So there won’t be any concerts or pub crawls in my near future, and that’s ok. I think I’ve come up with a pretty great list of safe options for things to see and do in San Diego for summertime. Here are a few things I’m itching to do when that warmer weather hits!

Kayak Mission Bay

Admittedly, I’ve already done this. However, it’s the perfect summer day activity so I need to do it again. There’s nothing like hopping in a kayak and paddling through the bay. You’ll spot sea lions, soak up the sun, and people watch from afar in one of the best tourist destinations. Stop over on one of the beaches for a picnic or a sunbathing break if you plan on kayaking for most of the day.

Here’s the kayak rental spot I used: Aqua Adventures 

Museum hop at Balboa Park

I’m still not quite sure if this one will be more of a summer 2021 or summer 2022 situation, but museums have been closed all year and I am ready to return! Hopefully by this summer we’re looking at a more widely vaccinated population, and a safer return to this recreational activity. I miss spending hours getting lost in a maze of art and design or discovering a great gemstone display at the museum of natural history.

Here’s a list of all the museums to visit at Balboa Park!

La Jolla Cove beach day

All summer long will feature lots of beach days of course, but La Jolla cove has tons of tide pools to explore, sea lions to spot, and a secret cave accessible through a gift shop (I found this out on Tik Tok believe it or not)! This place has been on my list of to-dos for several months and a hot summer day will be the perfect time to check it off.

Book a reservation for the Cave Store here.

Picnic at Sunset Cliffs

This is the spot for micro weddings, engagement photo shoots, and surprise proposals. Van-lifers park alongside the stretch of road and watch the sunset from their portable homes. Surfers relax up here after spending the day chasing the best waves and Point Loma locals roll their eyes at it all but join the crowds just the same. After catching the stunning views of sweeping sea crashing against the cliffs, you’ll get it. Bring a camera, a sandwich, and a bottle of something delicious.

Dinner in Little Italy

I still haven’t crossed this off my bucket list yet due to miss Rona, but this summer I’m looking forward to some al fresco dining in Little Italy. Longer days mean romantic date nights strolling through the Piazza della Famiglia and sharing a plate of baked ziti or chicken parm over a red gingham table cloth and candlelight.

Here’s a few restaurants I’ve been dying to try!

Hang out in Old Town

You could drive just 20 minutes to the border, or hang out here in Old Town instead. I love bringing my little nephews here to learn a little about the city’s history as well as enjoy the sprawling park, cute shops and yummy treats. The vegan chocolate shop, Nibble, is one of my absolute favorites. Stroll along the cobblestone path beneath the papel picado and catch a folklorico dance performance on a late afternoon.

Get drinks at the Del

I am ready to have a reason to put on a cute dress and the Hotel Del Coronado is the perfect excuse. I don’t need to have a 5 course meal here, but I would love to have an appetizer and a bougie cocktail overlooking the ocean at this historic establishment that once housed Hollywood stars like Rita Hayworth, Mae West and Marilyn Monroe.

Book a reservation here!

Hike Torrey Pines

There’s actually a whole host of hikes on my San Diego bucket list (potato chip rock, Cuymaca peak, Ho Chi Minh Trail, etc). Torrey Pines is one of the most picturesque places in the world, and let’s be honest, a hike with an ocean view is the best kind. I want to watch the paragliders sail out across the sky and dip my toes in the sand after a rewarding climb.

Ride the Surfliner

Even if we just take it up to Oceanside for the day, the Amtrak Surfliner is a fabulous way to get around. This railway runs from San Diego up through LA’s Union Station and into San Luis Obispo. I can’t wait to explore the coast line without being saddled with the responsibility of a car.

Have a photo shoot at Scripp’s Pier

I realize this popular photo shoot spot won’t exactly be empty, especially if we decide to go at sunset, but I still gotta try it! Maybe a week day would work best for this one, but either way, cute pics for the gram and another beach day is a win/win.

Grab a pint at Liberty Station

These old army barracks are the first place we bring out of towners to get a vibe of the city. Gorgeous sprawling lawns, beer gardens, art studios and adorable shops, as well as views of the water and downtown, make this the perfect slice of San Diego.

Map out your itinerary here.

I know my list is by no means all inclusive- there are a ton of things to see and do here, so if I missed an especially good spot, drop it in the comments! What are you adding to your summer bucket list?