Romantic Viewpoints in San Diego, CA
Updated May 9, 2023
Calling all love birds! Watch above as we take you to the top 3 romantic viewpoints in San Diego, CA. There is no denying that San Diego is full of breathtaking views. From the bluffs of sunset cliffs to the endless shorelines of pristine beaches, San Diego is full of natural beauty and mesmerizing views year around. Follow So Diego expert Bianca Beale (formerly Bianca Jaime), as she uncovers the best San Diego skyline viewpoint. If you’re interested in seeing the best landmarks of the city, check out our San Diego sightseeing tours! Check out our full list of romantic viewpoints below and get ready to pucker up!
#1 SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
Located in the Downtown Gaslamp Quarter, the Convention Center is a landmark location in the city. The various levels of the building make the San Diego Convention Center a perfect place to cozy up to your cutie as you gaze out to the best views of beautiful Coronado Island and Point Loma. If you enter through the Downtown San Diego entrance, take the incline elevator to the top of the building, and you’ll be quite impressed at what you’ll see!
Map It – 11 W Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101
Photo via True Photography Weddings
#2 CORONADO FERRY LANDING
You can’t go wrong with a panoramic view of beautiful Coronado! Visitors and locals alike love this spot for its scenic views and serene atmosphere. Our suggestion is to take the Ferry from the Embarcadero at the foot of Broadway. It leaves every hour on the hour, and the 20-minute ride is nice and relaxing. Once you disembark, hang a right and follow the path until the sidewalk ends. That’s where you’ll find our secret little beach. Have a picnic here and enjoy the beautiful scenery of both Coronado and Downtown San Diego. If the scenic view of the island pique your interest, there is plenty to do on Coronado after soaking up the views. Plan the perfect day on Coronado, from strolling down Orange Avenue to riding bikes around the island.
Map It – 1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118
The view from La Jolla Natural Park via San Diego Magazine
#3 LA JOLLA VIEWPOINT (LA JOLLA NATURAL PARK)
This hidden secret will impress your date, no doubt! While it’s a little tricky to find, it’s worth the swerving drive up Mount Soledad. There is a small bench where you may sit to enjoy the view, but we suggest bringing your own chairs or blanket to lie down on. If you come for the sunset, it can get dark; so don’t forget your flashlight. This is a great spot to snuggle up with your love. It isn’t as crowded as the Mt. Soledad peak, but still has a similar view. From there, grab a bite at one of the many tasty vegan restaurants in La Jolla.
Map It – 7334 Encelia Dr., La Jolla, 92037
#4 SPRUCE STREET SUSPENSION FOOTBRIDGE
This fun bridge is located in Banker’s Hill and offers the best views of the Mission Hills valleys and the city skyline. Have your date walk ahead of you, and bounce on the bridge for an exciting ride above the valley floor. This is a good spot to check out just before dinner in the nearby area. Directions: From 1st Ave. turn west onto Spruce St. You’ll run right into it.
Map It – Spruce St & First Ave. San Diego, CA 92103
#5 SUNSET CLIFFS
The name of this viewpoint says it all. It may be a little cliché, but we couldn’t write a blog about viewpoints and not mention the top stunning sunset spots in San Diego. Before enjoying the sunset, head down to the beach following the path down, and you’ll be surrounded by majestic caves. Look for carved out steps…these were used for smuggling in whisky during prohibition times.
Map It – 1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
#6 COWLES MOUNTAIN
As the highest point in San Diego, this mountain in the Mission Trails park has 360 degree views of all of San Diego county. You do have to hike, but once you charge up the mountain, you can find a quiet nook to cuddle up with your sweetheart. Bring plenty of water, because the hike is not a walk in the park. To put it in perspective, you will be climbing up 1,600 feet.
Map It – Golfcrest Dr and Navajo Rd. San Diego, CA 92119
#7 TORREY PINES GLIDER PORT
Torrey Pines is known for its high cliffs overlooking the Pacific, but the colorful parachutes at Gliderport and the daring pilots navigating them, enhance the undeniably beautiful view with entertaining maneuvers. If you want to fully explore the beauty of La Jolla after soaking up the views, check out our new La Jolla Sip, Savor, and Sea tour. You and your loved one can truly experience the best of what this charming seaside village offers.
Map It – 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037
#8 USD CAMPUS
Photo via University of San Diego
Not only is USD one of the top most beautiful campuses in America, it’s perched on a hill on the north side of Mission Valley overlooking San Diego Bay. Drive up into campus and catch the sunset from a secluded area just behind the Peace and Justice building.
Map It – 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110
#9 PRESIDIO PARK
As the original site of the fort and San Diego Mission in the 18th century, both structures were situated here to provide early settlers with a perfect view of the Pacific ocean. This helped them protect their land. Today, a lush park with walking trails provides us a beautiful escape of a hectic city lifestyle.
Map It – Taylor St, San Diego, CA 92103
#10 HARBOR ISLAND
Ok, not really an island, but a man made peninsula on the north side of the San Diego Bay. Take a stroll along the path as you enjoy views of the San Diego skyline, the Navy Base, and the boats passing by.
Map It – 1875 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
#11 DINING WITH A VIEW
Looking to level up your oceanfront dining in San Diego? What’s better than an amazing view – only eating while you enjoy it! Here are a few of our favorite restaurants that have amazing cuisine and killer views:
Mister A’s: Nothing sets the mood like a meal with a breathtaking skyline backdrop at Mister A’s. Perched atop the Manchester Building in the Bankers Hill neighborhood, it has been the quintessential fine dining experience since opening in 1965 and ranking next to the best restaurants in San Diego for Valentine’s Day. Make your reservations asap so you can snag a spot at this highly coveted restaurant!
Map It – 2550 Fifth Ave (12th Floor), San Diego, CA 92103
Coasterra: Enjoy modern Mexican food stylings with a panoramic view of the San Diego Bay and the Downtown San Diego skyline. Come to this bayfront restaurant/lounge / event center for a romantic lunch or dinner, or for some drinks and tapas at happy hour!
Map It – 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The Marine Room: At the Marine Room, you’re not just enjoying a romantic, beachfront meal, you’re dining at a true landmark that has been around for 80 years. For generations, The Marine Room has been known for its blend of culinary finesse and a truly stunning La Jolla beachfront setting. Some popular dishes include Baja California Swordfish and Beechwood Salmon. After you finish your delicious meal at The Marine Room, finish off your romantic date with a stroll around La Jolla.
After exploring the romantic skyline viewpoints in San Diego, it’s clear that this city has so much to offer for couples looking for romantic getaways in San Diego or locals wanting to celebrate their love. From the stunning views of La Jolla Cove to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego is truly the perfect backdrop for a memorable experience.
Written by:
This blog was written by Aleezah Davenport. Aleezah is a native San Diegan, and a second-generation PLNU alumna. She enjoys exploring the city and taking her girls out for dinner on the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs. Writing about San Diego provides her the opportunity to learn more about the local scene, and share her newfound knowledge about her hometown – two of the things she loves most. She enjoys sharing her passions with readers, and is excited to be writing for a platform that provides fun information to a large audience.
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