Tourists come to San Diego to visit places like SeaWorld, the Zoo, the Safari Park, Balboa Park, Legoland, and Mission Beach. There’s nothing wrong with any of these places, but you’re likely going to get an experience that’s heavily commercialized and not entirely unique.
One of San Diego’s major industries is tourism, so experiences like this are to be expected. However, there’s so much more to the city that can offer niche, boutique experiences. Eating at San Diego’s hidden gem restaurants and engaging with cultural exchanges at San Diego’s public markets is one way to do this.
Another way is to sign up for experiences that aren’t published on tourism sites or promoted travel agencies. Below, with the help of locals, we’ve outlined 13 different San Diego adventures that will provide an unforgettable trip for you.
1. Hikes
San Diego has primetime hiking access. The key is to find the trails that are, quite literally, off the beaten path. For example, Potato Chip Rock is a great hike, but on a busy day you’ll be waiting for over an hour to get your picture taken on the thin rock.
Torrey Pines is absolutely gorgeous and a relatively easy stroll, but it’s proximity to the city makes it often crowded. If you want to stay a bit closer to home, there are some hidden gem trails nearby like:
- Iron Mountain
- Cowles
- Indian Head Trail
- La Costa Glen Trail
- Encinitas Ranch Trail
Don’t be afraid to venture out even further though—some of San Diego’s best trails are over an hour away. Hit up The Devil’s Punchbowl or Three Sisters Falls for a challenging trek, boundless access to nature, and a bit more privacy.
Local San Diego hike fanatic Mike Cook recommends Valley of the Moon, especially if you’re into 4×4, rock climbing, and exploring abandoned mines. Last, make sure to check out the app Alltrails. It’s a great way to find awesome hiking spots vetted by the locals in whatever city you’re in.
2. North Park Beer Mile
We got this recommendation from our friends over at Craft Beer San Diego. I’ve personally walked the tour, and it’s more fun than getting a brewery bus tour lined up. Although, bus tours are still a great option if you want to explore across different neighborhoods.
What I like about the walking tour is that you experience the full neighborhood outside of the storefronts, bars, and main drag. You’ll walk by residences, restaurants tucked into nooks, and markets hidden a few blocks back. You get the real feel for the neighborhood.
We recommend you follow their route, or creating your own based off the map, through these spots:
- Fall Brewing
- Poor House Brewing
- Pariah Brewing
- Barn Brewery
- Home Brewing Co.
- Tiger!Tiger! (tasting room of Automatic Brewing)
- Belching Beaver North Park (tasting room)
- Rip Current Brewing North Park (tasting room; food on site)
- Second Chance Beer Lounge (tasting room)
- North Park Beer Co. (food on site)
- Original 40 Brewing Company (food on site)
- Mike Hess Brewing
- Modern Times Flavordome (tasting room)
- Thorn Street Brewery
3. Concerts
From country to EDM, there’s more than an amphitheater in San Diego to deliver hot beats to your ears. Scattered throughout the city are smaller live music venues that get top tier acts on a year-round basis.
Not only are the acts at these smaller venues just as good as the big name clubs and concert halls, they offer a way more relaxed and fun ambiance. That’s because the selections here are part concert venue, part bar.
Do your research, buy your (often cheap) tickets in advance, and enjoy a night of epic tunes. It doesn’t matter what music you like, there’s something for everyone at:
- Music Box
- Belly Up
- Soda Bar
- Space
- House of Blues San Diego
- The Holding Company
- Spin Nightclub
- Casbah
- The Observatory North Park
- Winston’s Beach Club
- Chula Vista amphitheater
4. Spa Day at Glen Ivy
Only an hour and a half from the city is Glen Ivy Hot Springs. This day spa that puts all other day spas to shame. They’ve got sulfur mineral baths, roman baths, saunas, steam rooms, massage parlors, lounge pools, free relaxation classes, and so much more.
Reigning supreme over all other amenities at Glen Ivy is The Grotto. You descend into a man made cave for a special skin treatment, sit in a warm sauna to let it sink in, and then chill in the cool room before heading back to the full spa upstairs.
If you’re heading out, you have to wake up early in order to beat the line. This place is highly exclusive, and an early wakeup call is worth it when you don’t lose time waiting to get in. Also, make sure you buy tickets in advance for the spa to guarantee entry.
On the way home, hit up Goat and Vine in Temecula for some real-deal wood-fired pizzas that will blow your mind (Honey Hatch Chili Chicken—get it).
5. Wine Tasting Temecula
If you like wine, you need to plan a trip to the Temecula wineries. If you don’t like wine, you need to plan a trip to the Temecula wineries. You’ll get breathtaking views of San Diego’s desert countryside to pair with well-made wines to suit your tastes.
Unless you’re adamant about visiting a specific winery, it can be fun to let the day plan itself. Pick one winery that sounds fun, and then decide where you’ll go next while you’re there. If you’re more of a planner, it’s a good idea to map a route to wineries that are somewhat near each other.
