7 Great Winter Dates

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From the archives: December 02, 2009

As the temperature dips down into the low 60s, even high 50s, here in paradise during the winter, we know how hard it is to keep the romance alive. Walks on the beach require bundling (blah!), margaritas on the patio are more cold than refreshing, and a drive up to Cardiff just isn't the same with the top up. Not to fear, our editors have come through with 7 toasty date ideas to carry you and your honey through the long winter.

On this page:  The Affordable Fireside Dinner, The Weekend Getaway, The Ski Trip, The Coffee Date, The Couples' Skate, The "Just Drinks" Date, The Family Affair.

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The Affordable Fireside Dinner

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Dussini Mediterranean Bistro
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    275 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Upstairs in the lounge, the bar menu of small plates is super tasty and super cheap (try the braised short rib sliders), and the big high-back chairs by the fireplace are perfect for snuggling.

The Weekend Getaway

  1. 2 Julian Lodge
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    2720 C St, Julian, CA 92036 (map)

    It's only an hour away by car, and this bed and breakfast offers rustic ambience and a perfect location for exploring the cute historic town and stopping at the cider mill for hot apple pie.

The Ski Trip

  1. 3 Bear Mountain
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    43101 Goldmine Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (map)

    Head high into the San Bernardinos to this sizable and accessible alpine playground with ski slopes, snowboard parks, and a few cozy lodges.

The Coffee Date

  1. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Upstart Crow Bookstore-Coffee
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    835 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    There's nothing better on a cold day than grabbing a coffee and browsing Upstart Crow, where classics, bestsellers and hard-to-find books share space with eclectic gifts, toys and a neat view of the harbor.

The Couples' Skate

  1. 5 Ice Rinks At Horton Square
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    225 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    From Thanksgiving through January, the ice rink at Horton Plaza is the perfect winter date that won't break the bank. Skate rentals are less than $10, and the hot cocoa stand sells steaming cups for a buck.

The "Just Drinks" Date

  1. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Top Of The Hyatt
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    1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    This classy cocktail lounge offers panoramic views from the top floor of Manchester Grand Hyatt, and it's one of the only downtown hotel bars that's enclosed--perfect for a cooler evening of cocktail chatter.

The Family Affair

  1. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended San Diego Botanic Garden
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    230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024 (map)

    Grab your sweetie and the kids too for a day at these picturesque gardens in North County. There's plants from regions throughout the world, special tours, a gift shop, and nursery. And during the month of December and January, the light they whole place up with over 1,000 twinkle lights for the holidays.

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