Every couple has their differences. For Rachel Schnalzer and her husband Matt, the problem is that Matt has longer legs. Well, sort of.
The pair met as college students and began hiking together after moving to California. Within a few years, they were tackling serious treks, including a climb up California’s tallest peak, Mount Whitney. While they’re well-matched in stamina, Matt’s height has the potential to send him surging ahead of his hiking partner.
“As we were training for Mount Whitney, [I said], ‘If we’re going to do this together, you’ve got to stay at my pace, because I move a little bit slower, but I promise I’ll keep going,’” Rachel recalls. “‘And if we’re going to do this as a team, we’ve got to do it as a team.’ And he’s great and lovely and very respectful of that.”
They stuck together and stayed at Rachel’s pace, and gradually tackled longer and longer hikes in California. When the day came to take on Mount Whitney, they were very well-prepared. They climbed the peak without any significant issues or challenges.
Hiking has strengthened their relationship, she says. “For us, it’s a great opportunity to just have neutral space, to talk about our life and connect. Sometimes when you’re just walking around the house or the neighborhood, you don’t go as deep in conversation,” she reflects.
On the trails, couples might speak more about their feelings around a point of conflict, about their hopes for the future, even about whether they want to have kids and the changes that would bring to their lives. Many people find it’s easier to have a serious conversation when they aren’t making eye contact, but instead walking side-by-side. And the endorphins and adrenaline from exercise can lead to a more open mind and freer thoughts.
Hiking as a Couple 2.jpeg
Recently, I shared how hiking is a great way to see if you are compatible with a potential partner, but I also wanted to find out if the activity could make a couple stronger—post-dating-stages. So I asked a few adventurous pairs to offer recommendations for hiking couples who are newer to the game. Here are their suggestions:
Communicate. As with any other aspect of a relationship, communication about hiking is essential. Rachel and Matt had to discuss the distances they were both up for, the pace at which they would hike, and their expectations for breaks, fueling, and hydration. Establishing agreements and compromises ahead of time reduces conflicts when you and your boo set out.
Make a plan before you hit the trails. Once expectations are aligned, it’s important to lay out a game plan for each specific hike. Know how many miles it is, how long you’ll expect it to take, whether you need permits or other passes, and what supplies you’ll need to pack. That way you’re well-prepared and clear on what pace you’ll need to maintain.
Play to your strengths. In life, couples often divide up household chores and daily tasks according to each person’s strong points. The same can apply when prepping for hikes. “I am more of a planner, so I will plan out our route and the logistics of the hike as well as prepare any equipment we will bring,” says Camille Buttles, who met her husband Robert on Hinge after the pair connected over their shared love of the Sierra Nevadas. “Robert is a really good navigator, so he leads during the hikes.”
Start small. Begin with a shorter, one-hour long hike like the Grasslands Loop in Mission Trails, a mostly flat, not-too-crowded, two-mile hike with beautiful, open grass fields. (The route is better in the winter and spring, but can be muddy if it’s rained.) Then build up to a two-hour trek—you can climb Kwaay Paay in Mission Trails or hike to the waterfall in Los Penasquitos Canyon. Both are between two and four miles, and short climbs add a little extra challenge without making the routes too strenuous.
Go a bit longer. “Then start to think about starting at 6 a.m. and finishing up by noon,” Rachel says. Longer hikes allow you to put your pacing and break plans to the test. Good half-day strolls include North and South Fortuna in Mission Trails and Iron Mountain in Poway. If you and your honey feel up to hitting the trails from sunup to suppertime, try El Cajon Mountain in Lakeside.
Hike to the slower person’s ability. As the taller partner, Matt could hike much faster than Rachel. But they’d agreed to hike as a couple, and that meant they needed to stay at her pace. Pushing to go too fast would cause stress and frustration and likely lead to arguments.
Don’t feel like you have to talk the whole time. On a several-hour-long hike, it makes sense that you wouldn’t talk all day. It’s tiring, and even the most loved-up couples can get a little sick of each other. You can declare at the outset that you will plan not to talk the entire time, and then those periods of silence won’t feel awkward. Let conversation flow naturally, and resist the urge to tackle controversial topics that could cause conflict.
Be willing to use the bathroom outside. Hiking can make people get more comfortable with each other very quickly. You have to respond when nature calls, and that can break down walls. You also lean on each other (sometimes literally) to tackle challenges, which brings you closer. So, Rachel says, don’t be afraid to head out even with a newer flame, because hiking can be a relationship accelerator—a way for couples to get to know each other and get more comfortable with each other.
