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Romantic ideas for the
San Diego metro area.
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1. Enjoy Sunny California |
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| La Jolla Beach |
Probably San Diego's most romantic outdoor places are its beaches - and there are quite a few of them. Get a taste of the Californian sun n' sand by hitting one any time of the year. Mission Beach is the most well known, of course, but there is also Pacific and Del Mar, not to mention the gorgeous stretch of sand just in front of Hotel del Coronado. Work on your tan, swim, or simply walk the beach.
If you have time on hand, try the upscale neighborhood of La Jolla for Hawaiian-type beaches - white, serene, and absolutely breathtaking. The village also offers the best in both shopping and fine dining.
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2. Fancy Dining |
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| The Crab Catcher |
Make advance reservations at the Crab Catcher Restaurant, overlooking the La Jolla Cove and savor their innovative seafood, while watching the gorgeous colors on the horizon as the sun goes down. If you prefer northern Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, head for the outdoor patio at Sante's, where you can sample delicacies such as pan-roasted halibut in a saffron tomato sauce. Tapenade is perfect for stunning French fare, including lobster medallions and tender veal loin. Stay in the area to finish your day with a play at the La Jolla Playhouse.
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3. Culture Central |
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| Balboa Park |
Few cities have an all-in-one attraction like Balboa Park. Its 1,000+ acres house some of the most splendid gardens, historic buildings, the San Diego Zoo, theaters, fifteen museums, and even restaurants. Spend an entire day in the park watching the giant pandas at the zoo, sitting by the fountains, or picnicking in the shade. Continue your romantic getaway after dark with a live music performance or by indulging in wine tasting.
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4. Museums Galore! |
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| Museum of Contemp Art |
San Diego is home to nearly twenty-five museums, many of which are located in Balboa Park. Take your pick from the Aircraft Carrier Museum on the USS Midway, the renowned Museum of Contemporary Art (in two locations), the Railroad Museum, the Chinese History Museum and many more. Most are housed in beautiful buildings and are home to world-class collections. Besides, a museum visit is also a great way to spend time together and get to know more about each other's tastes, right?
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5. Two's Company |
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| San Diego Trolley |
If you are not one for walking, simply hop aboard one of San Diego's trolleys, buy an all-day pass, and see most of the city - including most of the main attractions - from the comfort of your trolley car. The Orange Line takes you to Seaport Village, a landmark waterfront marketplace with picturesque old buildings where you can go shopping for both clothes and curios, grab a bite, or settle in for a leisurely lunch - all with a magnificent view of the Bay.
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6. Cruise Time |
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| Bahia Belle Cruise |
For a tour of the bay, take an evening cruise aboard the Bahia Belle. Dance to live music and sip wine or cocktails while a glorious view of the skyline unfolds under the stars. If you do not mind being a little touristy, cozy up for a carriage ride under the open skies along the waterfront before heading for dinner.
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7. Dinner Date |
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| Gaslamp District |
San Diego offers excellent fine dining experiences. For Italian, try the Baci Ristorante. Its intimate dining rooms and dim lighting provide the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Trattoria La Strada in the Gaslamp District is another popular award-winning Italian eatery, while Arterra, at the Del Mar Marriott, serves up stellar farm-fresh, season-driven cuisine.
No visit to San Diego would be complete without a taste of Mexican food, especially fish tacos. Rubio's Restaurant may not be especially romantic, but they invented the dish and serve up the best fish tacos in the city.
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8. Go Clubbing! |
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| Onyx Club |
Nothing in San Diego is more hip 'n happening than when the night comes alive along the gas lamp-lit brick walkways of (what else?) the Gaslamp District. The area is packed with all-night pubs, bars, clubs, lounges, and discos. Go early if you want to enjoy the highly rated Onyx and Thin, or Bitter End, a martini bar and dance club - both on Fifth Avenue. Other places are just as popular; each dishing out its own unique set of cocktails and house music.
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9. Shoestring San Diego |
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| La Jolla Cove |
Who says you have to splurge to impress? There is a lot you can do on a limited budget. The beaches, of course, are free. You don't have to be well heeled to go to La Jolla - the picturesque La Jolla Cove is a great place to spend time and entry is free.
Back in town, you can bike or walk along the paved loop at Mission Bay Park and have a picnic lunch or barbeque at the designated areas. Are you in the mood for a post-lunch concert? Try the Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park on Sunday afternoons and its Monday night festival during the summer. All free. Hey, if the setting's right - and Balboa Park is a great setting - even the nachos and hotdogs from the snack carts around the Prado will seem romantic.
You can't afford a fancy cruise? Well, for two dollars, you can take the ferry across to Coronado and take in the sights there before heading back - preferably at sunset. Who knows, you might even get to see those famous, but-difficult-to-spot green flashes while canoodling onboard.
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Copryright © 2007 eRomance.com
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