belmontparksd)
Families, thrillseekers, and (of course) kids looking for a great day out will find much to love at Belmont Park. This timeless boardwalk-style waterfront destination is the perfect place to have lots of family fun. Belmont Park is located in picturesque Mission Beach and features favorite attractions like the Giant Dipper coaster, mini-golf, rock climbing, classic oceanside dining, and more.
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

See the Seals

(Photo: @lajolla.ca)
If you’d like to check out some marine life in its natural habitat, a famous colony of seals and sea lions lives near the Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Be sure to bring your camera to capture these playful animals. And speaking of seals, San Diego SEAL Tours offers an experience kids always give their “seal of approval”! During the tour, the whole family can climb aboard an amphibious vehicle, drive directly into the water, and see the city sights.
Children’s Pool: 834 Coast S Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (6.7 miles)
San Diego Seal Tours: 500 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (7.2 miles)

Balboa Park (10 Miles)

The city’s most famous green space isn’t just a beautiful crown jewel, it’s also full of amazing attractions kids love. When you go, don’t miss taking the family to fantastic destinations like the Fleet Science Center, and its IMAX Dome Theatre. Current features include the Train Time and Design Zone exhibits, and the epic Antarctica and Turtle Odyssey documentary films. Once you’re back outside, why not go for a ride on the carousel, or stop for some fun at one of the many playgrounds within the park? Grab a quick bite to eat at any of several in-park restaurants, and then stop in and see the animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego Botanic Garden (10 Miles Away)

(Photo: @sandiegobotanicgarden)
The breathtaking San Diego Botanic Garden offers visitors more than two dozen themed gardens over 37 colorful and freshly fragrant acres. The Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden delights younger guests with giant soap bubbles, a kid-sized railroad, and playhouse to explore. Older kids will enjoy Hamilton Children’s Garden, where they can play a giant game of tic-tac-toe, navigate a labyrinth, and learn how sundials work.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Sesame Place San Diego (23.3 Miles)

(Photo: @sesameplaceca)
San Diego’s news family attraction is also proving to be one of its most popular, and for good reason. Sesame Place is a delightful destination for all ages, featuring all the charm of one of the most treasured kids’ shows in history. Visitors will also discover rides, shows, amazing food, a daily parade, pictures with the characters, and even a picture-perfect reproduction of Sesame Street itself. So come and play. Everything’s A-OK!
2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911

LEGOLAND California (32 Miles Away)

(Photo: @legolandcalifornia)
If the kids are calling the shots, chances are you’re going to find yourself taking a short trip up the coast to LEGOLand California. LEGOLand in neighboring Carlsbad is an area favorite that’s not to be missed. Thrill rides, live shows, and larger-than-life displays of brick-based art have delighted families here for more than two decades. The park also offers regular seasonal festivals, fantastic food, and meet-and-greets (and photo ops!) with kid-favorite characters. Be sure to check the gift shop to pick up LEGO apparel, snacks, and even souvenir toy sets.
One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

San Diego Zoo Safari Park (34.7 Miles)

(Photo: @sdzsafaripark)
You and the crew won’t want to miss out on the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park in nearby Escondido. The Safari Park offers visitors a wildlife experience not to be missed. At just over 1,800 acres, it’s one of the largest free-range animal habitats in the world. Visitors here enjoy a true safari experience as they observe over 2,600 different animals across 300 species (and even feed giraffes!), all thriving in an environment much as they would occupy in the wild. Check out the family activities they offer — such as overnight camping, guided tours, and other family-friendly activities — right here.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

Family-Friendly Food

(Photo: @thebakedbear)
No crew travels on an empty stomach. But, let’s face it: kids can be “discerning” when it comes to dining out. Luckily, San Diego is full of fantastic family-friendly restaurants — including our own poolside Firefly Eatery & Bar with its kid-approved Lightning Bugs menu. Plus, every Tuesday, kids 12 and under eat free! Be sure to also check out these family-first eateries as well:
● The Baked Bear: Customize a create-your-own ice-cream sandwich.
● Grater Grilled Cheese: The classic comfort-food favorite in endless variations.
● Working Class: Sandwiches, sliders, wings, rings, fries, and mac & cheese.
● Corvette Diner: Fun ‘50s-style diner full of chrome, milkshakes and doo-wop.
● Station Tavern: Pub grub with an outdoor play area to help burn energy.

Bring the Squad for a Stay at the Dana

There’s no better place for your roving band of adventurers to bunk during your San Diego escapades than right here at The Dana on Mission Bay. Not only do we offer a central location and great rates, kids absolutely love our family-friendly amenities — like “dive-in movies” you can watch from the pool! When you’re ready to plan, take a look at our Special Offers page, and book your stay today!