Whether you are a local resident, or if you are just visiting, here are 40 ideas for fun summer activities in San Diego, CA.
1) Explore Tide Pools
San Diego beaches are riddled with tide pools. The best time to see them is during low tide. Otherwise the beach might be covered in ocean water. Visit one of the State Beaches, such as Torrey Pines or Carlsbad, if you want to see sea creatures. The public beaches tend have less wildlife.
2) Check out Sea Caves
In addition to tide pools some San Diego beaches have sea caves to explore. The best known sea caves are in La Jolla. But there are well known caves in Point Loma near Cabrillo National Monument, as well as at Carlsbad State Beach. Sometimes the trails may be closed due to conditions so check before you leave.
3) Build a Sand Castle
Building a sand castle is fun for the whole family whether you are experts or just starting out. There are sand castle lessons available from local companies. Or you can just pay them to build the sand castle for you while you sit back, enjoy and iced beverage, and soak up the sunshine.1
4) Walk Dogs on the Beach
The State Beaches do not allow dogs as they are wildlife preserves. However many public beaches welcome dogs as long as they stay on a leash at all times. There are two “dog beaches” where canine companions are permitted to swim and play with each other in Ocean Beach and Del Mar.
5) Ride Bikes on the Boardwalk
Riding bikes on the boardwalk is a great way to see Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. The bays and beach are lined with sidewalks that are easy to pedal on. You will have to keep an eye out as these areas are crowded with tourists and locals in summer. You can rent a beach cruiser at many places nearby.
6) Fishing off the Pier
The waters off San Diego offer some of the best sport fishing on the west coast. You need a permit to go fishing in California, unless you are fishing off a pier for non-commercial purposes. Summer is the best season to fish for albacore, barracuda, halibut, marlin, sea bass, and many other species.2
7) Drive Along the Coast
It is possible to drive along the coast from La Jolla to Oceanside via Highway 101. This takes you past every coastal neighborhood in North County San Diego. There are a lot of pit stops along the way. If you prefer not to drive consider taking the Amtrack Pacific Coastliner, which has free Wi-Fi.
8) Surfing & Talking About Waves
Luckily most of the beaches in San Diego have a legendary surf break, including Silver Strand, Pacific Beach, Cardiff, and Encinitas. Some surfing aficionados take the time to surf every morning before work. When they are not surfing they stand around and discuss the conditions of the waves.
9) Charter a Boat
If the beach is too crowded then rent a boat. That is if you have the navigational skills. You can charter many types of boats in San Diego. You could try a jet ski, ski boat, paddle boat, sail boat, or yacht. There are many sport fishing services in San Diego that are willing to book a fishing trip for you.
10) Rent a Beach House
The beach neighborhoods of San Diego are the most popular, and therefore densely populated and costly, sections of the county. You can enjoy the seashore by renting a beach house, without having to live there full time. There are a lot of vacation rental companies, or see what’s available on Airbnb.
11) Go Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding works on any body of water including lakes, rivers, bays, and the ocean. This is also known as supping. This enables a clear view of whatever is going on underwater. If you are just getting started, you can rent a paddle board or take a lesson. There are many San Diego supping destinations.
12) Do Beach Yoga
A lot of yoga instructors in San Diego offer beach yoga. This combines the serenity of the ocean waves with the peacefulness of stretching. Some classes are free, some are donation based, and others cost a fee. Check online to see what beach yoga classes are available now in San Diego County.
13) Wind Surfing
Maybe you do not care for the noisy engines of jet skis and ski boats. Wind surfing is like surfing combined with sail boats. The best known place for wind surfing in San Diego is the Mission Bay Aquatic Center near Mission Beach.3 But it is possible to wind surf on any bay, ocean, or even a large lake.