Check in often. Be open to revising your plan and adjusting according to any issues that arise—if one person gets hurt, feels sick, or simply isn’t up to a trek that day, it’s probably time to pack it in and try again next weekend. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to sacrifice your planned pace in favor of gazing at a breathtaking vista or lingering over a trailside picnic, if you both feel so inclined. “It’s important to check in on the other person to make sure they’re doing okay,” Camille emphasizes. “It’s not as much fun hiking if you aren’t both having a good time.”
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
San Diego Day Hikers is one of the region’s most popular hiking groups on the social gathering website Meetup.com. But it has a pretty interesting past.
“The group started in the 1980s as a monthly hike, usually on the last Saturday, led by a professor from SDSU, and loosely affiliated with the Libertarian Party of San Diego,” says Philip Erdelsky, the group’s current leader. “Announcements were printed in the Libertarian Party newsletter, and also emailed to those who had email.”
Subscribers were mostly students and staff at SDSU, but Erdelsky took over the group in 1993. “I used email for the hike announcements, and in the late 1990s started posting the announcements on the Caltech Alumni server, which appeared on the then-new World Wide Web,” he says.
Fast forward to 2012, and Erdelsky decided to add the group to Meetup.com, calling it San Diego Day Hikers. Today, the group has nearly 22,000 members who join up for multiple hikes across the county every month.
Typically around five to 25 people show up for hikes which are free to join. Erdelsky guides many of the hikes himself, using resources such as Schad’s Afoot & Afield in San Diego county.
Joining a local hiking group is a great way to get to know other people who share similar interests and can even help with finding new routes. Thankfully, there are plenty of hiking groups like San Diego Day Hikers to check out—most of which don’t require any membership or fees.
If you’re looking for a new crew to join, here are more San Diego hiking groups to check out:
Courtesy of Meetup.com
San Diego Day Hikers
This group gathers for hikes throughout the San Diego region with easy to moderate routes. The group usually hikes on the last Saturday of each month, but also has weekday evening excursions occasionally. Recent hikes include a Mission Bay five-mile walk, an urban four-mile hike through Marian Bear Park, and the five-mile Engelmann Oak Loop at Daley Ranch in Escondido.
This group for the UCSD community has a discord channel where users plan hikes and other outings. To join, you must be a member of UCSD, either a student or staff. The group has around 2,850 members, and usually about 20 people turn out for hikes.
Recent hikes include the Santa Margarita River trail, Cowles Mountain, San Clemente Trail and the Potato Chip rock.
Courtesy of San Diego Happy Feet
San Diego Happy Feet
This group on Facebook has around 2,000 members and plans monthly hikes, including big challenges such as El Cajon Mountain. Organizers say the group is very active with regular events. They mostly focus on hiking, but also organize backpacking, camping, snowboarding, skiing, running, cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and road trips events. Members can also create their own events and post them to the group.
Recent hikes include El Cajon Mountain, Mt McGinty, and Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail. Hikes are usually organized on Saturdays and Sundays early morning at 6 a.m., but also weekday shorter evening hikes at 6 pm.
“San Diego Sloth Hiking Team at Mt. Baldy. Started [the] hike at 3:30 a.m. and finished at 3 p.m.! Long day of hiking, laughs, a few curse words and a ton of beautiful views,” one user wrote on TikTok. Other hikes include Kitchen Creek Falls, Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona and Devils Backbone.
Courtesy of the San Diego Natural History Museum
Canyoneer Hikes
For a guided experience, the San Diego Natural History Museum offers free guided hikes throughout the county led by volunteers. Hikes are organized every weekend, but are capped in size, so you need to sign up in advance. Priority registration is given to museum members, but if there’s still space then anyone can sign up.
People often join to explore the canyons near their homes that they’ve always been curious about but were hesitant to explore on their own, according to organizers. They also take treks into the desert to explore in groups.
“I sought the Canyoneers out because I was looking to do more desert hiking, but I didn’t feel comfortable going alone,” said Daniel, one of the Canyoneer leaders, on the group’s website. “It’s easy to get lost, there’s spotty cell phone coverage, I’d think ‘what if I got a flat tire?’ The Canyoneers offered the opportunity to explore new trails that I wouldn’t hike on my own.”
Skills training includes selecting clothing, gear, and equipment; how to use a map and compass; physical conditioning; first aid and safety; food selection and preparation and water filtration; animal encounters; and sanitation. During the overnight outings, participants will have to supply their own equipment.
