Fun and Wallet Friendly San Diego Date Ideas
After holiday spending and new year expenses, ‘tis the season to be budget-conscious! But just because you are paying a bit more attention to your money moves these days, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing date experience in San Diego. There are so many unique, fun, affordable…and even free date ideas near the Best Western Island PLUS Palms Hotel & Marina that there is no reason to miss out on all the fun waiting to be had! Get out and enjoy an exciting and wallet-friendly date in San Diego, like one of these romantic ideas.
Fun and Affordable Date Ideas in San Diego
Enjoy The Island Palms Property (Onsite at Hotel)
Guests of Best Western Island Palms can enjoy on-site resort-style amenities during their stay that are perfect for a “day date” or evening rendezvous! We invite guests to take advantage of complimentary bike rentals and a tennis and pickleball court, with free equipment use. The pools and Jacuzzis are also a great way to relax and enjoy your San Diego vacation at Island Palms. There is also plenty of inexpensive fun to be had at the Blue Wave Bar & Grill for Happy Hour, where you will find delicious (and affordable!) food and drink specials.
Check out our Valentine's Day Dinner Special menu and Romance Package, and make sure to make your reservation for a waterfront three-course meal on February 14th!
Farmers Markets (Miles from Hotel Varies)
San Diego is home to a variety of Farmers Markets with an amazing offering of locally grown produce as well as artisan items from local crafters.
Be sure to visit our weekly Friday Shelter Island Farmers Market, right here onsite at Island Palms from 2-5PM. We are even hosting a special Valentine's Day pop-up market on February 6th and 15th, perfect for a date day activity for you and your sweetheart!
- Ocean Beach Farmers Market: Open Wednesday: 4 to 8PM - 4900 Newport Ave from Cable St to Bacon St, San Diego
- Pacific Beach Farmers Market: Open Tuesday: 2 to 7PM - 4500 Bayard St. from Garnet Ave to Hornblend St, San Diego
- Hillcrest Farmers Market: Open Sunday: 9 to 2PM - 3960 Normal Street, San Diego
- Little Italy Farmers Market: Open Saturday and Wednesday: 9:30AM to 1:30PM - Six city blocks on West Date Street from west of Kettner Blvd to Front Street, San Diego
Visit a Beautiful San Diego Beach (Miles from Hotel Varies)
San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along our 70 miles of coastline. From cliffs and rocky shores to tide pools and sunset views, San Diego beaches are the best for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and exploring. Check out our San Diego Beach Guide to find the best beach for your visit to San Diego, or explore them all!
Coffee Walks Along the Coast (Miles from Hotel Varies)
Grab a hot coffee, juice, or cold crew from the Blue Wave Bar & Grill and head to one of the popular walking paths for a refreshing stroll along the San Diego waterfront. Great walking spots near the Island Palms include the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, Mission Bay Boardwalk, Shelter Island Loop, and the Harbor Island Loop.
San Diego Museum Month (Miles from Hotel Varies)
Every February is San Diego Museum Month. There are a variety of world-class museums in San Diego, and February is the perfect time to take advantage of reduced and free admission to our local museums. Balboa Park, just minutes from the Island Palms Hotel, has 18 museums, so this is a great place to start your exploration of San Diego museums! It’s an amazing, wallet-friendly date option in San Diego.
Picnic at Sunset Cliffs (2.9 Miles from Hotel)
Place an order to go for a Turkey Sandwich or Fish Tacos from the onsite Blue Wave Bar & Grill and have a picnic in the park at Sunset Cliffs with a stunning sunset view during your trip to San Diego. This popular park not only offers free admission, but it also offers some of the best sunset views in San Diego, which are priceless.
Do the Dipper at Belmont Park (4.2 Miles from Hotel)
This classic boardwalk-style waterfront park offers rides, carnival games, and oceanside dining and entertainment just minutes from the Island Palms Hotel. Don’t miss a chance to visit popular Belmont Park and take a ride on the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a classic wooden coaster that costs only $8 to ride and is on the bucket-list for many!
Hop on the Ferry to Coronado (5.9 Miles from Hotel)
Take a leisurely (and affordable) ferry ride to beautiful Coronado Island in San Diego with Flagship Cruises. For just $18 for a round-trip ticket, you can visit the popular spot. Be sure to grab a seat on the roof of the ferry to enjoy the best panoramic water and skyline views!
Visit the La Jolla Seals & Sea Lions (9.8 Miles from Hotel)
Referred to by locals as Seal Beach, the Children’s Pool in La Jolla is a popular place to see the San Diego sea lions and seals playing and lounging in the sun. A popular and fascinating way to spend the day in San Diego, it’s also free and a great photo op of your vacation in San Diego.
Take in the Scenery on Mt. Soledad (12.4 Miles from Hotel)
Located over 800 feet above San Diego, Mt. Soledad for unobstructed views of the area and coastline. High above it all and free to visit, visitors will enjoy stunning cityscapes as well as a world-famous sunset.
Visit Torrey Pines State Reserve (18.5 Miles from Hotel)
For spectacular ocean views you won’t soon forget, visit Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego. Check out the views, hike a variety of scenic trails, enjoy a waterfront sunset stroll, and watch the paragliders at the San Diego gliderport for a unique and affordable day in San Diego.
The Best Western Island Palms is Your Budget-Friendly San Diego Vacation Destination
For a fun and wallet-friendly vacation to San Diego, choose the Best Western Island Palms Hotel & Marina. With plenty of onsite resort-style amenities and the perfect location near all the best affordable things to do in San Diego, The Island Palms is your budget-friendly San Diego hotel that doesn’t feel like you’re on a budget at all!Especially with our amazing Special Packages and Offers created to help you save on your San Diego vacation. Check out the deals here for your next affordable vacation in San Diego.
