From Trivia Nights to Skate Dates, These San Diego Activities Are the Perfect Ways to Meet People
We’ve all been there—endless swiping, boring text conversations, maybe a real-life meetup if you’re lucky. The dating apps are great in theory, promising endless new connections at your fingertips, but in practice, they can be exhausting (and disappointing).
Are you craving a real-life meet cute? How can we make that happen in this digital age? If you’re on the hunt for a serious, long-term connection, odds are you’re not hitting up bars and clubs for romance anymore. So where to look? We’ve rounded up 11 social activities in San Diego where you might just find the one.
Volo Day at Petco Park
When: March 29 from 5-9 p.m.
Baseball fan or not, everyone loves a good trip to Petco Park. The energy in the air on a game night is palpable—bright lights, excited fans and lots of different people coming together for one shared evening of fun and excitement. When it comes to meeting someone outside your typical circle, the opportunities here are endless. Rather than laying in bed swiping the apps, you can people-watch to your heart’s desire right from your seat. Who looks like they’re having the most fun? Who’s just there to chat with their neighbors and enjoy the food? No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it. On March 29 from 5-9 p.m., Volo Sports is hosting Volo Day with all-you-can-eat food and drinks and a perfect mingling spot on the Toyota Beach Terrace. The Padres will be facing off against the San Francisco Giants, so don’t be surprised if you meet fans of both teams. Bring your A-game and get ready to flirt!
Location: East Village
Adult Skate Night at Ringer’s Roller Rink
When: Every Thursday from 7-10 p.m.
If you’re looking for someone who’s not afraid to be silly and have some fun, Adult Skate Night at Ringer’s is the place for you. Channel your inner child without actually sharing the rink with children on Adult Night, every Thursday from 7-10 p.m. Ringer’s is an outdoor rink with a live DJ, perfect for those lovely San Diego evenings. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find someone to hold hands with as you dance around the loop. And if not, you’ll still have a great time. Win-win.
Location: Encanto
Join a Volo Sports League
We won’t beat around the bush here. This one is tried and true. Lots of people have met their significant others through joining a Volo Sports League. Why? Think about it. It really is the perfect setup. They’re designed for people who want to be active and social. They have different leagues for different needs, whether you’re an expert looking to meet your match or a beginner looking to try something new. No matter your skill level, the goal is to make new friends (or maybe more than friends?). They offer 12 different sports throughout the year in locations all around San Diego, many followed by happy hours for extra mingle time. You can join a league with friends or as an individual, and you’ll meet once a week to get active and have some fun. They provide the location and equipment, so all you need to do is get excited and show up. Trust us, team bonding is real. For more information on Volo Sports’ spring leagues, click here!
Local Insight: Not ready to commit to a league? Volo Sports offers pick-up games six days a week, so you can drop in and play! Players can lace up their cleats and jump into games like pickleball, soccer volleyball, and more.
Locations: Across San Diego
First Light Surf Club
When: Every third Thursday of the month
If you live in San Diego, the odds are pretty high that you love to surf. And if you love to surf, the odds are also high that you’d love a partner who shares your passion. Sure, you can meet people out on the water, but what if there was an easier way? First Light Surf Club was created with community in mind: a place for dawn patrol surf, warm coffee and making connections. Attend a monthly SIP & RIP (every third Thursday) at Turnarounds Beach in Carlsbad, and the rest just might be history.
Location: Carlsbad
Wonderfront Festival
When: May 10-12
Nothing brings people together like live music, and Wonderfront Festival has some of the best. Right on the water in Seaport Village, this three-day music festival boasts great vibes and even better headliners. This year, you’ll see performances from Kaytranada, Dominic Fike, Weezer and Mt. Joy among many others. There will also be sunset views and boat parties—all in a prime location right near the buzzy Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy. If you’re looking for your lifelong concert and festival buddy, you’re going to want to check this out.
Location: Seaport Village/Embarcadero
SUP Pups Events
“I’ll know you’re the one, if my dog likes you” is a common Hinge prompt response for a reason. Dog owners know that some things are just nonnegotiable. If you’d like to cut to the chase and meet a fellow dog lover, check out SUP Pups events and fundraisers on the San Diego Bay, all in support of local charities. Don’t know how to paddleboard with a pup yet? Book a private lesson first so you and your pup are ready for action.
Location: San Diego Bay
Yoga at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad
When: Spring Saturday mornings from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Calling all yogis and nature lovers: how about a community event that combines both? On select spring Saturdays in April at the Carlsbad Flower Fields, Jackie from Yoga Jawn hosts outdoor “Flower Flow” yoga classes overlooking almost 50 acres of colorful blooms. Doors open at 8:15 a.m. and class begins at 8:30 a.m. We recommend arriving early and staying late to enjoy the beautiful views and company of fellow yogis. If you want a partner who spends Saturday mornings up and active, you might just find them here.
Location: Carlsbad
4/19
Membership at Maek Friends
Looking for someone crafty? Maybe you’re attracted to people who aren’t afraid of taking up hobbies and trying something new. Maek Friends is a membership-based pottery studio in downtown Encinitas that welcomes people of all skill levels. It’s connected to Necessity Coffee, the perfect place to sneak away for a coffee date once you’ve met your match. You know that famous scene from “Ghost” where Patrick Swayze has his arms around Demi Moore, guiding her hands on the pottery wheel? Yeah, that could be you.
Location: Ocean Beach and Encinitas
Take Your Pup to The Dog Society
Love your pup but not quite up for water sports? The Dog Society is a sports bar, cafe and beer garden designed for pets and their owners to socialize, play games and enjoy each other’s company. They have a human menu with coffee, craft beers and yummy bar food and a dog menu with flights of “dog beer” (pork, beef and vegetable). They also host breed-specific meetups like Frenchie Friday and Weenie Wednesday. Maybe we’ll have not one, but two meet cutes on our hands!
Location: Rolando Park
Trivia Night at Duck Foot Brewing Co
When: Wednesdays in Miramar + Thursdays in Leucadia
Attracted to the smart and nerdy type who knows how to have a good time? Want to show off your random knowledge and knock back some beers with a hot date? Duck Foot Brewing in Leucadia and Miramar hosts trivia night weekly (Wednesdays in Miramar and Thursdays in Leucadia). They’re known for their gluten-reduced beer and good times, providing the perfect social atmosphere for sparks to fly. Grab a team or be brave and go solo—who knows who might need an extra player?
Location: Leucadia and Miramar
Art Club After Dark at The Artist Outpost
When: May 25 from 8-11 p.m.
Interested in arts and crafts, but want the option to keep the party going? Art Club After Dark is an event designed to fit nicely between dinner and a night out. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet lots of new people as you participate in group art, fun games and dance music. This is where you’ll find the type of suitor who isn’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone, likes to have fun, enjoys getting creative and is generally a cool human.
Location: Ocean Beach
