Valentine’s Trip

Question

My husband and I are planning a 6 night trip to San Diego for Valentine’s Day. We’ll be spending 2 nights in Oceanside followed by 4 nights in La Jolla. We’ve spent a few days in San Diego previously, but we had our campervan and dog on that trip so we mostly just visited Cabrillo National Monument and Balboa Park.

We’re looking forward to spending time on the beach and have already identified some things to do in Oceanside like live music and the farmer’s markets. For the actual attractions/destinations we plan to visit Torrey Pines State Park, the San Diego Botanic Gardens, and La Jolla Shores/Children’s Pool. We’re on the fence about the San Diego Zoo and Birch Aquarium.

For the zoo, part of me has always wanted to go, but it does seem quite expensive and also potentially tiring. I think if we do go, we’d likely buy an annual membership where it would enable us to visit again within the year.

For Birch Aquarium, I noticed that part is under construction so I wondered how much of it is available right now. I did notice that tickets are half off this month.

So I’d love thoughts on those two attractions, plus anything else we should consider adding. My husband and I are in our late 30s/early 40s and travel extensively. We love the outdoors, especially sunrise/sunset/nature/landscape/wildlife photography. I’m dealing with several chronic pain/autoimmune conditions so I do have to pace myself a bit so trying to build in lots of relaxing/downtime versus go-go-go.

We’re also foodies. We made reservations for actual Valentine’s Day but have lots of other slots to fill. We like virtually any food, but especially seafood. My husband keeps talking about fish tacos :)

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Your Valentine’s trip to San Diego sounds wonderful, with a nice mix of beach, nature, and city attractions. Since you’ll be splitting your stay between Oceanside and La Jolla, you can enjoy both a more laid-back coastal vibe and a slightly more upscale, scenic environment for the second part of your trip.

Oceanside (2 nights)

Oceanside is perfect for relaxed mornings on the beach, casual walks along the pier, and enjoying local events like farmers’ markets or live music. Since you’ve already identified these activities, consider:

Sunrise photography at Oceanside Pier — the pier often reflects beautifully in the early morning light.
Casual biking or walking along the Oceanside Strand for exercise without overexertion.
Visiting the California Surf Museum if you’re interested in local history and photography opportunities.

La Jolla (4 nights)

La Jolla is excellent for scenic coastal walks, wildlife photography, and relaxing beach time. Your plans for Torrey Pines State Park and La Jolla Shores/Children’s Pool align perfectly with your interests.

Torrey Pines State Park: The park has multiple trails, ranging from easy (Beach Trail) to moderate (Guy Fleming Trail). Early morning or late afternoon are best for photography and to avoid crowds. The trails are generally shaded and not too strenuous.
La Jolla Shores and Children’s Pool: Ideal for wildlife photography; you can capture seals and sea lions lounging on the sand. Early morning and sunset offer soft light and fewer crowds.
San Diego Botanic Garden: Located in Encinitas, this is an easy-paced walk with beautiful gardens and unique plant photography opportunities.

San Diego Zoo and Birch Aquarium

Both are excellent but consider your pacing and interests:

San Diego Zoo: The zoo is world-class but can be tiring, especially with your health considerations. If you’re interested in wildlife photography and may return to San Diego later in the year, an annual membership can be a good investment. This allows multiple shorter visits, reducing fatigue and giving flexibility. Plan for early morning or weekday visits to avoid crowds and heat.
Birch Aquarium: Since part of it is under construction, it’s best to call ahead or check current maps. Even partially open, the aquarium offers excellent exhibits on local marine life, tide pools, and coastal ecosystems. Half-price tickets this month make it a low-risk option.

Additional Relaxed and Scenic Options

Sunset cliffs Natural Park in Point Loma — perfect for sunset photography and a gentle walk along the bluff.
Cabrillo National Monument — revisit if you’d like tide pools and panoramic views without long walks.
La Jolla Cove kayaking tour — gentle paddling with seal and sea lion sightings if energy permits.
Drive or short hike through the coastal neighborhoods of Del Mar or Encinitas for relaxed exploration and photography.

Food Recommendations

Since you’re foodies and love seafood, including fish tacos, consider these options outside your Valentine’s dinner reservation:

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood or El Pescador Fish Market in La Jolla or Pacific Beach for excellent fish tacos.
Point Loma Seafoods for fresh, casual seafood with harbor views.
The Cottage La Jolla for brunch — offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Downtown Oceanside restaurants along the harbor for seafood and waterfront dining.

General Tips for Pacing and Relaxation

Plan 1–2 main attractions per day to avoid overexertion.
Alternate busy days with lighter beach or scenic activities.
Bring portable seating or plan for café stops during long walks to rest as needed.
Early morning or late afternoon outings are best for photography and cooler temperatures.

With this approach, you’ll have a balanced, enjoyable trip that combines beaches, scenic outdoor activities, photography opportunities, and great food without overwhelming yourselves.