Having grown up in San Diego, I’m often asked where to go, what to see, and which restaurants are worth checking out when friends and family come to visit. Like most San Diegans, I have a hard time answering. Not because there isn’t much to do, but because, when you live in a vacation city, you can forget that your everyday sky blues are someone’s else’s something news.
So, after 27 years of life in this beautiful city, I’m finally putting pen to paper and mapping out all the best things to do in San Diego, according to me, a local. Some things you may find in guide books (they’re popular for a reason!) and others are hidden gems and secret haunts that only those who live here will know about.
Next time you come, maybe we’ll bump into each other at James Coffee, or on our mats during a sculpt class at Yoga Box. Or perhaps we’ll pass each other while enjoying the sunset at the beach in La Jolla. No matter when you come or what you’re into, here are the best 20 things to do in San Diego:
Courtesy of Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Things to Do in San Diego
Go for a Bike Ride
San Diego’s public transit may not be the best, but in recent years the city has really pushed to make neighborhoods more bikeable. My inner sporty self rejoices! One of my favorite activities includes renting bikes from Stay Classy Bikes and pedaling from Golden Hill to the ferry landing and over to Coronado. It’s not the easiest ride, but you’ll see the cityscape while tightening up those quads.
If you’re looking to spot more water on your trek, head to Mission Bay Beach Club. You can rent bikes by the hour to cruise around the bay, and the Instagram-worthy Superbloom Coffee & Juice next door makes for the perfect pre- or post-ride refresher and healthy meal. Grab an oat milk latte and take in the view for that quintessential SoCal experience.
When you think of San Diego museums, Balboa Park’s array of cultural institutions are usually the first to come to mind. While you can hit multiple museums in one area there, it gives off more of a field trip feeling, and sometimes that’s not what I’m in the mood for. My favorite museum is actually closer to the water down at the Embarcadero. The USS Midway Museum offers a fascinating look at San Diego’s naval history.
Take yourself on a self-guided audio tour if you’re into that, and after, it’s only a quick walk to Portside Pier. Once you’re there, try some fish tacos at The Brigantine or kick up your feet at the firepits with a glass of wine at Topsail upstairs. It’s the perfect balance of education and entertainment.
The truth is, pretty much any San Diego hike is going to offer breathtaking views and fun trails. Potato Chip Rock is popular for trekkers looking to snap a silly shot of themselves seemingly dangling from a rock, but I like to ditch the crowds and hit Eagle Rock instead. It’s a bit further out of town, but you can still grab a photo with the—you guessed it—eagle-shaped rock and avoid the ridiculously long lines.
Additionally, while some may think they’re only a touristy thing, Torrey Pines’ trails are a true favorite among SD residents. We like panoramic ocean views, too. Try setting out while all us townies are in the office, since parking can be tough on weekends.
Explore a Farmer’s Market
With 50 weekly farmer’s markets around town, it’s difficult to narrow down the best place to pick up ultra-fresh produce, snacks, sauces, and treats—but if I had to choose my No. 1, I’m going with Little Italy’s biweekly market on Date Street. The event features more than 200 vendors, and in this case, bigger is definitely better.
My favorite thing to do on Saturday mornings is put my name in at rose-hued brunch spot Morning Glory (it takes at least an hour to get seated), then roam the market to check out all the delicious local offerings. You’ll have plenty of time to wander. Once you’ve stocked up on regionally grown veggies and settled into your pink velvet booth, get the souffle pancakes and breakfast carbonara and thank me later.
Can you even say you went to San Diego if you don’t visit the beach? While most tourist websites rave about The Cove in La Jolla, I say skip the smelly seals and head south towards Windansea. The rock formations provide the same stunning views without the crowds and animal odors.
If you find yourself in North County, take a stroll to Swami’s. The long stairwell leads you to what feels like a private beach filled with locals, surfers, and tide-pool explorers. If you’re lucky, you might spot a spindly brittle star—or even an octopus.
When it comes to relaxing in the sand, I prefer the beach to the bay. But I’ll say this for Point Loma’s harbor: It’s the ideal spot to spend the day boating. When I want to get a workout in, I love booking a pedal boat with Eco Boat Rentals.
But, if I’m being honest, I’m more apt to sit back and crack a seltzer on a relaxing cruise. Check out a sunset sailing excursion that takes off from Harbor Island. The two-hour sail offers views of Point Loma and our picturesque cityscape and you’ll get a selection of cheeses, meats and crackers to munch on while catching those stunning pinks and oranges.
