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Sunny San Diego. With so many fun things to do and the best weather in the country, dating in this SoCal city should be a snap, right? It can be, provided you know the lay of the land.
1) Location is Key
When it comes to dating, all parts of San Diego are not created equal. For example, North County Inland and East County are more family oriented. If you don’t want to spend your time hanging out with your neighbors’ kids, make sure you live in one of the hot spots. It may cost you a few (hundred) more bucks a month, but it’s worth it. Stick to areas close to downtown or head for the beach.
2) Work Matters
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3) Get Outside
There’s a reason people live here, after all — and it’s not because they love earthquakes. Most folks enjoy soaking up the weather and staying fit, making outdoor activities a great venture for singles looking to meet new people. There are water sports galore to choose from, or you can take a jog at the beach. Join a hiking club. As an added bonus, your in-shape physique will be a great confidence booster.
4) Not too Stuffy, Please
You’ll find more flip-flops and shorts here per capita than anywhere else in the world. So, unless you’re hitting a trendy nightclub or fancy restaurant, tone it down. Of course, casual chic is preferred over grubby. You don’t want to look like a starving student (even if you are one).
5) Different Strokes for Different Folks
No matter what your taste, there’s an area of San Diego that will suit your personality.
Gaslamp Quarter/Downtown: Trendy, young, hip crowds
La Jolla and Del Mar: More conservative crowds, tend to be a little older
Hillcrest: Alternative crowds
North Coastal (Cardiff, Encinitas, Carlsbad): Mix of ages, very casual
6) Places to Party
Here are just a few staples to get your party started:
Yogi’s: A hopping Cardiff-by-the-Sea sports bar with decent eats and great crowds
Pacific Beach Bar and Grille: A casual Pacific Beach classic
Aubergine: Upscale dancing in the Gaslamp Quarter
Epazote: Trendy nightspot in Del Mar with a great patio
7) Places to Listen
Be sure to check out some of the great live-music venues San Diego has to offer:
The Casbah: A small venue near the airport that’s hosted such bands as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins
The Belly Up Tavern: This Solana Beach joint is also a great spot to catch some cool new tunes
Humphrey’s by the Bay: If you prefer your music right by the water, check out the concert series at Humphrey’s
8) Places to Dine
San Diego is home to myriad great eateries that can accommodate almost any budget. A few favorites include:
Pizza Port: Affordable but delicious pizzeria and brewery in Solana Beach and Carlsbad
Bertrand at Mister A’s: Chic upper-level restaurant in Hillcrest with great views, opulent décor and impeccable food
Rama: Yummy Thai food in the Gaslamp Quarter
Georges at the Cove: Possibly San Diego’s most popular restaurant, located in La Jolla
Hash House a Go Go: Packed with atmosphere and the best breakfast in town, you’ll be sure to go-go again and again
9) It’s not Cheap, but it can be Easy
The greatest weather on earth doesn’t come without a price tag. While not as expensive as the trendier (and smoggier) L.A., it still costs a lot more to go out here than elsewhere in the country. So, if you’re hitting the clubs or a nice restaurant, be sure to pad your wallet. On a tight budget? Then head to the more casual North County beach spots.
10) Things to Do
A few ideas to get you started:
Balboa Park: Museums, San Diego Zoo and IMAX
Coronado: Hotel del Coronado, gondola rides
Beaches: from Oceanside down to Ocean Beach
La Jolla: Sea lions, shopping and eating
Del Mar Horse Races: Seasonal thoroughbred racing and fun in Del Mar
Have Ideas for Dating in San Diego? Post them Below!
User Tips
1) Here's my idea of a perfect San Diego Date
As for early dating, one of my favorite things to do is go down to Ocean Beach in the summer, every night at 9:50pm Sea World has a fireworks show, and it's good fun to hit the beach, watch the fireworks, then get a bonfire going and sit back with your favorite adult beverage (as long as the cops aren't around) and watch the waves roll in. It's cheap, and it's not as noisy as a bar, so you can talk to the other person, and hopefully get to know them a bit, without having to yell. Just incase the date isn't going well, it's easy for either party to split without feeling too obligated to stick around.
2) A Daytime Outdoorsy Date - Cabrillo National Monument
This is a beautiful place to take an easy day time hike. It's on the tip of Point Loma and there is an old lighthouse. There is a museum that features information about the park's namesake, explorer Juan Cabrillo. Best of all it's a $15 pass to enter - which last a year - just in case the first date doesn't work out. :)
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 557-5450
3) NOT a first date spot...wait til you really like the person
but once you've found someone you really like - Lamont Street Grill - is your place. It's in Pacific Beach and sells california cuisine. I think it's the most romantic place in PB. The food is pricey, but so worth it. the wine list is also great.
Lamont Street Grill
4445 Lamont St
San Diego, CA 92109-4561
Phone: (858) 270-3060
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