By Danielle Andrews
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway this summer we’ve got your ticket! San Diego is known for the most beautiful sunsets; where if you believe in magic and don’t blink at just the right time … you might catch a glimpse of a green flash just as the sun dips behind a blazing crimson horizon. It also must mean good luck because you just happen to be in one of the sunniest places on earth! San Diego’s active outdoor/surf culture brings a chill vibe wherever you go. Everyone seems to be either coming from or going to the beach which makes the dress-code ultra casual. Roll the top down and blare the tunes (Jack Johnson?) while driving along the coast and taking in the ocean views.
There’s so much to do and see, it can be overwhelming, so we took a little gem from each of our favorite areas we think will make a romantic, memorable getaway for all you lovebirds.
Where to Stay:
The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa
Escape to the coast of Carlsbad and experience this sprawling 5-star resort. The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort offers a world-class luxury getaway, amid 250 lush acres of natural beauty overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon. Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad is San Diego’s only golf course designed by Arnold Palmer. Named the #1 golf resort in Southern California by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and recognized as one of the country’s best resort golf courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
Experience an idyllic romantic getaway at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa located in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe. Immerse yourself in timeless mediterranean ambiance at this stunning retreat. Nestled amidst charming courtyards and serene fountains, this 5 star resort offers luxurious hacienda-style suites. Each “casita” is thoughtfully designed with custom rustic furnishings, romantic lighting, and features a private garden patio that offers breathtaking views of olive groves and canyons.
Hotel Del Coronado
The Hotel Del Coronado, “Where romance becomes legend.” Stands up to it’s reputation as the ultimate, romantic beachside hotel. This historical hotel where Marilyn Monroe was famously filmed in “Some Like It Hot”, has been lovingly restored over the last 6 years with a $550 million dollar renovation. You can read more about this great undertaking in the New York Times: A Grand Comeback for a Grand Seaside Hotel.
Where to Eat:
Market
This beautiful restaurant is located in Del Mar near the Horsepark and the Del Mar Racetrack. Market is just a hop skip and a jump from the Rancho Valencia Hotel. At the helm is three time James Beard nominee, Chef Carl Shroeder. Using only the best local produce and fresh ingredients Carl creates works of art for your eyes and taste buds. A romantic dining experience you wont soon forget.
Nine-Ten
Located in La Jolla, NINE-TEN offers hyper-local cuisine wrapped in sophisticated ambience. Award winning Chef Jason Knibbs draws inspiration from just beyond his doorstep, transforming the freshest ingredients into a menu that captures the changing seasons and reflects the dynamic flavors of California fused with global flair. The centerpiece of the space is a stunning ocean and fauna mural by renowned artist Dana Montlack, a tribute to the natural beauty of La Jolla. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with high ceilings, a palette of emerald greens, light wood, and warm vibe that lifts the soul.
Animae
Take in San Diego’s downtown scene at celebrity chef, Brian Malarkey’s brain child, ANIMAE. Located in the Embarcadero Marina, this sexy restaurant attracts trendy diners who come to see and be seen. ANIMAE features Japan’s finest A5 wagyu beef, complementing an Asian-inspired menu crafted by James Beard nominee, Executive Chef Tara Monsod. Get cozy in one of their round-velvet booths and snuggle in for a night of delectable eats set among modern architecture and art deco design.
After Hours:
You had a fabulous dinner, but are still energetic, falling more and more in love and don’t want the night to end? Head over to this not-so-secret speakeasy and carry on.
Raised by Wolves
Raised by Wolves transports you back to 19th century Europe. Don’t let the location deter you when entering the mall. Simply head toward the liqueur store to find a ‘secret door’ where you’ll enter into a different space and time. The cocktails are as extravagant as the decor and they are also known for their creative take on non-alcoholic concoctions. This place is hopping for a reason so reservations are recommended. Cheers!
What to do:
Beaches, Beaches, Beaches!
With the best surfing and most beautiful beaches, it’s sacrilege to go to San Diego without placing your feet in the sand. Go tide pooling at low-tide, stroll along any beach, have a picnic, frolick in the ocean, take a surf lesson and just generally soak in the sun and take in the vast horizon. Then venture into one of the many eateries along the coast for a fish taco and a margarita. Life is simple and simple is beautiful.
- La Jolla Cove: La Jolla Cove is a small beach sheltered within the craggy shoreline of La Jolla, widely photographed for it’s beauty and great for snorkeling. Go tide pooling and have a picnic up top where there is a grassy area overlooking the ocean.
- Swami’s: Swami’s Beach is one of the best surf spots in Northern California! Stop to watch the surfers do their thing then walk over to the Self-Realization Meditation Garden and take in the serene beauty of native flowers and koi ponds. It’s absolutely stunning and very peaceful.
- If you want to go where the locals go: Head up to Leucadia, specifically Neptune Avenue where you will find several entry points of stairs to quieter beaches like Beacons and Grandview and get a feel for the neighborhood vibe.
If you are uber adventurous and want to find an exciting way to bond with your partner, Adventure Activities in San Diego are endless. From hot air balloon rides to cave exploration to diving with sharks and paragliding, it’s all available for you to check off your bucket list.
Arts and Culture:
Balboa Park
Balboa Park hosts 1200 acres of botanical gardens, museums, theatres, restaurants and promenades. Many of the national historical structures were built in the early 1900’s for the Panama-California Exposition. It is literally everything-all-in-one-place with ongoing performances and events of all kinds. A must visit!
We hope you enjoy these places as much as we do and we’re sure you’ll create your own unique adventures and romantic memories in this special sunny spot.
Of course if you’re still looking for that special someone to share your life with, don’t put it off one more second! Contact us and allow our talented matchmakers to get to work on your behalf.