Benvenuto a San Diego! It’s not uncommon for jet-setters in Europe to sign up for a cooking class, but this activity doesn’t get the hype it deserves in San Diego. You might assume I head to Little Italy for this one, but my favorite spot is actually across the 5 freeway in Golden Hill at Cucina Migrante, where you can sip wine in a cute little craftsman house while learning to roll out fresh pasta or cook plant-based Italiano.
Courtesy of Surf Diva
Learn to Surf
From North County to the border, you can find great surf year-round in San Diego, but if you’re attempting the sport for the first time, it’s key to check out the right places and learn from the pros—no one wants to get taken out by a lost foam boarder.
My recommendation is to head to La Jolla Shores and check out Surf Diva for a lesson. The area’s calm waters offer great starter waves, and the company’s lifeguard-certified instructors will get you paddling, balancing, and unleashing your inner Kelly Slater in no time.
Courtesy of Communal Coffee
Where to Eat & Drink in San Diego
Grab Coffee from a Local Haunt
San Diego’s coffee game is as strong as the espresso in my favorite lattes. On seemingly every corner perches a cute independent coffee shop, sometimes with a stack of board games or a musician strumming live acoustic tunes. Try my favorites: Lofty Coffee, James Coffee, and Communal Coffee. These aesthetically pleasing cafés set the mood for a cozy coffee date with tasty lattes, matcha, and cold brew.
It would be sacrilegious not to try a fish taco when visiting San Diego. While there’s no shortage of options in the city, I have two cherished spots that rise above the rest. Mitch’s Seafood in Point Loma exclusively serves fish caught by local fishermen. Their tacos are best enjoyed on the patio with a San Diego brew in hand.
My other favorite, The Fish Shop, lets you mix and match to create your version of the perfect taco: You pick the fish type and marinade from their long list of choices. I’m partial to the mahi mahi with Fish Shop seasoning, a sweet and spicy Cajun dry rub with a hint of brown sugar.
Courtesy of The Mad Beet
Eat a Refreshing Acai Bowl
San Diego might just serve up the best acai bowl outside of Hawaii. While bustling coffee shop Better Buzz is all over rec lists for a caffeine fix, its smoothie bowls are an unexpected gem—I like to hit a drive-through location when I need a sweet, healthy snack on-the-go.
When I’ve got time to linger, though, I drop by Rum Jungle in PB. Served inside a pineapple, their massive acai bowls put other beach snacks to shame. I’ll take mine with extra granola and honey, please.
Imagine this: It’s a sunny morning in San Diego, and all you want is some fresh bread to make avocado toast. Or maybe you’re jonesing for a dozen or so assorted pastries to share with your friends (or not).
Prager Brothers has me finishing sourdough loaves faster than I want to admit. I may have actually licked my fingers after devouring a cinnamon roll from Charlie’s Best Bread’s. And The Gluten Free Baking Co offers GF pastries so good I might voluntarily start eating gluten-free. No matter your vice, these three bakeries serve up some of the best of SD’s breads.
Visit a Hole in the Wall Burger Joint
Want to start a good-natured debate in San Diego? Ask a handful of locals about the best burger in town. While many will wait in the long lines at Hodad’s, I think Rocky’s grills up San Diego’s tastiest patty. The hole-in-the-wall pub in Crown Point gives off the same feel as your favorite college bar. You won’t find ostrich meat, black bean patties, or even bacon and avocado here—you need only choose between a third- or half-pound beef patty and decide whether or not you want cheese. No frills, certainly, but that’s what makes it great.
It’s called crack for a reason: This meat is addicting. Seaside Market in Cardiff takes tri-tip to the next level, infusing the beef with burgundy pepper (that’s onion, garlic, and spices dialed up with red wine). If you’re visiting on a holiday weekend, grab some early, as the true Cardiff Crack lovers stock up for barbecues and family functions. For me, it’s game day food—I like to buy a Cardiff Crack sandwich from the Seaside Market Stand at Petco Park and dive in after first pitch.
In a city of more than 5,000 restaurants, it can be tough to know where to begin. I like hitting up the local food halls and markets, which pack heaps of delicious eateries under a single roof. My favorite scene is the Liberty Station Public Market, a dizzying food court modeled after Pike Place in Seattle.
