Romantic Things to Do in San Diego

Romance, Relaxation & Adventure by the Sea Awaits at Award-winning Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort

A fairytale romance deserves a fairytale setting to keep the flames of love burning bright. Where better to reconnect with your favorite person than away from the demands of the workaday world at Southern California’s premiere luxury resort? Located on 400 sprawling acres of coastal canyon terrain, the award-winning Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a refined and sophisticated escape. Its haute cuisine eateries, enticing surrounding and adults-only spaces let you and your sweetheart savor uninterrupted couple time. Choose from a bevy of relaxation activities, recreation options and amazing amenities tucked within a stunning natural setting just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean.

Luxuriate in the Full Resort Experience

Plan on spending a long weekend at this palatial, Mediterranean-styled hotel to allow yourselves enough time to enjoy the complete resort experience. The extravagant guestrooms and suites are appointed in soothing blue and gold tones accented by brocade upholstery and cut crystal lamps. Each room is packed with amenities, such as marble bathrooms with dual sinks and a wonderfully deep soaking tub, a wet bar, Italian-woven cotton towels and ultra-comfy king beds. Evening turndown service is a treat. 

When you return to your room, relaxing classical music, lowered lights and a chocolate-drenched Oreo cookie placed on the pillow encourage peaceful slumber. Prefer to keep it low-key? The Rise & Shine Breakfast Package brings the feel of a country B&B to you. Enjoy a private breakfast on your terrace overlooking the canyon or golf greens before heading off to complimentary fitness or yoga classes. Occurring on retreat weekends, the Wellbeing Weekend package includes accommodations, breakfast for two, spa treatments, meditation or fitness classes and a comprehensive Mindfulness Teaching Retreat and Water Cure therapy. Sports enthusiasts appreciate the professional tennis courts and lessons as well as the Canyon to Coast and Grand Golf Getaway packages, bundling rounds at the resort’s Tom Fazio-designed Grand Golf Club and Torrey Pines Golf Course with preferred pricing. Designed to soothe aching muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion, an after-game Golf Revitalization massage or Athletic Encounter therapeutic sports massage work wonders to reinvigorate your sense of well-being.

Rejuvenate & Replenish

Combining the stylish flair of the Renaissance with modern conveniences, the extensive Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a haven unto itself. Men’s and women’s lounges, private patios, a salt-water mineral pool and a relaxation pool complement treatments featuring natural botanicals and mineral muds, making the Grand Spa Getaway a delightful option for both ladies and gentlemen.

No romantic weekend is complete without the aphrodisiac allure of fresh West Coast oysters as served in the Lobby Bar. The bar’s craft cocktails, impressive wine list and intimate, library ambience set the stage for a mellow evening by the fire, enjoying the soulful sounds of popular, local vocalists. Late sleepers appreciate the bountiful weekend brunches at Amaya, with its delectable selection of savory and sweet breakfast favorites of brioche French toast, eggs Benedict and sparkling cocktails. Five-star artisanal restaurant Addison hosts seasonal events and shared tastings. 

Spend Quality Together Time

The resort’s proximity to San Diego’s coastal towns, wine country and the bustling, downtown San Diego Gaslamp Quarter means you won’t run out of things to do. Catch a concert at Belly Up in Solana Beach, visit a vineyard in Temecula or cheer on masterful thoroughbreds at the horse races in Del Mar (summer site of the famed San Diego County Fair). To enrich your Southern California experience, visit the city’s cultural heart Balboa Park, with its 17 museums, 10 live performance venues, restaurants, gardens and the historic Spreckels Organ Pavilion.  

Recent research proves, along with boosting mood and feelings of happiness, spending time at the beach has significant health benefits. What better reason to take a sunset harbor cruise, charter a yacht for a wine and cheese excursion or head out to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales. Check out the resort’s Destination Guide for additional ideas. Special events also pique interest throughout the year. 

Enjoy a Grand Celebration

For those planning to tie the knot, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is an elegant choice to honor your celebration. Every aspect of your wedding will be handled with conscientious care and attention to detail by Wedding Specialist Paige Levy and the event staff. This attentive, personalized planning is what makes the resort such a popular choice for couples. Flowers by Kathy Wright and Company, delicious wedding cakes prepared by the pastry team and graceful table settings inspire memories worthy of your lasting love. Any ceremony conducted in the resort’s Capella benefits from the solemnity of the stained glass windows and cathedral-like ambience. For your reception, choose a handsome ballroom paneled in warm woods or the outdoor Aria Lawn with its romantic Pavilion or intimate Wine Cellar. Providing hair and makeup services for the bride and her attendants and relaxing shaves for grooms,  the resort salon contributes to wedding photos worthy of a magazine cover. With complimentary wedding night stays for the happy couple, it’s easy to expand your nuptials into a fun-filled weekend of revelry, which means extra quality time with family and friends.

Making time for your partner is a gift you give but also receive. Book your stay now and rediscover the meaning of love where romance, adventure and relaxation await.

Kirsten Flournoy writes about discovering and enjoying the finer things in life. Her work and recreation have taken her to the U.K., the Netherlands, Greece and Romania. She lives in San Diego, California and considers pastry a food group.