Summer Romance: Perfect Date Ideas in San Diego

Summer in San Diego means beautiful weather, amazing coastal scenery, and unforgettable sunsets on the water, creating the perfect scenario for a romantic summer date on the stunning West Coast. If a waterfront suite with a private patio, amazing marina, and San Diego Bay views is your idea of a great way to escape with your favorite person on the planet, plan a summer date night in San Diego here at Island Palms. Our Romance Package offers everything you want and need for the perfect date experience:

Island Palms Summer Lovin’ Package:

  • Cozy guestroom or suite
  • Bottle of champagne
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Breakfast for two at Blue Wave Bar & Grill
  • A 1pm late check-out

Also, be sure to inquire about our in-room massages, which are the perfect choice for a romantic date night in San Diego.

Now that you have the perfect romantic hotel on Shelter Island, it’s time to get out and explore other date ideas San Diego has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite places to take a date in SoCal.

chocolate covered strawberries with champagne glasses

Our Favorite Date Ideas San Diego Has to Offer

Take a Romantic Stroll (Onsite at Hotel)

Nothing sets the mood for a great date night in San Diego like a romantic stroll on Shelter Island. Soak up the serene bay views under a glowing moon, the sparkling marina with its bayfront lights, and stellar views of the downtown San Diego skyline during an evening walk together. End the night with a late dinner and nightcap at the Blue Wave Bar & Grill, onsite at our hotel, where you can enjoy delicious California coastal cuisine and craft cocktails.

couple standing on balcony together

(Photo: @jamisantor)

Share a Whale Watching Excursion (Onsite at Hotel)

If you are looking for unforgettable date ideas in San Diego, a whale-watching experience near your suite at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina in San Diego is the perfect choice. The team at Next Level Sailing goes above and beyond to make your whale-watching excursion unique and memorable. The 3.5 hour San Diego whale-watching tour offers you and your date a day on the water aboard the 141-foot sailing yacht ‘America.’ You may see a variety of humpback, fin, blue, and minke whales as well as dolphins and sea lions during your tour. Next Level Sailing also offers charter options for special occasions, including anniversaries, engagement parties, and more – with incredible private dining options, featuring menus hand-selected from some of San Diego’s finest restaurants.

whale coming out of the water

(Photo: @nxtlevelsailing)

Cozy Up At a Concert (0.3 Miles to Hotel)

Looking for the perfect summer date night in San Diego? Head right down the road to Humphreys Half Moon Inn, our sister hotel, for a magical evening of dancing under the stars! Enjoy the warm summer air and soak up breathtaking bay views as you sway to live music at Humphreys Backstage LIVE and Humphreys Concerts by the bay. With an array of fun concerts and shows, it’s the ideal setting for romance. Create unforgettable memories with your loved one—get your tickets for a night to remember today!

couple in front of humphreys concert stage

(Photo: @0mgene)

Stroll Through Liberty Station (2.4 Miles to Hotel)

A fun date in San Diego is a visit to Liberty Station near Point Loma. Spend the day sampling the delicious food and craft beer options at locally owned Stone Brewing, exploring shops at the public market, mini golfing at The Loma Club, painting a canvas at Pinot’s Pallett, and more. Finish the evening with a movie at The Lot, a dine-in cinema with delicious food along with craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, and oversized, reclinable leather seats! Liberty Station offers a ton of perfect date ideas in San Diego!

couple playing mini golf

Explore SeaWorld San Diego (5.0 Miles to Hotel)

Amusement parks always make a fun date and San Diego has some of the best in the U.S.! Spend some quality date time at SeaWorld, for a romantic day of bonding while you enjoy park rides and exciting marine life shows at this popular San Diego amusement park. Conveniently located near your guest room here at Island Palms on Shelter Island, it’s the perfect spot for unforgettable adventures together in San Diego!

SeaWorld Ride(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)

Belmont Park (5.4 Miles to Hotel)

For nearly 100 years, Belmont Park has been a beloved date night destination in San Diego. Spend a fun-filled day together riding the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, indulging in delicious Dole Whip, and exploring exciting carnival rides. With an arcade and even an escape room, there’s endless entertainment to spark joy and laughter. Whether you choose a sunny afternoon or a romantic evening, Belmont Park offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories with your special someone!

Couple on Carousal

(Photo: @oliviamarie.photographyy)

Watch a Movie on the Rooftop (5.8 Miles to Hotel)

Looking for a romantic date night idea in San Diego? Cozy up while watching your favorite movie at the open-air Rooftop Cinema Club in the Embarcadero. Enjoy pre-movie games, amazing downtown skyline views, your favorite cocktail, and yummy snacks while you wear personal headphones and get lost in the movie with premium sound and video on the big screen. 

(Photo: @shark_nadeau__)

San Diego Safari Park (36.1 Miles to Hotel)

Embark on a one-of-a-kind date at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where adventure awaits! Get up close and personal with incredible wildlife on a thrilling safari adventure. Choose from a twilight or mimosa safari aboard a covered, open-air truck, exploring captivating wildlife habitats together. For an unforgettable experience, consider the “Roar and Snore” overnight sleepover safari, where you can share special moments under the stars. It’s the perfect way for couples to create lasting memories in a truly unique setting!

two giraffes

Romance is in the Ocean Air This Summer at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina in San Diego

If you want to plan the best date night in San Diego, start with our Romance Package at the Island Palms Hotel on Shelter Island. You and your guest will relax and enjoy all the urban resort-style amenities onsite at Island Palms, as well as a weekend of unique and entertaining dates ideas, San Diego-style! The Best Western Island Palms is the perfect hotel in a convenient location for all the best date ideas in San Diego. What are you waiting for? Book your romantic escape to San Diego today!

couple sitting together at blue wave