In this article, let’s explore a few ways to meet people in San Diego, California and make new friends. There are many places to go if you want to discover new things, talk to new people, and make some new connections and network.
If you have recently relocated to San Diego and missing your friends back home, just chill! San Diego is a fantastic city to meet and make droves of new friends. Located along the Pacific Coast with plenty of sunshine its residents are equally of a sunny disposition. Happy go lucky and breezy are the best terms to describe San Diegans, the epithet to describe locals.
Places Where To Meet People In San Diego and Make New Friends
1. Make friends in San Diego thanks to meetup groups
Meetup is great for meeting people in San Diego because people who attend meetups are also interested in making new friends. The downside however is that it can be a little random if the group is not about something you’re interested in. If you want to meet people in San Diego or anywhere, then please remember to do with the best you can find in the city. Don’t be picky to a point where you don’t ever go to events because none of them are “perfect.”
Find additional networking sites here: https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/ca/san_diego/
2. Become a beach bum and make new friends
With Spring around the corner this is the perfect time to head out to the magnificent beaches of the city. San Diego is home to some of the finest beaches and these are perfect places to bump into new folks and strike up friendships. A good option would be La Jolla Cove, a gem of beach snugly located between sandstone cliffs. Its blue-green waters make it perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling amidst the teeming marine life in the bay.
Part of the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve it attracts plenty of visitors, even more reason to visit and make new friends. Another guide on things to do and ways to meet people in San Diego / La Jolla is here.
3. Hone your cocktail making skills
What better way to impress your social circle and even make new friends than to polish your cocktail making skills. The You & Yours Distilling Company offers visitors the perfect opportunity to learn mixing drinks like a pro. These are group sessions with an introduction about cocktail basics and learning the art of making a perfect drink. Plus you get to sample a few cocktails and chat with group members about the finer nuances of cocktail making.
To check out their upcoming events, go here.
4. Enjoy the cultural gems of San Diego
It is always easier to have conversation with people who share similar interests. If they share the same hobby or passion as you, it will provide common ground to have some very interesting conversations. And if you meet people in San Diego, who can discuss interesting topics in detail, then you’re probably going to end up making some interesting new friends.
The best way to do this is to visit the many museums and art galleries in San Diego. Just bear in mind not to take the lead in a conversation and let it flow naturally. A great place to meet up with people with a common interest in culture is the San Diego Museum of Man. Also, be sure to check out events at this great museum, as they are a great opportunity to meet curious locals, in San Diego.
5. Take membership of a sports club
If you are a sports buff then the best place to meet with other sports lovers is to become a member of a sports club. San Diegans are avid sports enthusiasts and a sports club would be a great way to socialise and bond over a sport. There are plenty of clubs ranging from baseball to water sports, so whatever your preference take a pick and join up. Playing a sport will provide both physical activity and help to connect to new people.
6. Explore the outdoors
The great thing about San Diego is that it offers plenty of outdoor areas to explore at leisure. These are popular with nature lovers so you will always get a chance to meet locals and visitors on a trip. One of the best parks in San Diego is Balboa Park spread over an impressive 1,200 acres. It houses gardens, green belts, walking paths, nature trails and several other attractions. With numerous recreational facilities you always have something to do and mix with visitors to the park.
From taking group hikes to sharing environmental concerns there are many ways to break the ice. It sure is a great way to make friends in San Diego thanks to the amazing outdoors.
7. Visit the many street markets
Street Markets always attract visitors and are great places to make new friends. From chatting with vendors to discussing items for sale with other shoppers, there always is a chance to connect with new people. While some of the street markets open on the weekends or on particular days of the week, some open on weekdays. Drop in to shop, strike bargains and get acquainted with other residents of your city.
In addition to being really fun, street markets are great for meeting people with diverse personalities. Make sure you bring your best self and be a little lighthearted. There are many facets to who you are and you should strive to develop your personality.
8. Spend some time with your pooch at a dog park
If you are a pet owner then spending time out with your pet in a dog park would be an excellent outdoor activity. Dogs are social animals and spending time with other furry friends would do them a world of good. Plus you will get an opportunity to meet other dog lovers and exchange information about your pets. Dogs have a special way about bringing people together and it would help you to connect with other pet owners, with a shared passion.
9. Consider a Fitness Social Group
If you’re a fitness lover, or you’d like to work out or go for a run but not alone, then consider joining a San Diego social group that’s about fitness. This could be a great way to meet new motivated friends.
When joining a social group of this sort, be sure to make conversation about a variety of subjects. Don’t get stuck talking about fitness or working out only. Venture into other subjects to get to know the people better. This will create a more solid base for creating friendships. They need to see you as a potential friend instead of just a “workout friend” they meet only to work out together.
Consider November Project’s San Diego Social Group.
Meet New People And Make Friends In San Diego AND Anywhere Else
These places to meet new people can help you get started meeting new people. However, I’m sure you want to maximize your chances of building new friendships (and not just meet people once and never see them again).
In order to do that, I suggest that you invest some time improving your social and friendship skills. I’ve researched every technique under the sun on making friends, having great conversations, joining and building groups of friends, and overcoming shyness and hesitation. I’d like to share that research and years of trial and error with you.
You can check it out here: My Making Friends Methodology.
Best of luck,
– Paul Sanders