14) Fly a Hang Glider
Hang gliding is a popular activity in coastal San Diego. Most of the beaches are lined by tall cliffs so it is possible to go out over the sea. You may even want to try out a powered hang glider that will take you all the way down the beaches. The Torrey Pines Gliderport near UCSD offers paragliding lessons.4
15) Go Kayaking
Kayaking enables you to see parts of San Diego you might not sea in a larger boat. If you are a kayaking beginner it is a good idea to choose a guided tour. Sea kayaking near the La Jolla Caves is one of the most popular options. More advanced kayakers can paddle along the San Diego coast.
16) Visit a Botanical Garden
The San Diego Botanical Garden in Encinitas is a trip in itself. This gives you a view of all the beautiful plants and flowers native to coastal California. The organization offers weekly classes and meditation sessions for interested parties. It is a good idea to buy your ticket online beforehand.
17) Tour Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is the oldest part of San Diego, where Spanish missionaries first settled as early as 1769. Today it is a lively community full of shops and Mexican food restaurants. There are many museums to explore such as Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park.
18) Go Shopping
There are designer boutiques and luxury goods to shop at Fashion Valley Mall, downtown La Jolla, and Del Mar Village. If you prefer a good bargain, there is outlet shopping at Las Americas Premium Outlet in Chula Vista, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, and the Viejas Outlet Center near Alpine.
19) Walk the Gaslamp Quarter
The Historic Gaslamp Quarter is a section of downtown San Diego where there are restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, and theaters. It is recommended for adults over the age of 21. Take in a show at Balboa or Spreckles Theater. Choose from a diverse mix of independent and chain restaurants and bars.
20) Explore Balboa Park
Balboa Park is 1,200 acres of trails, sports fields, museums, and institutions for visitors to enjoy. The best known of these would be the San Diego Zoo. Also check out the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego History Center, and the San Diego Museum of Natural History.
21) Eat at the Farmers Market
Patronizing farmers markets is a great way to support local farmers who sell directly to consumers. There are at least 38 Certified Farmers Markets (CFM) in San Diego County from Otay Mesa to Borrego Springs. Check with the Farm Bureau of San Diego County for the most up to date information.5
22) Hunt for Antiques
Some of the best neighborhoods in San Diego County for antiquing include downtown and Little Italy, Ocean Beach, Escondido, Ramona, and Julian. It is worthwhile to take a drive out to these places and there are many places to stop along the way. Pack a picnic or stop for a bite to eat at a restaurant.
23) Go to an Indian Casino
Support local Indian tribes such as the Kumeyaay, Luiseno, Cahuilla, and Cupeno, by patronizing a reservation casino. Notable Indian casinos include Sycuan Casino Resort, Barona Resort & Casino, Jamul Casino, Valley View Casino & Hotel, Pala Casino Resort & Spa, and Pechenga Resort & Casino.
24) Take in a State Park
There are two types of state parks in San Diego County, coastal and inland. The best known State Beaches include Silver Strand, Cabrillo National Monument, Torrey Pines, and Carlsbad State Beach. Inland there is the San Pasqual Historic Battlefield, Anza-Borrego, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
25) Hike on a Trail
With a wide range of climates and ecosystems, San Diego is one of the best places to hike in the state. You can go from the Mediterranean coastal climate to a mountaintop covered in pine trees, or a vast desert of wildflowers. There are quick walks in the suburbs as well as backpacking trips.
26) Fish in a Lake
Many of San Diego County’s water reservoirs have been stocked with freshwater fish. This includes largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout, and carp.6 A valid California fishing license is required for all the fishers over the age of 16. Boat rentals are available at many facilities.
27) Camping Opportunities
Camping grounds abound in San Diego County from the eastern mountains to the western seashore. Beach camping is done by reservation. Many campers choose to hook up their RV’s, but tents are also acceptable. There may be a reservation or permit required for some inland destinations as well.
28) Whale Watching Cruises
There are two whale watching season in San Diego County. Grey whales migrate from late-December until April. Blue whales migrate later in the year, from June to September. You can book a whale watching cruise. Or visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps to learn from the marine biology experts.
29) Go to the Aquarium
The two best aquariums are Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, or SeaWorld. Both have interactive tide pool exhibits for children so they can see and feel the animals. The oceanfront campuses have walk-in aquariums that make for great photography opportunities.
30) Visit a Museum
Balboa Park is not the only place to go to a museum. There is the Whaley House Museum in Old Town, the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in Miramar, the Children’s Discovery Museum of Escondido, and the California Surf Museum in Oceanside.
31) Play Sports in a Group Setting
Group sports activities for youth and adults are offered by local communities, as well as the YMCA of San Diego County. Or get together with friends at a local sports facility or recreation center. Another option is to join a country club that offers golf courses, swimming, and tennis.
32) Watch Sports in a Group Setting
There are any number of sports bars in San Diego County from downtown to the beaches and the suburbs. The San Diego Padres are a professional baseball team based out of Petco Park. There are the SDSU Aztecs and the UCSD Tritons. The San Diego Gulls are a minor league hockey team.
33) Tour a Brewery
There are hundreds of craft beer breweries in San Diego County. Many of these breweries make the regional specialty the West Coast Indian Pale Ale (IPA). Notable local breweries include AleSmith, Port Brewing Company, Modern Times, Mikkeller, Alpine Beer Company, Stone Brewing, and Ballast Point.7
34) Wine Tasting at a Vineyard
The Mediterranean climate in southern California is ideal for growing grapes and fermenting them. There are more vineyards as you drive further out into the country. Local favorites include Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Bernardo Winery, Cordinao Winery, and Vineyard Grant James.
35) Eat at a Local Restaurant
There are restaurants in almost every neighborhood in San Diego County. The proximity of the US-Mexico border makes Mexican fare a popular choice. It is also a good place to get California cuisine. There are Asian specialty restaurants of all kinds, such as seafood buffet, sushi, pho, and Thai food.
36) Drive Across the Border
It takes less than an hour to get to the US-Mexico border by car from most places in the county. It is going to take much longer to cross border patrol on the way back but that is another story. From there it is a lovely drive through Baja California. Do not forget to purchase Mexican auto insurance.
37) Swim at a Water Park
Water parks are a popular weekend getaway in southern California. Aquatica San Diego is located in Chula Vista. Or checkout Splish Splash at SeaWorld near Mission Bay. Another good water park is the Wave Water Park in Vista. Legoland California in Carlsbad has a water park during summer months.
38) Spend a Day at the Spa
There are world class spas at most of San Diego’s top resorts, including Estancia La Jolla, Rancho Valencia, Omni La Costa, Rancho Bernardo Inn, Kona Kai, Torrey Pines, and Hotel del Coronado. Conde Nast recommends Girl on the Go Spa, Spa Kingston, and Saffron & Sage, all located near downtown.8
39) Take in a Show
The Gaslamp District downtown is home to Spreckles Theater, Balboa Theater, and the San Diego Symphony. The Old Globe Theater is located in Balboa Park. The La Jolla Playhouse is on campus at UCSD. In Escondido there is the Welk Resorts Theater, and the California Center for the Arts.
40) Visit an Open House
Visiting an open house is a great way to get a feel of the many neighborhoods in San Diego County. You can see a lot of stuff that you would not notice in an online video tour. There are free snacks at open houses. Check out this list of upcoming open houses in the San Diego area.
References:
- https://www.sandiegosand.com/
- https://www.sandiego.org/articles/fishing/fishing-seasons.aspx
- https://mbaquaticcenter.com/
- https://www.flytorrey.com/
- https://www.sdfarmbureau.org/farmers-market/
- https://www.sandiego.gov/reservoirs-lakes
- https://www.10news.com/lifestyle/exploring-san-diego/whats-brewing/seven-san-diego-county-brewers-ranked-among-worlds-best-again
- https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-spas-in-san-diego
