7 Things to Do Alone in San Diego
San Diego might be the easiest big city in the US to visit alone. The weather is nearly always good, people are friendly and relaxed, and most of the best things to do are outdoors, where being on your own feels completely natural.
In this guide
- 1. Spend a slow day in Balboa Park
- 2. Watch the sea lions at La Jolla Cove
- 3. Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- 4. Tour the USS Midway Museum
- 5. Explore Old Town
- 6. Catch sunset at Sunset Cliffs
- 7. Eat your way through Little Italy
- Is San Diego safe for solo travelers?
- Where to stay alone
- Getting around on your own
- A simple solo day
- Common questions
Here are seven things to do alone in San Diego, plus tips on where to stay and how to get around solo.
1. Spend a slow day in Balboa Park
Balboa Park is huge, with Spanish Revival buildings, gardens, walking paths and more than a dozen museums. It’s perfect for a solo day because you can follow your curiosity without checking with anyone.
Walking the park and its gardens is free. Don’t miss the Botanical Building and its lily pond, the Alcazar Garden and the Japanese Friendship Garden. If you want a museum, the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Us are good picks. On Sundays, there’s a free organ concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
2. Watch the sea lions at La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a small, rocky beach where sea lions and harbor seals laze on the rocks just a few feet from the path. It’s a lovely place to sit and people-watch, or seal-watch, for as long as you like.
Keep your distance from the animals, since they’re wild and protected. Afterward, walk the coastal path toward Children’s Pool, grab lunch in La Jolla Village and, if you’re feeling brave, rent a kayak to explore the sea caves on a guided tour. Group tours are a great way to meet people.
3. Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines protects some of the rarest pine trees in the country, set on cliffs high above the Pacific. The trails are short, well marked and busy, which makes them a safe, easy choice for solo hikers.
The Guy Fleming Trail is under a mile and mostly flat, with great ocean views. The Razor Point and Beach Trails are a little longer and lead down to the sand. Go early in the morning to beat the heat and find parking.
4. Tour the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway was an aircraft carrier for nearly 50 years, and now it’s one of the best museums in San Diego. The self-guided audio tour takes you through the crew’s quarters, the engine room and up to the flight deck, which is lined with restored planes.
It’s great alone because you go entirely at your own pace. Many of the docents are veterans who served on carriers, and they love to chat. Ask them questions. Their stories are often the best part of the visit. Plan on three hours.
▶ Watch This Before You Go
5. Explore Old Town
Old Town San Diego is where the city began, and the state historic park preserves adobe homes, a schoolhouse and shops from the 1800s. Most of the museums are free, and the streets are easy to wander on your own.
It’s also the best place in town for Mexican food. Grab a seat at the bar of one of the restaurants around the plaza, order a plate of tacos and a margarita, and listen to the mariachis. Nobody will think twice about you dining alone here.
6. Catch sunset at Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, in Point Loma, is a long stretch of sandstone cliffs above the ocean, with arches, tide pools and surfers below. As the name suggests, it’s the best sunset spot in the city.
Find a flat spot on the bluffs and settle in. Lots of locals come alone with a coffee or a book, so you’ll fit right in. Stay back from the edges, though, since the cliffs are crumbly and there aren’t many railings. Bring a jacket, because it gets cool fast once the sun drops.
7. Eat your way through Little Italy
Little Italy is one of San Diego’s liveliest neighborhoods, with sidewalk cafes, wine bars and a big Saturday farmers market called the Mercato. It’s busy and walkable, which makes it a comfortable place to be on your own at night.
Pick a restaurant with a bar and grab a seat. You’ll get faster service and usually end up talking to someone. Afterward, walk down to the waterfront, which is only a few blocks away.
Is San Diego safe for solo travelers?
Yes, San Diego is generally one of the safer big cities in the US. The main tourist areas, like Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla and Pacific Beach, are busy and well lit. Use normal city sense at night, avoid leaving valuables on the beach and keep an eye on your drink in crowded bars.
Where to stay alone
Little Italy is our top pick for solo travelers. It’s central, safe, full of places to eat and close to the trolley and the waterfront. The Gaslamp is livelier at night. If you want a beach base, Pacific Beach has social hostels and a young, friendly crowd.
Getting around on your own
Downtown, Little Italy, the Gaslamp and the waterfront are all walkable, and the trolley links them to Old Town. Buses reach La Jolla and the beaches, but they’re slow. Rideshares are easy and fairly cheap for shorter hops. For Torrey Pines and the coast, renting a car for one day is the simplest plan.
If you’re up for it, a bike is also a lovely way to see the bay. Rent one and ride the path along the Embarcadero, or take the ferry to Coronado and ride its flat streets past the famous Hotel del Coronado.
A simple solo day
Here’s an easy plan for a full day alone. Start with breakfast in Little Italy, then spend the morning on the USS Midway. Take the trolley to Old Town for tacos at lunch and a wander. In the afternoon, head to Balboa Park for the gardens. Finish with sunset at Sunset Cliffs and dinner back near your hotel.
Common questions
Do I need a car in San Diego?
Not for downtown, but one day with a car makes La Jolla and Torrey Pines easier.
How many days should I spend there?
Three or four days is a good amount for a solo trip.
What’s the best time to visit?
Spring and fall. Early summer can be gray, which locals call June Gloom.
Is Balboa Park free?
The park and its gardens are free. Most museums charge entry.
Is it easy to meet people?
Yes. Try kayak tours, hostel events and bar seats in Little Italy.