Bring friends (or come really hungry) to sample lobster mac and cheese from Wicked Maine Lobster, a bao bun from Bao Bar, and a roll from The Sushi Stand in one fell swoop. Carry your victuals to the picnic tables outside to catch a glimpse of the planes flying overhead.
Indulge in San Diego’s Best Sandwiches
Didn’t expect a sandwich to be a must-eat in San Diego, did you? Well, no visit to SD is indeed complete without grabbing a mouthwatering sub from Board and Brew. The local chain began in Del Mar and has since expanded across the city, so your odds of staying near a location are relatively high.
It’s my favorite place to pick up a club and bag of chips to bring to the beach or park. What sets B&B apart from other sandwich joints is the unbelievable secret sauce. I’m not recommending that you drink it, but I wouldn’t blame you if you were tempted.
Courtesy of Monarch Ocean Pub
Get Drinks with a View
Living in San Diego, I’m spoiled with breathtaking sea views, but despite the city’s beauty, finding a good bar overlooking the water can be tougher than you think. Prospect St. in La Jolla, however, offers a row of restaurants that all serve sessionable drinks and stellar ocean eye candy. I’m partial to the Prospect Margarita at Duke’s—the spicy watermelon cocktail is made even sweeter by the gorgeous surrounds.
In Del Mar, Monarch Ocean Pub offers a dragon fruit marg in an open-air, second-story pub. If you happen to find yourself there as the sun sinks beneath the waterline, raise your glass and join the restaurant-wide chant: “Cheers to me, cheers to you, and here’s a toast to a hell of a view.”
Sip on San Diego Favorites
San Diego is called America’s capital of craft beer for a reason. My favorite of the city’s 150-plus breweries is the Ballast Point in Little Italy. I love settling onto the patio or into a cabana and enjoying a flight while watching planes in flight.
Prohibition may be long over, but the speakeasies in San Diego are here to stay. Either tucked away in larger establishments or hiding in plain sight behind unmarked entrances, these bars might be tough to find, but they’re my favorite place to enjoy a cocktail on a night out.
A favorite among locals, Realm of the 52 Remedies is tucked away in Kearny Mesa—a neighborhood that isn’t always listed in SD guides, since it’s known for being more suburbia than tourist destination. However, the whimsical speakeasy-style bar attached to Common Theory Public House is definitely worth a trek with its stunning design, delicious cocktails, and small-bites.
Over in North Park, Part Time Lover is a hybrid between a record shop and a swanky cocktail lounge. My go-to happy-hour sip is one of their Japanese Highballs with sparkling water.
While us locals spend plenty of time chowing down at hole-in-the-wall, strip-mall spots, we’re not immune to eateries where the design matters as much as the food.
Down in Point Loma, Cesarina is the perfect place to relive any study-abroad memories of Italy. The dining room is stunning, with a coastal Italian feel. But the feature that made me stop and stare is the fresh pasta-making station in the kitchen. Visible to the entire restaurant, it allows you to watch as chefs transform flour and eggs into pappardelle and tonnarelli.
My other favorite photogenic dining experience takes me downtown to Seneca. The bayfront spot gives luxury yacht meets Italian trattoria. The sleek design and views from the 19th floor are almost as pretty as the plates of truffle arancini and cacio e pepe.
Molly Delmore is a freelance writer and content creator from San Diego. When she’s not checking out San Diego’s newest restaurants, bars, and shops, she’s planning her next trip to the mountains to snowboard or a new country to explore. Her work has been featured in San Diego Magazine, Mashed, and Tasting Table.
Before, during, and after the Fourth of July, San Diegans can commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with an abundance of stars, stripes and local celebrations. America The Beautiful: 250 at The Rady Shell and Lamb’s Players Theatre’s revival of American Rhythm will look back at the many songs which define our country. Liberty Station’s Anchored in Freedom celebration and the Independence Day Carnival offer community-centered fun and loads of family-friendly activities. And who can possibly forget the Big Bay Boom, which will resume its reign over San Diego Bay as the state’s biggest fireworks show. Outside of the holiday festivities, this week brings the yearly return of Little Italy’s Summer Sera and the Athenaeum Summer Festival, as well as a slate of championship matches for All Elite Wrestling.
