Normally, we’d remind you about San Diego’s practically perfect weather, the miles and miles of spectacular shoreline and world-class beaches, the best breweries, the best tacos, the fact that it’s just an hour’s drive (and a passport) away from a friendly neighboring country with its own amazing places to visit.
But these are different times. The coronavirus pandemic has temporarily shut down a ton of small businesses and put a lot of our favorite activities on pause. However, nearly all beaches, parks and trails are back open for certain activities, and restaurants have quickly pivoted to patio dining and takeout. Of course, be safe, wear a mask, and maintain social distance while you enjoy both virtual and in-person activities throughout America’s Finest City. Here’s our guide to the coolest indoor and outdoor things you can still eat, see, and do in San Diego.
Unleash your inner lumberjack
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North Park, Oceanside
If your fourth Zoom meeting of the day has you ready to throw an axe at the wall, we’ve got the place for you. Let go of your frustrations at AxeVentures in North Park and Oceanside—just book a spot online or walk in, learn the ropes from one of the coaches, and spend the next hour or so perfecting your technique. Get your glow on at Dark Light Nights on Thursdays after 6 pm at the North Park location. Safety note: Closed toe shoes are required.
Sip and chomp an over-the-top Bloody Mary
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La Mesa, Little Italy, Bay Park
In the ever-escalating competition to stuff as many embellishments into your glass as humanly possible, The Farmers Table reigns supreme with their outrageous Barn Yard Bloody Mary. It’s made for four or more and contains a full pitcher of spicy, boozy goodness plus skewers of bacon-wrapped shrimp, Mexican-style street corn, mozzarella stuffed mushroom, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, short rib, andouille sausage, various grilled and pickled vegetables, bleu cheese stuffed olives, bbq sauced bacon and, just for good measure, a whole roasted chicken. For the less ravenous, there are normal sized bloodies too, including the popular Tijuana Maria with a bacon-wrapped hot dog, Mexican-style street corn, and pickled veggies.
Go to an old fashioned drive-in movie…
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Nestor
Fully digital and presenting the brightest picture quality available on three 100-foot screens, you can see a current double-feature every day, year round at South Bay Drive-in Theatre. A bargain at $10 for adults and just $1 for kids five to nine years of age—they even have email coupons for food discounts at the snack bar (just be sure to have masks on and socially distance when you aren’t inside your car). Credit and debit cards are accepted for tickets, but the snack bar is cash only.
Or…see a flick on a rooftop deck
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Mission Hills
Movie night returns to rooftop theatre Cinema Under the Stars, with classic movies every Friday through Sunday. Relax in safely distant single or double zero gravity recliners, loveseat cabanas, or deck chairs while you watch a 20-foot screen with HD projection and surround sound. A retractable, weatherproof roof and infrared heaters keep things cozy during those cool evenings. Reserve your seats online or get them in person at the box office. Note: Your credit card only reserves your seat online. Cash or checks are accepted at the door as payment. Masks must be worn at all times in the theatre, unless you’re in your seat.
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No matter where your adventure takes you, bring along the refreshment to match. Pacifico’s Citrus Agave Lager is inspired by Baja culture and brewed with a hint of agave, sea salt, and lime flavor for a slightly tart taste and a crisp finish. It’s the perfect companion for a spring full of exploration.
Taste The Yodel at Juniper and Ivy
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Little Italy
Far and away the most popular dessert item on Juniper and Ivy’s menu, The Yodel is a sexy, decadent cylinder of dark chocolate filled with chocolate pudding, hazelnut brittle, chocolate pearls, and chocolate cake atop coffee crumbles and strawberries. Warm milk chocolate ganache is dramatically poured over, melting the shell so that the treasures hidden inside tumble out. As beloved as the chocolate version is, Executive Chef Anthony Wells has boldly introduced exhilarating seasonal tweaks. His latest edition combines marshmallow cream, house-made graham cracker crumble, and a pour of warm smoked chocolate ganache.
