Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Gaslamp Quarter

"Watch the pandas cuddle and the polar bears swim, then go next door to Balboa Park for lunch at Panama 66, a sculpture garden-restaurant with hot sandwiches and a terrific tap list. Your first stop for an afternoon of museum-hopping is to peruse the minor masterpieces at the San Diego Museum of Art. Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building."

"The area that Balboa Park sits on used to be home to the indigenous Kumeyaay village, which soon became an 1835 Spanish park, and then an American city park in 1870. It was named after the first European to cross Central America, Vasco Núñez de Balboa."

"This is the place where the first-ever World’s Fair took place. I know it reminds you of Silvester Stalone but that’s not the vibe here. It has 17 museums, five playgrounds, a carousel and a train for children."

"Taco Shack: Tues, Fri & Sat 4-7pm, Sun 2-5pm / B&S Bar: Fri & Sat 5:30-9:30pm. Join us for outdoor live music at the Beach + Taco Shack or Babcock & Story Bar."

"Located upstairs from the more casual Fish Market, this refined venue offers views from Point Loma to the Coronado Bridge, along with cuisine that is nothing short of spectacular. An incredibly broad offering of seafood might include Scottish Isles salmon, South American lobster tail, Oregon dungeness crab, or Chilean sea bass that is all flown in daily. The romantic setting features crisp linens, flickering candlelight, impeccable service, and exhibition-style cooking."

"Located right above the Fish Market, Top of the Market provides gorgeous views of the San Diego Bay. Here you can enjoy seafood that is fresh and delicious. The restaurant has an intimate ambiance that is perfect for date night."

"Top of the Market restaurant in San Diego is located above the Fish Market in an upstairs venue. The expansive views of the San Diego Bay to are breathtaking. The cuisine is among the finest available in all of San Diego."

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"Marine Street is one of the best La Jolla beaches because it’s a wide, white sand beach that sits just between two rock reef points, Little Point and Horseshoe. The surf here is famous for being rough and unpredictable, making it popular with surfers and bodyboarders but not advisable for inexperienced swimmers. Unfortunately, due to that, it’s also been the site of countless injuries and rescues."

"Swimming: YesSurfing: NoBoogie boarding: YesBest For: Boogie Boarding and Body Surfing. Just around the bend from Windansea Beach, this long stretch of sand is what you typically think of when you dream about California. Also known as the boogie boarding beach, its soft rolling waves and lack of rocks make it the perfect place to ride some waves without having to worry about surfers."

"If you want a beach that’s bit more lively, you can head down to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Both beaches are great for people-watching on the boardwalk. Make sure to grab drinks at a beachy bar, and even perfect your surfing skills at The Wave House. Yep, at The Wave House, you can surf an artificial wave (or watch others do it)!"

"Head even further north from Mission Beach and you’ll arrive at Pacific Beach. Known among the locals as P.B., if you’re looking for the stereotype of Californian beach life, you’re going to find it here. If you’re looking for a place to have a go at surfing, many newbies start out in the white water around P.B."

"The 2,400-bench-seat pavilion, dedicated in 1915 by sugar magnates John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels, holds the 4,518-pipe Spreckels Organ,…"