We all love San Diego’s beaches, world-famous Zoo and Safari Park, picturesque Embarcadero waterfront, tasty Little Italy, stunning La Jolla, historic Old Town, and Balboa Park. And while these are all wonderful places to visit in San Diego, those seeking more eclectic, and yes, somewhat bizarre experiences can be assured that San Diego can provide those too. Here is a bucket list of unique things to do in San Diego that you won’t find on your standard San Diego itinerary.
I came across some incredibly fun and unique things to do in San Diego when I was looking for a gift for a friend that quite frankly… has everything. I was surprised, intrigued, and determined to try some of these weird, off-the-grid activities myself.
Take a Tiki Time Bay Tour
How about getting out on San Diego Bay for a sightseeing or sunset cruise on the coolest boat on the water–a tiki boat? Tiki Time Bay Tours’ motto “Tour the bay the tiki way” is definitely catchy. The boat can hold up to 30 passengers and each cruise is unique and different.
The company just launched and is waiting for its liquor license to be approved for on-boat bar offerings. At this time, however, privately-booked charters can bring their own alcohol aboard. Book your tiki cruise tickets here>>
Go Axe-Throwing
It’s definitely not an activity you might associate with San Diego, but apparently, there’s a demand for it –given there are several companies who offer this experience, including AxeVentures. Several friends I’ve talked to throughout the U.S. are totally “into it.”
Axe throwing is rooted in ancient warfare. It’s a target sport similar to darts with a goal of hitting a wooden bullseye as close as possible to win the game. But you can’t just buy any axe to participate in this game. These are specialized instruments designed specifically for the sport. Definitely check Groupon, as they often have deals for Axe Throwing places all over San Diego. Check Groupon to save money>>
Total Raptor Experience
Are you a bird lover? Or more specifically, a raptor lover?
If so, the good news is you can actually get up-close and personal with trained birds of prey and learn about falconry, history’s oldest sport.
Total Raptor eXperience is a falconry school with classes held at both the Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla and in Ramona. Participants in a group or individual class get to meet and work with falcons, hawks, and owls and be introduced to the flight styles and conservation of these diverse magnificent raptors.
Dine in a Bank Vault
The downtown Courtyard by Marriott building in the Gaslamp was once the renowned San Diego Trust & Savings Bank. It of course included a safety deposit room entered through a 47,000-pound safe door. The great part is that this impressive vault space is available for private dinners and event rentals.
Yes, the room still contains the original safe deposit boxes, but we’re certain by now all the jewels, pearls, and currency have long been claimed. Nevertheless, the fascinating experience will make you feel like a millionaire.
Learn to FootGolf
Have you ever tried footgolf? It’s actually a sport combining soccer and golf, swapping out the traditional golf ball for a #5-size soccer ball players kick into 21-inch diameter cups.
You can enjoy this unique experience at Escondido’s Reidy Creek Golf Course by booking a “tee time” for a nine 9 or 18-hole course. Just like golf, the player with the fewest shots wins! And friends who’ve tried it describe it as “addicting.”
Brainy Actz Rage Room
It sounds destructive, and it is. But in a good way. It’s supposed to be therapeutic, helping people work out anger in a safe setting. Or maybe you just like smashing things. And it definitely is a full-body workout. I warned you this was a “weird” post!
Either way, during a rage room session, visitors can smash objects like furniture, electronics, and dishware with a sledgehammer to release stress. However, a session lasts for only 20 minutes, so you may want to make it count…or book more if needed. Book your rage session here>>
Take a Hula Class
Hula is a traditional and distinctly Hawaiian dance characterized by rhythmic movements, symbolic gestures, and undulating hips. It’s sensuously beautiful and enchanting. The good news is that San Diegans can learn to hula without hopping a plane to the Hawaiian Islands for the experience.
San Diego Hula Academy in San Marcos offers a month of hula classes for one set price. These can be individual or booked with a partner. If nothing else, the Polynesian dance celebrates the spirit of aloha, and it’s a really, really great workout. Groupon has a great deal on this class>>
Also, check out our post about where else to find Catch the Aloha Spirit in San Diego.
Urban Adventure Quest
If you’re into scavenger hunting, then this smartphone game-board activity was made for you. To participate in an Urban Adventure Quest, teams of 2 to 5 racers decode clues and complete challenges all while learning more about San Diego’s local history.
Each quest is unique and the time it takes depends on whether racers are highly competitive and playing for points, or just going for the fun of it. Typically, the quest lasts 2-3 hours, not counting stops for food, drink, or sightseeing. There are quite a few Scavenger hunts in San Diego with specific themes covering various neighborhoods. Take a look here>>
Get in on a Game Show
Ever wish you were a contestant in a game show but don’t want to travel to another destination to participate?
Though it’s certainly not The Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune, and you won’t win a new car or a trip to Fiji, you can show up on the Game Show Mashup set in North Park and have a ton of fun with friends or family. Spin for Fortune, play Friendly Feud, then make your Final Wager. It’s all part of the game! Book your Game Show Mashup here>>
Learn to Grow your Own Marijuana
Did you know you can grow your own cannabis here in San Diego? Better yet, if you learn to do it the right way from the get-go, you can not only cultivate your own garden but learn some great tips for growing other plants as well.
The Growology School in San Marcos offers classes that guide participants through the process of growing cannabis indoors or outdoors in ten easy steps. They cover the types of containers needed, and the lighting and nutrients required for a successful cannabis crop. Go check Groupon for discounts and online classes>>
We can’t wait to hear about your “weird” experiences and favorite unique things to do in San Diego, so please feel free to share any others we might not know about!
Also read:
Best Things to do in San Diego
Adventurous Things To Do in San Diego
Best Things to do in Coronado
30+ Fun Date Ideas in San Diego
Unique Things to Do in San Diego – Pin for Later:
Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by Anastasia Rybina
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