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San Diego is the perfect destination for solo travelers, offering stunning coastal views, relaxing beaches, scenic walks, oceanfront dining, and unique experiences tailored for those exploring alone. Whether you're looking to unwind by the water, discover hidden coastal gems, or meet like-minded travelers, this guide covers the best things to do, see, and stay along the San Diego coastline.
Where to Stay: Best Oceanfront Hotels for Solo Travelers
Staying by the beach makes solo travel more relaxing and convenient. Here are the top oceanfront stays in San Diego:
1. Tower 23 Hotel – Pacific Beach
Why Stay Here? Tower 23 Hotel is a sleek, modern boutique hotel right on the beach, perfect for watching surfers and enjoying sunset views.
Solo Travel Perks: Beachfront, walkable to restaurants and shops, and an on-site oceanfront bar.
Best Ocean View Rooms: Opt for a Surf Pad Room with a private balcony.
2. La Valencia Hotel – La Jolla
Why Stay Here? La Valencia Hotel is a luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel with sweeping ocean views and a historic charm.
Solo Travel Perks: Walkable to La Jolla Cove, easy access to coastal trails, and a relaxing pool with ocean views.
3. The Inn at Sunset Cliffs – Point Loma
Why Stay Here? The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is a hidden boutique hotel built on the cliffs, offering direct views of the Pacific.
Solo Travel Perks: Quiet and peaceful, with breathtaking sunset spots right outside your door.
Best Things to Do for Solo Travelers on the San Diego Coast
1. Watch the Seals & Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove
Why Go? One of the best solo travel experiences in San Diego, where you can watch wild sea lions sunbathe on the rocks.
Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds.
Pro Tip: Bring a book and relax on the coastal benches—it’s a perfect solo moment!
See our beach review of La Jolla Cove.
2. Walk the Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail
Why Go? A must-do solo walk with unbeatable ocean views, rugged cliffs, and crashing waves.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning, mid-day, or late afternoon for sunset magic.
Solo Perk: A peaceful, reflective walk—perfect for unwinding alone.
See our Guide to Sunset Cliffs.
3. Enjoy a Beach Day at Coronado Beach
Why Go? A pristine, wide beach with soft white sand, great for lounging solo with a book.
Best Spot: Near Hotel del Coronado for action, or more towards North Beach for a more tranquil experience.
See our beach review of Coronado Beach for more information.
4. Take a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Lesson in Mission Bay
Why Go? A great solo-friendly activity that’s easy to learn and provides stunning coastal scenery.
Best Rental Spot: Mission Bay Aquatic Center or SUP California in Pacific Beach.
Check out our Mission Bay Guide for more on visiting Mission Bay.
5. Visit Cabrillo National Monument & Bayside Trail
Why Go? This coastal national park offers panoramic ocean views, historical sites, and tide pools.
Solo Travel Perks: A peaceful place for solo reflection and stunning photography opportunities.
See our Guide to Cabrillo National Monument.
Best Coastal Cafés & Restaurants for Solo Travelers
Dining solo in San Diego? These oceanfront spots are great for people-watching, relaxing with a book, or chatting with locals at the bar.
1. Brockton Villa – La Jolla
Why Go? A cozy ocean view café famous for its “Coast Toast” (soufflé-style French toast).
Solo-Friendly Tip: Grab an outdoor table for a peaceful breakfast with ocean views.
2. George’s at the Cove – La Jolla
Why Go? A stunning rooftop restaurant overlooking the Pacific, perfect for a relaxed solo lunch or dinner.
Best Dish: Fish tacos + a cocktail at sunset.
3. Cannonball – Mission Beach
Why Go? San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop sushi restaurant, with firepits and panoramic views.
Solo-Friendly Tip: Sit at the sushi bar and chat with the chefs.
4. Poseidon Restaurant – Del Mar
Why Go? A laid-back beachfront restaurant.
Best Solo Experience: Grab a drink and watch the waves roll in.
5. The Marine Room – La Jolla
Why Go? An upscale, iconic restaurant where waves crash against the windows during high tide.
Solo-Friendly Tip: Go for a solo sunset happy hour at the bar.
Best Solo-Friendly Coastal Activities & Tours
1. Go on a Kayak Tour in La Jolla
Why Go? Explore sea caves, marine life, and hidden coves with a guided kayak tour.
Best Tour: Kayak and sea cave tours for two and single tours
2. Take a Sunset Cruise from San Diego Bay
Why Go? A relaxing way to enjoy San Diego’s coastal beauty from the water.
Best Tour: San Diego Bay Sunset Sailing Tour
3. Browse the Oceanfront Farmer’s Market in Little Italy
Why Go? A fun, walkable experience with local food, art, and ocean views.
Best Day to Visit: Saturday mornings.
Solo Traveler Safety Tips on the San Diego Coast
Stay in well-lit, walkable areas like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Coronado.
Use rideshares or rental bikes for easy solo transportation.
Join a local tour (kayak, cruise, or walking tour) to meet fellow travelers.
Avoid secluded beach areas at night—stick to lively coastal spots.
Final Thoughts: Why Solo Travel on the San Diego Coast is Amazing
Solo travel on the San Diego coastline offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning views. Whether you want to walk along breathtaking cliffs, dine by the ocean, or paddle through La Jolla’s sea caves, the coastal beauty of San Diego makes traveling alone feel like pure freedom.
Are you planning a solo trip to San Diego? Let us know what you’re most excited to do!
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