Are you thinking about planning a solo trip to San Diego? This blog post outlines some of the best things to do alone in San Diego!

San Diego is a great destination for solo travelers looking to experience everything SoCal has to offer. Nestled along the stunning California coastline, San Diego is a vibrant city that features a plethora of activities for solo travelers. Before diving into the top 8 things to do in San Diego as a solo traveler, I’ll highlight some things to know before visiting!

From breathtaking beaches to captivating (and fun!) attractions, San Diego truly does have something for everyone, and there are actually a ton of things to do alone in San Diego! Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, these 8 must-do activities are sure to make any solo trip to San Diego splendid. 

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Things to Know Before Visiting San Diego

Where is San Diego Located?

San Diego is located on the southwest coast of California along the United States-Mexico Border. The city is also conveniently situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean which makes it an incredible spot for water sports like surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. There are so many fun things to do alone in San Diego, especially if you’re open to joining a tour group for certain excursions and activities.

Is San Diego Expensive to Visit as a Solo Traveler? 

Depending on your travel style and preferred activities, San Diego can be expensive to visit as a solo traveler. However, there are also many budget accommodation options and cheaper activities to enjoy–there are also a lot of free things to do in San Diego like going to the beach or visiting a park! 

San Diego offers a wide range of hotels and hostels, ranging from luxury to budget options. I visited San Diego on a budget and was able to use Delta and Marriott points redemptions for my flight and hotel stay. I’d recommend looking into points and miles redemptions because I recall my redemption rate being pretty darn good (though, I don’t remember exactly what the total amount of points/miles used was). 

For solo travelers on a budget looking to stay on the beach, I’d suggest looking at Samesun Ocean Beach, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel, or ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel.

For solo travelers on a budget looking to stay downtown, check out HI San Diego – Downtown or Gaslamp Hostel. 

How Many Days is Enough for a Solo Trip to San Diego?

This will depend on several factors including the types of things you want to do while visiting San Diego, whether you have other cities in mind for a solo trip, and how many days you can take to fully enjoy the city! I planned my solo trip for 3 days, but I could have easily stretched it out to 4 or 5 days if I wanted to take more time to explore. Unfortunately, budget and time-off constraints limited me to a long weekend–but I still had a wonderful time. I wouldn’t recommend trying to visit San Diego in under 2 days (unless you live locally and can do a day-trip). 

Is San Diego Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

During my solo trip to San Diego, I felt safe 95% of the time. There was one moment where I attempted to walk to the San Diego Zoo from my hotel (wouldn’t recommend doing this–just order an Uber), and I noticed some sketchy street activities across the way. I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea to attempt to cross like my GPS was instructing me to do, so I decided to back-track and just call an Uber. Aside from that one occurrence, I felt completely safe as a solo female traveler in San Diego.

It’s all about being aware of your surroundings and making sure you listen to your gut. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation or happen to end up in an environment that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and either back-track or call an Uber/Luft. I’d also recommend sharing your location with friends and loved ones while traveling anywhere solo.

While you’re scouting out things to do alone in San Diego, make sure to identify a prominent landmark or building nearby wherever you’re planning to go. That way, if you get lost or if your phone dies, you’ll be able to find your way to a public spot that likely has access to charging ports for your phone or even a phone booth to call a taxi. Or, better yet, invest in a portable charger for your device!

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit San Diego?

If you’re looking to hang out at the beach all day, the summer months are your best shot at near perfect weather all day long. San Diego’s best weather window is typically July through early September. 

However, if you’re looking for affordability–I’d recommend visiting during the off season. The low season for San Diego typically lasts from October through April. That being said, San Diego is a popular local getaway for many Californians. Although you might not see a lot of out-of-state or foreign tourists in the low season, you may still experience Californian tourists looking to enjoy San Diego during the low months. 

I visited during mid-September, and it was incredible. It was still sunny and warm during the day, but nighttime temperatures were slightly cooler (not cold, though!). September is a great month for visiting San Diego!

Best Things to Do on Your Next Solo Trip to San Diego

1. Explore the Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Begin your solo adventure by immersing yourself in the lively Gaslamp Quarter. This historic district boasts Victorian-era architecture, trendy shops, and an array of dining options. Take a leisurely stroll along the bustling streets, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and eat some delicious food at one of the many restaurants. The Gaslamp Quarter is most fun in the late afternoon and evening when much of the nightlife takes over. You can absolutely still visit in the daytime if you’re looking for a more lowkey experience.

