Either you forgot to plan, didn’t feel like planning, or just have no idea what to do for an afternoon date. Hey, we get it. It’s easy to exhaust the old haunts. In San Diego, there are tons of things to do, day or night. Whether you’re on your first date or your fiftieth, here are five awesome alternatives to just getting drinks.
Play a Game
Spending quality time together in a casual environment is one date idea that won’t steer you wrong. Bowling and mini-golf are no-skills required game ideas that are perfect for just hanging out. Disc golf is a great way to get the same effect outdoors in warm weather. Add a competitive edge to your date by making bets: loser buys drinks?
We recommend:
+Tavern+Bowl: Located in San Diego, this hip bowling/eatery combines good fun with good food. No hot dog or nacho fare here. Weekdays are $30/hour until 4pm, $35/hour after 4pm. Weekends are $35/hour before 4pm and $55/hour after 4pm.
+Pelly’s Mini-Golf: This casual Del Mar spot has an ocean-themed course with an actual ocean view! Adults pay $10 for the first round and $5 for the second.
+Colina Park Disc Golf: Colina Park has one of San Diego’s newest disc golf parks. It’s beautifully maintained and would make a great spot for some afternoon fun. Weekday rates are $16 per golfer, per hour plus disc rental, weekends are $16 plus disc rental.
Miramar Speed Circuit
Get Competitive (or Work Together)
Who doesn’t love a little bit of adventure? Channel your inner kid and play a competitive sports game like laser tag or indoor go-kart racing. Though a little less casual, these activities are a ton of fun and will certainly make for lasting memories! If you’d rather work together instead of face-off, try one of San Diego’s Escape Rooms. Great for puzzle lovers and people with big imaginations, the escape room locks you in a room with one hour to solve puzzles and codes to free yourself.
We recommend:
+Miramar Speed Circuit: Miramar Speed Circuit has both indoor go-karts and laser tag under one roof. Clear the afternoon and try both! Go-karts are $27 per race, but the price decreases with multiple races purchased. Laser tag is $15 per game. Try the combination packages or the All Access Combo: This package includes 1 annual license, 2 standard go-kart races, 1 ropes course session, and admission to the Thrill Park. It costs $125 per person. [Image of Miramar Speed Circuit All Access Combo]
+Escape Game SD: Put your thinking caps on and prepare to puzzle your way to freedom! Escape Game SD is located in Hillcrest and features three themed rooms to choose from: Japanese Thriller, Superhero Adventure, or Wizards and Spells. This option does require some planning, as you do need to book online. But don’t worry, you can book day-of right from your phone. Games are $58 for two.
Balboa Park
Explore a Museum
San Diego has a wealth of museums that are always worth seeing, and they change exhibits frequently. So why not check out what’s new and maybe learn something together? It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Don’t forget about free resident Tuesdays at Balboa Park!
We recommend:
+Balboa Park: Spend a lovely day strolling the gardens and checking out the special exhibits on display. The Museum of Art currently has Art of Iran, Picturing the Southwest, Art of the 20th Century, and more. The Automotive Museum is featuring features more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The Museum of Man has an exhibit on Living With Animals, and for an additional fee, provides tours to the eighth floor of the bell tower (which offers some spectacular views of the park. Perfect photo opportunity!) Admission varies.
+Birch Aquarium: Enjoy the calm serenity of the sea at the Birch Aquarium. From the kelp forest to the jellyfish tanks, it’s easy to get lost in this underwater world. Touch a few sea creatures in the tidepool while taking in the beautiful view of La Jolla Shores, and try to catch a feeding time in the late morning or early afternoon every day. Admission prices are below.
- Adult: $24.95
- Child (3-17): $19.95
- Senior (60+): $22.95
- College Student (with ID): $22.95
+California Surf Museum: Get a lesson in hanging ten at the Surf Museum! From the history of the surfboard to catching the perfect wave, this museum is great resource for surfers and non. Currently on exhibit is the 1966 World Surf Championship. The California Surf Museum ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: $7
- Seniors (62+), Military, Students: $5
- Kids 11 and under: Free
- CSM Members: Free
Stay Active San Diego
There are so many ways to stay active in San Diego, and what better way to spend time together than with a fun sport? Water sports are plentiful along the coast, with options to kayak or paddleboard (though we recommend checking the water temperature first!). Otherwise, you can always rent a bicycle and go for a ride along the Embarcadero or pedal downtown.
We recommend:
+Aqua Adventures: Located in Ocean Beach, Aqua Adventures rents both kayaks and paddleboards for your water activity. Both are waiting on the water when you arrive, so you can get out on the water quickly! If you’re new to either, lessons are available. Kayak Rental is $25 for a single kayak, $30 for a tandem for up to 60 minutes. Standup paddleboard rental is $30 for one hour and $50 for 2 hours or $75 all day.
ticket prices for Aqua Adventures Waterpark:
- Adult (13+) - $28.99 online/$32.99 at the gate
- Child (3-12) - $24.99 online/$28.99 at the gate
- Senior (65+) - $24.99 online/$28.99 at the gate
- Child 2 and Under - $4 online/$4 at the gate
- Family Friday (Fridays after 4pm) - $14 online/$16 at the gate
+Electric Bike Central: When the weather is nice, you go outside! Since it’s nearly always beautiful and sunny in San Diego, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the weather with someone special. Rent either an electric bicycle or a traditional one at Electric Bike Central, located downtown, and ride around the heart of the city. Grab lunch together or pedal the bayside Embarcadero, the options are endless! Electric bikes are $35 for half-day rentals and $50 for the full day. They have traditional bikes and other things as well.
Tour + Tasting
San Diego is well-known for its plethora of craft breweries around town. If you’re looking to get drinks together, try adding a brewery tour for an inside look at your favorite place. The big names are, of course, Ballast Point and Stone Brewery, but don’t be afraid to check out a new place, too. There are tons to choose from! Booking a brewery tour does require a bit of prior notice, but don’t worry, you can reserve a spot on any of the day’s tours from your phone. If your tour is a couple of hours away, just pick a different spontaneous date idea above to pass the time.
We recommend:
+Ballast Point Brewery Tour: Ballast Point is perhaps San Diego’s most popular and most loved craft brewery. With its world renown, this is definitely a tour you must take. Pick a pint to take along on the tour (they encourage you to drink during!), and get some taster recommendations from your tour leader when it ends. Ballast Point also has a delicious menu and an enormous beer list on tap. Make a meal of it and try a flight together. Can you pick a favorite? Tours are free. Prices vary depending on the location.
+Stone Brewery: Are you worthy? Stone Brewing boasts a few devilish brews that are highly popular across the country and the world. They’ve been named the "All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth" by Beer Advocate twice. Tours are offered daily, so get yourself and your girl or guy signed up! Tours are $15 and include a souvenir-tasting glass and a flight of four brews to taste.
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