Ridin’ Solo in San Diego: Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel
Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re planning a solo trip to San Diego, you’re in for a treat. This sun-kissed city isn’t just about great weather and beaches; it’s a playground for solo travelers. From mingling with locals on a San Diego food tour to soaking in the serenity of Balboa Park, here’s your go-to list of must-do’s in San Diego alone.
Balboa Park: A Cultural Oasis
Explore San Diego’s Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural haven perfect for solo travelers. Discover over 17 diverse museums, including the San Diego Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Art. Visit the Spanish Village Art Center to engage with local artists and purchase unique art. Find peace in the Japanese Friendship Garden, a serene space showcasing Zen principles. Lastly, ascend the California Tower for panoramic views of the city and ocean, offering a perfect setting for introspection and relaxation in nature’s embrace.
Considering a full day or multiple days of exploring Balboa Park? We suggest purchasing the Balboa Park Explorer Pass.
This pass is a great option for solo travelers seeking a comprehensive and cost-effective experience. At $67 for adults, it grants access to the majority of the park’s primary museums and attractions. The pass is valid for seven consecutive days from first use, allowing you to spread out your visits over an entire week.
List of attractions and museums:
- Centro Cultural de la Raza
- Fleet Science Center
- ICA San Diego
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Mingei International Museum
- Museum of Photographic Arts
- Museum of Us
- San Diego Air and Space Museum
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego History Center
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- The San Diego Museum of Art
- Timken Museum of Art
- The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
- WorldBeat Center
- San Diego Zoo
La Jolla Cove: Have a Beachy-Keen Time!
If you’re planning a trip to San Diego, you’ve got to check out La Jolla Cove. This little coastal treasure is simply breathtaking. Imagine gazing out at the vast Pacific Ocean, strolling along craggy cliffs, and spotting sea lions soaking up the sun. And don’t miss out on the colorful tide pools! Grab a sandwich and chill with a picnic on the grassy areas, all while enjoying the ocean view.
One of the best solo activities in San Diego has got to be a beach day by La Jolla shores. La Jolla is the epitome of that classic California beach vibe – think stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs. You can go snorkeling, kayaking through caves, and even book some surf lessons.
Here’s a little tip: make sure your phone’s charged and bring your camera. You’ll want to snap loads of photos of the adorable sea lions and cliffside views.
La Jolla’s not just about nature, though. There are cute boutique shops and cafes all over, perfect for some solo window shopping or a quick bite.
Check out our guide to a day in La Jolla for all our restaurant and scenic recommendations!
So Diego Food Tours: A Can’t-Miss Culinary Journey
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with So Diego. This isn’t just eating; it’s an exploration of San Diego’s food scene, walking through neighborhoods each with its own flavor. You’ll meet fellow food lovers, learn about the city’s history, and of course, eat some incredible food.
So Diego offers a unique experience through San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods, showcasing the city’s rich culinary scene.
In the lively Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego, enjoy learning about historic brothels and some amazing booze, and in Little Italy, delight in artisanal pizzas, gourmet wines, and gelato amidst an old-world Italian atmosphere. Or, visit the oldest town in California – Old Town San Diego — and get a tour of some authentic Mexican food and the haunted history. These San Diego tours are perfect for solo travelers looking to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and historians, offering an opportunity to share stories and find community while riding solo.
Alongside delicious tastings, you’ll gain insights into San Diego’s history and culture, with knowledgeable guides enhancing your understanding of the city’s culinary influences. Join So Diego for an extraordinary blend of flavors, cultural exploration, and new connections.
We’d love to have you — visit our site for more info on our array of tours available!
USS Midway Museum: A Trip Through Maritime History
If you’re a history nut like us, particularly military history, then the USS Midway Museum is an absolute must-see. This aircraft carrier-turned-museum is one of America’s longest-serving, and it’s now open to the public for tours. This is a great activity for solo travelers; you can go at your own pace and take your time exploring the exhibits.
There’s so much to see and do at the USS Midway Museum. We recommend you buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid any lines. You can also book a tour if you want to learn more about the ship’s history from an expert.