Take the ferry to Coronado…
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Coronado
Board the Coronado Ferry at either the Broadway Pier or the Convention Center for a quick, 15-minute ride across San Diego Bay to Coronado Ferry Landing, where shopping, dining, and activities ranging from biking to stand-up paddleboarding can be found within walking distance. Fares are a mere $5 one-way, and you can bring your bicycle for free. Masks are required to board the ferry, and tickets can be bought at the ticket booth or online for a contact-free purchase.
Bike the Silver Strand
Free-$$
Coronado
Beginning at Coronado Ferry Landing, the Silver Strand Bikeway is an 18-mile flat, paved loop that takes you along the sandy tombolo all the way to Imperial Beach. Perfect for riders of all levels, you’ll be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge on the other. Don’t miss a stop at Silver Strand Beach for a quick swim or a walk along the sand. Bike rentals are available at the ferry landing if you haven’t brought your own.
Eat a Cali burrito at Mike’s Taco Club
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Ocean Beach
We take our Cali burritos, that splendid combination of carne asada, French fries, guac, salsa and sour cream, all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla, quite seriously here in San Diego. OB favorite Mike’s Taco Club serves up regular, surf-and-turf and breakfast Calis daily for takeout (the taco spot is steps from the beach) or sit on their dog-friendly patio.
Pay a virtual visit the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas
Free-$
Encinitas
Paramahansa Yogananda was the founder of modern yoga and the first major teacher of the practice to spend most of his life in the West. At his old digs just north of Swami’s beach there’s a meditation garden with ocean vistas, a temple, a retreat center and the hermitage where he wrote his critically and commercially successful Autobiography of a Yogi. The fellowship is currently closed to the public, but you can visit their Online Meditation Center for a full calendar of meditations and study groups.
Swim with sharks
Free-$
La Jolla
Scores of leopard sharks swarm to the shallow waters of La Jolla Shores Beach throughout the year, drawing snorkelers from all over the world to swim with them. Typically hanging out in under ten feet of water near The Marine Room Restaurant and off the La Jolla Tennis Club, groups of sharks can range in number from a few to hundreds. Although leopard sharks can reach five feet in length, there’s no need to be intimidated—they have tiny mouths and don’t attack humans. If you don’t have snorkeling equipment of your own, there are several shops within easy walking distance where you can rent them, and this time of year, consider adding a wetsuit to the deal.
Take a yoga class at Riffs Studios
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Bird Rock
Riffs’ Bird Rock studio’s dreamy heated patio is open for classes, and you can still perfect your King Pigeon pose with their online classes. Their video library features 68 classes of varying lengths, ranging from peaceful restorative to vigorous vinyasa that can be either rented or purchased by the class or monthly membership.
Tour Balboa Park, virtually
Free
Online
San Diego Zoo, The Old Globe Theatre, and the museums of Balboa Park are closed to the public for now, but you’ll still be able to tour most of the park with the launch of Balboa Park TV. Wander the galleries at the San Diego Museum of Art by downloading its #Virtual SDMA app for 360-degree views. Listen to behind-the-scenes stories about the artists and styles via video, custom audio tours and augmented reality. Access the podcast Masterpiece Minute, attend virtual lectures and explore the collection’s most inspired pieces on their YouTube channel.
Explore a new cuisine
Various locations
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Tacos in all their glorious diversity rule the food scene here with good reason, but it’s nice to try some flavors outside your culinary comfort zone once in a while. Explore the complex, spicy flavors and wide, hand-ripped noodles of the Shaanxi Province at Shan Xi Magic Kitchen, savor Bistro Du Marché’s classic French cuisine like cassoulet and crepes Suzette, or slurp up comfort in a bowl with Mignon Pho + Seafood’s slow-cooked broth, filled with your choice of meat, and garnished with onion, cilantro, bean sprouts, and fragrant herbs.
Surf at Black’s Beach
Free
La Jolla
Most San Diego beaches are open, and if you live near La Jolla Shores, you have access to one of the best surf breaks in the city, beginning with its thrilling hike down to the beach. Of course, the other thing Black’s Beach is famous for it being a gay nude beach, and if you’re so inclined, feel free to bare it all. Just remember, the beaches are only open for walking, running, surfing, or sunbathing alone or with household members, no partying or gathering in groups or for sports. Check out all the latest guidelines as well as other beaches and parks that are close to home.
