ocean view

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday or just need a night out with your spouse, these date night ideas on the water are sure to please.

SAIL THE BAY. Sea Monkey Adventures offers 2.5-hour sunset and moonlight sailing tours (complete with blankets, beverages and snacks). All tours are private, making them a great way to spend quality time with your special someone. Learn more at Sea Monkey Adventures.

TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE IN SAN DIEGO. Spend an hour cuddled next to your special someone on a romantic gondola ride. No need to travel to Italy, The Gondola Company offers beautiful San Diego views and a relaxing experience. Bring chocolate-covered strawberries and/or beverage of choice to make it extra special.

GO ON A HARBOR CRUISE. City Cruises by Hornblower offers breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. A romantic dinner and dancing cruise or weekend champagne brunch buffet are sure to impress your significant other. Specialty cruises are available for Valentine’s Day and other holidays.

DINE WITH A VIEW. Any Cohn Restaurant is worthy of a celebration, but these offer water views: 333 Pacific (Oceanside), Sea 180 (Imperial Beach), Coasterra and Island Prime/C-Level (Harbor Island).

GET AWAY TO CATALINA ISLAND. Plan a weekend getaway to nearby Catalina, which offers something for everyone, from pampering and relaxing to hiking and adventuring. Discover great tips and things to do in this Family Magazine article, titled "Plan a Family Adventure to Catalina Island."

TAKE A SEASIDE STROLL. San Diego has countless beaches and waterfront walkways with breathtaking views. Some of our favorite ocean views include Coronado Beach, Torrey Pines State Reserve hiking trails and Windansea Beach in La Jolla. For paved walks along the bay, try Seaport Village (with a “side” of shopping) or Mission Bay with a stop at Superbloom for a latte or cold-pressed juice.

 

Lisa Gipson is the managing editor of San Diego Family. She's always up for an outing with an ocean, bay or lake view! 


 

 

 

Backstage Pass! San Diego’s best guided and behind-the-scenes tours

Backstage Pass! San Diego’s best guided and behind-the-scenes tours

Think you’ve explored everything San Diego has to offer? Well, get ready because there’s more than meets the eye in this amazing city! Take a deep dive into your favorite spots (and discover new . . .

Read more

Fun San Diego Spots to Get Wet and Stay Cool this Summer

Fun San Diego Spots to Get Wet and Stay Cool this Summer

  Have you even experienced a San Diego summer if you haven’t dipped your toes in the ocean, gotten soaked at a local water park or at least embarked on an excursion across the bay? I think no . . .

Read more

Epic San Diego Parks and Playgrounds

Epic San Diego Parks and Playgrounds

Big parks with super cool climbing structures and unique features are all over San Diego County. Here are epic playgrounds to check out with your family!   Civita Park7960 Civita Blvd., Missi . . .

Read more

San Diego Urban Hiking with Kids

San Diego Urban Hiking with Kids

Does your family love to take walks? If you’re ready to deviate from traditional hiking trails, try mixing things up with kid-friendly urban hikes around San Diego County. These easy, mostly flat, . . .

Read more

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

It’s no secret that kids need re-connect with the outside world and reap the benefits of breathing fresh air. Use San Diego Family’s free, printable Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt to entice kids away . . .

Read more

Uncover San Diego Hidden Gems: Fun Spots for Families to Explore

Uncover San Diego Hidden Gems: Fun Spots for Families to Explore

How well do you know San Diego County? Plan an outing (or two) with the kids to explore San Diego hidden gems—little-known spots and experiences that are often overlooked or may literally be hidde . . .

Read more

Fun San Diego Train Rides, Museums and Experiences

Fun San Diego Train Rides, Museums and Experiences

All Aboard! Looking for a fun family weekend excursion? Climb aboard one of these San Diego train rides. Kids (and parents) will enjoy the chugging of the engines and wind in their hair. Here are se . . .

Read more

Local Parks with Hidden Trails for Kids

Local Parks with Hidden Trails for Kids

Finding a trail in San Diego isn’t difficult, but finding a lesser known kid-friendly trail can be a challenge. You just have to know where to look! Here are some of the best parks in San Diego Coun . . .

Read more

San Diego’s Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops

San Diego’s Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops

Parents looking for a much-needed change of scenery that includes adult conversation, a caffeine fix and space for kids to gather or play love our list of San Diego coffee shops that welcome childre . . .

Read more

Awesome San Diego Libraries for Families with Kids

Awesome San Diego Libraries for Families with Kids

Going to the library as a child was always a treat. Now that I’m a parent, it’s exciting to discover what San Diego libraries offer kids. Many have unique areas that offer free, fun activities for . . .

Read more

San Diego’s Best Deals, Discounts and Freebies to Local Attractions

San Diego’s Best Deals, Discounts and Freebies to Local Attractions

Entertaining the kids all summer (or throughout the year) gets expensive—as does hosting out-of-town guests. Every dollar counts! Here are the best San Diego deals, discounts and freebies to local . . .

Read more

Parents Night Out! Fun dates for parents who need a break from kids

Parents Night Out! Fun dates for parents who need a break from kids

All right, Parents, this article is just for you! We spend a lot of time talking about family togetherness and providing ideas for fun outings with kids. But let’s face it, in order to maintain a . . .

Read more

Tips for Visiting Tide Pools in San Diego

Tips for Visiting Tide Pools in San Diego

The best time to visit tide pools is during winter months when low tide occurs during daylight hours. But there’s more to know about tide pooling than when to go. These do’s and don’ts from Sa . . .

Read more

Favorite Tide Pools in San Diego

Favorite Tide Pools in San Diego

The San Diego coastline offers plenty of tide pool fun for families, but the key is to know when to go. The best time to go tidepooling is in late fall and winter months (Nov.–Feb.) when the tide . . .

Read more

Where to Visit Farm Animals with Kids in San Diego

Where to Visit Farm Animals with Kids in San Diego

Get up close and personal with farm animals at these local spots that offer interactive experiences for families. Get your cuddle fix (or a cute selfie) while enjoying one-on-one time with adorable ho . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe