Local Resources
Best After Hours Place
Saskas Steak & Seafood
3768 Mission Blvd., San Diego
(858) 488-7311
A Mission Beach tradition since 1951, Saskas is well-known for steaks and great seafood entrees. Better yet, a late-night breakfast is offered on Fridays and Saturdays.
Best Cheap Date
Hiking in Torrey Pines State Reserve
N. Torrey Pines Rd. San Diego
(858) 755-2063
A few hours spent hiking the beautiful trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve is surely to be a memorable date. There are 8 miles of trails, many of which overlook the Pacific.
Best Club
On Broadway
615 Broadway, San Diego
619-231-0011
The state-of-the art lighting and sound system pumps out house, hip-hop, new wave and disco music in five separate dance areas. Check out the basement where the original bank vault has been renovated into a plush billiard lounge.
Best Creative Date
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Del Mar
Panorama Balloon Tours
2730 Via De La Valle, Del Mar
(800) 455-3592
Take flight on a breathtakingly beautiful and romantic sunset ride over the Del Mar coastline. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and champagne are included.
Best Place for a Laugh
Lips
2770 5th Ave., San Diego
(619) 295-7900
You never know which stars you'll see next during this bawdy female impersonator show. Don't miss Bitchy Bingo on Wednesdays and Gospel Brunch on Sundays.
Best Place for Coffee and Dessert
Extraordinary Desserts
2929 Fifth Avenue, San Diego
619-294-7001
Pick from homemade cookies, ice cream, crme brulee and tortes, to mention a few. The presentation of these desserts is exquisite and they taste fabulous.
Best Place To Buy a Gift
Crutchfield Ranch
La Costa Ave. and Saxony, Carlsbad
(760) 942-2030
What started as a small produce stand has since expanded to a farmer's market, florist and gift shop. Grab a fresh flower bouquet or some chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Best Restaurant for a Second Dinner Date
Old Venice Italian Restaurant
2910 Canon St., San Diego
(619) 222-5888
The quaint Old Venice restaurant is a fabulous place to go on any date, whether it's your second or your hundredth. Enjoy traditional pasta dishes, seafood, beef, chicken and veal.
Best Restaurant for First Dinner Date
Sofias Italian Table
8990 University Center Lane, San Diego
858-546-8797
You can count on an exceptional authentic home-style Italian meal while sitting among the Italian country dcor and vintage artwork. After dinner, you and your date can move to the outdoor courtyard with a massive, inviting fireplace to complete a great date.
Best Restaurant for Lunch or Brunch First Date
Meritage Restaurant & Bar
897 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas
(760) 634-3350
This intimate bistro is a charming setting for a lunch date. An extensive wine list is available, as well as an assortment of sandwiches, salads, steak, fish and pasta.
Best Special Occasion Restaurant
Sky Room at La Valencia Hotel
1132 Prospect St. La Jolla
858-454-0771
Begin with a ride to the top of the La Valencia in the hotels vintage elevator. Once inside this intimate French restaurant, youll have a meal you wont soon forget.
TOP FIVE DATES
Corner Pocket
Tidewater Tavern
221 N. Hwy. 101, Solana Beach
(858) 755-4115
Invite your date to play pool. It's a lot more fun than propping up against a bar and guzzling beers. Raise the stakes by saying, "Whoever loses the game makes the other dinner." And just like that, you've got yourself a second round of love. The Tidewater Tavern in Solana Beach has plenty of pool tables and a full bar to support your game!
Glow in the Dark
A great date doesn't have to break the bank. It can simply be a quiet get-together that allows for stimulating conversation. Head to the beach at Mission Bay and light a small campfire within the designated fire pits. You can toast marshmallows and make s'mores, possibly providing the opportunity to kiss away a few crumbs on your date's face!
Nature-Lovers Morning Pick-Me-Up
Hash House a Go Go
3628 5th Ave., San Diego
(619) 298-4646
Who says a great date must take place at night? Put together a morning date by starting with a refreshing early hike in Mission Trails Regional Park, eight miles northeast of Downtown San Diego. Conclude your date with a filling breakfast at the infamous Hash House a Go Go in Hillcrest.
Sea Worthy
San Diego Maritime Museum
1492 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego
(619) 234-9153
Tired of the standard movie date? On select Friday nights in July and August, the San Diego Maritime Museum presents Movies Before the Mast, in which nautical movies are projected upon the sails of the historical Star of India. This adults-only event is a great excuse to cuddle up under the stars beneath a warm blanket.
Wine and Dine
Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Rd., Temecula
(951) 699-0099
Though it's not quite Napa Valley, the Temecula Valley is home to several wineries worth a visit. Inquire about wine-tasting packages when you rent a limousine for the sixty-mile drive from San Diego. Between winery stops, break at the Thornton Winery's Cafe Champagne for an elegant, delicious lunch.