Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day Activities in San Diego

We may be biased, but we believe Valentine’s Day is even more special in San Diego. Along with the long list of luxurious restaurants, spas, and date night spots available, our lovely county also offers many budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas for couples, singles, and families.

Here are some of our favorite cost-effective, fun Valentine’s Day events in 2019 that you can participate in:

For couples:

Oceanside’s Valentine’s Week
Head to Downtown Oceanside this Valentine’s Day from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Sweetheart Sunset Market. Featuring a variety of international food vendors, live music, and entertainment, this FREE market is also host to a gigantic 25-foot heart-shaped balloon, making it the perfect Valentine’s selfie location!

Couples can also take tango lessons at the Oceanside Museum of Art on February 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. ($25 to $30 per person) OR enjoy a free sunset showing of Disney’s 101 Dalmations at the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre on February 16th.

Valentine’s Week Sunset Cruises
If you’re used to spending an extravagant amount on Valentine’s Day, but want to scale it back a little this year, the Oceanside Adventures Luxury Cruises’ Valentine’s Week Sunset Cruises could be just what you’re looking for. Discounted whale watching and harbor wine cruises are available the week of Valentine’s Day. And on the holiday, a special coastal cruise ($55 per 21+ adult) from 4 to 6 p.m. includes champagne and chocolates.

Sunset picnic at Sunset Cliffs
Keep it simple (and intimate) with a romantic picnic at San Diego’s favorite sunset-viewing spot. Bring some blankets, chairs, water and a picnic basket filled with goodies to Sunset Cliffs (or your favorite park) to make this an inexpensive, yet memorable Valentine’s Day with your loved one.

For you and friends:

San Diego Fermentation Festival
Gather a group of pals and head to Encinitas for its fifth annual Fermentation Festival. This outdoor event is not only for beer lovers – it will offer many fermented foods and beverages, as well as workshops and presentations by fermentation experts, DIY pickling stations and a wellness pavilion (with yoga, massage, acupuncture and other alternative healing specialists).

Night Out at Splash Wine Lounge & Bistro
Take some friends to Splash for a fun night in North Park! What makes this wine lounge so unique is its circular self-serve wine stations that allow customers to get their own tasting, glass or bottle by use of prepaid cards. The wine selections change regularly, so there’s always something new to try.

Go to a Nearby Comedy Club
There are so many comedy clubs in San Diego, so if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, head to one! Support local comedians and treat yourself to a lot of laughter. Try The Comedy Palace in Clairemont for their Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day Shows.

For the whole family:

Take Your Dog to Brunch
Is your pooch one of your favorite family members? Then bring the WHOLE family to Bubs at the Ballpark for their 5th Annual Valentine’s Day Doggie Brunch on Sunday, February 10th! They even have a special doggie menu, raffles, prizes, and rescue dogs available for adoption, all benefitting Second Chance Dog Rescue of San Diego.

Torrey Pines Gliderport
Take the family to the Gliderport in La Jolla for a nice day of fresh air and fabulous views. Have a picnic on a blanket or sit at a bench and gaze upon hang gliders and paragliders, while they jump off the cliffs to take off and soar through the sky. If you don’t want to bring a pre-prepared picnic, the Cliffhanger Cafe is a full-service deli and cafe, serving lunch and snacks from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Visit the New Children’s Museum
This wonderful museum in the Gaslamp encourages creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration via art studios, workshops, educational programs and engaging art installations. There is so much to do and see in this museum that it is the perfect way to spend an entire day with the ones you love most!

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers – it’s a holiday that should be spent doing fun activities with people you love. For more events, tips and things to do in San Diego, check out Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups’ articles.

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