Embrace the Wild Side: Best Activities and Travel Ideas for Solo Adventurers in San Diego
San Diego is home to some of the best beaches on the West Coast, plus a vibrant downtown. For solo travelers, San Diego is filled with activities and experiences. Here are some of our favorite.
Downtown Digs:
With plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes, downtown San Diego is brimming with places to cut loose and create lasting memories. After getting your caffiene fix, pop on over to Balboa Park. This sprawling park is an urban oasis that boasts stunning gardens, world-class museums, and captivating architecture. Check out our guide to all the museums in Balboa Park for a better look at how to navigate your day.
After strolling through the park and exploring the museums at Balboa, hop on a bike or rent a scooter to cruise along the Embarcadero. This scenic waterfront pathway offers spectacular views of the harbor and the iconic USS Midway Museum. For even more excitement, check into renting a kayak or jet ski and experience the Pacific Ocean like a local.
Pop Over to Pacific Beach
One of the most happening spots in San Diego, Pacific Beach is where the party-goers hang out. Before cutting loose with a cold beverage, grab your surfboard or take a surf lesson at Tourmaline Surf Park. This is a perfect spot for both beginners and experienced wave riders and is one of our top recommendations for those visiting San Diego.
For lunch, we recommend hitting up Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. This local joint serves up delicious fish tacos, seafood stews, and excellent burritos. Stroll along the boardwalk, soak up the magical California sunshine, and embrace the carefree atmosphere of this coastal paradise.
Mission Beach Must-Stops
Next up: Mission Beach, where the adventure continues with a twist! Head to Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park that combines vintage charm with modern thrills. Challenge yourself to a ride on the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster or test your skills at laser tag. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, rent a beach cruiser and pedal along the Mission Beach Boardwalk while enjoying the panoramic ocean views.
A few of our favorite cafes and breakfast spots in Mission Beach are Olive Baking Company and Sara’s Mexican Restaurant. We love the breakfast burritos at Sara’s and the cinnamon rolls at Olive Baking Company are too good to pass up!
Around dinner time, cruise over to Draft, a trendy sports bar with a beachfront patio. Dig into some delicious cheeseburgers and craft brews while watching the waves come cascading in. If you’re up for a night out, the lively nightlife scene in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach won’t disappoint. From rooftop bars to beachfront clubs, there’s no shortage of venues to dance the night away.
Wind Down At Waterfront Park
San Diego is renowned for its world-class parks, theaters, and diverse culinary scene. Besides that, don’t miss the chance to explore Waterfront Park, a green oasis with stunning views of the bay and gushing fountains. This is a perfect spot for a picnic with friends. For an evening of entertainment, catch a show at the historic Balboa Theatre or the San Diego Civic Theatre.
Make it a Day at the Ballpark
San Diego is home to the Padres, and this iconic baseball stadium is one of the most beautiful parks in the entire country. We recommend grabbing a cheap ticket and attending a night game, where you’ll get incredible views of the city and magical sunsets.
After the game, head over to the Gaslamp Quarter for a night on the town. We have several favorite restaurants in Gaslamp, including Lionfish, Rustic Root, and Altitude Sky Lounge.
For a closer look at what makes San Diego so exciting, check out this video!
While you’re hanging out in Mission Beach, stop on over to our quaint Backpacker Hostel that is right near the beach!
Before booking a bed or room, sign up for our Traveler’s Club! It’s free and easy to sign up, and as a member, you save money on all future bookings at ITH.
