San Diego is one of our favorite warm and sunny spots on the Southern California coast. Maureen and I love the city and surrounding area, and feel it's certainly right up there with San Francisco as one of the most romantic places in California (and the USA!)

San Diego is blessed with fine beaches, excellent restaurants and great attractions. You can enjoy the Pacific Ocean here from a grassy park, restaurant patio, or hotel balcony!

This area of Southern California also boasts the best weather in America (avg temp 70F, and over 280 days of sunshine a year!)

Here's some help in planning a romantic getaway in San Diego for 2012: things to do, places to relax, romantic hotels and B&B's, and more.

Romantic Spots in San Diego

• Coronado Beach - have a cocktail at the Hotel del Coronado's beach bar and soak up the sunshine and the breeze at this relaxing waterfront chosen as one of the 10 "Best Beaches in America".

• Mission Bay - An ideal place for cycling or picnics, with palm trees, sail boats on the bay, grassy places to stretch out and sandy beaches.
  
• La Jolla - one of the most romantic vacation spots anywhere on the California coast, and a first choice for San Diego weekend getaways. An oceanfront stroll along the cliffs is a must for any couple, along with a visit to the upscale shops and eateries along Prospect St.

  If you fall in love with this ultra-attractive place on the San Diego coast, stay a few nights longer with a great rate at a romantic La Jolla inn or hotel.

• Sunset Cliffs - absorb the power of the crashing Pacific Ocean below, and stay for the fabulous sunsets.

More Romantic Things to Do in San Diego

Ride the trolley in the evening to Gaslamp Quarter, find a restaurant or pub, enjoy a meal, people watch and go for a stroll and window shop the boutique stores.

Visit the San Diego Zoo, one of the best anywhere.

Plan a romantic picnic at Shelter Island Shoreline Park (fine views of the bay and city skyline). Later, get right out over the waves with a walk on either Ocean Beach Pier or the Pacific Beach Pier.

Take a day, jump in the car, and go beach exploring in North San Diego County - Carlsbad, Solara, Del Mar beaches. For dinner, pick from one of the ocean front patios in Del Mar Plaza.

Romantic Places to Stay in San Diego

• Glorietta Bay Inn - voted best boutique hotel in Coronado, a charming inn close to the beach and restaurants. Would be a fine choice for an affordable honeymoon hotel in San Diego!

• The Grande Colonial La Jolla - situated perfectly in La Jolla's Prospect St, with ocean view rooms & suites, pool and spa, and romantic dining on-site.

5 Romantic Restaurants in San Diego

2. Tom Ham's Lighthouse - outstanding views of downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. (2150 Harbor Island Dr, 619-291-9110)

There are lots of dining rooms with views in La Jolla. Here's 3 very romantic ones:

3. George’s at the Cove - one of the best seaside locations in San Diego. Everything from appetizers to soups to main course and desert are delicious works of art. The wine list is superb, and the ocean views from the outdoor dining terrace are terrific. 1250 Prospect St. La Jolla, CA 858-454-4244

4. Crab Catcher Restaurant & Seaside Grill - a quiet corner table on the outdoor patio would be one of the best places to propose in San Diego! (1298 Prospect St, 858-454-9587)

5. Trattoria Acqua - wonderfully intimate setting reminiscent of a small Italian village. Courtyard or indoor tables. (1298 Prospect St, 858-454-0709)

Cheap and Fun Romantic Lunch/Dinner in San Diego:

You’re so close to Mexico, so why not go for a little south-of-the-border fare at the Old Town Mexican Café (try the home-cooked tortillas, 2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego). Or you can find lots of affordable small eateries in the Gaslamp district – Indian, Thai, Spanish, Irish pubs and more (downtown San Diego, Broadway to Harbor Drive between 4th and 6th Avenue).

San Diego Travel Information

• Distance from San Diego to Los Angeles: 125 miles (200 km)

• Distance from San Diego to San Francisco: 505 miles (812 km)

• Distance from San Diego to Palm Springs: 139 miles (225 km)

• Distance from San Diego to Phoenix, AZ: 355 miles (570 km)

The location of San Diego International Airport is convenient, just northwest of the city center. The distance from the airport to downtown San Diego is about 3 miles. There is bus, shuttle bus, taxi and car rental available.

More Romantic Getaway in San Diego & Southern California Info:

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