Guide to San Diego's Most Romantic Spots
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)
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.