Here are a few of the current exhibits:
Steam And Splendor: Treasures From The Ocean Liner And Cruise Ship Ephemera Collection.
The exhibit’s curators have collected rare ocean liner artifacts, including vintage brochures, passenger lists, menus, cabin plans, and images, from both the Maritime Museum of San Diego and local private collectors.
Charting The Sea
Charting the Sea delves into two significant epochs in Pacific maritime history: the Age of Exploration and the Age of Science. Instruments, maps and charts are featured in this exhibit.
San Diego’s Navy
San Diego’s Navy exhibit showcases the remarkable history of the U.S. Navy in San Diego, highlighting its growth from shallow harbor to largest naval base in the Pacific.
The general admission price for the USS Midway Museum is $31, but you can save money by purchasing a Go City Pass. The Go City Pass includes admission to over 40 San Diego attractions, including the USS Midway Museum, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Take a Hike: Torrey Pines State Reserve
If you’re heading to San Diego, you’ve got to visit Torrey Pines State Reserve. It’s a nature lover’s dream with its stunning trails and gorgeous ocean views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for you. The Guy Fleming Trail is perfect for easy walks with amazing ocean vistas, while the Razor Point Trail offers a bit more of a challenge with its cool overlooks.
This Southern California reserve is full of unique plants and animals, including the rare Torrey Pines. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals while you’re there! It’s also a great spot for some quiet time and reflection – find a cozy bench and just soak in the peace and beauty.
And don’t forget your camera! This place is a photographer’s paradise, with everything from crashing waves to stunning sunsets. You might even bump into fellow hikers on the trails, so it’s a great opportunity to make new friends and share stories.
A few tips for solo hikers: let someone know your plans, bring essentials like water and snacks, and wear comfy shoes. Remember to keep wildlife safe by watching from a distance and take all your trash with you. Enjoy your hike!
Explore the Gaslamp Quarter
As the sun sets, make your way to the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, a historic neighborhood in San Diego renowned for its energetic atmosphere and seedy past. This charming brickstone district offers a diverse array of bars, restaurants, and live music venues, providing an ideal setting to mingle and embrace the city’s vibes.
Immerse yourself in the trendy bars and lounges, where you can savor handcrafted cocktails and microbrews. Delight your taste buds with farm-to-table cuisine, ensuring a culinary journey that celebrates local flavors. Engage in captivating conversations with locals and fellow travelers, forging connections and cultural exchanges.
- Here are our top 10 choices of where to eat in Gaslamp!
- Our top 5 speakeasies to check out in the Gaslamp Quarter!
- Here are our 10 best spots in the Gaslamp Quarter!
San Diego Museum of Art
Art enthusiasts can’t miss the San Diego Museum of Art. Its collection spans centuries and continents, offering a captivating journey through artistic expression.
From paintings to textiles, renowned masters to lesser-known talents, the museum showcases the evolution of art. Highlights include Spanish Colonial art and contemporary pieces that challenge norms.
Temporary exhibits provide deeper dives into specific artists and themes. Whether you’re an art aficionado or seeking inspiration, this museum has something for everyone.
Make sure to stay updated with the museum’s website for their rotating special exhibits. And here’s a tip: if you have the San Diego Go City Pass, you get free entry to the museum. Just show your code at the entrance.
Sunset Cliffs: Nature’s Spectacular Show
Photo via Kylie Rae Photography
For a tranquil end to your day, head to Sunset Cliffs. The Sunset Cliff views are It’s the ideal spots for some quiet contemplation as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Located along Point Loma’s western shoreline, the park features beautiful bluffs, sea caves, and rock arches, and you might even spot migrating whales and other marine life.
This 68-acre park extends along the coast, connecting with the Point Loma Ecological Reserve. For an easy visit, head to the northernmost 18 acres between Adair and Ladera streets, just south of Ocean Beach along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. While parking can be found in small lots and along the streets, it tends to get busy due to the park’s popularity. For more parking space, try the larger lot at the southern end of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.
Discover Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is situated at Point Loma peninsula, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It commemorates explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s arrival in 1542 and features an impressive statue and lighthouse.
