California is chocked full of romantic destinations, and San Diego, America’s Finest City, is no exception! But, with so many attractions and activities available at your fingertips, figuring out what to do first is the biggest challenge. That’s why Rental With a View is here to narrow down your options with date ideas in San Diego for every type of couple, from outdoor adventurers to foodies. Whether you want to set sail during a romantic dinner cruise, witness Broadway performances together, or enjoy all the free things to do in the city, there is something for everyone!
San Diego is known for having some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country, offering a romantic backdrop for your date night. Flagship Cruises provides a wealth of dining cruises around San Diego Bay, including champagne brunches and sunset cocktail cruises. If you want a more intimate experience, sign up for a private sunset cruise with Sail San Diego.
San Diego offers an astounding arts, culture, and music scene. Plan in advance to experience a Broadway production at Civic Theatre or Balboa Theatre. If music is more your style, check out a classical performance at San Diego Symphony or Music Box if you want to listen to big names in an intimate venue.
If you are traveling to San Diego on a budget, no worries; plenty of free activities are available for couples. Spend an afternoon strolling along our beautiful beaches, hike to Sunset Cliffs to witness a picturesque sunset, have a picnic at Balboa Park, or wander the streets of our diverse neighborhoods.
San Diego has an incredibly diverse dining scene, with endless restaurants offering mouthwatering cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Some of the best romantic dining spots include Valentina Restaurant, Addison, The Marine Room, and Mister A’s.
Join one of the many San Diego tours and witness the city from a new perspective. SEAL Tours offers the best way to see the city from the land and sea while experiencing history and ecology. Indulge in a romantic Gondola Cruise through Coronado Cays or magical hot air balloon rides with California Dreamin’.
These are just a few date ideas in San Diego for your romantic getaway. Relax at the end of the day in your Rental With a View vacation rental. Our Modern Studio rental is perfect for couples on a budget, just five minutes from downtown’s best attractions. We recommend our Urban Oasis property if you want more space to spread out. Discover the perfect San Diego vacation rental for your getaway today!
With more than 100 colorful and unique neighborhoods, the most challenging part of your San Diego getaway is deciding where to explore first. We have put together a helpful San Diego Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Visitors to get you started, and today we will be focusing on one of the most lively neighborhoods on the list, Little Italy. This Italian neighborhood is best known for its food and drink scene, but there are endless things to do in Little Italy, San Diego. Whether you want to eat, drink, shop, or explore museums, Rental With A View offers vacation rentals just minutes from everything Little Italy has to offer!
Little Italy is a culinary hot spot in San Diego, offering award-winning chefs and eateries around every corner.
The Piazza della Famiglia serves as the central gathering point in Little Italy. Visit the Little Italy Food Hall for an introduction to the diverse dining scene. Try a dish from one of the six food stations, serving anything from pizza to gelato!
There are endless Little Italy restaurants to try during your getaway. If you are looking for a classic rustic Italian dining setting, we recommend Davanti Enoteca, Filippi’sFilippi’s Pizza Grotto, or Buon Appetito. We recommend Mona Lisa Italian Foods for delicious deli sandwiches if you are after something to take back to enjoy in your vacation rental.
The Little Italy Mercato Farmers’Farmers’ Market is a celebrated tradition occurring every Wednesday and Saturday year-round. This is the largest market in San Diego County, featuring six blocks of vendors. The marketplace vendors sell produce, flowers, eggs, meat, fish, baked goods, groceries, and handcrafted gifts.
Bring home a piece of Little Italy with unique artwork from one of the local galleries. Browse the one-of-a-kind artwork at Mee Shim Fine Art, 1805 Gallery, and Adelman Fine Art.
If you are interested in more things to do in Little Italy, we recommend visiting the local parks and museums:
Stay with us at Rental With A View and easily access the best things to do in Little Italy, San Diego. Our San Diego vacation rentals in Mission Hills put you just a few miles from the Little Italy neighborhood. Enjoy the privacy of a quiet neighborhood while still being close to major attractions and our beautiful beaches. We look forward to hosting you for your San Diego getaway!
At Rental With A View, we are proud to operate a luxury portfolio of San Diego vacation rentals in the best locations in town. Never lose sight of the city lights by dining at our favorite San Diego restaurants with a view during your getaway. With our endless California sunshine, dining al fresco is a year-round experience. Whether you are looking for fine dining spots or a casual atmosphere for drinks, there is a rooftop restaurant in San Diego for everyone!
