The perfect (COVID-friendly) Valentine’s Day in San Diego

When love and COVID-19 are in the air, there are many ways to celebrate in a fun, safe way

Taylor DeGuzman / Arts & Culture Editor 

Love is in the air, and unfortunately so is the coronavirus. Though it’s been over a year since COVID-19 crept into the U.S. and “quarantine” became a frequent topic of conversation, nothing has stopped people from crushing on someone over Zoom, going on dates with strangers, and even finding love. 

While some dread this overly pink and red, flower-filled day, many can’t wait to get dressed up, eat more Lindor truffles than necessary, and spend the day showing someone how much they love them. 

However, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for taken people, and anyone can celebrate this day by showering themselves in self-love and retail therapy. 

With masks on, hungry stomachs, and even hungrier hearts, San Diegans can enjoy the perfect, love-filled Valentine’s Day in the most COVID-friendly way. 

“Let’s start the day off with breakfast in Hillcrest!” 

Great Maple, 1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 

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Maple bacon donuts and Fruity Pebble silver dollar pancakes sound like a dream come true. Good thing at Great Maple in Hillcrest, dreams do come true. 

An Instagrammer foodie’s paradise, Great Maple serves a diverse menu of comfort food dishes that photograph incredibly well and taste even better. Other delicious breakfast choices include Johnny’s Lolliwaffles, which described on their menu are “Three Waffles on a Stick with Salted Caramel, Lemon Custard, Raspberry Coulis & Whipped Cream,” Pigs in a Blanket, Peanut Butter and Fried Banana silver dollar pancakes and Chocolate Bacon pancakes. 

Great Maple has outdoor dining and masks are required prior to seating. 

There is a small lot for parking, but a lot of Great Maple-goers find available street parking. 

However, some recommend bringing walking shoes, because parking might not be the easiest to find on busy days, especially on Valentine’s Day. 

Because Valentine’s Day is typically a busy day for breakfast and brunch restaurants, make a reservation before heading to Great Maple to ensure that a maple bacon donut has your name on it. 

“Let’s cut into a cake with wine glasses and make a charcuterie board” 

Mission Bay Park 2688 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Aesthetic picnics that match the free-spirited energy of SZA’s “Good Days” are taking over TikTok. Several TikToks incorporate short clips of each and every snack item on the picnic menu, and with music in the background and a few added effects, users make Goldfish and CheezIts look like they’re the most magnificent treats on the planet. The most mesmerizing part of these TikToks is when the people dig into a fully frosted cake with wine glasses, using the glasses as a cup to eat the cake. 

Friend groups can only hope of making a picnic worthy of TikTok material. A TikTok-worthy picnic would have to include a charcuterie board donned with crackers of every kind, only the best of cheeses, prosciutto and pastrami, lots of fruits, and of course, jam. After getting a dry throat from all those crackers, bring a pack of Trader Joe’s Sparkling Strawberry Juice or any drink of choice, preferably milk tea boba. 

Everyone is usually still hungry after feasting on an entire charcuterie board, so save some room for the special, Valentine’s Day heart-shaped box of Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets with a ton of Chick-fil-A sauce. For sweets, buy some cherry danishes and almond croissants from a local bakery, and don’t forget to buy some of your friends’ or significant other’s favorite candies and chocolates. 

Last, and most importantly, a TikTok picnic is not complete without a beautifully decorated, frosted heart-shaped cake, big enough to stick a wine glass into and enjoy from the glass. The cherry on top is a view that rivals the picture-perfect picnic. 

Mission Bay Park is the spot to enjoy a picnic with great company and incredible views. The wide space allows for enough social distance from other people. Unlike other San Diego parks that are now packed with individuals trying to replicate TikTok picnics, Mission Bay Park is the perfect in-between for doing a little people watching of bikers, dog walkers, and joggers, and feeling like the environment is safe enough to lounge and relax without invading other people’s space.  

There is lots of space for parking, so no need to stress about finding a spot. The only necessities are good food, great lighting (San Diego has it covered), and incredible people to share the perfect picnic with. Oh, and don’t forget the wine glasses and lots of hand sanitizer. 

“Let’s get dinner with a view…you’re my best view” 

Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar at Portside Pier 1360 North Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

After a full day of food, it’s important to end the day on a high note with even more food. 

Before sunset, grab a jacket, put on that fancy outfit, and get ready to indulge in some San Diego-style surf and turf while taking in the beautiful view of San Diego’s bay. 

Before dinner and before the sun finally sets, head on up to the second floor for a full panoramic view of San Diego Bay and take a picture to capture a beautiful memory and another iconic San Diego sunset. 

Located on Downtown San Diego’s waterfront, Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar is one of the delicious dinner options located at Portside Pier — entirely constructed on an “overwater platform,” according to Portside Pier’s page. Among Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, people can choose from Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Grill & Tap, or Portside Coffee and Gelato for dessert. 

Brigantine’s menu is full of diverse selections, from Golden Ale-Batter Cod Fish & Chips to Macadamia Crusted Mahi and Lobster Tempura Tacos. 

One of their most popular dishes, the Wok-Charred Ahi, is described on their menu as “seared sushi-grade tuna, wok-tossed vegetables, wonton crisps, jasmine rice & wasabi-shoyu sauce.” 

Dinner options range from $21 to $50, so be prepared to splurge on this dinner. Valentine’s Day only happens once a year! 

But maybe after trying Brigantine’s food, Valentine’s Day will be a monthly celebration. 

With plenty of outdoor dining and masks required, Brigantine Seafood and Oyster is the perfect option for a socially-distanced dinner with a stunning view. 

Setting aside time to find parking in this area is recommended.