Summer Lovin' in San Diego: Best San Diego Summer Dates

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Whether you’re in a summer fling or the real thing, now is the best time to take advantage of those summer days, drifting away and of uh-oh, those summer nights. Tell you more? Tell you more? We’ve listed the best San Diego dates for summer, ranging from almost-free to piggy-bank breaking.

Beach Cruise & Picnic

Being romantic doesn’t equate to being rich - and that’s okay. Grab your sweetie, pack a picnic lunch, and get out your beach cruisers. (If you don’t own a bike, check out Cheap Rentals in Mission Beach for affordable, reliable cruisers for only $12 a day.) From Mission Beach, you can bike down to South Mission or up to the La Jolla Cove, taking in the amazing seascape during your journey.

The boardwalk is an excellent place to ride, but it may get too crowded for comfort mid-day. Score points by being creative and avoiding the crowds: get an early start and pack a brunch picnic, or pack dinner instead and go later in the evening.

Wine Tasting

Everyone knows that wine is a social lubricant, so imagine what it could do to those already in a close relationship. With beautiful sunny weather upon us, and the wine in perfect season, summer is the time to take a wine tasting tour. Temecula, only 45 minutes to the northeast, is San Diego’s closest wine country. Wineries typically offer tastings for $5-7 per person.

Locally, you can take advantage of this prime wine sampling season by visiting any of the local wine bars for a tasting session. Wine Steals (currently open in Hillcrest and Point Loma) is a great option, as is the San Diego Wine Culinary Center (Gaslamp) and the 3^rd Corner (Ocean Beach).

Bay Cruises   

San Diego is the So-Cal version of the city by the bay, so why not take advantage of local bay cruises? Hornblower Cruises cater to locals and tourists alike by offering nightly dinner cruises ($65-$70 per person) and weekend champagne brunches ($47 per person), in addition to private charters for weddings and other social events.

Remember to be prompt and bring a light sweater. Parking can be tight in the Harbor area, so allow plenty of time to park and board the yacht, which begins boarding half an hour before departure time. Plus, getting there early means securing the best seat – and the best view.

Hot Air Balloon

We all know that San Diego is America’s finest city. But with the increasing traffic gridlock, construction, and general noise, sometimes it’s hard to remember that. Why not escape above it all? A hot air balloon ride at sunset over the picturesque Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and the Pacific Ocean makes for an unforgettable evening. You’ve never seen San Diego like this.

The cost for such sky-high excitement can range from $150 a person for a group ride to $800 for a private balloon. Local companies – such as Panorama Balloon Tours and Hot Air Flyer – can help you plan a romantic night.

Weekend at the Hotel Del

For the ultimate beach-town, summer-time luxury, book a weekend at the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Dine at 1500 Ocean, frolic in the surf, or get a massage at the brand new spa. Unwind at a “yogilates” class, shop at the Del’s signature oceanfront stores, or rent a deuce coupe at PeDel’s. Or do nothing at all.  The choice is yours alone.

With deluxe rooms and premiere suites available, the Hotel Del Coronado is the penultimate in luxury, decadence, and romance. If it was just a summer fling before you checked in, it won’t be by the time you check out.