Six Places to Take a First Date in San Diego

There is no end to the activities and excitement that San Diego brings to the table. When it comes to dating, this doesn't change. No matter what you are looking for, when you are trying to plan a first date, there is a wide variety of things to do and see. Before you make it to this stage, I would recommend the old "Sleepless in Seattle" test. One of the few good parts of that movie was when Tom Hanks was teaching his kid about the finer points of dating. The drink test is a must. First, invite them to a drink. A drink is quick and can allow you an easy out if things aren't working. If you still like the person after the drink, it is never too late to follow up with dinner, but if things are not so hot, you can also say you need to get going and move on. Assuming you have moved past the test, San Diego offers some of the best dating setups you could ever want. Here is a look at three dinner spots or ideas, and three romantic walks. There is a lot more to the dating scene in So Cal, so do not limit yourself to these few. This is just a good start.

There are several small "hole in the wall" places throughout the entire county that can give you a relaxed and romantic atmosphere as well as some of the more high end establishments. Benihana's, Humphrey's, and Donovan's are all great places for this, but there are more.

Gordon Biersch

This is one place that was a delightful surprise when I first got to San Diego. While Gordon Biersch calls themselves a brewery and pub, they are actually a classy place. The location I Mission Valley is by far the best of all of them. This may not have the private and secluded atmosphere, but it still offers that romantic flare and can put you and your date at ease by not being too secluded. The beer is great and the food is awesome. They have a little bit of everything on the menu, so if your date is vegetarian or carnivorous, they can find the perfect faire. The average cost is about $20 per person, but it is well worth it. I would have to advise you to stay away from the garlic fries on a date, no matter how exceedingly tempting they are.

Chateau Orleans

This is, by far, one of my favorite places in the country. If you like Cajun, you must try Chateau Orleans. I know from experience in my extensive travels that this place is the best Cajun this side of the Mississippi and it is nestled in a little shopping center on the north side of Pacific Beach. This place is hard to find, but well worth the hunt. If sharing a dish is your idea of romance, the "Holy Trinity" is enough to fill you both with some left over. If you go early on the weekends, the place will be almost empty. It fills up a little later as the live jazz music starts. Even when it is packed, there is a private romantic atmosphere to the entire restaurant. I would have to recommend the gator bites to start, followed by the Holy Trinity, and finished off with the bread pudding. They also have a nice wine selection at a very reasonable price. You can easily share all three of these dishes with the heartiest of appetites. Look to spend about $30 per person before drinks. To get there, go down Ingraham to Turquoise and turn toward the beach. Once you pass the French Gourmet, it is the second driveway on the right. You have to look close, because it is very easy to miss.

Black Angus

This is a national chain so it may seem a little odd that it made this list, but Black Angus is one of the best places that you can take a date, unless they are a vegetarian. The booths are very private and cozy, and you can be guaranteed some alone time as you eat. The atmosphere is great and I have yet to see one that is not private and intimate. You can really set the mood with this choice. You can always find coupons or specials that keep this place affordable as well. If you are searching for a very private and romantic get away where you can be alone with your date, then this is your place. Look to spend about $15 per person on this one and they can be found all over the place.

The eateries are not the only charm and appeal that San Diego has. There are many little romantic nooks throughout the county and the beaches are always great. With so many parks and open areas, you are sure to be near one of these little strolls. With only three on this list, there are many that aren't listed due to space.

Sunset Cliffs

For a very romantic and breathtaking view, Sunset Cliffs can be just what the Love Doctor ordered. There are several foot paths that run along the top of these cliffs located just south of Ocean Beach. Just as the name suggests, this stroll is best around sunset. It is at this time that all the colors and beauty of the beaches, ocean, and the cliffs themselves really peak at their brightest. Another idea is a canoe or kayak tour of the cliffs at this time. There are a few little pocketed beaches that are perfect to take someone you are comfortable with. You may want to save the seclusion for a later date when you are more familiar with the person. A nice walk along on the tops of the cliffs or a boat ride in front of them are perfect for a first date and they really show your romantic side.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park may not sound like a romantic place, but for the more artsy type scene, it can not be beat. An early evening stroll through the museum side of the park is breathtaking. There is artwork and architecture there that is beautifully lit at night. This is why there are so many couples taking moonlit strolls through this area every night. With all the beauty of the surrounding area and the expert lighting, you are sure to amaze your date. If you are going during the summer months, be sure to stroll by the fountain in front of the science center. It is beautifully lit and can really set the mood.

Ocean, Mission, and Pacific Beach

For most people, there is nothing more romantic than a moonlight stroll along the beach. The stretch from Ocean to Pacific beaches is the best for this. With the piers and the nightlife nearby, you can feel safe, but you will also get the private and romantic feel that the beach has to offer. You can leisurely make you way down the coast, and if you happen to go too far, you can still take a bus back. It is very easy to loose track of time and distance along this stretch of sand. If you go during the right time of year, you can also catch the grunion runs.

San Diego has so much to offer that there really is something for everyone here. No matter what it is that you and your date desire, you can find it nearby. There is snow and mountains within two hours driving, beaches and other waterways within a half hour, and desert to the east about an hour or two. Cabrillo National Monument or one of the many lakes all make great places to picnic as well as Shelter Island and Seaport Village. A little thought about what you want to achieve can go a long way towards the perfect first date that will bring them running back for a second and third date.