Valentine’s Dates You Will Like a (Choco)-Lot

Valentine’s Day comes with baggage for some, and excitement for others. Whether you are spending it with a significant other, or enjoying the day with friends, it’s  just one more day to celebrate with those in your life who you love. We’ve put together a list of affordable ways to spend the holiday without breaking the bank. 

Picnic & Museum Date

Start your day off early with a picnic in Balboa Park. One of the few outdoor places where alcohol is allowed in San Diego, from 12PM – 8PM you can bring your favorite bottle of two-buck-chuck and enjoy the sunshine at several locations throughout the park. And because Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, residents are offered free admission to: Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego History Center, San Diego Hall of Champions, and Veterans’ Museum and Memorial Center.

Hiking & Homemade Dessert Date

Living in San Diego, there are many beautiful locations to watch the sunset. Grab a blanket and walk along Sunset Cliffs National Park, or climb up Torrey Pines State Reserve and fall in love with what nature gifts, for free! Make your special someone a batch of these delicious Stout brownies to enjoy when you get to a good stopping point, as a way of thanking them for being so sweet.

Taco Tuesday Date

Another gift of Valentine’s Day being on a Tuesday is tacos! Make a reservation at Puesto in La Jolla or Downtown San Diego for their Taco Tuesday deal from 3PM-Close. Tacos for only $2.50 each (and even $6 margaritas if you are there between 3-5PM). Find out more of our Taco Tuesday favorites here.

Valentine’s Day Table Decoration Dinner For Two

A Night At Home Date

Not wanting to fight the crowds? We don’t blame you. If you have never used Blue Apron before, you can get your first set of meals for a $30 discount (or free if you have someone refer you!), and bottles of wine are only $10 on their site. Sign-up today and request for Monday delivery the week of Valentine’s Day, to ensure you have all the goods you need to make the perfect meal. Choose from their list of offerings, and eat a gourmet meal for $10 or less (per person). A few sample menu items that they carry: Basil Fettuccine, Cumin-Crusted Pork, and Mushroom and Cabbage Dumplings. These flavors are designed to present creative dinner options , without having to spend hours hunting through Pinterest. Sign up here.

Farmers Only Date

Want to get your lady flowers, but don’t know what kind she likes? Walk through one of six Tuesday Farmer’s Markets in San Diego and let her pick her own. With locations in Coronado, Escondido, Mira Mesa, Otay Ranch, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla, you can pick a beautiful flower arrangement, and eat an affordable meal all in one place.

Camping Adventure Date

Feeling adventurous? Pack up your car with camp gear and head up the mountains to Julian. With campsite reservations around $30 a night, you can bring your own food to cook over the fire and enjoy a romantic evening in the mountains. Or celebrate with a group of friends or other couples, as most sites allow up to 8 people, and celebrate for less than $10 per couple!

Photo Credit: Corey Bruins

No matter how you choose to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, we hope you remember that you are loved and you are able to surround yourself with people who will tell you why.