Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in La Mesa

"Start the day in Balboa Park and try to get there early because this park is HUGE (and by huge I mean there is a freeway and several other roads running through it). Balboa park isn’t just green space, its packed with the best of San Diego’s museums and you’ll want to do some pre-planning to decide which museums you want to see in the time available (half a day). I’m a space and science nerd so I made a beeline for the Air and Space Museum."

"This is the place where the first-ever World’s Fair took place. I know it reminds you of Silvester Stalone but that’s not the vibe here. It has 17 museums, five playgrounds, a carousel and a train for children."

"Balboa Park is one of the most Instagrammable parks in San Diego!. While you’re there, don’t miss the lily pond!. This reflection pool is not your average little lily pond."

"At 8 acres (3ha), Heritage Park is smaller than some of San Diego’s vast wilderness reserves. But, this green grassland features six Victorian homes, all of which have been restored and moved here especially for public viewing. The park also contains San Diego’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel."

"SEA180 is a Cohn Group restaurant located inside the new Pier South Resort which sits right on the beach in Imperial Beach. Due to its southern location, it's a lesser known gem but that's probably to the benefit of current fans. The menu is largely seafood-based with items like roasted black mussels with chorizo, shrimp ceviche and macadamia nut crusted local catch of the day."

"I usually pick up food from here every other week, and they have always been great. Smooth ordering experience and the pick up hardly takes any time."

"Located in Old Town, second oldest cemetery in San Diego had burials from 1849 to 1880. In 1933, the San Diego Historical Society restored in the cemetery based on descriptions and photographs, but over the years some of the boundaries have been moved to accommodate for city development. In 1889 a horse-drawn streetcar line was built through part of the cemetery, which later became San Diego Avenue."

"Thumbprint Gallery is a constantly evolving art exhibition space that has been serving southern California for a decade. With an emphasis on pop culture and surrealism, they create pop-up exhibitions from a wide range of artists. By including emerging and established, as well as local and international artists, Thumbprint Gallery curates a distinctly unique experience every time they hold an event."

"You’re not going to find many galleries in the local area that are as unique as Thumbprint Gallery. It features various forms of art, ranging from murals to street art to graffiti — and that’s just the start. Located in La Jolla, Thumbprint Gallery has been wowing visitors since opening its doors in 2009."

"This world-class museum features extensive collections of still photographs, videos and films. The history of the medium is illustrated, from the earliest Daguerreotypes and albumen prints to modern laser holograms. A variety of artists are represented, including Alfred Stieglitz, Ben Shahn, Alberto Korda, Ansel Adams and Margaret Bourke-White."

"The Museum of Photographic Arts, also known as (MOPA) is also located in Balboa Park. Founded in 1974, this museum represents one of the three museums in the US whose main focus is only the preservation and collection of photography. The main mission of this museum is to educate and inspire its visitors."

"Downtown La Jolla is a lively hub ripe with music, museums, and art. The La Jolla Gallery collects contemporary art from mid-career artists, which is curated by co-owner Elisabeth King. By focusing on mid-career artists who have dedicated themselves to the practice of learning their craft, the gallery grows deeply in its ability to educate art students."

"It is 3 miles of dog-friendly, running heaven and has over 20 fitness stations. These stations include everything from pull up bars for working your arms to plank stations for crunches. Because it isn’t well-known, this park is almost always uncrowded, rendering it quiet and peaceful."

"You’ll find there’s something for everyone at Ferry Landing on Coronado. Whether you’re just relaxing while you wait for the ferry or spending an afternoon sightseeing, there’s no shortage of fun here!. Take a peaceful beachside stroll along the bike path and delight in the white sand and peaceful waves while taking in the skyline of downtown San Diego in the distance."