Making friends as an adult can be challenging, especially if you’re new to town. Whether you’ve recently relocated or simply want to expand your social circle, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. From local events and meetups to dog-friendly spaces, here’s your ultimate guide to growing your social skills and making friends in San Diego.

Join Meetup Groups for Shared Interests

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One of the best ways to meet people in San Diego is through Meetup.com, where you can build social connections with groups based on your interests. Here are some options to explore:

Social Activities! – This Meetup group is ideal for those who enjoy a variety of outdoor and social activities, from kayaking, hiking, and camping to cooking events and poker nights. Perfect for newcomers or locals seeking adventure, Social Activities! connects you with fun, adventurous people who love making new friends and exploring the city together.

San Diego Hiking Group – If you’re looking to connect with outdoor enthusiasts, this group is a great choice. They organize hikes across San Diego County’s scenic trails, providing a relaxed way to enjoy nature and meet other people who share a passion for the outdoors

San Diego Boardgames Group – For those who prefer indoor fun, this group hosts regular board game nights at various venues around the city. It’s a casual and interactive way to meet new friends over games, from strategy classics to party games, with events that welcome everyone from beginners to seasoned gamers.

San Diego Surfers Meetup – Join other surf lovers at Ocean Beach, where every wave is a chance to connect with a new friend and build lasting friendships across all age groups, perfect for honing both surf skills and social skills.

These events are casual, social, and easy ways to meet people with similar interests in a welcoming setting.

Attend Local Networking Events, Trivia Nights, and Happy Hours

Duck Foot Brewing Company

San Diego’s social scene offers plenty of networking events and regular happy hours where people gather to socialize. Bars in neighborhoods all across San Diego host trivia nights, music shows and comedy shows, and mixers, ideal for meeting people in a lively environment. Popular spots include:

Duck Foot Brewing Co.: Trivia nights are hosted weekly on Wednesdays in Miramar and Thursdays in Leucadia, with gluten-reduced craft beer options and food trucks. They also have live music and comedy nights!

Black Plague Brewing: Heavy metal-themed trivia happens Tuesdays in North Park and Thursdays in Oceanside and Escondido.

Kilowatt Brewing: Trivia Tuesdays at the Oceanside taproom, with a variety of 25 taps to try.

Networking events are another great option if you’re looking to connect professionally or with people who share your interests. Look out for mixers, especially in creative industries, to meet San Diegans in a more relaxed setting.

Take Group Fitness Classes or Join a Sports League

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For those who enjoy staying active, joining a group fitness class or a sports league is a great way to make new friends. Many studios offer group classes that foster community:

• F45 Training and Barry’s Bootcamp: Both offer high-energy group fitness settings where people encourage each other, making it easy to build camaraderie.
• Volo Sports: This group offers sports leagues for adults in sports like pickleball, soccer, kickball, and volleyball, combining fitness with a social atmosphere.
• Yoga in Balboa Park: A fun way for yoga students and newcomers in the city to meet new people and potentially make a good friend while enjoying peaceful outdoor yoga sessions.
• Beach Volleyball Leagues at South Mission Beach: Join a league for a fun way to meet new people, create connections, and make everlasting friendships while improving your volleyball skills.

Group fitness and sports leagues not only promote health but also create lasting friendships with people who share similar fitness goals.

Explore Volunteer Opportunities Around the City

Surfrider Foundation San Diego

If you’re interested in giving back while connecting with others, San Diego has plenty of volunteer options:

• San Diego Food Bank: Spend a day helping pack and distribute food for those in need, where you’ll meet other community-minded individuals.
• Surfrider Foundation’s Beach Cleanups: Help protect the environment with regular beach cleanup events—ideal for meeting fellow eco-conscious individuals.
• The San Diego Humane Society: Perfect for animal lovers, this organization welcomes volunteers for various roles, from adoption events to animal care.
• San Diego Zoo Volunteer Programs: A rewarding way for new residents to meet people and make good friends while helping care for animals in a renowned zoo setting.
• San Diego Bay Cleanup Days: Join others in this fun way to meet new people and make a good friend while working together to keep the San Diego Bay clean.
• Balboa Park Gardening Volunteers: Connect with new people and build friendships while helping to beautify Balboa Park’s gardens, a perfect activity for students and newcomers to the city.

