Things to Do in San Diego Today
A Daily Guide for Locals & Visitors
There’s Something to Do in San Diego Every Day of the Week
As a lifelong San Diegan, I can confidently say this: San Diego doesn’t have an off day. Whether you’re a local trying to keep things interesting after work, or a visitor looking to fill your calendar with authentic San Diego experiences, this city delivers seven days a week.
Forget waiting for the weekend. With mild weather, vibrant neighborhoods, and local experiences around every corner, every day is the perfect day to explore. Here’s your full-week guide to the best things to do in San Diego, with a personal touch and insider recs you won’t find on your average tourist list.
Monday: Start Strong With Movement, Mind Games & Sunset Views
Mondays are underrated in San Diego. It’s the perfect day to take advantage of lighter crowds and reset your energy for the week.
Morning: Get Active
- Hike Cowles Mountain for panoramic views of the city, just under 3 miles round-trip
- Or head to Cabrillo National Monument, where ocean cliffs meet San Diego’s military history
- Prefer water? Try surfing or kayaking in La Jolla Shores, it’s less crowded and more mellow on a Monday morning. For more adventures nearby, consider some scenic San Diego day trips along the coast or to charming nearby towns
Evening: Eat & Play
- Dine early with a prix fixe dinner at Market Restaurant in Del Mar, elevated but approachable
- Cap off your evening with Trivia Night at Mike Hess Brewing in North Park. It’s a favorite with locals and a fun way to bond with coworkers or visiting friends.
📍 So Diego Suggests: Kick off the week with our Historic Gaslamp Walking Tour. It’s the perfect balance of culture and cuisine, and one of our easy-going San Diego food tours to slide into your Monday. This center of nightlife is amazing for visitors and locals, with great options for food, drinks, and live events.
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday & Tunes That Hit Just Right
It’s not really Tuesday in San Diego unless tacos are involved, and we take it to a whole new level.
Afternoon & Evening:
- Taco Tuesday is a must, especially at spots like Cafe Coyote or Tahona in Old Town, or Oscar’s Mexican Food in Hillcrest or Pacific Beach.
- After tacos, head to Prohibition Lounge, a hidden speakeasy with live jazz and cocktails in the Gaslamp
- Or catch a performance at the Old Globe Theatre, a gem in Balboa Park that never disappoints
📍 So Diego Suggests: Our Taco & Tequila Tasting Tour is the ultimate Tuesday move. We handle the route, drinks, food, and fun. All you have to do is show up hungry.
Wednesday: Midweek Vibes in Little Italy & Balboa Park
Wednesdays call for a bit of culture and comfort. It’s the perfect day to mix daytime family-friendly activities with evening ambiance.
Daytime:
- Balboa Park is a must, check out the Museum of Photographic Arts or just enjoy the Spanish Colonial architecture
- Grab a casual lunch at Liberty Station Public Market, with everything from ramen to tacos to vegan pastries
Evening:
- Dine in Little Italy. My personal faves are Barbusa for Sicilian plates, Cloak & Petal for ambiance, and Craft & Commerce for creative cocktails
- After dinner, walk over to KEX inside the Carte Hotel for live music, craft drinks, and views
📍 So Diego Suggests: Make it a full evening with our Little Italy Food Tour. We combine stories, flavors, and wine for a well-rounded midweek escape.
Thursday: Oceanside Escapes & Iconic San Diego Views
By Thursday, we’re all craving some outdoor peace and San Diego’s coast delivers.
Morning to Midday:
- Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of the most beautiful hikes in SoCal. Go early to catch the fog lifting over the cliffs.
- Take a relaxing walk or enjoy a seaside lunch at La Jolla Cove. Watch for seals and kayakers near the caves.
Late Afternoon:
- Walk through local boutiques or grab a coffee at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
- Schedule a sunset photoshoot, client meet-up, or just take in the views from Ellen Browning Scripps Park
📍 So Diego Suggests: Book our La Jolla Cultural Walking Tour. It’s a beautiful blend of history, architecture, and beachside vibes with optional add-ons like wine or food tastings.
Friday: Celebrate With Laughter, Libations & Local Legends
When the weekend starts calling, San Diego brings the fun and a few surprises.
Pre-Dinner:
- Take a stroll through Seaport Village or hit up happy hour in East Village
- Try rooftop cocktails at Born & Raised, or something bold at Noble Experiment
Evening:
- Comedy shows at The Comedy Store (La Jolla) or American Comedy Co. (downtown) are a guaranteed good time
- Make it a full night out with a cocktail bar crawl through the Gaslamp or Little Italy
📍 So Diego Suggests: Our Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour makes a perfect pre-show activity. Discover hidden haunts, scandalous history, seriously tasty bites, and other discoveries in a 2-day San Diego trip.
Bonus: What to Do in San Diego on the Weekend
San Diego weekends are full of options, whether you want something chill, social, or a bit of both.
Saturday Ideas:
- Brunch in North Park; hit up Morning Glory, The Mission, or Kindred for something with flair
- Visit the USS Midway or catch a harbor cruise for unbeatable bay views
- Tour around San Diego zoo, one of the city’s favorite attractions, including kid-friendly exhibits and interactive areas.
- Explore Ocean Beach’s farmers market or Little Italy’s Saturday Mercato
Sunday Wind-Down:
- Yoga at Waterfront Park, followed by coffee from James Coffee Co.
- Rent a bike and cruise through Mission Bay or Coronado
- Catch live jazz at Panama 66 or enjoy low-key drinks in South Park or Golden Hill
📍 So Diego Suggests: Weekends are perfect for San Diego private tours, great for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or client visits. Many places are also open for family-friendly activities, including museums, parks, and outdoor events. There are plenty of cheaper things to do in San Diego that let you see the best of the city without overspending.
Need Something Exciting to Do Today? We’ve Got You Covered
The beauty of San Diego is that you never have to wait for the weekend to enjoy it. From Monday hikes to Taco Tuesdays and Friday night laughs, there’s always something happening and always a neighborhood to discover.
If you’re looking to take it up a notch and do something curated, local, and effortlessly fun, So Diego has your back. We create private tours and experiences for teams, friends, and out-of-town guests that highlight the best of San Diego’s attractions, parks, beaches, and museums, including hidden gems near the ocean.
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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Hi, I’m Bianca, San Diego native, tour guide, and founder of So Diego. From food tours to customized private events, we provide travel tips, places to eat, and more to help you explore the city like a pro. Let us show you the best of San Diego!
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Daily Tours
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