The course is offered each year from January to May with lectures at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in Escondido at San Pasqual High School and in San Diego at the First United Methodist Church – Linder Hall in Mission Valley.
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Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
It may feel a bit cold and cloudy right now thanks to May grey, but warmer weather is fast approaching. And summer is the best time to head to the coast for all your hiking and walking. But don’t let our regularly temperate weather fool you, it can quickly get very hot as you get just 10 miles off the coast.
So if you’re looking for hikes that beat the heat, we put together a list of our favorite coastal treks to enjoy as the weather starts to spike. With options that range from easy-peasy to more challenging, and all with breathtaking views, here are five of our top summer hikes in San Diego.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
This trail along the cliffs in Point Loma is perfect for an easy hike with kids or pets or if you just want a relaxed outing that isn’t too challenging. You can explore Sunset Cliffs’ wandering trails throughout the park and get beautiful ocean views all along the way. Be sure to pay attention to the signs that show where the ocean walls are degrading, to avoid any accidental slips.
Distance: ~1.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Look for free parking along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and then start the hike from there.
Cabrillo National Monument & Bayside Trail
For a slightly more challenging (read: hilly) trek, head to Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument which commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Located here is Bayside Trail which leads down to the beach before climbing back up. It sits on the southernmost point of San Diego, and makes you feel like you are at the end of the world as you look out to the far-reaching ocean beyond you. When you reach the bottom, there are cool tide pools you can check out as well.
Distance: 2.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Only allowed on Coastal Trail
Details: You need a pass to enter, which costs $20.
The Annie’s Canyon hike isn’t quite on the coast, but it’s close enough that you still get the cool breezes and beautiful views at the top. Plus, the climb to the top is exciting as you make your way up through a white slot canyon, with very narrow walls and ladders. Then you pop out on the top and can see the ocean.
Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Allowed, but don’t try to bring them up the ladders in the canyon
Details: Parking is free. Park at 150 Solana Point Cir, Solana Beach, CA 92075 and follow the trail east to get to Annie’s Canyon. Don’t use Google Maps! You’ll avoid climbing a very steep hill along the highway
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
The La Jolla Coast walk is is a pretty hike to take around La Jolla Village right along the ocean, with chances to take in the seals and sea lions along the way. You can explore the wandering paths all the way to La Jolla Shores Beach if you want to dip your toes in the ocean, or turn back at any point along the way.
Distance: ~0.6 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Find street parking anywhere in La Jolla Village and then head to the trail.
Broken Hill Trail
This is one of the more challenging treks in Torrey Pines State Reserve and has beautiful cliffside views at the end. You can add to the distance to the Broken Hill Trail by taking many of the other offshoot trails—honestly, you can spend an entire day wandering through the reserve if you want to.
Distance: ~2.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Not allowed
Details: It costs $25 to park at the reserve, but you can pick up a state adventure pass from any local library and then park for free.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
It’s the new year, and if the path up Cowles Mountain is any indication, people are eager to get out there and get hiking. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to take advantage of the San Diego region, get free exercise and spend time outside. I already do plenty of hiking, so this year I’m adding a family camping trip to my goals for the year (my husband and son go plenty but I haven’t gone with them yet).
It’s not required to get new gear to embark on a goal of hiking or camping or spending more time outside this year, but it can make getting out there easier and more fun. And there are some really cool new pieces of gear to try. Here are a few of my favorites.
Courtesy of Osprey
Hiking Backpacks
I kept getting neck and shoulder pain from hiking with a normal backpack, so I switched to a daypack that has more support. I really like Osprey’s Tempest Velocity 20 for women, which has a running-vest-inspired harness, plus a hip belt for more support. And tons of pockets for your phone, water, snacks to bribe your kids with, and a pole-holder and emergency whistle. For kids, the Osprey Daylite Jr. is the perfect size to get your kids used to carrying a pack.
Courtesy of Garmin
Hiking GPS Watches
There are a lot of fancy watches out there, and most recreational runners and hikers don’t need the top of the line models. Something with a simple GPS feature has been my go-to. I use a Garmin watch that allows me to create a hiking course on their website, and then I send the course to my watch so I can stay on the trail as I hike. It also counts steps, tracks sleep, and all the other health metrics. But if you want the newest model, Garmin’s Instinct 3 is great for rugged wear, including hiking and camping. It has a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant display, a built-in flashlight, including variable intensities and an alternate red light, and 18 days of battery life.