Sip on refreshing beverages and savor a panoramic rooftop view this Friday from 6-8 p.m. during the 21-plus Sunset & Spritz at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. There will be a live DJ (until 9 p.m.), appetizers, pool and cabana access, a photo booth, and a cash bar (until 11 p.m.). To accentuate the summer theme, guests are invited to dress in white, pink, and orange attire. Tickets are $29 and come with a welcome aperol spritz.
616 J Street, Gaslamp
The 250 Grand Tasting Menu at Amaya
July 3 & 4
Bring a patriotic palette to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar for The 250 Grand Tasting Menu at Amaya this Friday and Saturday from 5-8:30 p.m. Patrons will be treated to a five-course tasting menu, curated to exhibit a selection of standout regional flavors and culinary concepts that have shaped our country’s distinct food heritage. The meal will also include beverage pairings with each course, such as wine, cocktails, and artisanal drinks. Reservations are $330 per person (with tax and 20% gratuity) on OpenTable.
Don Toliver thrives at being the life of the party (and the “After Party”). His fifth album Octane, released in February, is indicative of his thrill-seeking nature. As with his earlier releases, Octane sees Toliver operating in the space between hip-hop and R&B, with warbling vocals and blaring beats that are best heard at a high volume. This Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Toliver will play at Pechanga Arena, with rappers SoFaygo, Chase B and SahBabii—who had a guest verse on Octane standout “K9”—as special guests. Tickets start at $156 for this concert.
What makes musicals like Wicked, Cats, Chicago, and Jersey Boys so timeless is the legion of excellent songs that makes fans out of those who’ve never even watched the show. This Friday at 7:30 p.m. during Blockbuster Broadway! at The Rady Shell, conductor Evan Roider, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and veteran vocalists Alex Getlin, Jessica Hendy, Scott Coulter, and John Boswell (also on piano) will perform an all-star theater soundtrack. In addition to the shows named above, audiences can expect songs from A Chorus Line, The Phantom of the Opera, Annie,and more. Tickets range from $57 to $129 for this concert.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
America The Beautiful: 250 at The Rady Shell
July 4
One night after recognizing the brilliance of Broadway, The Rady Shell will ring in the United States’ landmark anniversary with America The Beautiful: 250 this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Conductor Byron Stripling, joined by a five-performer ensemble and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, will lead a night of ballads that best resemble the red, white, and blue, including songs sourced from the Great American Songbook. After the show, concertgoers are invited to watch the nearby Big Bay Boom from their seats. Tickets range from $71 to $139 for this concert.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
Athenaeum Summer Festival at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
Summer has officially kicked off, and San Diego is celebrating the sunny season with a myriad of fun events. From San Diego Pride week and a fairytale performance at Civic Theatre to a Santigold concert and Comic-Con, there are dozens of opportunities to make memories worth adding to your scrapbook. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this July:
Divine inspirations, operatic ballads, and symphonic pop production elevate Rosalía’s Lux to heavenly levels. Hear angelic vocals ascend—in up to 13 languages—during her performance at Pechanga Arena.
Enjoy a night of feel-good indie rock and sing-along anthems at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre courtesy of Young the Giant and special guest Cold War Kids.
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Santigold collects genres like gold stars: musical accouterments that brighten her uniquely alternative sound. See her live in concert with dancehall producer Troy Baker Sound at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay.
Two male government workers pursue a secret romance amid the Lavender Scare in the San Diego Opera’s production of “Fellow Travelers” at the Balboa Theatre.
Audrey Hepburn. Marlon Brando. Salvador Dalí. What do these icons have in common? Each was the enigmatic focus of a Cecil Beaton portrait. Step inside Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World, an alluring showcase of 20th-century style at San Diego Museum of Art.
Courtesy of San Diego Pride
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
1
The Little Italy Mercato will trade morning rays for golden-hour glow through its free Summer Sera, an expansion of the neighborhood’s farmers market with live music, artisanal finds, and a fetching amount of pet activities.
11–19
San Diego Pride week starts with a Dyke March and ends with the two-day “Pride Shines On” festival. The days in between? Run a 5K, march in the parade, visit the rainbow-lit St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, and more.
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Dress up for a Mediterranean-themed tea time at the Estancia La Jolla, a laid-back yet refined afternoon planned for the resort’s monthly Tea in the Garden series.
