Solo Adventures in America’s Finest City
If you’re a solo traveler, then you might be looking for things to do alone when you’re visiting San Diego. The great news is, there are plenty of choices for solo travelers in this amazing city.
San Diego is the perfect mix of beach-side bliss, and city energy, and it’s such a great place to explore alone.
After all, you don’t need a friend with you to enjoy the beautiful beach views, or to get back in touch with nature.
So, let’s get into my list.
Visit Balboa Park
First up on my list, we have Balboa Park!
This 1,200-acre park boasts a collection of 17 museums, sprawling gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, so it can keep visitors busy for days.
To save yourself a buck or two, why not purchase the Balboa Park Explorer Pass?
It gives you access to all the museums and can be a great way to cover tons of ground quickly.
Visiting San Diego at night? Check out my list of things to do in San Diego after dark.
Go kayaking
If you’re on the hunt for things to do that allow you to meet people and hit the water, try kayaking.
There are tons of wonderful tours that run around San Diego, but this one includes a tour of the La Jolla Sea Cave is particularly good.
Not only will you get your blood pumping, but you’ll be able to explore San Diego’s local ecosystem and dazzling natural wonders.
Go on a bus tour
Solo travelers that are only in San Diego for the day will appreciate the next item on our list – a bus tour!
If you’re in town for a short time, this is one of the best things to do in San Diego because you’re kept safe and cover a ridiculous number of attractions. It’s a great thing to do if you’re visiting San Diego for the first time.
There are several bus tours I love in San Diego, such as the Old Town Narrated Bus Tour, and the San Diego Seal tour (half land, half water!).
Attend a lecture at UC San Diego
Taking a lecture at UC San Diego is a great option for the eternal learners out there, because it naturally requires a touch more concentration than other spots on our list of things to do.
But if you’re willing to listen, learn, and even participate a bit, you’re bound to walk away with some premium knowledge.
Many of the university lectures are open to the public, so just check out their list before setting out!
Grab food at The Breakfast Republic
I couldn’t write this list without mentioning a food stop. After all, everyone needs to refuel when they’re exploring a new place.
One of my all-time favorite spots is The Breakfast Republic. It’s chill, super-welcoming, and feels incredibly safe – which is important for those of us who travel alone.
Their omelets and potato dishes are divine, but I’d suggest grabbing one of their enormous burgers or Eggs Bennies if you want to start your day with a bang.
Go whale (and dolphin!) watching
Okay, this is one of the more daring things to do alone in San Diego, but it deserves a place on my list.
Regardless of who you choose to hit the water with (there are lots of options for great tour companies) you’re bound to find that it’s one of the best things to do for solo travelers in the city. You’ll probably also be part of a group and it’s a great chance to meet other fellow solo travelers too.
You can book tickets to our favorite Whale and Dolphin watching tour, by clicking here.
Read more about San Diego shopping with my guide to: the best malls in San Diego
Visit one of the many beaches
San Diego is home to more beaches than we can count. Well, there are 31, but we love a bit of hyperbole over here.
La Jolla, Shell Beach, Boomer Beach – whichever one you choose, you’ll be blessed with incredible waves, kayaking opportunities, and sunbathing spots. The perfect place and climate to relax on your own with the sound of the waves and a good book.
Because San Diego gets an impressive amount of sun each year, one of my favorite things to do in San Diego is to grab a book and a beach towel and spend the day on the balmy sands.
Indulge in a spot of retail therapy
I love shopping alone, you get to do it at your own pace, and pop into all your favorite stores. Las Americas Premium Outlets is one of the best places to shop alone in the city.
With an amazing 100 brands to choose from including classics like Adidas and Banana Republic, you’ll truly be spoiled for choice.
Take the Petco Park Stadium Tour
The Petco Park Stadium Tour, is a really fun thing to do alone, especially if you’re a sports fan.
The Petco Park Stadium Tour is the most well-known stadium in San Diego, and taking a tour of the grounds is so much fun.
You’ll get to go behind the scenes, see the VIP boxes, and even the changing rooms.
Click here to book tickets to the Petco Park Stadium Tour!
Trek to Point Loma
Trekking to Point Loma is an incredible activity for any SD visitor. But it’s one to be careful about.
This is because finding your way back can be slightly tricky during dark hours, and you’ll want to catch the views with plenty of sunlight glistening off the water.
Offering unbeatable views of the San Diego Bay, skyline, and the Pacific Ocean, this is among the things to do alone in the area that gets a huge thumbs up.
Read more about San Diego: my list of snorkeling spots in San Diego
Explore the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is a fascinating way to spend an afternoon. The museum is easy to navigate through and contains some of the largest air carriers in US history.
If you really want to zone out and fly solo, grab the self-guided audio tour that talks you through the aircraft’s history in detail and take the tour at your own pace.
Click here to book advance tickets!
Check out the San Diego Museum of Art
I’m all about culture over here, which is why I had to include the San Diego Museum of Art on my list.
If you’re flying solo, you can spend as much time at the exhibitions as you want without feeling rushed along by partners or kids.
As there are tons of permanent and temporary exhibits here (and talks!) each year, you’ll want to allocate plenty of time to this attraction.
Take a sunset cocktail tour
Next on our list, it’s taking a sunset cocktail tour. This is a great way to see the city’s skyline from the water, and it’s also a great way to relax in the evening too.
Oh, and you get to enjoy that famous (and beautiful) San Diego sunset! A lovely way to end a day of sightseeing around the city.
Book tickets onto this tour by clicking here.