Courtesy of Rumpl
Hiking & Camping Blankets
If you’re thinking about backpacking and don’t want the extra weight of a sleeping bag, or if you’re car camping and want to be extra cozy, there are some great new camping blankets on the market that make a big difference. Rumpl recently released the Backcountry Puffy, an upgraded version of the Down Puffy. It has an inner liner for weather-resistance on the inside, a poly shell on the outside to resist stains, and upgraded insulation. It packs down to a tube that’s 5.9 x 14.2 in for one person and less than two pounds. The company also sells even smaller travel blankets–I have one stashed in my car for emergencies.
I usually just hike in running shorts or maybe hiking shorts if I want a little extra coverage. But when it’s on the slightly cold side on a San Diego morning, having something slightly warm is very helpful. I really like SmartWool’s women’s active long sleeve, which is a wool blend outer layer that’s warm but breathable. The company also just released the Women’s Smartloft vest, which has a little extra warmth but not the sweat-inducing insulation of a full puffy vest.
Courtesy of Amazon
Outdoors Jump Starter
I recently also found out about the company Weego, which sells travel jump starters. I didn’t know I needed one of these, but now that I know, it’s hard to imagine not having it. The Weego N70 is great for hiking–basically, you charge it and then can store it in your car or hiking pack for a year. It’s small and lightweight, so you can carry it with you or leave it in the car for car camping, and it can jump start large gas and smaller diesel engines. You can also use it to charge your devices and it has a 400-lumen LED flashlight.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
Sure, San Diego has its picturesque hikes. Its beautiful scenic hikes where you can contemplate the exquisiteness of our surroundings and remind yourself that this is why your rent or mortgage is so high. It also has fun hikes, social hikes, hikes where you can bring your parents, your kids, and your friends who don’t usually exercise.
But sometimes you just really want a challenge. A butt-busting workout that will leave you panting and make your wearable device very happy with your step count and heart rate.
Luckily, the San Diego region has plenty of these hikes, too. But there are some cautions. Before attempting any of them, make sure you are ready—that you’ve done some easier hikes in the region and have a good base of fitness. Also bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, and go early in the morning on days that will not be as hot.
Courtesy of AllTrails
El Cajon Mountain Trail – 11.6 Miles
For most hikers, the El Cajon Mountain Trail is really the epitome of challenging hikes in the region. Some like to call it El Capitain, or El Cap, not to be confused with the far taller mountain in Yosemite. But this hike still has lots of steep climbs, and it’s not just a steady uphill, but times where you climb down and then up again to make it to the summit. The trail is rocky at times as well, with big boulders to cover. But if you make it to the top, you’ll feel like you really accomplished something significant. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.
Even if you don’t make it all the way, you can stop at any of the saddles on the trail and take in the panoramic views. But be prepared, you will definitely feel sore the next day.
Directions: Start at the parking lot on Wildcat Canyon Road.
Distance: 11.6 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Allowed
Details: The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The trail is closed in August due to the heat.
Courtesy of San Diego Parks & Recreation
Mt Gower Open Space Preserve – 9.8 Miles
Mount Gower Open Space Preserve is a massive space in Ramona, and has a few trails that are very challenging but with seriously stunning views. The open space covers 1,574 acres, and has the trail to Mount Gower summit. The summit itself does not actually fall in the preserve—that’s in Cleveland National Forest. But you can reach it on the trail that goes through the preserve. And the viewpoints along the way make the long journey worth it.
There are multiple routes to take to the top. If you follow the southern trail, you get the best views of the San Vicente Valley below.
Directions: Start at the parking lot at the end of Gunn Stage Road.
Distance: 9.8 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
Details: The parking lot doesn’t open until 9 a.m., but if you want to start earlier, you can park outside the gate. That adds an extra 0.25 miles to your hike. Also, be on the lookout for poison oak, which is sometimes found along the trail.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Black Mountain in Ramona – 14.5 Miles
Another very challenging but rewarding hike in Ramona is Black Mountain. This is not to be confused with the smaller Black Mountain near Rancho Peñasquitos, which is a far easier hike. Sometimes it’s called Big Black Mountain to make the distinction. The trail takes you past a variety of trees and plant life, including oak groves and chaparral, as well one of the biggest growths of Engelmann Oak, a threatened species.
You can start the climb from the Santa Ysabel Truck Trail, which is also open to off-road vehicles, but is always open for hiking. In the rainy months, this road can get very muddy, so be warned.
Directions: From downtown Ramona, follow Pamo Road to the gated Forest Service Road entrance. Park along Pamo Road.