23–26
Nerd culture’s biggest gathering returns to the Convention Center. San Diego Comic-Con welcomes fans of everything from comic book cinema to ultra-rare collectibles for panels, exhibits, sneak peeks, and much more.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
There are two types of San Diegans in July: those who have their Pride Festival tickets, and those who wish they’d bought them sooner. Summer in San Diego already feels like a fever dream of sunshine and saltwater, and with Balboa Park turning it up to a level best described as joyfully unhinged, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
That’s right: San Diego Pride 2026 is bigger, louder, and more necessary than ever. From July 18–19, expect a full, unapologetic, flags-everywhere kind of weekend where the city opens its arms and means it. Here’s everything you need to know about San Diego Pride 2026.
When and where is the 2026 San Diego Pride Festival?
The San Diego Pride Festival takes over Marston Point in Balboa Park (6th Ave. & Laurel St.) on Saturday, July 18 (12 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sunday, July 19 (12 p.m. to 9 p.m.).
How much are San Diego Pride Festival tickets?
Buy tickets early because prices go up closer to the weekend. Regular GA is priced at $45 for a single day or $75 for the full weekend. Once Pride Weekend pricing kicks in, that bumps to $48 for one day and $85 for two days. VIP Weekend starts at $269, and if you want a Meet & Greet with Hailie Sahar on July 18 at 2 p.m., tickets are $106.
Seniors 65 years and older can grab a ticket at the box office for $15, and high schoolers and younger get in free, though they still need to stop by the box office for a ticket before entering. Regular pricing is available through July 17, so don’t wait until the last minute.
What to expect at the festival?
The San Diego Pride Festival isn’t just a typical party. Expect Balboa Park at maximum capacity and maximum heart with five stages, hundreds of vendors, and more joy per square foot than anywhere else in the city that weekend.
At the heart of it all is the Stonewall Stage, the main event where legends and newcomers alike make their San Diego Pride debut. The Mundo Latino Stage brings Rock en Español, DJs, drag shows, and multicultural performers to the mix. The Movement Stage offers a full celebration of Black LGBTQIA+ arts, music, and culture through hip hop, urban contemporary, and local DJs, plus a Queer Locals Marketplace full of LGBTQ-owned small businesses selling handmade art, wellness goods, literature, community resources, and more.
For the people who came to actually dance, the Euphoria Stage delivers electronic music and groundbreaking talent. Prism For All is where art, libraries, and history collide, with workshops, performances, and a makerspace hosted by Art of Pride, the San Diego Public Library, and Lambda Archives. And the Youth Zone gives LGBTQIA+ young people their own dedicated area to meet, get creative, play, and find support.
Who is featured on the 2026 San Diego Pride Festival lineup?
The San Diego Pride Festival 2026 runs on the energy of over 2,000 volunteers every year. With more than 30 departments to choose from, whether you’re a people person, a behind-the-scenes organizer, or just someone who wants to do something good in a great outfit, there’s a spot with your name on it. Head to the San Diego Pride website to sign up.
When and where is the San Diego Pride Parade?
San Diego’s Pride Parade calls the parade “the region’s largest single-day civic event,” drawing more than 250,000 attendees annually. This year it takes place on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and starts at University Avenue and Normal Street. Then it travels west on University Avenue, south on Sixth Avenue, and ends near Balboa Park/Quince Drive.
When and where is the San Diego Pride 5K and Walk?
The Pride 5K Run & Walk is one of the highlights of Pride Week, drawing as many as 1,700 runners and walkers from around the world and raising approximately $40,000 for charity partners San Diego Pride and The LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Project. This year it also takes place on July 18, just a bit earlier at 8 a.m., at the corner of Centre and University Ave in Hillcrest.
Of course, buying a ticket is a guaranteed good time, but it’s also funding something real. San Diego Pride is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and proceeds go toward supporting organizations that host community events, programs, and fundraisers advancing pride, equality, and respect for LGBTQ+ communities locally, nationally, and globally.
That includes virtual youth programming like Pride’s Youth Leadership Academy, which reaches more than 4,000 LGBTQ children and young adults, as well as coalitions like the QAPIMEDA Coalition, Black LGBTQ Coalition, and Latinx Coalition, and more than 30 LGBTQ programs and events throughout the year.
What items are prohibited at the San Diego Pride Festival?
