A Sunday Valentine's Day: How About Some Downtown Romance?
Posted February 10, 2010  |  No Comments  | 

The hearts. The flowers. The chocolates, strawberries, champagne. We know that Valentine's Day is more than a Hallmark holiday, but what can you do with your special someone that let's them know you love spending time with them?

(Photo courtesy of Melissa Clawson)

Downtown San Diego and environs has all sorts of wonderful weekend Valentine's Day options for the romantic couple. Here are some of our ideas. We hope you'll want to try them or that they'll spark some ideas of your own:

• Pick up a picnic lunch from Salad Style or Venissimo and wine from The Wine Bank. Then have a cozy meal together on Vantage Pointe's 10th floor pool deck. Or wander down to the Bay to find a quiet spot at the Embarcadero.
• Take in a special Valentine's Day at the Pops concert at Copley Symphony Hall (across the street from Vantage Pointe). It's the return of their special tribute to music for lovers, featuring the music of Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Ira and George Gershwin, and more.
• Have brunch at one of the restaurants at Seaport Village and then walk over to the Convention Center or the Broadway Pier to take the ferry to Coronado. Stroll along the water's edge, rent a bike, shop and snack at the Coronado Ferry Landing. It all sounds good.
• Go underground! Take your sweetie to urban lounge Vin de Syrah on 5th Ave. and taste flights of red wines, accompanied by their "Blend Board," which features exotic meats and cheeses paired with their marinated veggies. There's also a "Mixed Veggie Board" if meat's not your thing.
• See the world! Head up to the Reuben H. Fleet's Science Center and go to one of their IMAX movies. Playing now are Under the Sea, The Greatest Places, and Amazon. What a rush!
  

Now, while we have our ideas about what would make for a great Valentine's Day, we also  asked Melissa Clawson of San Diego-Romantics.com to give us her suggestions for some special Valentine's Day activities for downtown San Diego and beyond. Here's what she offers:

• Spend the day discovering Balboa Park.This urban park is a real delight. Visit the zoo, explore the fascinating museums, stroll through the gardens, fly a kite, spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal in this beautiful setting.
• Kayak through the caves of La Jolla in a kayak for two. Share the experience of getting up close to local marine life in the gorgeous scenery of the La Jolla Cove.
  

                                     (photo courtesy of Melissa Clawson)

• Take a stroll on the beach and watch the sun sink into the ocean. San Diego is known for its spectacular sunsets. Best beaches for watching the sunset: Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove, and Windansea Beach.
• Relive the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet performed by the San Diego Ballet. Performances are scheduled at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza for the evenings of Feb. 12 and 13th with a matinee on Feb. 14.
• Share an elegant dessert at Extraordinary Desserts. The desserts are both beautiful and delicious. Dine outdoors at a cozy candlelit table. Located near Balboa Park at 2929 Fifth Ave. and in Little Italy at 1430 Union St.
  

Do you have some ideas of your own for celebrating Valentine's Day? Share them with your neighbors here in the comment section below!