12 Romantic Anniversary Ideas in San Diego

With its golden coastlines, charming neighborhoods, and diverse experiences, San Diego is truly a city made for romance. Whether you celebrate a first anniversary or a significant milestone in your life, anniversary ideas in San Diego are limitless. From luxury dinners to scenic getaways, this guide will help you find the right way to celebrate your love story.

1. Luxury Picnic at Sunset Cliffs

• Why it’s Romantic: It doesn’t get much cozier than a picnic with breathtaking views of the ocean and waves crashing below you. Experience the sunset all snuggled under a blanket with your person. 

• What to Do: I would hire a company to set everything up and not have to worry about a thing. The company I recommend is Pop Up Picnic. They have different decor themes and set up options to really customize your experience. You can also keep it casual and just grab some snack packs and a blanket if funds are tight! I recommend Venissimo Cheese for some great pre-made charcuterie boards!

• Insider Tip: If you don’t hire a company make sure to get there an hour before sunset to stake your ground because it’s a very popular spot. 

2. Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay

• Why it’s Romantic: Hardly any anniversary idea in San Diego could compete with a sunset sailing experience. Cruising the beautiful San Diego Bay, with the city skyline and sunset as your backdrop, is simply unforgettable.

• What to Do: Book a private sunset cruise with Malarky Charters. They offer packages that can include snacks, wine, or even a private dinner on board. For a more budget friendly option hop on one of Triton Charters or Alana Charters public sunset cruises with live music before heading to dinner at Bali Hai for an amazing view of the downtown skyline. 

• Good to Know: In the evenings it gets a bit chilly out on the water so I recommend bringing layers and maybe a blanket to snuggle up together. 

3. Dinner at George’s at the Cove

• Why it’s Romantic: George’s at the Cove in La Jolla offers a high end dining experience with stunning ocean views. Recognized for creative cuisine and a rooftop setting, it is known to be one of the top anniversary ideas in San Diego.

• What to Do: Get a table on the Ocean Terrace-the sunset view is outstanding. The menu offers fresh and local ingredients showcased during different times of the year. I recommend getting grilled octopus or scallops! They also offer some great hand crafted cocktails and have an extensive wine list. 

• Good to Know: Be sure to make your reservation in advance, especially if your anniversary falls on a weekend. George’s is really popular among locals and visitors alike.

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Del Mar

• Why it’s Romantic: A hot air balloon ride offers a unique and exciting way to see the beauty of San Diego from up above. This adrenaline-charged adventure isn’t for the faint of heart but an extremely memorable anniversary idea in San Diego.

• What to Do: Compass Balloons offers a package for 2 people and will help put together an amazing anniversary trip. They have both a sunrise or sunset ride available with a complimentary champagne toast included.

• Good to Know: Wear warm comfortable clothes and avoid loose accessories. Don’t forget the camera!

5. Couples Spa Day in La Jolla

• Why it’s Romantic: A day of pampering is the perfect way to relax and spend quality time together. You get to enjoy an intimate environment with shared experiences. Expect to leave feeling more connected, refreshed and energized than ever. 

• What to Do: Head to one of La Jolla’s luxury spas, like Estancia La Jolla. Estancia offers a sweet bliss couples bungalow giving you a private intimate space to get your massages and go in their outdoor soaking tub. This package includes champagne and truffles to share. Personally, this is one of my favorite anniversary ideas. 

• Good to Know: Many spas have anniversary specials offering added bonuses, such as champagne and chocolates. Make sure to hydrate really well before going to any spa.

6. Stargazing Picnic at Mount Laguna

• Why it’s Romantic: Mount Laguna is considered one of the best spots for stargazing in San Diego. Mount Laguna offers a quiet intimate setting with a perfect view of the night sky. If you’re looking for anniversary ideas that’s calm and relaxing, this could be the one for you. 

• What to Do: Pack a blanket, cozy layers of clothes, snacks and wine. If you have a truck throw a memory foam topper in the back with some blankets and pillows to create a little sanctuary in the bed of the truck. Just make sure to go on a clear night!