Rustic Root is located in the Gaslamp Quarter overlooking vibrant and bustling Fifth Avenue. Their menu showcases American comfort food with a California twist that you can enjoy under the stars. Make sure to order one of their signature cocktails to sip on as you enjoy the views of the city below.
Cannonball features the largest oceanfront rooftop restaurant in San Diego! The rooftop will transport you to a pool-like setting overlooking the beautiful waters of Mission Beach. Join them every Tuesday and Thursday for live music on the rooftop and choose from their menu of innovative sushis.
Kettner Exchange offers one of the best San Diego restaurants with a view overlooking Little Italy. The restaurant features two levels of indoor-outdoor dining with a menu of innovative dishes. They even provide rooftop cabana rentals overlooking Little Italy’s streets and exclusive access to craft cocktails and unique menu creations.
If you are looking for fine dining with 180-degree views, then Mister A’s is a must-visit. Their menu is inspired by American, French, and Mediterranean influences. The outdoor deck offers upscale lounge seating and an expansive bar and cocktail menu.
The Nolen is a rooftop bar and lounge offering spectacular views of downtown San Diego. Take in the sights of San Diego Bay, Petco Park, and Coronado Bridge. Join them for craft cocktails, bar bites, and unforgettable views. You can get to The Nolen from the “secret” elevator entrance at the Courtyard Gaslamp.
Kairoa Brewing Co. brings the unique flavors of New Zealand to San Diego. The menu features American favorites with New Zealand comfort foods like sausage rolls and salmon sashimi. The rooftop patio overlooks University Heights and is designed with a modern farmhouse appeal.
Enjoy exceptional views of America’s Finest City at our San Diego restaurants with a view. Choose one of our Rental With A View vacation rentals to host your getaway and continue enjoying the city’s picturesque sights. Stay in our Hilltop Hacienda with panoramic views of Mission Hills, or experience 180-degree views of the San Diego Bay with our Bay View Home.
With a nickname like “one of America’s most creative cities,” it should be no surprise that San Diego is home to some of the best museums in the country. But, with more than 90 museums throughout the city, narrowing down the list of places to visit can be quite challenging. Luckily, we have museums to pique everyone’s interest, whether you are interested in fine art, natural history, science, wildlife, or local culture. Witness a historic aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum or visit America’s most haunted house in historic Old Town.
Regardless of your interests, Rental With a View puts you in the heart of the action with our collection of luxury vacation rentals. Read on to discover the best museums in San Diego that highlight the wonders of history, science, and art.
San Diego is often regarded as the birthplace of California, offering a rich and storied history. Immerse yourself in fascinating history and tales of our haunted past at these museums:
USS Midway Museum: This is the most visited museum in San Diego, welcoming over one million visitors annually. Explore over 10 acres of exhibits, including over 30 historic aircraft.
Museum of US: This Balboa Park museum highlights an interactive timeline of human history that connects us across cultures. The museum also offers tours of California Tower, a historical landmark offering 360 views of the city.
Whaley House Museum: Head to Old Town San Diego and visit America’s most haunted house!
San Diego is a city that reaches for the stars, offering several immersive museums that highlight our leaps in the science world. Unlock the wonders of science and innovation at the best museums in San Diego for curious minds:
San Diego Air and Space Museum: The Air & Space Museum highlights the history of flight and space travel with rare artifacts and exhibits.
Fleet Science Center: Discover the wonders of science and innovation with more than 100 interactive exhibits.
The New Children’s Museum: If you visit San Diego with kids, this museum is a must-visit. The exhibits use contemporary art to empower children to think, play, and create.
San Diego is the type of city where creativity and art thrive around every corner. Discover our impressive collection of art museums during your California getaway:
San Diego Museum of Art: Visit San Diego’s largest art museum located in the heart of Balboa Park. They have more than 20,000 works of art, including an impressive collection of Spanish, Italian, and South Asian paintings.
Mingei International Museum: Witness more than 20,000 folk art pieces from over 140 countries at this art museum.
Museum of Photographic Arts: This is only one of three museums in the country that is solely dedicated to photography. There are more than 9,000 images in the permanent collection from over 800 photographers.
Easily access the best museums in San Diego when you choose Rental With a View to host your California getaway. We are a leading boutique vacation rental company operating a portfolio of luxurious properties in the best locations in town. Browse our luxury San Diego vacation rentals for groups, and plan your vacation today!
