When I was booking a trip to San Diego on my own, I did not know precisely what I was seeking—I only needed a getaway. A little time to get out of all the noise, the bindings, and the four walls. I was told about the relaxed vibe of San Diego and its year-long sunny weather and the wonders of the California coast, and the combination of all that sounded as a cure to what I did not know I had.
It is about my experience in San Diego: how the city of surf, sunsets, tacos, and some things and people I had not expected to find delivered to me precisely what I had needed.
The Reason of My Solo Trip to San Diego
I was looking after a safe and beautiful and walkable and not too complicated place to navigate as a solo tourist. I also needed diversity, nature, culture, food, and a city atmosphere. San Diego, also known as the city of the finest America, was a tick in all boxes.
It is a city with almost ideal weather all year around, a wide variety of neighbourhoods, and beaches enough to fill you up with adrenaline for days to come, which is why it hit me as a perfect destination to discover independently. Besides, I always fantasized about seeing the sunset lounging in the Pacific ocean and sticking my toes in the warm sand.
There and Transportation
It was easy to fly into San Diego. It has its airport, which is literally in the heart of the city, something not very common in such a major city and a huge benefit to passengers. I rented a vehicle as I dreamed of being free to discover thousands of things; yet, to be honest, you can easily navigate with rideshare apps, public transport, or even a bike.
Other neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter and Hillcrest are extremely walkable and the public trolley network can take you downtown to Old Town, or cross the border to Tijuana should you feel adventurous.
The Place Where I Stayed
I chose to AirBnB in an apartment in the cool, hip North Park arts and trendy area north of the Balboa Park. As it were, it made the best option, and I even came upon the quiet, residential, yet fully stocked with coffee shops, vintage stores, and colorful murals.
And what was even more special is that I got to soak in the sense of local life. Waking up in the morning to the sound of people watering their potted plants, the barking of a dog in the backyard, the city smell of fresh pastries in the bakeries made me feel living in the city, not on the visit.
Day 1: Landing, and Letting Go
It takes one step to smell the salt water, the waves, and the vitality of people walking their dogs or buying burritos over close-by stands and get the tone.
Ocean Beach is like a 70s surfer town— a little bit gritty, natural, friendly. I was sitting on the end of the pier with the fish tacos from South Beach Bar & Grille just watching the waves come out. That was when I realized: I have chosen the right decision.
Day 2: Balboa Park and the Museum Stroll
Balboa Park is gigantic and enchanted. Consider Central Park but with more of the Spanish-like architecture and the best museums. I was here the whole day and could have easily spent more time here.
I began with the San Diego Museum of Art that I meandered through the collection of European paintings and Asian ceramics.
It was a burrito with black beans and avocado in a lunch truck in front of the Fleet Science Center—the casual corner of the world in the shade of a jacaranda tree in full flower. I ended my afternoon by Japanese Friendship Garden in my quiet contemplation of koi pond.
It is possible that there is something in traveling alone which makes visits to museums and gardens even closer. You go at a pace that is comfortable to you, you allow your mind to drift and you also learn to enjoy yourself in a greater extent.
Day 3: Beach Day at La Jolla
Any San Diego tour remains incomplete without a visit to La Jolla. It is upmarket, sleek and simply breathtaking.
In the morning I walked the La Jolla Cove and lifted myself to a halt with every few feet so that I could observe sea lions taking sun baths on rocks and visitors striking selfies. I went down the stairs to Shell Beach and sat myself down on a quiet corner and read my book. The sound of the waves on the sand and the screaming of seagulls in the sky was the right music.
At lunch, I was feeling extravagant and had cheeseburgers at George at the Cove—grilled fish, sparkling water, and panoramic view of Pacific. It used to be a bit embarrassing to eat in a nice restaurant alone but in La Jolla, it is also tranquil. I was a one-man guest and the best was the table.