• Good to Know: It is a good idea to bring a telescope or star app/map to enhance your experience. Check the moon phase beforehand; a new moon provides the darkest sky for optimal stargazing.

7. Explore Balboa Park and Japanese Friendship Garden

• Why it’s Romantic: With expansive gardens and museums Balboa Park is a great anniversary idea in San Diego. Enjoy a serene atmosphere and gorgeous architecture while holding hands with your favorite person.

• What to Do: Take a romantic walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden, including the koi pond and bonsai trees. After your walk around the gardens head over to The Prado for an amazing Spanish inspired lunch on their outdoor patio. Conclude with a visit to one of the park’s quaint cafes for a coffee and some pastries.

• Insider Tip: Next to the gardens are the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, offering some great photo opportunities!

8. Private Beach Bonfire at Mission Beach

• Why it’s Romantic: Few anniversary ideas in San Diego can match the classic California vibe of a private beach bonfire. Mission Beach offers a great setting for an evening of cozy warmth, ocean sounds, and s’mores.

• What to Do: Hire a bonfire setup company like San Diego Beach Fires that provides everything, from the fire pit to chairs, blankets, and snacks. Alternatively, Crown Point has some pre set fire pits to set up yourself if you prefer!

• Good to Know: Dress in layers and bring plenty of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for s’mores! A Bluetooth speaker is a must. 

9. Weekend Getaway on Coronado Island

• Why it’s Romantic: Coronado Island is a perfect staycation! The island offers tons of amazing restaurants, beaches and boutiques to shop around. 

• What to Do: Book your stay at the Hotel del Coronado. Arguably the most famous hotel in all of San Diego offering extensive resort activities, restaurants, pool, golf and beach access. Take a romantic walk along Coronado Beach, lounge at the pool, enjoy an ocean view brunch at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, have a spa day on property and browse some local art galleries and boutiques.

• Insider Tip: Rent a beach cruiser or tandem bike and ride with your partner around the scenic paths and charming neighborhoods on the island.

10. Helicopter Tour Over San Diego

• Why it’s Romantic: Pop the champagne and hold hands with your person as you enjoy breathtaking views from the sky. For the couples looking for anniversary ideas with some adventure, a helicopter tour makes for an unforgettable anniversary idea in San Diego. 
• What to Do: Corporate Helicopters offers a Romance Package for 2 people that includes a 30 minute helicopter ride and a bottle of champagne! They offer different routes to choose from giving you some flexibility on what you would like to see. 
• Good to Know: You can schedule your tour for any time of the day. Take an evening tour to see the city lights, or go in morning to watch the sunrise. If you get motion sickness request to sit up front with the pilot for a wider view. 

11. Wine Tasting in Temecula Valley

• Why it’s Romantic: What is more romantic than wine country!? Compare notes with your partner as you sip wine and walk through the vineyards.

• What to Do: To start the day off I would go to Ponte Winery for an elevated lunch with stunning views of the gardens and vineyards. For the afternoon I would head over to Callaway Vineyard & Winery offering outstanding wines and in my opinion the best sunset view in the valley. A lot of these vineyards offer live music on the weekends as well! 

• Insider Tip: Book a private car service to drive you around so you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving. 

12. Staycation in a Boutique Hotel

• Why it’s Romantic: A staycation at a boutique hotel offers a change of scenery and a cozy, romantic setting to celebrate your love. Shake up the normal routine and take yourselves out for a night!

• What to Do: Choose a unique hotel like The Guild in downtown or The Pearl in Point Loma, both known for stylish décor and a relaxed atmosphere. Both of these hotels have great locations with lots of fun activities around.

• Insider Tip: Opt for a suite if available, or look for packages that include champagne, chocolate, or breakfast in bed for a more intimate experience.

There You Have It, Our 12 Anniversary Ideas in San Diego

San Diego has a ton of things to do for special occasions. For anniversary ideas in San Diego, I hope that you found the 12 ideas helpful, and if you’d like to contribute your own ideas, feel free to reach out to us at info@alanayachtrental.com

To learn even more about renting a yacht in San Diego, please visit our articles page! For more ideas that have to do with dates, check out this San Diego date ideas article!