12 Relaxing Things to Do in San Diego

But where do you begin with relieving stress in your life? One tried and true way is to simply create time to unplug, open the front door, and get outside. And you don’t even have to go far—read on for our list of relaxing things to do in San Diego that you can start incorporating in your lifestyle right away.

12 Ways to Relieve Stress in San Diego

From enjoying the sunny weather, to going on a peaceful hike, to exploring the diverse neighborhoods—there are many ways to relieve stress when you’re in America’s Finest City! To get you started, here are 12 ideas for relaxing things to do in San Diego:

1. Recharge on the beach

   1. San Diego is world famous for its miles of sunny coastline. Whether you’re near the pristine beaches of Encinitas, enjoying the charming lifestyle of Carlsbad, or just visiting the area, there’s plenty of sand for you to lay out and enjoy the Southern California sun.

2. Get away to Julian

   1. If the mountains are more your idea of relaxation, you don’t have far to drive until you stumble upon the quaint little town of Julian. Here, you can breathe the fresh air, go stargazing, or simply enjoy the quiet—and a slice or two of Julian apple pie, of course.

3. Go for a scenic hike

   1. From the coast to the mountains, there are tons of hiking trails in San Diego for every skill level. Try Torrey Pines State Reserve, Mission Hills Regional Park, or Black Mountain Open Space Park, nearby several relaxing new home communities.

4. Kick back at Mission Bay Park

   1. Spend a whole day outdoors at the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country. You can go swimming, boating, and biking, or even fly a kite and picnic in the open space. Mission Bay Park is the perfect place for everyone in the family to enjoy. 

5. Relax at Lake Cuyamaca

   1. Located in East San Diego County, peaceful Lake Cuyamaca is an ideal getaway for friends and family to camp, fish, and just take in the refreshing views.

6. Explore La Jolla Cove

   1. Take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through the clear waters of La Jolla Cove, where you can discover the tide pools and visit the hundreds of sea lions that call this wonderful place home.

7. Enjoy a night at the theater

   1. San Diego boasts a big theater scene, where many famous performers and productions got their start. Catch a show on one of the local stages, like the La Jolla Playhouse or Old Globe, or see the latest from Broadway at the downtown Civic Theatre.

8. Visit Balboa Park

   1. From the striking Museum of Man’s California Tower, to the picturesque Botanical Building, to the famous San Diego Zoo—Balboa Park is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, as well as many other museums and gardens to explore.

9. Check out the Gaslamp nightlife

   1. The Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego is always a fun, lively scene, with its rows of restaurants, exciting entertainment, and your choice of rooftop bars to enjoy the year-round good weather.

10. Root for the Padres

    1. While you’re in Gaslamp, catch a baseball game when the Padres are in town at beautiful Petco Park. One of baseball’s top ballparks, Petco offers an array of local eateries—and, of course, San Diego craft beer.

11. Chow down on Mexican food

    1. You can’t call yourself a San Diegan if you don’t enjoy a good California burrito or carne asada fries from time to time. One of the best places for Tijuana-style tacos? Tacos El Gordo in San Diego’s South County—the food alone is reason enough to live in one of the many nearby Chula Vista new homes.

12. Go on an outlet shopping spree

    1. Sometimes, retail therapy is the best mode of stress relief. One of the more unique places to go shopping in San Diego is the Las Americas Premium Outlets, where nearby communities get to take advantage of quality brands at good prices regularly.

Stress Relieving Techniques

While there are countless relaxing places in San Diego to explore, it’s sometimes still difficult to truly allow yourself to enjoy the well-deserved time off. That’s where mindfulness comes in. When you’re able to let your senses truly absorb your surroundings, you increase your appreciation and get more fulfillment out of your day.
 
The next time you hit the trail, consider taking a “mindful hike,” making sure you give yourself time to pause and reflect on what each of your five senses is picking up. Or, because going on a hike every time you feel stressed isn’t always feasible, you should also develop stress-relief strategies that you can perform anywhere, such as breathing techniques or meditative activities. When you incorporate more of these practices in your routine, you’ll begin to experience less stress and more calm in your daily life.

The Right Partner to Help You Find a Relaxing New Home in San Diego

Whatever your style of stress-free San Diego activity, sometimes the most relaxing thing you can do is come home to a place that feels just right for you. If you’re looking to kick off your next life chapter in a new home, Shea Homes has many San Diego communities, each built uniquely for the variety of lifestyles this vibrant city affords. Search for new homes near you, and contact a New Home Advisor if you should have any questions. Or, if you’re still exploring but want to get more information about new communities and homes in San Diego, sign up below to receive email updates from Shea.