My last activity of the day involved a kayak tour of La Jolla Sea Caves, which became one of my most favorite experiences as my final activity on the first day. When paddling in turquoise waters, watching leopard sharks sailing below, and guiding through caves in ancient sandstone, I felt fearless and in the state of life.
Day 4: Old Town and a Taste of History
San Diego Old Town is regarded as the birthplace of California and it takes you back in time. The adobe houses, the mariachi music, the handmade tortillas and maintained historical places all are warm and colorful.
I walked a group tour which allowed me to better know the history of the area relating to both Mexican and Early settlers. You can definitely learn more by going solo: you can ask questions and look through exhibits longer or even talk to strangers.
I purchased a handmade soap in the local store and visited the Old Town State Historic Park to sit on a bench, people-watch with the horchata drink. It was simple, slow and earthy.
Day 5: Coronado Island Getaway
The fifth day of my stay involved me driving across the famous Coronado Bridge to the famous Hotel del Coronado. It is worth visiting even when you do not spend your time there. Its iconic architecture is Victorian and is on the beach.
I hired a bicycle and zipped along Silver Strand Boulevard under a tree-shading breeze and an open road. Coronado is immaculate—manicured lawns, palm-lined streets and some of the driest sand Southern California beaches.
I finished the day with ice cream and a walk in my bare feet in Coronado Beach. The sunset light was reflected in the water like orange and lavender. I sat and the moment went over me.
The Food: Taco, Coffee and Smith Beer
Eating in San Diego is a sensation by itself. Whether it is roadside taquerias or upscale seafood places, the city is ready to offer taste everywhere.
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Taco Stand (La Jolla): Amazing carne asada and Al pastor tacos.
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Better Buzz Coffee (Hillcrest): This highly patronized store has a drink worth it.
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The Crack Shack (Little Italy): This comfort food is a redefined concept of the Fried chicken sandwich.
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Ballast Point Brewing (Miramar): A great place to look out and have craft beer.
As a single traveler I could eat when and where I wanted. I ate breakfast at 11 a.m., dessert at 3 p.m., and occasionally only churros as dinner. I did not have anyone to please—and that was a relief.
San Diego Magical Aloneness
Solo travel is a transformational thing. In San Diego, I got solitude and not loneliness. At the beaches, I got clarity. Curiosity in the museums. Warmth in the neighbourhoods. Whenever I found quiet time, I found myself again in all those aspects that get lost when there is no time to be quiet.
And off I went with sand in my shoes and content in my bosom.
Advices on a Solo Vacation to San Diego
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Stay Central – Staying in a community such as North Park, Little Italy, or Hillcrest is ideal to those seeking to be within walking distance of food, art and transport as a solo traveler.
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Be Flexible – Avoid having a strict schedule but have open plans to explore new unexpected moments. Some of the things that I liked best were unplanned.
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Safety First – You generally feel very safe in San Diego; however, be careful at night and in the downtown area. It is always advisable not to walk without any companion in dimly lit places.
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Pack Layers – Packing the weather is very variable even in summer, an evening may become cold along the coast. A piece of light wearing like a sweater or a jacket is necessary.
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Talk to Strangers – Though the same can be a little scary at first, chat up a barista in a café, the person in a museum or even the unexpected person in a park. The best recommendations usually include the locals.
Final Thoughts
When you need a break, a single vacation in San Diego is not a getaway, but a reset button. The pathos of being alone in an energetic city is that whether you stand at the edge of Sunset Cliffs, or sit sipping coffee at a lonely courtyard, or laugh without images at a museum gift shop; you will derive great pleasure in the companionship of yourself and the peacefulness of the sea breezes salty air.
In some way, this city is capable of making space to have you, no matter what you are in search of: adventure, healing, or a need to breathe. To me, San Diego was all this and actually more.
And how about you going on that alone adventure? Don’t wait.
Go. To the place, where the sun is facing the sea. Go and (be) at the end of a wave.
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