Explore tide pools on the park’s west side. Hike the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail or the more challenging 1-mile Coastal Trail for tide pool access.
Note the park’s strict 5 pm closing time, as the entrance passes through a Navy-controlled gate. Some areas and trails close earlier. Entry fees apply, but an America the Beautiful pass is accepted.
See a Show at the Old Globe Theater
Experience captivating live theater at the Old Globe in San Diego. Its charming ambiance and mesmerizing performances offer an unmatched theatrical journey. Immerse yourself in classics and contemporary masterpieces, allowing the power of storytelling to transport you. Enrich your experience with workshops, tours, and interactions with artists. Complement your evening with nearby culinary delights. Whether a local or tourist, a night at the Old Globe promises enchantment and inspiration.
Check out their 2024 show calendar!
Little Italy Solo Stroll
Little Italy is perfect for solo travelers who want to get a taste of real Italian culture. The main street is lined with all sorts of Italian restaurants, each one smelling better than the last. You can choose from cozy little trattorias to fancy ristorantes, and you’ll have a great time no matter where you go.
But it’s not just about the food in Little Italy. There are also a bunch of cute cafés and unique shops to check out. You can browse art galleries, buy handmade crafts and jewelry, or just window-shop the stylish clothes. It’s the perfect place to wander around and find something special.
- Here are 12 Italian restaurants to check out in San Diego!
- Here’s our list of things to do in the chic Little Italy!
Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Little Italy hosts San Diego’s largest outdoor farmer’s market, stretching over six blocks along West Date Street between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street with an array of fresh food, locally grown produce, and unique trinkets offered by passionate vendors.
Join a Yoga Class at Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach, known for its picturesque shoreline and laid-back atmosphere, offers a unique and serene setting for yoga enthusiasts. Participate in a beach yoga class and immerse yourself in a transformative experience that combines the calming effects of yoga with the soothing sounds of crashing waves.
Benefits of beach yoga:
- Connect with nature and de-stress with the ocean’s calming blue and sounds.
- Social wellness: meet like-minded people.
- Sunrise and sunset sessions to align with nature’s rhythms.
- A total mind, body, and spirit boost.
A few yoga classes to try out:
Embrace the San Diego Craft Beer Scene
Known as the “Capital of Craft Beer,” the city boasts numerous local breweries, each offering a distinct array of beers and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about the world of brewing, this guide will lead you through an unforgettable journey of discovery and indulgence.
North Park Brewery Tour
Begin your journey in the trendy North Park neighborhood, where you’ll find a cluster of breweries within walking distance. Start at Modern Times Beer, known for its innovative IPAs and creative use of ingredients.
Next, head to Toronado San Diego, a beer haven offering an extensive selection of local and international brews on tap. End your tour at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, where you can savor their renowned craft beers while enjoying a farm-to-table dining experience.
Little Italy Beer Crawl
Venture into Little Italy, a charming neighborhood known for its Italian heritage and thriving culinary scene.
Start your crawl at Ballast Point Brewing Company, where you can taste their popular Sculpin IPA and other award-winning brews. Continue to Iron Fist Brewing Company, a hidden gem offering a cozy atmosphere and unique beers like the “Iron Maiden” stout.
Finally, wrap up your crawl at Pizza Port Brewing Company Little Italy, where you can pair their signature pizzas with their handcrafted ales.
Want to stick to one area as you bar hop? Check out our guide to Little Italy’s breweries or join our Little Italy Brewery Tour!
San Diego offers a diverse array of activities suitable for solo travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences. For an extended solo escapade, you can add to your San Diego itinerary the sandy shores of Mission Beach or the vibrant atmosphere of Mission Bay. You can also take a ferry to Coronado Island or wander through the unique shops and eateries at Seaport Village. Don’t forget to soak in the maritime charm at San Diego Harbor. This fine city truly has something for every solo traveler. Whether you’re indulging in a SoDiego food tour or exploring the city’s stunning landscapes and vibrant neighborhoods, San Diego promises a memorable solo journey.
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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