The prohibited items list is lengthy (no balloons, no selfie sticks, no bubble-making devices, trust us they’ll make up for it elsewhere), but the big ones to keep in mind: clear bags only (max 12″x6″x12″), no outside food, no alcoholic beverages, no glass, no large umbrellas, and no knives or weapons of any kind. Leave the drone at home too. For the full list, head to sdpride.org/entry-policies.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
San Diego summers can be brutal. But since the hottest period is typically late summer into early fall, San Diegans still have time to prepare. The pros at Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical are standing by to help homeowners fortify their homes against the elements and ensure their air conditioning is as frosty as the penguins that serve as the company’s mascots.
Many homeowners underestimate the load their AC system faces, especially in the inland valleys where temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. San Diego regularly sees multi-day heatwaves each summer, and a system that struggles on the first day will likely fail by the third.Longer run times, unusual sounds or smells, and uneven cooling from room to room are all signs that your system may not survive the next hot spell.
Systems typically last 12 to 17 years, but there are exceptions. If a system is approaching that, or is already there, a professional evaluation is recommended before summer really heats up. A good rule of thumb: If you can’t remember when your system was last serviced, it’s due.
“As technology changes, systems become smarter and smarter,” says Sean O’Connor, an install manager at Mauzy with 42 years of experience. “There are a lot of people out there who will say a system’s only good for 10 years. I don’t buy that—these systems are built to last as long as they’re taken care of.”
There are also a few steps homeowners can take between services to extend the life of their system. Regularly changing a dirty filter—especially if you have kids or pets—and keeping an outdoor unit clean can help head off problems in the future, says O’Connor.
Also, be realistic about whether it’s time to replace a unit. O’Connor likens pouring money into salvaging a faulty unit with patchwork repairs and replacement parts to “tripping over a dollar to pick up a dime.” When one part fails, others are sure to follow, and newer parts may not be compatible with older units. Mauzy recommends homeowners use the 50% rule: If a repair costs more than 50% of the system’s replacement value, and the equipment is over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better long-term value. And don’t forget the ducting. An older house that was built with heat and later had air conditioning added may not have sufficient airflow, regardless of how good the system is.
Last but not least, homeowners should know who to trust when it comes to their homes. Built on three generations of professional integrity, Mauzy has grown into not just a leader for cooling, heating, plumbing, and electrical services, but a leader in the community known for supporting local nonprofits across an array of causes. To ensure complete peace of mind, Mauzy stands behind a comprehensive 12-point guarantee that outlines its commitment to outstanding service, quality equipment, expert technicians who understand how the local microclimates affect HVAC performance, and no upsells or surprises on the bill.
“We go the extra mile. That’s what sets us apart,” O’Connor says. To get a free quote today, visit mauzy.com.
Walking into a room full of strangers isn’t high on the fun index for most. It’s inherently awkward: Everyone’s standing in closed-loop clusters, deep in conversation, and, depending on your social aptitude, the feeling is somewhere between light apprehension and burning alive from the inside out. The pull to retreat or reflexively look busy on your phone is stronger than the drink you now deeply crave. Having friends is nice, but making friends can be brutal.
There’s plenty of commentary on the loneliness epidemic. Last year, the American Psychiatric Association reported that one in three adults feel lonely at least once a week; those aged 18 to 34 are more likely to feel isolated and even more likely to turn to social media as a result. Dr. Vivek Murthy’s “My Parting Prescription for America” cautioned that “being socially disconnected increases our risk of heart disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death.” So it’s not just an emotional need; it’s nearly nutritional—chit-chat and the occasional wine-fueled, emotional deep-dive are just as important as Pilates and a reasonable amount of kale.
Finding social connections in any city is hard, but San Diego has very specific challenges. This is largely a transient population that acts as a temporary hotspot for many and a permanent home for few. Pick your reason: high rent, surreal gas prices, housing shortage, meh job opportunities (ranked 71st in the country in 2025), or the fact that active military is a sizable chunk of us (110,000-ish)—stationed here for a stretch, then gone. This constant flow of departees sucks out the potential for deeply established families and friend groups, leaving a good share of nomads, searchers, and plenty of people feeling socially awkward.
“There’s an underlying loneliness in all of us,” says Ramel Wallace, the host of monthly meetup CreativeMornings. “There are not a lot of San Diegans who are born and raised here, so [even those] San Diegans end up being just as lonely as the person who just got here.”
