Written by Lindsey Chronert

As a native San Diegan, I’m guilty of falling into a routine of doing the same thing with my partner. Our weekends usually revolve around cooking, hosting dinner parties at home, listening to music, and enjoying our time outdoors. It’s a comfortable routine.

Recently, I have been inspired by several friends who relocated to San Diego in the past few years. I appreciate the effort it takes to build a community and find exciting activities. These friends consistently present me with weekend plans that are not only enjoyable but also refreshingly novel. From gallery openings and museums to jazz nights, comedy shows, and even surfing lessons, their ideas push me outside my comfort zone. And every single time I join them or engage in something unique on my own with my partner, I'm absolutely delighted by the experience. So much so that we’ve started to incorporate a date night where we have to try something new. The activity can be as simple as trying a new restaurant or something more unusual — like taking a ceramics class or seeing live stand-up comedy. The goal is to find ways to keep injecting surprise into the relationship.

Here's a curated list of incredible date ideas that even a seasoned local like myself finds intriguing. These activities are designed to spark connection, foster enjoyment, and add a touch of excitement to your relationship.

Art

• Visit our pal, Scarlett Bailey’s new mural in Liberty Station.

• The Museum of Contemporary Art has various workshops and exhibits like a build-your-own Terrarium Workshop.

• There are always new exhibits coming through the various museums in Balboa Park. A couple worth strolling through are the PostSecret exhibit at Museum of Us and Korea in Color at SDMA.

• Take a two-hour Wheel + Wine Ceramics Class at Terra Terra, a new ceramics studio in Hillcrest.

Music

• The Future is Color presents Studio Sessions Jazz Nights weekly on Thursdays. They also host a few dance-vibe sessions down in Barrio Logan.

• The Rady Shell is a public park, and the San Diego Symphony hosts open rehearsals throughout the week. It’s casual enough to just stop by on an afternoon walk.

• The Bathhouse sessions at Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel has some great independent musical artists coming through this new, hip destination.

• Thursdays at Haggo’s Tacos or Corner Pizza in Encinitas is usually poppin’ with a local artist like Austin Burns. Check their Instagram for the schedule.

• Winyl Wednesdays (summer only)in Balboa Park is back. What's better than drinking in the park with a cheese plate and a live DJ spinning vinyl records?

• UC San Diego Park & Market hosts concerts & educational seminars. I have my eyes on Lyrical Groove, a hip-hop soul band performing spoken word and live music.

Comedy

• Really good stand-up comedy is coming through San Diego like Daniel Tosh, Jo Koy, creators of Workaholics, and more. Check the San Diego Civic Center for upcoming shows.

• See some improv at Finest City Improv. You can see the more experienced players on the weekends in the evening.

• Hermosa Surf Shop in Bird Rock hosts regular comedy nights with their Laugh in La Jolla series. Follow them on IG for show dates.

• Whistlestop in South Park has live stand-up comedy on the last Wednesday of the month.

Wellness

• Thursday evening Run club with lululemon. They also host Trivia Night on the first Thursday of every month and the winners leave with lululemon gear.

• Take a Breath Class on Wednesday or Thursday evenings in Encinitas. The instructors incorporate some light movement, yoga and various breathing techniques that will have you on cloud nine!

• Get your sweat on at a Bootcamp Yoga put on by Fitbit at the Rady Shell.

• Let loose on the court with some fun, competitive open play pickleball at Bobby Riggs or Del Cerro!

Outdoor

• Sunset picnic at Kate Sessions Park with cheese plate from Venissimo. The view of the city is best in class!

• Visit one of the many San Diego Botanic Gardens exhibits like the world orchid show.

• Tour an aquafarm and shuck some oysters at Carlsbad Aquafarm!

• La Vuelta in Barrio Logan starts in June. Every other Wednesday, classic cars and lowriders take to main street in Barrio.

• If you don't have kids, you probably haven't been to the San Diego Zoo in a while. In all honesty, it's the most famous zoo in the world for a reason. Spending a day here will remind you why San Diego is the best.