10 Things to Do in San Diego on Valentine's Day

There are many things to do in San Diego, and Valentine's Day in Southern California makes it very special. Here are ten popular places to visit and things to do. If none of these have been checked of a 'must do' list, here is a chance to go out and explore. And if all of them have been visited before, here is a chance to bring back lost memories.

1. Take a Walk on the Beaches

After all, San Diego is right on the coast line. San Diego is famous for its low-key lifestyle and beautiful beaches. San Diego has a great number of beaches, and San Diego county includes some great surfing communities, including Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside. Take someone special any time of the day starting with a morning stroll and watch the morning surfers get their exercise while watching the sunrise. In the afternoon, the weather starts to get warmer and a little hat may be all is needed along with a lightweight jacket if the breeze is up. The evenings generally get a little cooler in February, which makes it perfect for walking hand-in-hand on the beach.

2. Making Bonfires on the Beach

If an afternoon stroll on the beach sounds nice, pack an evening picnic and enjoy a bonfire on one of many beaches in San Diego that allow fires right on the beach. If you are in North County of San Diego, Oceanside's popular Pier View South beach has fire rings on the sand. Other beaches that allow fires on the sand: Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach. Always follow the guidlines of where and when to light the bonfires.

3. Gaslamp District

If a little excitement is your style of romance, going to the Gaslamp District in San Diego will be worth experiencing. The area has restaurants with many having live music to enjoy while you dine or sip a beverage. In addition to dining, entertainment and art to explore, the area boasts many tours to fully enjoy this important and fun area in San Diego.

4. Old Town

Another rich destination spot in the city of San Diego, Old Town San Diego Historic State Park is a great way to look at San Diego as it was many years ago. Admission is free and trolley service is available to the area.

5. La Jolla Cove at Sunset

La Jolla Cove Beach in San Diego according to the official City of San Diego website is "one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California" because of the pretty views and clear waters. This area is found by first going through La Jolla and walking to it. Why not spend an early evening dining in La Jolla and spend the rest of the evening watching the sun set over the cove?

6. Balboa Park

Balboa Park offers many activities, including museums, plays and concerts, wonderful gardens to explore, even trails to hike at. Spend a romantic afternoon strolling around the grounds and have leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the many places to dine. If parking is a nightmare you'd like to avoid on Valentine's Day, try using the handy public transit route locator. A free online tool from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, just enter where you are starting from, where you want to end up (select Balboa Park) and the tool will give different routes available to you from public transportation.

7. Hotel Del Coronado

If history and romance together is more your style for Valentine's Day, drive on over to Coronado and visit the Hotel del Coronado. Built in 1888, this hotel has been a staple for families and couples alike to get away from it all. This hotel is San Diego's only 'true' waterfront resort as it sits right on the beach making a transition to flip flops and dress heels an easy one. Enjoy a day at the spa and relax on the beach or browse shops for great shopping in the afternoon and spend the evening at their new award-winning restaurant, 1500 Ocean.

8. Harbor Cruise

If boating is up your alley, taking a cruise around the San Diego harbor is just for you. San Diego Harbor Excursion has many different boats to take and many different activities to do on them, including dinner cruises, weddings, harbor tours and great wildlife viewing such as whale watching.

9. Mission Beach Boardwalk

An easy-going, bicycle ride along the famous Mission Beach Boardwalk is something else to consider. The cement boardwalk parallels the entire stretch of beach area. Only two wheeled bikes are permitted generally, and it is an easy way to get a little excersize with a loved one.

10. Julian Bed and Breakfast

If you are planning on doing one or more of the above and want to crown the night, why not spend the night at a Julian bed and breakfast? Just an hour inland from San Diego, it is close enough for a nice drive but far enough to get away from it all for one night. There are more than a handful of bed and breakfasts in the city, some with all the conveniences of home with AAA discounts included. Julian is famous for its apple pies, so when you spend the night, make sure you take one home with you.