It can sometimes seem difficult to think of fun ways to meet people, catch up with friends, or go on a date without visiting a local bar. Fortunately for San Diegans, there are tons of great ways to socialize without drinking alcohol or hanging out in one of the city’s countless watering holes. So whether you’re looking for interesting ideas to switch up your routine, want to try out some new activities, or you’re simply bored of the bar scene, then fear not – we’ve got you covered.
To get you started on your quest for new social opportunities, we’ve put together a list of some of the best ways to socialize in San Diego. Hopefully, this will inspire you to expand your horizons and appreciate San Diego without having to go to the breweries.
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Join an adult sports league with Volo Sports
Looking to spike your social life without raising a glass? Volo Sports in San Diego serves up a winning solution. With a lineup that includes beach volleyball, flag football, pickleball, and a roster of other sports, there’s no shortage of ways to dive into the local community.
Perfect for adults seeking fun, fitness, and friendship, Volo Sports offers the ultimate playground to connect with fellow San Diegans. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, their leagues provide a spirited and welcoming environment. So, lace up your sneakers and prepare to serve, swing, and score your way to new connections – no bar tab required.
Join A Yoga Class and Meet Zen Friends
A fantastic way to meet new people, keep fit, and improve your flexibility, is to join a local yoga studio. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced yoga practitioner or you don’t know a Cobra pose from a Bow pose, you’ll be welcomed into a warm and friendly community with wide open arms. As well as being able to get in better shape, you’ll also be able to go for a cup of tea or a bite to eat with fellow members of the class after the session is finished.
If you’d just like to dip your toes into the world of yoga then you can attend a no-pressure free outdoor session in one of the city parks. Alternatively, you can join a paid class in a yoga studio to get more involved with the community. Some of the top yoga centers in San Diego include Modo Yoga and the Sojourn Healing Collective, but if you have a quick search online then you’ll be able to find a yoga class in your neighborhood.
Learn Brazilian Ju Jitsu
San Diego isn’t just a hotspot for surf and sun; it’s also a thriving hub for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). With an abundance of BJJ gyms scattered across the city, you’re never far from discovering the art of grappling and ground fighting. But BJJ classes offer more than just self-defense skills; they’re a breeding ground for friendships.
Whether you’re male or female, stepping onto the mat could be where you choke or arm bar your next best friend. The supportive and inclusive environment found in these gyms fosters deep connections, as you and your fellow practitioners tackle challenges, celebrate progress, and share in the unique journey that is learning BJJ. It’s more than a workout; it’s a community waiting to welcome you with open arms.
Feed Your Imagination by Joining a Book Club
Joining a San Diegan book club is an ideal way to socialize for anyone who is a bit of an introvert and loves nothing more than to curl up and read a good book. As a member of a book club, you’ll get to immerse yourself in a whole range of books and meet up with fellow bookworms in a cozy setting to discuss your thoughts on what you’ve read. This is also an exciting way to bring the characters and narratives of the books to life as you hear other people’s perspectives on what you’ve all been reading.
Some of the most popular book clubs in San Diego include the Balboa Book Discussion Group which meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, and the Benjamin Short Classics Book Club, which meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Of course, there are lots of other local book clubs that you can join, or, if you’re feeling motivated, you could even start your own. You can check out a complete list of San Diego book clubs on the official City of San Diego website, here.
Boogey Your Way into a New Social Universe with Dance Classes
Fancy getting in great shape while learning unique skills and techniques you can impress your friends with? Well, then a dance class might be just what you’re looking for to socialize, meet new people and get fit in a vibrant community atmosphere. There’s a massive range of dance classes available in San Diego, from classical dance to Tango and modern, upbeat funky groove!
And it doesn’t matter if you’re a total beginner, so don’t be put off because you’ll be welcomed by the dance class to embark on your journey to dance floor excellence. As well as learning to dance and stay fit, you’ll thrive in the camaraderie of the class, meet lots of fun-loving people and spread your social wings in a brand-new community. Among the many dance classes in San Diego that you can explore, Majesty in Motion specializes in Salsa and Bachata while Studio K has a more contemporary selection of dance classes on offer.
Help the Community and Socialize by Volunteering
Volunteering is a profoundly fulfilling way to socialize in San Diego while making a positive difference in your locality. There are numerous ways to volunteer which means you can choose something that utilizes your specific skill set and supports a cause that you genuinely care about. As a volunteer, you’ll quickly meet lots of people who share your passion to make the world a better place and there will be lots of opportunities for getting to know each other as you go about your work together.
For example, you could help clean up San Diego’s beaches with the Surfrider Foundation, mentor young people with Big Brothers Big Sisters, or help people in need of food assistance with the San Diego Food Bank. Other opportunities include supporting the welfare of needy animals at the Helen Woodward Animal Center and restoring the environment with the San Diego River Park Foundation. There are also plenty of other ways that you can volunteer in San Diego. So ask around or do an online search to find something that truly inspires you, and then start connecting with a new group of people while making a positive difference in your community.
Get Beach Body Fit and Meet Active People at a Local Gym
Gyms are excellent places to socialize as you get yourself in tip-top physical condition. During your workout, you can concentrate on achieving your own goals but afterward, you can relax in the cafe and meet other fitness enthusiasts that you might get along with.
Even so, it’s not always easy to meet people at the gym if you’re working out on your own. But you can overcome this hurdle by joining in with the group activities on offer at the gym. For instance, many gyms host workout challenges, spin sessions, martial arts, boxing, pilates, and yoga.
So if you want to make the most of your time at the gym, in terms of socializing, it’s recommended that you include a few group activities in your workout routine. You can quickly find your nearest gym online and check out their website to see what types of activities they offer to make sure there’s something that piques your interest.
Meetup – The Ultimate One-Stop App to Find Opportunities to Socialize in San Diego
The hugely popular Meetup app is one of the easiest ways to join a wide range of exciting local groups and clubs. Meetup has an inspiring array of groups on offer, including networking groups, Tech clubs, photography groups, breakfast clubs, museum events, hiking groups, language exchanges, book clubs, culinary events, and a plethora of other unique groups!
You can narrow down your search on the app by using filters for location and the type of activity or group you want to join. This makes the app extremely convenient to use, although alternatively, you can simply scroll through the pages to see what jumps out at you! So if you’re stuck for ideas about how to socialize in San Diego without visiting the bars, then dive into the wealth of possibilities that are advertised for free on the San Diego Meetup app.
