Tian Reed Photography

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.

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.

Belmont Park truly has a little something for everyone. It has the distinction of being the only beach-side amusement park in southern California and its biggest draw is the Giant Dipper which is an original wooden rollercoaster. Another popular attraction is the Plunge, a 175-foot-deep indoor heated pool, the largest in the state. There's also Pirate's Cove which is literally a 7,000-square-foot indoor playground. Plenty of places to shop and dine can be found here, too, so make plans to head to Belmont Park and leave happy.