City in California, United States
San Diego for solo travelers
Is San Diego good for solo travel?
Mild weather year-round, beaches, surf, tacos and craft beer in a laid-back coastal city. Easy for solo trips; rent and hotels are pricey, and the city is spread out and car-friendly.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women with normal care. Use rideshare late, avoid empty beaches and trails after dark, and watch drinks in bars. |
How to meet people in San Diego
Surf lessons in Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach, hostels in the Gaslamp and Pacific Beach, run clubs, brewery events in North Park, and beach volleyball.
Good things to do alone
- Take a beginner surf lesson in Pacific Beach
- Snorkel at La Jolla Cove with sea lions
- Eat fish tacos in Ocean Beach
- Walk Balboa Park and its museums
- Day trip to Tijuana for food and markets
Where to stay in San Diego
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter | First-timers: Trolley hub, nightlife and walkable sights |
| Pacific Beach | Surf, bars and a young, social beach scene |
| La Jolla | Upscale cove beaches, sea lions and snorkelling |
| North Park / South Park | Breweries, cafés and independent shops |
| Ocean Beach | Laid-back surf town with cheap food and bars |
Solo travel across United States
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Nashville | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Austin | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Las Vegas | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Los Angeles | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Miami | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Francisco | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Honolulu | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Washington, D.C. | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Chicago | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Boston | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| New Orleans | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Diego | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Seattle | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Miami Beach | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Key West | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Denver | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Philadelphia | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Portland | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Atlanta | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Charleston | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Savannah | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Fort Lauderdale | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Kauai | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Big Island | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Sedona | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Orlando | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Maui | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Antonio | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Scottsdale | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
Quick answers
Is San Diego good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Mild weather year-round, beaches, surf, tacos and craft beer in a laid-back coastal city.
How do you meet people in San Diego?
Surf lessons in Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach, hostels in the Gaslamp and Pacific Beach, run clubs, brewery events in North Park, and beach volleyball. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in San Diego?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is San Diego safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women with normal care. Use rideshare late, avoid empty beaches and trails after dark, and watch drinks in bars.
More about San Diego
Going to San Diego solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in San Diego meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)
- San Diego International Airport
- San Diego Tourism Authority
- City of San Diego Public Utilities (water)
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.