Don’t let date night become some rote activity. Yes, romantic restaurants are nice or even a cooking class to make your own pasta (ooh, that sounds neat), but sometimes its good to switch it up. Get outside. Smell the clouds. Thankfully, San Diego is one of the most naturally diverse and adventurous cities in America and you should be taking full advantage of this with your partner to keep the spark alive. This is why we’ve come up with a day of activities for couples who need to see a different side of the city. And themselves. For the record, this is not a Free Solo level of adventure. This is more like a…Rob Schneider movie level of adventure.

The Itinerary

Park At Crown Point Near Fin Aquatic Rentals
SUP Around Mission Bay
Get Drinks and Food at the Barefoot Bar and Grill
Flip the Bird to SeaWorld
Make a Bonfire at Crown Point

Plan Ahead

1. Bring a cooler with some drinks
2. Bring firewood and a lighter (don’t forget fire starter/paper)
3. Bring a change of clothes (and some warm ones for later)
4. Rent an SUP from Fin Aquatic Rentals (or bring your own)
4. Bring the good vibes 🙂

Park At Crown Point Near Fin Aquatic Rentals

You can’t have a great adventure around Mission Bay without engaging in some classic San Diego aquatic activities. To set up the date, park near Fin Aquatic Rentals. This is a strategic decision because not only will you rent your stand up paddle boards from here (unless you have your own), but this area is also in close proximity to the other date night activities.

Fin Aquatic Rentals provides surfboards and standup paddleboards from different locations around San Diego and they are operated solely from a mobile app. You download the app, find a trailer (there is one located at Crown Point area), and you unlock your SUP and get to it. This is a pretty simple and clever way to rent some ocean-faring equipment without a lot of hassle.

Once you have your SUP, your car is parked, and you have your gear (wallet, clothes, dry bag, etc.) then make your way to the launch area in Crown Point Park.

SUP Around Mission Bay

Although your gaze may initially be distracted by the beauty of the highways and concrete buildings that naturally sprouted along the coastline, we recommend exploring some of the other charming points around Mission Bay. Before we dive in, be mindful that there are dedicated areas in the bay for motorized boats and jet skis.

Launching from Crown Point into Fiesta Bay there will have a good chance for wildlife viewing as you pass along the Northern Wildlife Preserve which provides critical areas for the Great Blue Heron and habitat for the federally endangered California least tern. This marsh reserve is also the sole habitat for two other federally endangered species – the light-footed clapper rail and the Belding’s savannah sparrow. It’s all these birds have, so please keep it clean (check out Re-Wild Mission Bay).

Continue to follow the beautiful shores of Crown Point beach which will lead you under the Art and Anne McDaniel bridge and into Sail Bay. At your leisure, follow the beaches along Sail Bay and enjoy the pretty sights, maybe even dock at one of the beaches and soak up the sunshine with your sweetheart. You may also catch a glimpse of the Garibaldi, which is California’s state fish, and some seals can often be seen near Quivira point if you fancy paddling out that way.

Once you’ve paddled enough and need a proper break, start making your way towards Paradise Point Resort on the west side of Vacation Isle. It is here your treasured booty awaits.

Get Drinks and Food at the Barefoot Bar and Grill

After all that paddling and sweating in the sun, it’s time to quench your thirst with a diuretic (all levity aside make sure you drink some water). Make your way over to the west side of Vacation Isle, where you’ll find the Barefoot Bar and Grill at the Paradise Point resort. You can safely store your SUP’s at X in front of the restaurant. Unfortunately, you do have to wear shoes at the barefoot bar and grill, which is obvious from the name…

The Barefoot Bar and Grill is exactly as it sounds: a tropical lagoon/tiki-themed bar overlooking the water where you can order a Mai Thai and probably spot your weird uncle who still asks his adult nephew to lend him cash. The food is the standard fare expected at a beach grill and bar, with tasty burgers, sandwiches, and shrimp tacos. If you time it right you can catch live music on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6pm. Overall, the low-key vibes, tropical cocktails, and waterfront views are the perfect way to keep the spirit of adventure alive for your date.

When you’re ready, make your way back to the launch area to return your SUP’s and end the night with a spark.

Flip The Bird To SeaWorld On Your Way Back

You don’t have to. But that’s our suggestion.

Return the SUP's and Make a Bonfire at Crown Point Park

A beach fire is a quintessential Californian experience, almost a right of passage, immortalized in pop-culture with movies like Point Break and Alien Vs Predator. And now you too can experience the magic, because Mission Bay has an abundance of fire pits and grilling areas around their shores. So once you’ve returned your SUP’s, grab the firewood and cooler from your car and head back to Crown Point Park to secure a fire pit. Here is a map we’ve made with all the fire-pits around Mission Bay to give you some options.

Once you’ve found a spot, start the fire, crack some beers, and wrap your arm around your sweetheart.

You’re on your own from here…