The best idea, however, might be to make this part of a more robust trip within your trip to San Diego. Book a room near Temecula as your home base, and spend one day wine tasting while the other one you relax at Glen Ivy. either way, and I can’t stress this enough, get Goat and Vine pizza—you’ll be right nearby and it’s so worth it.
6. La Jolla Cove Kayaking
People like to go to SeaWorld, but you can get a much more personal experience with La Jolla Kayak. Charter a trip to paddle through the coves of La Jolla and you might see sharks, seals, sea turtles, and maybe even some whales or dolphins.
There are countless other little delights that you don’t get at SeaWorld either. You’ll paddle right over the Rose Canyon Fault Line (San Diego’s biggest earthquake threat), the Seven Seas Caves Hideout, and one of the largest research piers in the world.
Plus, it’s a good excuse to kick it in La Jolla after you’re done. Check out any of the amazing coffee shops and restaurants right nearby, like Brick and Bell, the Living Room, and The Cottage.
7. Grunion Run
Grunion are a species of fish, and the Grunion Run comes through So Cal beaches between March and early June to spawn. They actually leave the water to spawn on the beach itself. When you’ve got a full moon or a new moon, the Grunion are getting it on. For three or four nights you have a shot at getting some action too.
If you’ve never eaten some Grunion tacos, you’re missing out. You’ll need a California fishing license, and you can only pick the fish up by hand. You’re also not allowed to dig any holes in the beach to capture them. There’s no limit on your bag, but it’s highly encouraged that you only take what you think you’ll realistically use.
8. Lobster Diving
October to March is spiny lobster season in San Diego, and if you’re here during that time frame you can fish for them. There’s nothing more “farm-to-table” than pulling something out of the ocean yourself before cooking it up.
Aside from the mandatory license, there are some big rules you have to follow here. First, you can only catch lobster that are longer than 3.25 inches. Second, you can only grab seven lobster in one outing. Third, you have to catch them with your bare hands—the only acceptable equipment is a pair of protective gloves.
It’s easily one of the most badass fishing experiences you can take part in, and it’s a truly local activity given the off-season timeline. If you’re an adventure-seeker, this is a “must do” on your San Diego adventures list.
9. South Park Walkabout
Each quarter the South Park neighborhood holds a walkabout event. All the stores and shops, which are independent boutique businesses in the community, stay open late to showcase their flair to everyone who comes out for a taste of art, culture, and the area.
You’ll get free treats, see live entertainment, and cash in on special offers. Explore the various art galleries, boutique shops, and luxury stores before (or after) grabbing a bite. Make sure you check out Hamilton’s Tavern (dive bar vibes and kickass burgers), Buona Forchetta (unbeatable pizza), or Piacere Mio (intimate Italian dining).
There are other neighborhoods around town that also offer similar walkabouts. If you can, try to attend a few different options to experience a unique view into these areas.
10. Beach Sunsets
There’s nothing like a good beach sunset. Thankfully, San Diego has plenty of great options to choose from whether you’re hanging in North County or settling in at Imperial Beach.
Wherever you end up, if you get there early enough, stake out a fire pit. Make sure you come prepared with wood, firestarter, some blankets, s’mores, snacks, and some drinks. Keep the party going once the sun goes down and spend your evening listening to the crackle of firewood paired with the crash of the waves.
11. OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
Every Summer the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association takes the weekly Wednesday farmer’s market and blows it up into one of the most exciting street events all year. The OB Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off takes up the entire length of Newport Ave and hosts all kinds of restaurants, artists, and shops.
There are also three Stages playing live music all day, a massive chili cook off on the beach where you can vote who’s is best, and a beer garden that stays lit well into the night. If there’s one day of the year you wind up in Ocean Beach, let it be this day.
12. The Seven Bridges
One major draw for San Diego is the architecture, which is showcased throughout the city. Hidden in different parts of the city are seven bridges, each with an architectural character that sets it apart from its counterparts:
- Park Boulevard Bridge
- Cabrillo Bridge
- First Avenue Bridge
- Quince Street Bridge
- Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
- Vermont Street Bridge
- Georgia Street Bridge
You can experience these bridges by hiking a loop through various neighborhoods, but it’s not for the faint of heart. In total, the hike runs for about X miles. So, if you want to drive, that can make it a bit easier.
Any way you spin it, you’ll be passing through a few different neighborhoods around town. Plan a route that takes you to a mid-bridge bite and beer.
13. Day Trip to Julian
The historic town of Julian is nestled in the Cuyamaca mountains only an hour and a half East of San Diego. Visiting the town is kind of like stepping back in time to the gold rush, and it’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Whether you’re just visiting for the day or spending the night, make it a priority to stop by the Julian Hard Cider Company. And you’ll have to weigh in on one of the greatest debates in the history of San Diego: which pie is better, Julian Pie Company or Mom’s Pie House?
If you want to embark on one, a few, or all of these San Diego adventures, you’ve got to dive in head-first and experience what it has to offer. In a city that’s built on tourism, there are tourist traps everywhere that will suck you into long waiting times and empty your wallet.
Use our guide, curated from local San Diego residents, to ensure you get the most authentic experience you can. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for even more local recommendations, and follow us on social media.
Image Credit: Glen Ivy Hot Springs