What to Do in San Diego: The Ultimate Home Exchange Activity Guide for 2024

I wasn't supposed to fall for San Diego. I'd been there twice before—quick weekend trips where I hit the zoo, ate fish tacos at some tourist spot, and left thinking it was just another sunny California city. Pleasant, sure. But not memorable.

Then I did a home swap in North Park for three weeks last October, and everything changed.

Suddenly I wasn't a tourist bouncing between attractions. I had a neighborhood coffee shop where the barista knew my order (oat milk cortado, extra hot). I discovered that the best sunset spot isn't at the beach—it's from the rooftop of a parking garage in Little Italy. I learned that locals don't actually go to the Gaslamp Quarter unless they're meeting out-of-town visitors.

So if you're wondering what to do in San Diego during a home exchange, you're in the right place. This isn't your typical tourist guide. It's what I wish someone had told me before that first swap—the stuff that turns a vacation into an actual experience.

Why San Diego is Perfect for Home Exchange Travel

Here's something I've noticed after 40+ home swaps across 25 countries: some cities are built for hotels, and some cities are built for living. San Diego? Firmly in the second category.

The neighborhoods here have distinct personalities. Ocean Beach feels like it time-traveled from 1972 and decided to stay. La Jolla has that old-money elegance with cliffs that drop straight into the Pacific. North Park is where the artists and young professionals congregate, all craft breweries and vintage shops. Hillcrest buzzes with rainbow flags and some of the best brunch spots in Southern California.

When you do a home exchange here, you're not just getting free accommodation—you're getting a neighborhood. A local perspective. A reason to walk instead of Uber everywhere.

And honestly? The weather helps too. I know, I know—everyone talks about San Diego weather. But it genuinely matters when you're staying for more than a few days. That consistent 70°F sunshine means you can plan outdoor activities without obsessively checking forecasts. Your home swap patio becomes an actual living space, not just a decoration.

Best San Diego Neighborhoods for Home Exchange Stays

Choosing where to stay will shape your entire experience. I've swapped in three different San Diego neighborhoods now, and each one felt like a different city.

North Park: For the Culture-Obsessed Traveler

This is where I'd recommend first-timers land. North Park sits about 15 minutes northeast of downtown, and it's walkable in a way most of San Diego isn't. Thirty-third Street is the main artery—lined with coffee shops, taco stands, record stores, and bars that don't card you with suspicion.

My favorite morning during that October swap started at Dark Horse Coffee Roasters ($4.50 for a pour-over that actually tastes like something). Then I wandered through the Thursday farmers market, bought way too many avocados for $1 each, and spent the afternoon reading in the courtyard of the North Park library.

Home exchange listings in North Park tend to be 1920s-era bungalows or mid-century apartments. Expect character over luxury—original hardwood floors, built-in bookshelves, maybe a lemon tree in the backyard.

Ocean Beach: For the Free-Spirited and Beach-Obsessed

Ocean Beach—OB to locals—is San Diego's last true bohemian neighborhood. It actively resists gentrification. There's no Starbucks here (residents voted against it), and the main drag still has a head shop next to a surf rental place next to a family-owned diner.

The beach itself stretches for nearly two miles, and dogs are allowed off-leash at Dog Beach on the north end. I spent an entire afternoon there during a December swap, watching golden retrievers chase waves while their owners sipped beers from paper bags (technically illegal, universally ignored).

Sunset Cliffs is the real draw though. About a 10-minute walk south of Newport Avenue, these sandstone bluffs offer the most dramatic sunset viewing in the county. Get there 30 minutes before sundown, bring a blanket, and watch the sky turn impossible shades of orange.

Home swaps in OB tend to be beach cottages or older apartment buildings. Don't expect modern amenities—expect proximity to sand and a vibe that forgives sandy floors.

La Jolla: For the Upscale Adventurer

La Jolla (pronounced "la HOY-a") is where San Diego gets fancy. The village center has boutiques that don't list prices in windows and restaurants where reservations matter. But here's the secret: the natural beauty is completely free.

La Jolla Cove is postcard-perfect—a small beach surrounded by cliffs where sea lions lounge on rocks like they own the place (they kind of do). The Cove is also one of the best snorkeling spots in California. Visibility can reach 30 feet on calm days, and you'll see garibaldi, leopard sharks, and the occasional sea turtle.

The Children's Pool—which hasn't been for children in decades—is now a protected harbor seal rookery. You can watch them from the seawall, especially during pupping season (December through May).

Home exchanges here skew toward condos with ocean views or Spanish-style homes in the residential areas above the village. Expect higher-end properties, often with pools and hot tubs.

Hillcrest and Mission Hills: For the Urban Explorers

These adjacent neighborhoods north of downtown offer a different flavor—more urban, more walkable, more restaurant-dense. Hillcrest is the heart of San Diego's LGBTQ+ community, with Pride flags year-round and a nightlife scene that actually exists (unlike most of sleepy San Diego).

Mission Hills, just to the west, has a quieter residential feel with stunning historic homes and some of the city's best independent restaurants. Breakfast at The Patio on Goldfinch ($16-22 for entrees) is worth the inevitable weekend wait.

What to Do in San Diego: Outdoor Activities That Don't Feel Touristy

San Diego's outdoor scene goes way beyond the obvious. Yes, the beaches are gorgeous. But the real magic happens when you venture slightly off the beaten path.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This is my number-one recommendation for anyone doing a home exchange in San Diego. Torrey Pines sits on 2,000 acres of protected coastal land north of La Jolla, and it feels more like Big Sur than Southern California.

