San Diego is known for constant sunshine and beaches, but there are also endless entertainment options making it a bucket list destination. The perfect weather year round means that you can enjoy sunny Southern California days while checking out stunning beaches, vibrant boardwalks, amazing food, and having fun on the water. If you’re heading to San Diego this summer then Arrivls has you covered! Use this 2022 San Diego Summer Bucket List to plan the perfect fun filled vacation to sunny Southern California.
When To Visit San Diego
While Southern California is gorgeous year round, the best time to visit San Diego is July through October. During the summer and fall months, San Diego days stay at a perfect 70℉ to 80℉, while nighttime temperatures are a comfortable 60℉. These months rarely see rain and are wonderfully sunny and warm.
Where To Stay In San Diego
While visiting San Diego you can’t do better on location, convenience, and design than Arrivls The Rockaway House and Makai. Both are located just steps from Mission Beach making them the perfect base for your San Diego summer bucket list adventure.
The Rockaway House
This Mission Beach duplex can be rented as individual units (Rockaway North with 1 bedroom/1 bathroom, and Rockaway South with 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom) or in combination to sleep up to 8 guests. While staying at The Rockaway House you’ll be steps away from the Mission Beach boardwalk. Rockaway South – a 1930s beach cottage – is full of charm and is perfect for your next beach getaway. Upstairs, Rockaway North is thoughtfully designed and inviting. Whichever space you choose you’ll love the bright interior and the coastal boho vibes that The Rockaway House offers. The Rockaway House is located on the ocean side of Mission Boulevard, just 4 houses from the sand!
Makai Mission Beach
Makai is named after the Hawaiian word for “towards the sea,” and is a fantastic choice for your trip to San Diego! You’ll love the 2nd floor patio and ocean view from this beachy duplex home. With its laid-back charm, thoughtful amenities, and an absolutely unbeatable location, you won’t regret staying at Makai. Makai North is a spacious one-bedroom, and Makai South is a two-bedroom. The home comfortably sleeps 8 if you rent the entire duplex. Makai offers garage parking and all of your beach essentials – towels, an umbrella, chairs, and sand toys. We look forward to hosting you soon at Makai!
You may not have known that Makai and The Rockaway House are next-door neighbors? Making them perfect for groups traveling with up to 16 guests. You can rent out both duplexes – perfect for multiple groups or families traveling together, as you’ll be close by but everyone still has their own space to relax and unwind at the end of the day.
2022 San Diego Summer Bucket List
Spot Seals In La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a hot spot in San Diego and it’s easy to see why! Between the show-stopping technicolor sunsets and the local seal population, this cove is an amazing bucket list destination. You can see both seals and sea lions in La Jolla Cove, and one of the best places to spot them is “Seal Rock.” To find out more about La Jolla have a look at How To Spend The Perfect Day In La Jolla.
Have A Wild Time At The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is world famous making it a must visit destination on any trip to this Southern California city. The zoo is located in the heart of the city at Balboa Park and is one of the largest zoos in the world. The San Diego Zoo is home to an impressive 3,700 animals and will transport you to the African desert or the Australian outback. Animals who call the zoo home include elephants, koalas, pandas, and polar bears.
There is also an offshoot of the main zoo called the San Diego Zoo Safari Park that’s a can’t miss as you take an open-air safari truck through animal enclosures. For more on Balboa Park check out the 5 San Diego Neighborhoods To Explore.
San Diego Zoo | 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101| (619) 231-1515| San Diego Zoo Entrance: $62, adults, $56 ages 3-11
Take A Whale Watching Tour
San Diego is a great place to go whale watching because it’s right on the migration path from Mexico. You can see both gray and blue whales off the coast year round. Gray whales migrate in winter and spring, while blue whales migrate in summer and fall. Keep an eye out anytime you are on the shoreline in San Diego because you may see water spouting.
Whale Watching Tours
Adventure Whale Watching San Diego Tours
Tailwalker Whale & Dolphin Adventures
Take A Day Trip To Coronado Island
Have a mini-island adventure right in San Diego with a trip to Coronado Island. You can get to the island by crossing the San Diego-Coronado Bridge or you can take a ferry from downtown. There are so many things to do on Coronado Island, be sure to take a look at How To Spend A Perfect Day In Coronado. Highlights of a day on Coronado Island include exploring the Hotel Del Coronado, relaxing on the beach, and biking around the island.
Visit Liberty Station
You’ve heard of Seattle’s Pike Place Market and Boston’s Faneuil Hall Market Place, well Liberty Station is San Diego’s version. A former Naval Training Center, Liberty Station features dining, shopping, and an entire Art District where you can get a firsthand look into the work of resident artists. Liberty Public Market is one of our favorite places to go for a casual lunch or dinner – there’s something for everyone!
Liberty Station | 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Head To Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego was the first town built in the area around 1825. History buffs will love a visit to this interesting historical park, as it transports visitors back in time. Take a stroll through architecture, reenactments, performances, artifacts, and even costumed staff.
Old Town San Diego Historic Park | 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110| (619) 220-5422
Rent A Pedal Boat
One of the best ways to experience San Diego is from the water. You can explore the bay from a pedal boat. Make sure to see Point Loma from the water. Boat rentals are about $52 per hour, and each boat fits a max of three adults and one child. For something extra special consider renting a “glow boat” for a night adventure on the water. Each glow boat is lit from the inside with multi-colored LED lights and a fun disco ball. An hour glow boat ride is about $119. This is also a dog-friendly activity.
Pedal and Glow Boat Rentals
What are you waiting for? Head to San Diego and cross these summer bucket list items off your list!