Photo Credit: Blair Kirby
Every month, in local libraries, breweries, and small businesses, there are ambitious social architects who have made a career out of undoing social sads. Extroverted champions of the awkward and searching, they’ve struck gold on in-person connection.
The first moments in a social situation are crucial. Sets the tone and cools the nerves.
At Pitch-A-Friend, singles recruit their close friends to present a slideshow of their dating green flags. The entry points for connection at Pitch-A-Friend are simple, old tech: stickers. Each colored sticker indicates if the wearer is single or taken, queer or straight, or practicing ethical non-monogamy (in a partnership but open to others under a mutual understanding).
At the helm of each showcase is Arielle Fuller, aka Chief Wingwoman, who is making dating hopeful again. As Fuller explains, this takes some of the fear of rejection out of a first interaction. “Putting a sticker on immediately means, ‘I wanted to leave my house and talk to someone, and I am a safe space to come and speak to me,’” she says.
Of course, not all of San Diego’s events designed to make connections are romantic. On the last Friday of every month, hundreds gather at San Diego Central Library for the local chapter of CreativeMornings—an org formed to unite creatives in various cities across the world (designers, artists, writers, producers, performers, architects, etc.).
Photo Credit: Gina Ribando
These aren’t your standard business card swaps, though. Coming from a hip-hop background, host Wallace uses call-and-response to break the fourth wall. “This is not my stage at all, this is our stage,” he says.
In your standard lecture-based meetup, the crowd silently faces the host and acknowledges nobody except those they came with. At CreativeMornings, everyone is encouraged to look around, pay attention to the strangers in the audience—not just the host. Wallace will pull volunteers to read the CM manifesto aloud, and he passes the mic to creatives, who make 30-second pitches to the community about projects they’re working on—and there’s always an invitation to connect and collaborate with the presenters whose ideas struck a chord.
The U.S. Chamber of Connection (yes it exists) says people experience life transitions nearly every year, and in these stretches are more open to forming new habits, relationships, and communities. In a revolving-door city like ours, the transition often comes when someone moves away. In 2023, the Census Bureau reported San Diego had the ninth-highest rates of domestic out-migration in the US.
This poses an issue for friendships that IRL SD addresses in monthly friend-making events called 619 Night.
“San Diego isn’t a place a lot of people stay forever,” says Alex Hunter, the creator of IRL SD. “They leave, and people [who stay] lose that community, so they’re hungry for community again.”
Their website describes the vibe as “backyard party meets college fair meets networking event meets happy hour.” Each follows a theme—wellness, sports, refresh and reset, etc.—with related community groups joining as well.
“The people I encounter are trying to get a fresh start in some capacity, so they’re more open, receptive, and ready to meet new friends,” Hunter says. “They need the circle.”
Photo Credit: Elysian Visions by Deaune Boyd LLC
Another way adults can break out of this disconnection is to revert in unison, says artist Elisa Summiel-Bey. The 2015-ish adult coloring book moment in the US was based on some real science, with multiple studies finding coloring has a noticeable meditative and stress-release effect by taking the brain away from anxieties and mental inventories, and focusing it on a simple, easy art. Summiel-Bey’s company Illustrated Melanin throws “Color & Chill” events, turning that trend into a group exercise, along with live DJ sets, wellness experts doing sound baths, and food and drink from BIPOC-owned local businesses. “I tend to think of coloring as your way to tap back into your childlike play,” she says. “As adults, I think we’re almost scared to let loose and have that unabashed joy.”
All of these social meetups attract crowds of likeminded connection-seekers, but high attendance is not the only thing that matters. Metrics nuts can track RSVPs, but spreadsheets can’t capture intangible wins: friendships made, innovative ideas sparked, collaborations kicked off. At CreativeMornings, Wallace redefines ROI as Return On Imagination. Resounding success means thoughtful inquiries over coffee, curiosity about the monthly meeting themes, and requests to take the microphone.
A simple, observable ROI is an increased number of window shoppers to the experience—on the periphery, watching from afar, looking for the right way in. Hunter from IRL SD sees the anxiety in her DMs. “The scariest part for you right now is not meeting new friends: It’s the unknown,” she says. “It’s the gap between ‘I’m here’ and ‘That’s where I need to be.’ If I can help you understand, or get a little bit of a shape around that unknown, it’s much more approachable.”
