Johnny Blackburn

Romance, music and a dash of history all prove to be the ingredients of the perfect romantic evening when you visit Gaslamp Quarter. Aside from being an obviously hip, lively collection of restaurants, clubs and bars that are part of the district's top-drawer nightlife, it's also a great vantage point to do some fun people-watching.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then get ready for a novel's worth of images at San Diego's Museum of Art and MOPA. Since 1983, MOPA, a shortened form of the museum's moniker, has been devoted to collecting, conserving and exhibiting the largest spectrum possible of various photographic mediums.

Whether it's a play, a musical, or a concert, the chances are good it will be happening at the Balboa Theatre or San Diego Civic Theatre. Both venues are in close proximity to each other and are managed by San Diego Theatres. It is a powerful combination that delivers highly impressive acts and productions. You can choose from musicals like "Mary Poppins" to such local attractions as the San Diego Chorus to big name musical acts like Herbie Hancock. So buy your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment as it happens in the spotlight onstage at the Balboa Theatre or the San Diego Civic Theatre.

Dating back to 1903, the Birch Aquarium is regarded as one of the best in the world. The impressive facility features 30 tanks and each one is filled with a stunning variety of fish and various other coral species.