…or hit up one of San Diego’s other great beaches
Free
Various locations
Whether you’re surfing, swimming, or simply enjoying the view, San Diego has plenty of waterfront stretches to satisfy your inner sun worshipper. Windansea Beach’s rocks and cliffs, Coronado Beach and the historic hotel that dominates its landscape for miles and miles, or other oceanside escapes are there to entice you for a walk or a paddleboard out into the waves. We’ve got the best of them right here for you, but keep in mind that parking lots are still closed at some city parks and beaches, so double-check before you head out or stick to one within walking distance or a bike ride from home.
Support our local farms
Free-$$
Various locations
Many of San Diego’s farmers markets have reopened, selling essential grocery products under strict new guidelines—pets aren’t permitted (that’s actually always been the case, but now it’ll be enforced), one or two family members are allowed to enter the market, and the farmer will bag the goods you point out. A number of local farmers are selling direct-to-consumer from their farms as well—pick up meat, poultry, produce, eggs, honey, CSA boxes, and more. The how-tos vary from market to market, so check with your local market manager for details, such as pre-ordering and cashless options.
Have a fish taco at Mitch’s Seafood
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Fleetridge
Fish tacos are a rite of passage in San Diego, and Mitch’s Seafood is the place to have two or six, what with its extensive menu and water’s edge location. Call ahead and order or walk in—you can sit at the outdoor dining area on the dock, or walk along the harbor and enjoy the view while you savor your meal.
Visit Tuna Harbor Dockside Market on Saturdays
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Marina
Tuna Harbor Dockside Market has added an online store to their website, which allows you to pre-order fresh-spot prawn, ahi tuna, sea urchin, rock crab, and more every week from 5 pm Thursday until 7pm Friday, ready for curbside pickup on Saturday from 10:30 am–1:30 pm at the end of the Tuna Harbor parking lot. The open air dockside market is still open from 8am–3pm Saturdays as well, with additional seafood not necessarily available in the online store.
Tour the U.S.S. Midway
Free
Embarcadero
Attracting more than 1.4 million visitors each year, with almost 30% coming from outside the United States, the U.S.S. Midway is not only one of San Diego’s most popular attractions, but it’s also the most visited historic naval ship museum in the world. Tickets for a tour must be made online.
Try one of the best restaurants in San Diego
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Various locations
Has nearly a year of sheltering in place got you in a fast food rut? Now’s the time to hit up some of the best eateries in town—more and more are offering at least limited menus for patio dining, when available, as well as curbside pickup, takeout, or delivery. Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back and Executive Chef James Jung bring modern Japanese cuisine to the Gaslamp Quarter with shared plates and top tier Japanese whisky at Lumi; Tahona will introduce you to sexy, smoky mezcal, mole flights, and churro s’mores; and Morning Glory serves up souffle pancakes and boozy Vietnamese coffee to wake you up right. Check out other pickup, takeout, and delivery choices ranging from brunch to global eats.
Check out a dispensary
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Cannabis dispensaries have been deemed an essential service, so you can still easily and legally toke up in the privacy of your home. Choosing between flowers, edibles, concentrates, vapes, and tinctures can be confusing, so we’ve gathered a list of our favorite dispensaries, updated with the latest COVD-19 protocols, where you can get expert advice on the best delivery system for you. If you’re a cannabis newbie, take some time to acquaint yourself with all the whys and how-tos.
Have a Dirty Flat Top at The Friendly
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University Heights, North Park
It may not be pretty, but it’s damn near the best burger you’ll ever have. The Friendly’s Dirty Flat Top burger starts with a plain, prefab white bun, buttered and toasted golden brown, two thin patties, smashed and caramelized on the grill, topped with a melted slice of American cheese, garlic aioli, and softly sauteed onions. You can get gussied up versions at the North Park location or a side slice of pizza at University Heights, but whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup. Check Instagram for its popular and random specials. Available for pickup only.