If you don’t plan to eat or drink here, I recommend budgeting no more than 1-2 hours to walk around and explore the Gaslamp Quarter. If you’re dining or drinking, though, plan to spend a full afternoon or evening enjoying all that the Gaslamp Quarter has to offer!

Speaking of dining and drinking… My favorite restaurant that I ate at during my recent solo trip was La Puerta, a laidback Mexican spot with great food and life-changing margaritas. Trust me… I’ve had many margaritas from around the world and the margaritas at La Puerta are among the best I’ve had anywhere. They’re so fresh! You can even try one of their specialty drinks including a spicy margarita, a frozen sangria margarita, and frozen mojito! If you choose to eat at La Puerta, you definitely won’t regret it!

After you’ve enjoyed a meal and a few drinks at La Puerta, you can stop by the historic Gaslamp Quarter archway for a couple photos. This spot can be relatively underwhelming to some travelers, and can easily be skipped over if you don’t have the time or desire to see it. I was glad that I saw it and took a few photos, but the main highlights of the Gaslamp Quarter are truly the food and bustling atmosphere.

Overall, though, when in San Diego–you must visit this historic district. If you’re feeling up to it, I’d even recommend doing a ghost tour or historic tour to have a more immersive experience here. Guided tours are some of the best things to do alone in San Diego, or any city for that matter! You get to learn about a destination, or a phenomenon/event within a destination, without getting lost or feeling lonely. Plus, you might even make a few friends along the way!

2. Visit Balboa Park

Balboa Park is massive and there is always something going on around every corner. I recommend dedicating a full day, or at least a half-day, to exploring Balboa Park. I personally spent 1.5 days here between visiting the San Diego Zoo and wandering around the San Diego Museum of Art, the Spanish Village Art Center, The Old Globe Theater, and the Timken Museum of Art.

This 1,200-acre oasis in the heart of the city is lively and inviting, with street vendors, museums, gardens, art installations, and historic sites spread throughout the property. Balboa Park is also home to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo (which I discuss later in this blog post!). 

Spend time meandering through the lush gardens or delve into the rich art and history showcased in the park’s museums. There truly is no wrong way to visit Balboa Park. It all simply depends on your interests, preferences, and how long you’re looking to spend exploring the area.

One of my favorite attractions in Balboa Park is the Spanish Village Art Center. Here visitors can enjoy artwork from local artists and artisans. The colorful tiles and Spanish-style architecture make this a wonderful, artsy place to spend an afternoon alone. I recommend bringing extra cash, or setting aside money on your credit card, to purchase local artwork as a souvenir! There is truly nothing better than supporting local artists and getting to take home a unique piece of artwork.

If you plan to spend a full day, or multiple days, exploring around Balboa Park, I suggest purchasing the Balboa Park Explorer Pass.

Most of the primary museums and attractions are included in this pass, making it a great option for solo travelers looking to do a lot without paying an abundance of museum fees in separate transactions! The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is $67 for adults, and it’s valid for 7-consecutive days upon your first use! This means you can spread out your museum visits over an entire week! There is also an annual pass and “limited pass” option. 

Here is a list of every attraction and museum included in the Balboa Park Explorer Pass:

• 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

Be aware that entrance to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Comic-Con Museum, or any of the performing arts venues in Balboa Park are NOT included in the current offering of the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. However, I still think this is a great deal if any of the museums listed above are on your list of things to do alone in San Diego on your upcoming trip! 

3. Embrace the Beauty of La Jolla Cove

Make your way to La Jolla Cove, a captivating coastal gem located just north of downtown San Diego. This was, hands down, my favorite thing I did during my solo trip to San Diego.

Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, walk along the rugged cliffs, and keep an eye out for sea lions basking in the sun. You can also explore the vibrant tide pools or enjoy a peaceful picnic on the grassy areas overlooking the ocean.

A beach day is probably one of the most popular things to do alone in San Diego during a solo trip or retreat. There’s a reason why California is known for its gorgeous beaches and coastline!

Coming to La Jolla was something I knew I wanted to do while planning my San Diego solo trip itinerary, and it was absolutely perfect. Don’t get me wrong, the city and downtown area of San Diego are both great. But when I picture Southern California, I picture the beaches and cliffs of La Jolla.

