“Ah, springtime… [it comes early in San Diego]
Romance fills the air…”
In America’s Finest City, we can’t be bothered with seasons. We just have Spring & Summer. Period. We don’t need the other stuff. Who needs leaves turning red, when you have fiery red & gold sunsets over the Pacific? Or crunchy cold snow, when you have soft warm sand? With miles of beckoning coastline, romance is just a beach away.
Here’s our top 10 romantic beaches [and what to do when you get there]
Starting with #10 and making you wait for #1…
10. South Mission Beach – As the sun sinks toward the waves, the kiddos pack up and leave Mission Beach with their families, leaving a long boardwalk, a peaceful sunset, and the bright lights of the beach-side amusement mecca, Belmont Park. Unlike the daytime, dusk in Mission Beach becomes downright tranquil. At the south end of Mission Beach, plentiful parking is available in a large public lot. Bonfire pits along the Mission Bay channel provide a front row seat as boats head in and out to sea. Looking for a bite? Eateries are mostly located in the central area of Mission Beach, where you can visit the traditional favorite Saska’s Steak & Seafood ($$), or hit the WaveHouse Bar & Grill ($) where you might find a quiet corner on their large patio and listen to a little live music.
9. Pacific Beach – Crystal Pier – Crystal Pier offers a quiet stroll while open to the public during daylight hours. One benefit to the sunset above the sea is the amazing golden glow it casts back along our waterfront. Watch PB light up with the setting sun as dusk falls. Afterward, keep your ocean view with a stop at the chic JRDN ($$$) on their patio located off the boardwalk at the Tower 23 Hotel. For more frugal fare, check out World Famous ($$) just 5 blocks south of the pier, with fresh seafood and excellent cocktails.
8. Del Mar – City Beach – There is always something going on in Del Mar, and the perfect end to a day is an easy stroll along the walk-out beach. Check out the view up the coast from Powerhouse Park, as well as the variety of sand-level beach front homes (a rarity in North County.) Afterward, splurge on a nightcap at L’Auberge ($$$) or stay beach-side and continue to enjoy the waves from the patio at Poseidon($$)
7. La Jolla – Coast Boulevard Park – They don’t call it the ‘Wedding Bowl’ for nothing! This narrow grassy park along Coast Boulevard has panoramic views of the reefs and beaches south of the Children’s Pool. Pack a picnic basket & blanket and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Or walk a few blocks into the Village for refreshments at one of many popular eateries, such as Roppongi ($$$) for an indulgent Asian treat.
6. Oceanside Pier – We’re not sure what it is about a pier that’s so romantic. Maybe it’s the easy pace, enjoying a walk above water and watching the skyline recede as you walk with someone special. Maybe it’s feeling of a walk back in time as you tread the worn boards underfoot. Regardless, Oceanside’s pier is one of our top picks. Extend your stay & enjoy refreshment from Ruby’s Diner ($) at the end of the pier, or head back to shore for a special evening at 333 Pacific ($$$)
5. Carlsbad – Robert C Frazee Beach – Romance is often times spontaneous, and this beach has amenities to accommodate your mood. Whether you feel like a stroll in the sand or a tour along an oceanwalk path [or both,] Frazee can meet your needs. Stay at street level and walk along Highway 101 on several miles of sidewalk that overlook the beach, or head down to walk in the sand at one of several access stairs. After your stroll, head to Carlsbad Village and ‘go French’ at ultra-romantic Le Passage ($$$) or cross 101 at Tamarack to Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse ($$) for ocean view dining.
4. Ocean Beach – Sunset Cliffs – Sunset is a magical time of day, and there’s no better place to watch the sun make its final fiery descent than at Sunset Cliffs. You won’t find a beach here [except at low tide] but there’s plenty of space atop the towering bluffs to have a seat, and watch Mother Nature at work. Impressive waves churn below the golden rocks, and surfers always impress with their determination & skill. Bring a picnic to fortify yourself, or stop by one of OB’s growing selection of wine bars such as The Vine ($$) or 3rd Corner ($$) as you head back to civilization.
3. La Jolla – Torrey Pines – If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, Torrey Pines State Reserve & Beach delivers. Enjoy the bluff-top trails, or walk along the beach. At lower tides, you can continue south in the direction of Black’s Beach, La Jolla’s unsanctioned nude beach. [Participation is by no means mandatory, and you risk a fine, as law enforcement increases in the area] Crowds dwindle as you make the long trek, and you may very well have a stretch of beach all to yourselves. There’s no dining in the immediate area, but if you drive just north to Carmel Valley Road, charming restaurants will welcome you. Eda-mami ($$) often has sushi specials, and Iris ($$) features some well conceived signature drinks & plates.
2. La Jolla Cove – Want to impress? The Village of La Jolla is the place to begin. Step back in time to the Cave Store and descend into the mouth of Sunny Jim’s Cave. There’s even a marriage proposal etched in the handrail! [TIP: Don't go during low tide, it gets a little pungent from the fauna] Continue your walk around the point through Scripps Park and down to the much photographed La Jolla Cove. At this popular destination you probably won’t have privacy, but the cozy beach is a romantic spot regardless. Near the Cove, Brockton Villa ($$) offers dining with a marvelous view in one of the original dwellings of old La Jolla at a reasonable price. Over at La Valencia’s Sky Room ($$$) rise above it all to an elite romantic get away, with stellar views of the coastline.
1. Coronado – Hotel del Coronado Beach – Coronado Beach, our number 1 pick, ranks in the Top 10 Beaches, nationwide. The beloved ‘lady of the beach’, the historic 1800’s Hotel del Coronado sits upon the shore, continuing her legacy of romance and mystery. The white sandy beach stretching in front of the ‘The Del’ is perfect for a meandering stroll or a spot to take in the expansive view. The epitome of fine dining, 1500 Ocean ($$$) awaits as the quintessential romantic restaurant. The Sheerwater ($$) offers eclectic dining on the oceanfront patio, tucked against the historic white clapboard of the hotel, or overlooking the beach complete with fireplaces. Don’t forget the Del during the winter holiday season, when their ice rink makes for a truly unique San Diego experience with ice skating at the beach!
