Make the most of this sunny city with our guide to all the best al fresco fun San Diego has to offer
The phrase "70 and sunny" begins to feel like a mantra when forecasting San Diego’s year-round weather conditions, so it comes as no surprise that nearly every favorite pastime here occurs outdoors. From hiking and biking trails with stellar views to enjoying a beach day in or on the water, with evenings spent sipping rooftop cocktails or dining al fresco while watching a movie—this list of activities has you (un)covered.
Opening in summer 2021, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park will be home to San Diego Symphony’s annual summer concert series overlooking San Diego Bay at this highly anticipated new outdoor venue. Expect a variety of concerts from classical music and jazz to pop and rock. Bring a blanket for those cool ocean breezes, and come hungry to enjoy a gourmet menu of food curated by celebrity chef Richard Blais.
You’ll find Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, hiking trails, fountains, outdoor dining and grassy areas to stretch out within Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre urban park that’s home to 17 museums and cultural institutions. Known as San Diego’s crown jewel, Balboa Park houses the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, plus a garden filled with 1,600 roses and an open-air organ pavilion. Outdoor restaurant Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum of Art is the place to go for light bites, local craft beer and live music.
Seek out some of the best views in San Diego with a hike overlooking the ocean, mountains or desert. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla offers picturesque views from atop sea cliffs that jut out over the Pacific. Mount Woodson Trail near Lake Poway contains a photo-worthy spot known as “Potato Chip Rock.” But it’s the popular Cowles Mountain Trail in La Mesa that leads you to the highest point in San Diego County.
With about 70 miles of coastline from Oceanside to Imperial Beach, San Diego has no shortage of sandy beaches to satisfy surfers, families, sunbathers and dog owners alike. While Coronado is known for its gold-flecked sand surrounding Hotel del Coronado, families flock to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, La Jolla’s Windansea attracts the local surfers, and Del Mar and Ocean Beach both cater to the pooches. For those who dare, there’s even a clothing-optional choice at Black’s Beach in La Jolla.
If you don’t have your own wheels, rent a bicycle from Coronado Ferry Landing and head south along Bayshore Bikeway (part of a larger 24-mile route) until you reach the Silver Strand. This flat, narrow stretch of sand connecting Coronado and Imperial Beach has sweeping ocean views and an easy-to-follow bike path. The Silver Strand is about seven miles each way, but there are plenty of places to stop and rest—or grab some libations—along the way.
One of the best ways to view San Diego’s downtown skyline and cityscape is by renting a boat downtown or from Harbor Island to cruise around San Diego Bay and underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge. Kayakers should head to La Jolla Shores to explore the La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve, home to colorful marine life. Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a way of life in San Diego, particularly around Mission Bay, which is protected from strong water currents.
While there are many places to catch a movie outdoors during summer, The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma includes an outdoor restaurant, an oyster-shaped pool—and a free weekly movie series called Dive-In Theatre. Manchester Grand Hyatt downtown hosts the Rooftop Cinema Club on its fourth-floor rooftop terrace overlooking the embarcadero, with classic movies shown nightly and a full-service concession stand. Operating year-round, Cinema Under The Stars in Mission Hills lets you reserve a recliner or loveseat in advance, and sells basic concessions for only $2.
San Diego’s temperate weather means rooftop drinks are always a good idea. Perched high above the Gaslamp Quarter, The Nolen sits on the 14th floor of Marriott Courtyard Gaslamp, serving creative cocktails and small plates alongside stellar urban views. Nearby in Little Italy, Kettner Exchange has private cabanas on their rooftop lounge, with a live DJ to fuel the party. Beer drinkers should head to Kairoa Brewing Company’s rooftop patio in University Heights for New Zealand-inspired pints and bites in a laid-back atmosphere.
They may not always have a winning season, but the San Diego Padres consistently bring lively fun to downtown’s East Village. From certain vantage points within Petco Park stadium, fans can simultaneously watch the game while also taking in the sunset over nearby San Diego Bay. Although hot dogs and light beer are there for the taking, Petco Park houses numerous gourmet restaurants—many of them local—plus a bevy of craft beer selections.
Stocking up on fresh produce is just one of many reasons to visit a local farmers market. While vendors can change depending on the day and market, visitors can expect specialty foods, arts and crafts, live music and plenty of made-to-order meal options. Home to many small farms, San Diego hosts multiple farmers markets throughout the week, including Little Italy Mercato (Saturdays), Hillcrest Farmers Market (Sundays), Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers Market, Ocean Beach Farmers Market (Wednesdays) and North Park Thursday Market.
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