Fun, affordable San Diego date ideas

Photo from Michael in San Diego, California via Flickr

Want to take your honey out for a special night on the town without having to put a dent in your wallet? Luckily, San Diego has a wide variety of things to do in a wide variety of price ranges. This list of fun, completely affordable date ideas will help you and your sweetie have a date to remember, all the while helping you save up money for holiday shopping!

Go see a movie…but not at just any movie theater

At the South Bay Drive-In movie theater, you’ll be able to see two movies for only $7 per person. You and your date can have as many conversations as you’d like without having to worry about people shushing you. You can bring food, blankets and lawn chairs and sit under the moonlight, or you can stay nice and cozy in the car. The drive in movie makes for an affordable, intimate, and entertaining date! And don’t forget “New Moon” comes out this Friday!

Explore Balboa Park

With fifteen museums, weekly live music performances, and beautiful architecture, you and your date will have a lovely time simply walking around. Depending on which day you go, some of the museums will be free while others will charge a small price. To check out the different museums and other attractions click here. Balboa Park is a great place for you and your date to bond while experiencing art and culture.

Photo from Navin75 via Flickr

Delve into the great outdoors

San Diego county offers a large variety of hiking trails, from easy hikes to extra rugged challenges, lagoon or ocean views to forest trails. You and your date can stroll hand in hand while embracing the breathtaking scenery, or the two of you can accomplish goals while reaching greater heights together. Also, you can surprise your date with a picnic at the end of the trail! Check out the hiking opportunities that San Diego has to offer here.

Enjoy a San Diego version of winter wonderland fun

Every holiday season, Downtown San Diego opens up its outdoor ice skating rink next to Horton Plaza. The rink is open from November 19 through January 10 so be sure to try out this once-a-year, festive date. Even if you’re no Michelle Kwan the two of you can get plenty of good laughs watching each other try to ice skate. Admission is only $12 and the money goes to a good cause, all proceeds benefit The Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Photo from Matt McGee via Flickr

Other fun ideas include bowling (for the more competitive), karaoke (for the brave and outgoing), or for those with a sweet tooth—going out to dessert!

Whether you’re a couple or not, these activities will be fun and exciting with any friend or family member. If you have any other ideas, let us know below.