When planning a family vacation, the biggest challenge is finding a destination that works for everyone in your group. Luckily, San Diego offers one of the best vacations for families in the country, offering a wealth of kid-friendly attractions. Whether you want to learn something new at a museum, spend time at the beach, see exotic animals, or explore the great outdoors, there is something for everyone in America’s finest city. Your San Diego family vacation is made easy when you choose Rental With a View to host your getaway. We offer luxury properties in the heart of the city, so your family can easily access the top attractions in San Diego!
The San Diego Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the country. This wildlife park spans over 100 acres and is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals. Purchase your tickets for the Safari Park at the same time and get up close and personal with animals like giraffes and rhinos.
Balboa Park is the culture, nature, and science hub of San Diego. There are sixteen museums to visit here, including the kid-friendly Museum of Us, the Air & Space Museum, and the Fleet Science Center. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful gardens, ride the miniature train, and stop at one of the many local restaurants.
If you are interested in visiting a museum specifically catered to kids and learning, stop at the New Children’s Museum, just over a mile from Balboa Park!
Belmont Park offers a historic beachfront amusement park, perfect for your San Diego family vacation! Start the day with some exhilarating rides before checking out exciting attractions like laser tag, mini golf, rock walls, and go-karts.
You can also find one of the best amusement parks just a 40-minute drive from San Diego in Carlsbad. Legoland California offers over 60 rides, a fun waterpark, and an interactive aquarium.
Take your family to the largest aquatic park in the country that offers 4,500 acres of fun on water and land. Popular water activities include surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. There are also 14 miles of trails around Mission Bay, where you can take a leisurely hike or bike together.
If you are a family who loves the great outdoors, there are plenty of kid-friendly trails to explore during your getaway. Mission Trails Regional Park offers 40 miles of trails, and Torey Pines State Natural Reserve offers eight miles of trails that wind through rugged cliffs, rare pine trees, and salt marshes.
These are just a few top things to do during your San Diego family vacation. Rental With a View is an excellent choice for your family with our spacious vacation rentals and special offers. When you stay four nights with Rental With a View, you will receive a $50 gift card to use at the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, or Legoland! We recommend our Urban Oasis property for smaller families and our spacious four-bedroom Casa Paradiso for large families. Whichever rental you choose, we look forward to hosting your family for a memorable vacation!
As the second-largest city in California, San Diego is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, attracting over 30 million visitors yearly! Those of you who have never visited San Diego are probably overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions and things to do in the city. Luckily, Rental with a View is here to give you the inside scoop with our San Diego neighborhood guide, highlighting the must-see areas in the city for first-time travelers. Whether you are looking for a lively neighborhood with world-class museums or a neighborhood full of history, there is something for everyone in San Diego!
Mission Hills is a vibrant neighborhood in San Diego that offers one of the best places to stay in the city. Rental With A View offers luxury properties in Mission Hills, overlooking Downtown San Diego and the Bay. Staying in Mission Hills is within a ten-minute drive of all the major attractions, from Balboa Park to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Balboa Park is a must-see in San Diego, a dynamic neighborhood where culture, science, and nature collide. The 1200-acre park features 17 museums, over a dozen gardens, performing art venues, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Gaslamp is located in the historic heart of downtown San Diego. The city’s old charm is around every corner, with Victorian homes and gas lamps lining the streets. This area is also the city’s dining, shopping, and entertainment hub. Watch the Padres play at Petco Park or explore a historic aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum.
If you are interested in San Diego’s history, we recommend visiting the oldest neighborhood in San Diego. Old Town features over 35 historic sites and museums, including the most haunted house in America. You can also find over 75 shops and 30 world-class restaurants here.
If you are a foodie visiting San Diego, then Little Italy is the San Diego neighborhood for you! Rich with Italian culture and cuisine, there are endless restaurants to choose from at the Little Italy Food Hall. Every Saturday, you can find one of the best San Diego farmers’ markets with the Little Italy Mercato market.
If you are looking for a welcoming and open-minded San Diego neighborhood, pay a visit to San Diego’s LGBTQ+ central hub, Hillcrest. Here you will find an array of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, and unique boutiques to explore.
Rental With a View offers the perfect properties in Mission Hills for groups visiting San Diego for the first time. Our Mission Hills vacation rentals provide the best of both worlds with the privacy of a residential neighborhood and proximity to major attractions. You can find many places mentioned in our San Diego neighborhood guide just a 10-15 minute walk away, such as Balboa Park and Little Italy. Discover our luxury vacation rentals in Mission Hills and find the ideal place for your group vacationing in San Diego.