Courtesy of IRL SD
Being able to bridge that gap, however, depends on your ability to step out of your own mind. “It’s not a connection crisis; it’s a courage and confidence crisis,” says Fuller. The first hello could be as easy as, “Hey, cool shirt.” These are the types of things she includes in her confidence lab reels on Instagram and weekly newsletters.
Ever left a social event and shot straight into a spiral? Was I being weird? Why did I tell that story? I hope that person moves to another state very soon.
The experts say that post-event self-interrogation is a standard-issue part of being alive.
“I love awkward people, and I love being awkward myself,” says Wallace. “It’s humbling to experience: ‘I’m not alone. Finally someone is not put together.’ So give yourself that grace.”
Jeannine Boisse (she/her) is a freelance writer and professional creative with a background in Radio & Television. Based in sunny San Diego, Jeannine spends her time exploring the city's vibrant brewery scene, cooking up new recipes in the kitchen, and connecting with new people.
As summertime inches closer to the shores of San Diego, there are plenty of reasons to be ecstatic. For one thing, there’s the impending arrival of the summer solstice (Sunday), and three days before that, Del Mar’s own Summer Solstice will return for its yearly golden hour. There are also plenty of local Juneteenth events, such as Kinfolk Fest, the Cooper Family Foundation’s Juneteenth Celebration, and The Freedom Table, a new, food-centered event from the originators of Juneteenth San Marcos. We’re also less than three weeks away from America’s 250th anniversary, and the celebrations range from the San Diego History Center’s America 250: San Diego 1776-2026 to NASCAR’s weekend of racing at Naval Base Coronado.
Cbar has planned a week’s worth of festivities to mark its first birthday, and everyone can get in on the fun. The 1-Year Anniversary Week celebrations continue with a special edition of the Sips & Shells craft series ($50) on Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m., half-off pastries with any purchase of a barista drink (plus an anniversary summer wine flight) on Wednesday and a five-course winemaker dinner on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. ($130). Finally, the birthday bash will conclude with live music on Friday (Will Fedak) and Saturday (Cappo Kelley) from 6-9 p.m.
2917 State Street, Carlsbad
Taste of Little Italy
June 16 & 17
Little Italy’s annual food crawl has so many options that it warrants splitting into two evenings, each boasting a diverse lineup of 20 neighborhood vendors. During the Taste of Little Italy, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., attendees can make their way from the Piazza della Famiglia to nearby dining destinations for bites like esquites, sausage rolls, hot chicken tenders, and forkfuls of handmade pasta. Each night will also include live music and stops for drinks, desserts, and vegetarian items. Tickets are $71 per day.
As spring makes its golden transition into summer, welcome the new season with open arms and a big appetite during Del Mar Village’s marquee tasting event this Thursday from 5-8 p.m. With the Summer Solstice celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s iteration will include dozens of food and drink offerings from Del Mar Village vendors, soulful tunes from Christian Jules Taylor, live art by Sarah O’Connor, and wave-crashing views at Powerhouse Park. General admission (21+) is $157 and comes with unlimited tastings as well as a commemorative tasting glass, while VIP tickets are sold out; proceeds support the Del Mar Village Association.
1658 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar
The Freedom Table at TERI Campus of Life
June 19
After hosting the first-ever Juneteenth San Marcos festival in 2025, Lionel and Natalie Saulsberry have upped the ante with The Freedom Table, an elevated observance of community, culture, and the culinary arts. This Friday from 4-9 p.m. at TERI Campus of Life, guests can enjoy storytelling, art installations, live music, curated cocktails, and a chef-led dining experience, all in recognition of Juneteenth’s lasting importance. Ticket options include general admission ($261), plus two charitable ticket options: supporter ($313) and impact ($417), with a portion of sales going towards the youth nonprofit Achievement in Motion.
555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos
Talladega Nights Father’s Day Brunch at ARLO
June 21
In honor of NASCAR’s Coronado debut and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, ARLO is throwing a Father’s Day brunch for the dads who want to go fast. This Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can order from ARLO’s regular brunch menu, as well as a trio of holiday specials: the Dad’s Day Steak and Fries ($64), the Fit For a King Muffuletta Sandwich ($29), and the Big Daddy Brookie ($14). This shake and bake-approved meal will also include a DJ, cigar rollings, whiskey tastings and a Ricky Bobby costume contest. Reservations can be made online.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
