Discover the Rules of Beach Romance

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The lack of beach booze, excess of tanning oil and free time, and scantily clad free and taken twenty to forty somethings can make for an interesting mix of flirting and courting under the hot sun.

Before she catches your wandering eye and you find yourself alone at sunset, again, soak in the modern rules of beach behavior.

Whether you are single or not this summer in San Diego, it's important to master the rules of beach romance. Knowing where to go, what to say, and what not to do are essential to finding, or keeping, summer love.

From the best beaches for singles and couples to how to flirt on the sand and how to avoid making a mockery of yourself, trust this guide to beach romance.

Where to go

Best San Diego beaches for singles
Tower 21 in Pacific Beach
Now with the booze ban in full force, a beach near a bar will be your best bet to find a rowdy crowd full of day drinking singles. The end of Pacific Beach Drive has some great bars right on the beach (Lahaina's and World Famous) so you can obey the law and still enjoy your beer in the sun.

WindanSea in La Jolla
This under the radar spot will have an older crowd than you would find in Pacific Beach, but is great for a mellow afternoon of laying out and maintaining a low profile. Plus, it's easy to park and low in tourist traffic flow.

Swami's Beach in Encinitas

A well-known surf spot, the Swamis shore is the perfect place to check out hot surfers and the beach babes that follow.

Best San Diego beaches for couples

Marine Street in La Jolla
This quiet local spot in La Jolla is at the end of Marine Street, off La Jolla Boulevard, and is a great place to relax under the radar.

Coronado Island
Coronado is always a great escape for any couple that wants to get away without having to travel too far. Any beach in Coronado is a great option, but I recommend the beach areas by the Hotel del Coronado. While it can be a little touristy, you may feel like you are on vacation yourself.

Fanuel Steet in Mission Bay
Fanuel Street Park on Mission Bay is a great bay-front location for a picnic or nice quiet afternoon away from the hustle of the Pacific Beach scene.

How to flirt

- Pay close attention to the body language of your target. See if they are angling their body toward you or making strategic eye contact. Also, a female's post-swim hair flip is always a good sign. More body language insight here.

- Instead of approaching your crush just saying hi, try asking for some sunscreen or a suggestion for a cool place to go after the beach. Also, try compliments. No matter how hot you may think they look, a compliment can always do the trick.

- Extending the invitation for a game of frisbee or football is a great way to break the ice. Avoid awkwardness by saying you need to even out your teams and need a few more people to join in.

- Don't like what you see on the sand? Look up to the stands and discover how to land a San Diego lifeguard.

What not to do

- Don't make a spectacle of yourself with too much tanning oil, bumping music, throwing sand, and heavy drinking. If you want to get someone's attention, talking to them is always a better option than trying to show off.

- If you see someone you are interested in, there is a fine line between checking them out and looking like a stalker. Make sure you get the hint if they are not interested. Although you may be at the beach to scope the single scene, they may not share the same mindset.

- No major P.D.A. - save it for the bedroom. No one wants to see a rolling make-out session while trying to relax on the beach. Just keep it kosher and pretend like your parents could be sitting behind you.

- When you are with your girlfriend or boyfriend at the beach, make sure you don't get caught checking out someone else. Sunglasses always help, but check the but make sure to mind your manners.

Romance on the beach

- Try bringing a surprise to pamper your significant other. A bottle of mist Evian is perfect to cool off and refresh.

- Instead of taking two towels, invest in one large towel or take a blanket instead. This will keep you close and intimate.

- Get away from tourists and distractions by discovering your own secluded beach.

As a DiscoverSD Insider dating in San Diego is made easy. Discover more tips for San Diego dating here.