You’ve got a birthday coming up—hooray! No matter if you’re an introvert or a social butterfly, we all love doing something for our birthdays. Whether it’s throwing a big party for all our friends, doing something with your little ones, or planning something a bit more intimate. However, because it comes every year, sometimes it’s difficult to think of new ways to top last year’s celebration. If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut and are hunting for new birthday ideas, we’ve rounded up a list of fun and exciting ideas to celebrate your special day in San Diego.
From club crawls and beach BBQ to intimate candlelit concerts and cooking classes, these foolproof and entertaining birthday ideas will suit every interest and personality type. So, put your party hat on and let us take care of the rest!
1. Enjoy a unique San Diego Club crawl
We’re starting out the roundup with a bang. Put on your best party clothes and experience up to four top clubs and bars in the San Diego nightlife! At every club you’ll be greeted with welcome shots and offered drink specials all night long. Best part is, you’ll get VIP front-of-the-line access, so that means no long lines for you or your guests.
The crawl starts at American Junkie, located in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, known for a plethora of bars, restaurants and vibrant clubs. If you’re planning to celebrate your birthday on a weekend and dance the night away as you meet new people, a San Diego Club crawl is exactly what you’re looking for.
2. Unwind at an intimate Candlelight concert
Now, huge all-nighters might not float everyone’s boat. If you want to steer away from big crowds, and multi-sensory and intimate experiences are more your thing, then we’ve got just the plan for you. Let yourself be swept away by classical tribute concerts to some of the most influential artists of modern day and yesteryear, all the while being surrounded by a sea of flickering candles.
Set across stunning and historical venues across San Diego, including Mt. Helix Park, CHAPEL and San Diego Central Library, these enchanting concerts guarantee a night to remember. Whether you want to spend the evening with a date or loved one, or share it with your friends, Candlelight concerts are unique birthday ideas for every music lover.
3. Live your best bougie life at a fabulous brunch
You’re one year older and you deserve to all you deserve to treat yourself to an amazing brunch. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or prefer savory dishes, whether you want bottomless mimosas or fancy cocktails, San Diego has something for you. Head to Morning Glory for their lobster omelettes and fancy cocktails, or hop aboard a Flagship brunch cruise, with unlimited champagne.
4. Top up on comedy at your local comedy club
Celebrating your special day surrounded by friends or perhaps as a fun date night and enjoying a good laugh can be an absolute blast. Luckily, San Diego has tons of comedy joints with a lively atmosphere, great drinks and talented local and national comedians who can turn an ordinary night into an unforgettable experience. From legendary spots in the likes of The Comedy Store in La Jolla and The Laugh Factory to improv staples such as Finest City Improv and National Comedy Theatre, these awesome clubs make for awesome birthday ideas and are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.
5. Go on a mystery picnic with a friend or date
Discover San Diego’s hidden gems and stunning architecture with this amazing mystery picnic date for two. The experience by AmazingCo is all-inclusive and everything will be planned out for you beforehand, because you shouldn’t have to lift a finger on your birthday! All you need to do is solve interactive clues and riddles on your smartphone that’ll take you on a journey to collect delicious picnic ingredients, including cheese, meats, fruits and a bottle of wine, prepared by local artisan producers, ending at a gorgeous spot where you can enjoy your picnic.
You can customize your foodie experience with your dietary requirements, which can be accommodated at no additional cost, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. So, grab your bestie or a date and enjoy a fun culinary adventure around the city.
6. Get crafty at the city’s best workshops
With a range of classes and workshops offering everything from candle-making to potter, ceramics and jewelry, San Diego is an amazing city to find chill and relaxing birthday plans. If you like working with your hands and have a creative side waiting to be unleashed, a crafty day is the perfect way to wish yourself a happy birthday.
7. Take a cooking class
If you’re a foodie, a home cook or an amateur chef who wants to sharpen your culinary skills, a cooking class is definitely one of the best birthday ideas in San Diego. Everybody loves the experience at Cucina Migrante, where the team is extremely passionate, and you can learn a lot of great skills, like making home-made pasta or sushi. Harvard Cooking Girl is also a great spot to consider, whether you’re an amateur or you already kinda know what you’re doing – you’ll definitely still learn something new on your birthday!
8. Explore fascinating whales and dolphins
If you’re lucky enough to be born during the very last or first part of the year, ’tis the season to see gray whales, humpback whales and dolphins here in San Diego! Particularly for gray whales, winter is the perfect time for such sightings thanks to their migration patterns that take them from Alaska to just off the coast of San Diego. These majestic creatures travel in groups, and it’s a mesmerizing sight to behold.
9. Hear Old Town Tales as you savor tacos and delectable tequila cocktails
Who said history is dull? Not when alcohol is involved! This year, you can celebrate your b-day learning the history of Old Town San Diego on a guided walking tour taking you to to a journey of the Spanish era, Victorian style buildings, and the oldest brick edifice in San Diego. Broaden your horizons in the indigenous tribes who lived there for thousands of years. And the final stop is a local Tequileria, where you’ll finally get to sip on a refreshing tequila cocktail and learn a few secrets on how the prized beverage is made.
10. Throw an epic beach party
Whether you’re planning a fun barbeque, a surfing sesh with your friends, or a big bash, a celebration with a view is certainly one of the best birthday ideas in San Diego. The sun kissing your skin, the sound of waves in the background and a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and joy. From Mission Beach and La Jolla Shores to Oceanside and Moonlight Beach, you can indulge in energizing activities or simply lounge on the sand and soak up the sun rays.
Do remember though that alcohol is technically no longer allowed on any San Diego beaches. And if you do plan to start a bonfire, you can only do so in designated fire rings. Still, if you want to keep the booze and food rolling on your special day, it’s always best to plan ahead and secure permits by the appropriate Parks and Recreation offices.
11. Catch an outdoor movie under the stars
Sometimes there’s nothing better than catching a movie on the big screen with a side of crunchy and buttery popcorn. Luckily, San Diego is blessed with a warm climate and you can enjoy outdoor movie theaters all year round.
If you’re looking for thrilling birthday ideas for that one movie buff friend of yours, or want to plan a romantic outing to catch the latest flick on a stunning rooftop, the city has a number of spaces to enjoy outdoor films. Sit on a comfy deck chair at the Rooftop Cinema Club, cuddle up next to your sweetheart at the intimate Cinema Under The Stars, and more!
12. Crack codes with your besties at a mysterious escape room
Lastly, this next activity is one of the most beloved birthday ideas not just in San Diego but across the world. Escape rooms have gained in popularity in the last few years because they involve problem-solving skills and ignite your imagination. At Lockdown, you can choose between different scenarios including a medieval room, a Voodoo escape room, and a science-themed room. Each space has an intricate plot and an immersive design, but the rules are all the same: you have to work with your friends to solve clues and get out. Got it? You have one hour to escape. Go!