Stroll through Hillcrest
Several gorgeous neighborhoods are worth visiting in SD, and Hillcrest is one of my must-visit spots.
It’s one of the best things to do alone in San Diego as it’s the heart of the LGBTQ+ community, and the vibe here is inclusive, welcoming and lovely.
So, it’s entirely safe to walk around and you’ll be fully welcomed by everyone in the area. Perfect if you’re on your own and perhaps a bit unfamiliar with San Diego as a whole.
There are a few bars and restaurants, but I recommend checking out the local boutiques for unique souvenirs.
Also looking for somewhere to stay? Here are my top bed and breakfasts in San Diego
Take a food tour of Carlsbad Village
Next up on my list is one for the foodies, it’s taking a food tour of Carlsbad Village. This is a seriously tasty tour.
Carlsbad Village is known for its amazing food and many restaurants, and taking a food tour is a great way to enjoy the area with an expert guide who can make sure that you hit the right food spots.
This particular tour is 3 hours (lots of time and food to be enjoyed) and it’s a great way to meet other travelers who are also on their own. Connecting over a love of food is one of my favorite things to do anywhere in the world.
Click here to book tickets onto this amazing 3 hours food tour!
Walk around North Park
This is one of the trendiest hotspots in San Diego, and it’s rammed with boutique shops, cafes, craft beer joints, and great nightlife.
Although it’s not as bougie as a few other areas around town, it’s welcoming and is packed with affordable nightclubs.
Just remember to have Uber to hand when you’re ready to head home – safety first when you’re on your own.
Explore the Old Town
If you’re on the hunt for things to do when you’re in San Diego, you’ll certainly want to put the Old Town on your list.
This is the most famous part of San Diego and is home to the haunted Whaley House (spooky!), a bunch of excellent restaurants, and several attractions.
Several walking tours pass through here, so it’s worth hopping onto a guided or self-guided tour to cover this spot with a helping hand.
If you like the sound of the Old Town, check out my list of things to do in Old Town.
Take a Harbor Cruise
A harbor cruise is a classic activity in San Diego, and it’s a brilliant choice for solo visitors to San Diego.
You can sit and enjoy the views and the skyline, and it’s a gorgeous way to see the city from a different perspective.
Eat your way through Little Italy
No visit to SD is complete without a generous amount of Italian food, which is why we’ve included Little Italy on my list.
You can find a ridiculous number of great eats here, but Davanti Enoteca and Filippi’s Pizza Grotto remain two of the finest picks for me.
They’re friendly, are always welcoming to tourists, and serve incredible authentic dishes that’ll transport you right to Naples. But don’t just take our word for it.
If you fancy a more ‘guided’ approach to Little Italy, then I’d really recommend book a food tour of the area. You’ll get to try all the best food on offer, for a fraction of the price and with a friendly tour guide who will keep you company.
Click here to book tickets onto our favorite food tour!
Visit Coronado Island
If you’re looking for things to do that will help you get your daily steps in, then you may want to head to Coronado Island.
You can easily reach this hotspot by heading over Coronado Bridge, and it’s covered by several trolley tours.
It offers glorious views of the city from both sides, and it’s well worth snapping a photograph at night for the ultimate Insta grid shot.
Oh, and did I mention the amazing surf scene and perfect sandy beaches that await you on the other side? Whoops!
Spend an afternoon at Liberty Public Market
There’s nothing better than doing as the locals do. So, why not add Liberty Public Market to your list?
Along with artisanal goodies, you’ll find an amazing range of street food including Korean BBQ, stir-fried dishes, and spicy Mexican fare.
It’s open 7 days a week, making it an amazing option for solo travelers, at any time of year.
If you like Mexican food, I ‘ve written about some of my top places for Mexican food in San Diego here.
Go on a segway tour
If you’re looking for something unique to do on your own, look no further than a fully-fledged segway tour!
There are so many of these that run in the city, but we absolutely LOVE this particular tour.
The guides are friendly and always welcome beginner segway riders. So, you don’t need to worry about controls (or being on your own!) as they’ll have you covered.
They offer scenic tours, tours around Balboa Park, and tours around La Jolla – just take your pick and ride on.
Click here to book tickets onto this fun Segway tour!
Enjoy a night of comedy
One of the best things to do alone is to catch an exciting night of comedy. And realistically, who doesn’t love a few belly laughs?
San Diego is brimming with excellent comedy clubs (especially in the Gaslamp Quarter).
We recommend checking out American Comedy Co. for classic standup, but you can also visit the National Comedy Theatre for truly hilarious improv.
San Diego Zoo
Next up on our list is the famous San Diego Zoo! This is a perfect day out for solo travelers, and I think you’ll love it.
San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the world, and it’s a lovely place to wander around alone, which is why it makes my list.
You can book tickets by clicking here.
Read more about San Diego Zoo: San Diego Zoo vs LA Zoo – which is better?
Go paddleboarding
Our next suggestion is paddleboarding!
Paddleboarding is a classic activity in San Diego, and it’s something locals and tourists all love. The amazing views from the water are unbeatable and it’s a great option if you’re on your own.
It’s really easy to rent a paddleboard in San Diego too (just click here!).
Face your fears on a spooky ghost tour
Last up on our list isn’t for the faint of heart – it’s a spooky ghost tour.
There’s a surprising number of ghost tours that run throughout the year, but we really recommend the ‘Ghost and Gravestones Trolley Tour’.
It combines the iconic San Diego trolley, with some fun ghost stories too.
It heads through 4 to 5 locations and covers the city’s grisly history. It’s well worth checking out and you may even meet some like-minded people along the way.