Volunteering is not only rewarding but offers the chance to bond over shared values and a commitment to helping others.

Attend Festivals and Community Events

Little Italy Farmer’s Market

San Diego hosts many festivals and community events throughout the year, offering relaxed atmospheres perfect for meeting people. Some local favorites include:

• CRSSD Festival: An electronic music festival held at Waterfront Park where you can dance and meet others who enjoy music.
• San Diego County Fair: Held every summer, this fair draws crowds for its live entertainment, food stalls, and carnival games.
• Little Italy Farmers’ Market: Every weekend, locals gather to enjoy fresh produce, live music, and street food—an easy place to spark a conversation.
• Belmont Park’s Beachside Fall Fest: Celebrate the season with games, food, and festive activities in a lively beachside setting.
• La Jolla’s Art & Wine Festival: Enjoy art and wine in this scenic festival by the ocean, perfect for connecting with the city’s creative side. If you are a wine lover, consider joining us on a Little Italy wine tasting tour.

These events bring together locals and visitors alike, making it easy to meet new people in a festive setting.

Take a So Diego Food Tour to Connect with Fellow Explorers

Exploring San Diego on a food tour is a great way to meet others who are new to the city or eager to explore the tastes and tales of San Diego. At So Diego, we combine sightseeing with culinary experiences, allowing you to connect with fellow foodies while discovering the best local spots. Whether tasting tacos in Old Town or hopping on a Gaslamp Quarter food tour, these San Diego food tours foster a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Meet People at Dog Parks or Pet-Friendly Cafes

Dog Society

If you have a pet, San Diego’s many dog parks and pet-friendly cafes are ideal for meeting other animal lovers. Popular spots include:

• Fiesta Island Dog Park: A beach where dogs roam freely, offering a natural setting for meeting other dog owners.
• Dog Society: A pet-friendly hangout offering beers and bar bites, along with games for humans and dogs alike!
• Coronado Dog Beach: Known for its scenic views and welcoming vibe, this beach is a favorite among dog owners looking to socialize.

Pet-friendly spaces are great for meeting people who share a love for animals, making introductions easy.

Attend Workshops and Classes for Personal Growth

Art on 30th

San Diego offers a variety of workshops and classes where people can learn new skills while making social connections. Some popular choices include:

• Art on 30th: A community-focused art studio offering workshops for all skill levels.
• Sur La Table Cooking Classes: Great for food enthusiasts who want to improve their culinary skills while meeting new people.
• San Diego College of Continuing Education: Offers a wide range of classes on topics from art to personal development, ideal for connecting with those interested in growth.

Learning together fosters a strong sense of community, providing easy opportunities to make friends who share similar interests.

Try Co-Working Spaces for Networking with Locals

WeWork

Co-working spaces in San Diego are fantastic for networking and meeting other locals, especially if you’re a freelancer or remote worker. Options include:

• WeWork Downtown: Known for its collaborative environment and networking events.
• Spaces’ Makers Quarter in East Village: Hosts regular social gatherings for its members, perfect for casual networking.
• Nest CoWork: A smaller co-working space with a friendly vibe, making it easy to connect with fellow professionals.

These spaces create natural networking opportunities and help build connections with professionals in similar fields.

Live in a Building with Built-In Social Opportunities

Many residential buildings in San Diego, especially in areas like East Village and Little Italy, provide built-in social events for residents. Living in these communities can make it easy to meet neighbors at rooftop parties, shared fitness classes, or communal spaces, fostering a community vibe within your living space.

Making friends in San Diego doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little effort and a willingness to put yourself out there, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet new people and build lasting friendships. Whether it’s joining a Meetup group, attending a local event, participating in any of our San Diego tours, or exploring the vibrant social scene, there’s something for everyone looking to connect in America’s Finest City.

 

Written by: Melissa

Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do …  In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.