I brought along my plastic point-and-shoot film camera, as well as my mirrorless Sony a6000 camera I bring on all of my trips. I caught some fantastic shots of the sea lions and the surrounding cliffside. This is a gentle reminder to charge your phone battery and bring along your camera! You won’t want to miss out on the incredible shots you can capture in and around La Jolla.

Visiting La Jolla as a solo traveler was honestly pretty seamless and easy! I simply ordered an Uber from my hotel in downtown San Diego–it was a bit pricey coming from downtown, but it’s totally worth it if you make a day out of it.

I spent 4 hours walking along the coastline and taking photos of the sea lions. Just make sure not to disturb them or get too close. Seriously… I saw too many people getting way too comfortable, and this is not only dangerous for you but it’s equally as dangerous for the sea lions. If you want to see the sea lions up close, pack a high-tech zoom lens for your camera!

NEVER approach animals like sea lions, birds, or other animals in the wild!

There are also many boutique shops and cafes scattered around the town that are perfect for solo travelers looking to do some window shopping or go for a quick bite to eat. 

If you’re at all a book nerd like me, you’ll love visiting Warwick’s. The iconic bookstore was founded in 1896, and it’s a must-see if you’re in the La Jolla area. Warwick’s is actually the country’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore! 

Once I finished exploring Warwick’s and La Jolla, I hopped back in an Uber to my hotel downtown. I stayed at Moxy San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter – overall, it was a perfect choice for me visiting San Diego as a solo traveler. Plus, I love the Moxy brand of hotels for when I am solo traveling because they’re the perfect size to accommodate 1-2 people per room without feeling cramped.

Staying in downtown will put you in the heart of all of the best things to do alone in San Diego. For a quieter, more relaxed experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, check out beach hotels and hostels located near La Jolla or Mission Beach.

4. Discover the USS Midway Museum

Step aboard the USS Midway, one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers turned museum. Explore the aircraft carrier’s fascinating history through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and even climb into the cockpit of a fighter jet. The museum offers a unique glimpse into naval aviation and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. This is a great option for solo travelers because you can truly go at your own pace and not feel rushed.

I usually prefer visiting museums and historic sites alone when I’m traveling because I enjoy reading everything and fully immersing myself in the experience. If you’re looking for things to do alone in San Diego, visiting a museum like the USS Midway is a great option. For the USS Midway Museum, you can buy your tickets ahead of time or book a tour on Viator. 

I’m a huge nerd for military history, and I love getting to learn about what life was like onboard a military warship. The USS Midway Museum features exhibits on the Hangar Deck, Flight Deck, Below Deck, and of the Aircrafts, too. 

The general admission price for an adult is $31. Alternatively, you can purchase a Go City Pass to gain more flexible access to several top San Diego attractions. The USS Midway Museum is included in both pass options (the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass). 

5. Sample Local Culinary Delights on a Food Tour

One of my favorite things to do while solo traveling is to go on food tours! I’m such a foodie and I love learning about a city through indulging in the local fare. Plus, it’s a great way to kick off a solo adventure! 

Food tours are usually a great way to get acquainted with your surroundings, sample some incredible local dishes, and meet new people! I recommend doing a food tour on your first or second day in San Diego to learn about the city and scope out some of the best places to eat from a local’s perspective. 

Don’t forget to bring along a bit of cash to tip your guide! I recommend between $5-$20 per hour of the tour. For example, if the tour is 2-hours long and the guide did a phenomenal job describing the food you were eating and maybe provided some history of the city, I’d likely tip between $20-40. For shorter or longer tours, you can adjust accordingly. 

Some great options for food tours in San Diego include:

• Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour – Viator
• Secret Food Tours: San Diego
• Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Culinary Tour of San Diego – Viator
• San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour – Viator
• North Park San Diego Food Tour – Bite San Diego

Food tours are also a great way to meet other solo travelers! I’ve met a ton of people on food tours, bar crawls, and free walking tours who then became great travel friends. Never shy away from an opportunity to connect with other likeminded travelers! 

6. Spend the Day at The San Diego Zoo

Visiting the San Diego Zoo is not only an opportunity to see incredible animals but also a chance to support conservation and learn about the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Plus, it’s an awesome way to spend a day during your solo trip to San Diego. It was perhaps one of my favorite things I did during my solo weekend in San Diego, and arguably one of the most enriching things to do alone in all of San Diego! 