Distance: 14.5 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
Details: Be prepared for mud in the winter and spring. There are no bathrooms at the parking lot or on the trail.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
Ashley Lee had pretty much sworn off dating when a guy she was sort of interested in asked her to go on a hike. “Strictly as friends—because dating is a miserable, awful thing,” she recalls. “I was down because I had not hiked in ages; was more of a yoga girl back then. [I figured I’d] try something new.”
They decided to hike Cowles Mountain in the middle of the day, and, for some reason, Ashley elected not to wear sunscreen. “Long story short, I darn near died on the way up, because yoga shape is not hiking shape,” she says. “He busted out almond Champagne at the top, which was delicious, but I also [almost] died on the way down. I’m a lightweight and dehydration kicked in… I got an epic sunburn… He still gives me a hard time about [it].”
Ashley’s hiking partner, Seung, can still rib her about her sunburn because, well, he’s now her husband. They have three kids together, and Ashley says that, despite the near-death experience, hiking made for a great first date.
“You skip all that formality of sitting at a table interviewing each other and sifting through who this person really is versus what they want you to think,” she reflects. “He seemed like a vaguely responsible and spontaneous guy who was very bright and motivated and spoke his mind.”
She says relationships and marriage are hard, and hiking gives you a better glimpse into how someone handles challenges. “You can kick the tires at the coffee shop and think it’s all great, but you are better served on a hike, where the rubber meets the road,” she emphasizes.
I may be biased, given my love for hiking, running, and generally being outside, but if I were dating now, I’d make all my first dates outdoor treks. I said yes to a first date run back when I lived in Berkeley (I thought I was a good runner, but I still got completely winded when my date took me on a jog up the Fire Trail), and I went on hikes and runs early in my relationship with my now-husband.
They really are good ways to get to know people—and can push you to ramble farther than you would otherwise.
Data from the running app Strava seems to support this notion. Its 2022 Year In Sport report found athletes in pairs went longer in both time and distance than when they were solo.
The company also analyzed all the running and hiking done on Valentine’s Day and found that a good chunk of people celebrated the holiday by exercising as a duo. A fifth of winter activities (skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing) were done in pairs on February 14 over the last four years, while 14% of walks and hikes and 13% of bike rides were two-person trips.
Courtesy of Outdoor Project
According to Strava, these are the most popular hiking routes for pairs in San Diego County:
If you want something with romantic views, try Sunset Cliffs, Torrey Pines, or Kwaay Paay in Mission Trails (which, bonus, is rarely crowded). Meanwhile, local James Hauser says that when he was dating as a student at UCSD, he had a go-to third date: the La Jolla trail.
“[For] the initial first date, you go somewhere on campus. [The] second date might be sushi or somewhere near campus,” he says. “Then I would do this hike around sunset time where you get to see the beautiful ocean. If I did get the opportunity of having a third date, it’s a good way to get to know someone a little bit more than [I would at] a casual dinner.”
Plus, hiking takes a little longer than a typical dinner and can introduce more physical contact, he adds. “‘I need you to hold my hand, I need you to hold on to me,’” he jokes. “And it’s also just very beautiful. I think it’s one of the prettiest places in San Diego overlooking the cliffs. You have the gliders there going back and forth, and then you end up on the beach, and then you can walk back to campus.”
Hauser would tell his dates to wear comfortable shoes, and says he never had bad experiences. “I would be very encouraging [and say] that the hike wasn’t too difficult and any able-bodied person could do it,” he shares.
But one of these third-date hikes became his last—that’s because Hauser took the stroll with a woman who eventually became his wife.
“Maybe two percent of the reason why we’re married is because of the success of that third date,” he says. “She was skeptical at first. She was an L.A. girl who wasn’t into hiking, and I think I sold her on the fact that it was very pretty and I was bringing her somewhere that she hasn’t been before. It’s a little bit sketchy at times when you have to kind of hold on to someone or hold their hand, and so I got to [give] that additional reassurance—’I’m going to be here for you and support you’—and it went very well.”
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let theBalboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
16 Museums, One Pass
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:FleetScience.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Phone: 619-238-1233
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:Niwa.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m. Phone: 619-232-2721
The Old Globe
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:TheOldGlobe.org Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-234-8291
San Diego History Center
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SanDiegoHistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Phone: 619-232-6203
San Diego Junior Theatre
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:JuniorTheatre.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-239-1311
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SDNat.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer Phone: 619-232-3821
WorldBeat Cultural Center
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Website:WorldBeatCenter.org Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone: 619-230-1190
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