You can pair this with a half-day wandering around Balboa Park, or simply dedicate a whole day to both separately. I recommend giving both activities their own day to fully immerse yourself in the fun and enjoyment of the Zoo and museums at Balboa Park.

Personally, I opted to spend a full day from open to close at the San Diego Zoo. This was one of the major highlights of my trip, and one of the main reasons I planned a solo trip to San Diego in the first place!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most renowned zoological parks in the world. And, it’s honestly worth the hype! A ticket to The San Diego Zoo is admittedly a little pricey compared to what I’m usually comfortable with spending for an attraction but I thoroughly enjoyed every second. I also captured some awesome shots on my camera.

A single-day ticket for an adult online costs $69, or $71 at the gate. There are also value days, multi-day tickets, and other options to explore for your solo trip at the San Diego Zoo website.

If you have any interest in visiting SeaWorld San Diego or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you can also buy a bundle ticket that’s active for 7 consecutive days following your first visit. This ticket will allow you to visit The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and The San Diego Zoo Safari Park–all of which are separate experiences and deserve their own dedicated day during your solo trip.

On my most recent visit, I opted for a single-day visit to just the San Diego Zoo and didn’t visit either the Safari Park or SeaWorld. I simply didn’t have time to fit them into my itinerary! If visiting all three is important to you, definitely take advantage of the bundle ticket package!

7. Wander Around Old Town San Diego

Did you know that Old Town San Diego is considered the “birthplace” of California? It’s true! San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California! Visiting Old Town San Diego allows travelers to experience what San Diego looked and felt like in the 1800s! It’s a pretty surreal experience.

There are a ton of things to do in Old Town. Check out the Old Town Market and find a neat souvenir to take home. Ride around on the Old Town Trolley. Maybe even spot a ghost while visiting The Whaley House Museum! Old Town has something for every type of solo traveler. 

8. Take a Day Trip to Tijuana

If you’ve done all of the things to do alone in San Diego, and you’re looking for something fresh and exciting–why not check out Mexico?! Though technically this recommendation isn’t based in San Diego, it does provide San Diego travelers with a unique opportunity to experience the daily life and culture in Tijuana, Mexico.

There are several ways to execute a successful day trip to Tijuana from San Diego. My personal recommendation is to join a tour group, but you can also drive or walk across the border if you prefer. If you’re planning to walk, there is even a trolley you can take from Gaslamp Quarter to San Ysidro border for under $3! 

If you choose to walk on the pedestrian route, take note that wait times for crossing the border in the opposite direction (Mexico to the US) are likely to be substantially longer than the reverse. Keep this in mind when planning any excursions or reservations immediately following your return from Tijuana.

For the purposes of getting across the border, I highly recommend joining a reputable, established tour company or guide service. Especially if you’ve never visited Mexico before! It’ll also be the most comfortable option, as many of the tour vans have air conditioning to help beat the heat. Check out some of these great group tour options on Viator and GetYourGuide:

• Tijuana Food Tasting Day Tour from San Diego – Viator
• Crossing Borders: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego – Viator
• Tijuana City Guided Tour and Food Tasting – GetYourGuide

Tijuana is only 20 miles south of San Diego, and it’s a perfect option for either a day trip or an overnight/multi-day extension to your solo trip to San Diego! If you’re planning to visit Tijuana, make sure to bring along your passport or Enhanced Photo ID for entry and reentry. 

A solo trip to San Diego is an incredible opportunity to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this coastal gem of a city. From exploring historic neighborhoods to enjoying breathtaking coastal landscapes, San Diego offers a diverse range of experiences for any solo traveler. There are dozens of things to do alone in San Diego, and this post only just scratches the surface! I’d also recommend checking out Reddit threads and Instagram locations for more ideas.  

So pack your bags (and your camera equipment!), embrace the spirit of exploration, and enjoy an unforgettable solo trip to San Diego. The only downside? You won’t want to leave!

While you’re here, you might also enjoy some of my other recent blog posts. Check them out and let me know what you think!

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• 7 Things to Do in Folly Beach, South Carolina
• Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions Worth Every Penny

If you’re planning a solo trip to San Diego, or anywhere else for that matter, make sure to review my Amazon Storefront for all of my solo travel essentials!

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