The Guy Fleming Trail is an easy 2/3-mile loop with two viewpoints that'll make you understand why people pay $3 million for homes nearby. For more of a workout, take the Beach Trail down to the shore—it's steep, sandy, and absolutely worth the climb back up.

Arrive before 9 AM on weekends. The parking lot ($20) fills up fast, and there's no street parking for miles. Better yet, do what I did during my North Park swap—take the bus. The 101 stops right at the entrance.

Kayaking La Jolla's Sea Caves

I'm not usually a tour person. But the sea caves along La Jolla's coast genuinely require a guide unless you're an experienced kayaker who knows the tides.

Everyday California runs 90-minute tours ($69 per person) that take you through seven caves carved into the sandstone cliffs. The Clam's Cave is the highlight—a tunnel that opens into a cathedral-like chamber where the water glows turquoise from the light filtering through.

Book the 8 AM tour. The ocean is calmer, the caves are less crowded, and you'll be done in time for a late breakfast in the village.

Biking the Bayshore Bikeway

San Diego has 24 miles of continuous waterfront bike path circling the bay, and almost nobody uses it. Seriously—I've biked this route three times and never felt crowded.

Rent bikes from The Bike Revolution in downtown ($12/hour, $45/day) and head south along the Embarcadero. You'll pass the USS Midway, the Star of India sailing ship, and eventually cross the Coronado Bridge on a separate bike path. The views from the bridge are staggering—downtown on one side, the Coronado peninsula on the other, Navy ships dotting the harbor below.

The full loop takes 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops for photos and tacos.

Hiking Cowles Mountain

Locals call this "the mountain everyone climbs once." At 1,592 feet, Cowles Mountain is the highest point in the city of San Diego, and the summit offers 360-degree views from Mexico to the mountains east of the city.

The main trail from the Golfcrest Drive trailhead is 1.5 miles each way with about 950 feet of elevation gain. It's not technical, but it's relentlessly uphill—bring water and start early to avoid the afternoon heat.

I did this hike at sunrise during my October swap and had the summit almost to myself. By 8 AM, it was a parade of weekend warriors.

What to Do in San Diego: Food and Drink Experiences

San Diego's food scene has exploded in the past decade. It's no longer just fish tacos and burritos (though both are still excellent). Here's where I eat when I'm swapping in town.

The Taco Situation

Let's get this out of the way: San Diego has the best Mexican food in the United States. This isn't opinion—it's geography. The border is 20 minutes south, and the taco shops here reflect that proximity.

Forget the trendy spots. The best tacos come from places that look like they might fail a health inspection but absolutely won't. Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista (multiple locations now) serves Tijuana-style tacos that justify the 30-minute drive. Get the adobada—pork carved from a trompo, topped with cilantro and onions, on a handmade tortilla. $3.50 each.

For something closer to the central neighborhoods, Salud in Barrio Logan does elevated Mexican with a craft cocktail program that actually works. Their mole negro is a revelation.

Craft Beer Capital

San Diego has more craft breweries per capita than any major city in America. This is not an exaggeration—there are over 150 breweries in the county.

During a home swap, you can actually explore this scene properly. No designated driver needed when you're walking home to your North Park bungalow.

My brewery circuit: Start at Modern Times Flavordome in Point Loma (their Fortunate Islands wheat beer is perfect for afternoon drinking). Move to Societe Brewing in Kearny Mesa for something more serious—their Pupil IPA is world-class. End at Tiger!Tiger! in North Park, which isn't a brewery but has 30+ local taps and a killer patio.

Coffee Worth Seeking Out

I'm a coffee person—probably too much of one—and San Diego's specialty coffee scene rivals Portland and Seattle now.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in La Jolla is the flagship. Their single-origins are exceptional, and the La Jolla location has a back patio that feels like someone's private garden. James Coffee Co. in Little Italy does excellent espresso in a converted warehouse space. And Holsem in North Park combines great coffee with an all-day menu of avocado toast variations that somehow don't feel clichéd.

The Farmers Market Circuit

One of the best things about home exchange travel is cooking. You have a kitchen—use it.

San Diego's farmers markets are exceptional. The Hillcrest market (Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM) is the largest, with over 175 vendors and live music. Little Italy's Saturday market (8 AM-2 PM) is more curated, with prepared foods and a stunning waterfront setting.

But my favorite is the smaller Ocean Beach market (Wednesday, 4-8 PM). It's got a hippie vibe that matches the neighborhood, with local produce, handmade crafts, and usually someone playing guitar badly but enthusiastically.

What to Do in San Diego: Museums and Cultural Attractions

Balboa Park is San Diego's answer to Central Park, except with 17 museums, performing arts venues, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. You could spend a week here and not see everything.

Beyond the Zoo

Yes, the San Diego Zoo is incredible. It's genuinely one of the best zoos on the planet, and if you've never been, you should go. Budget a full day and $67 for adult admission.

But Balboa Park's other museums often get overlooked. The Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man) has fascinating anthropological exhibits in a stunning 1915 building. The Fleet Science Center is perfect if you're traveling with kids—or if you're an adult who still thinks space is cool. The Timken Museum of Art is free and houses an impressive collection of European masters in a building the size of a large living room.

Many Balboa Park museums offer free admission on rotating Tuesdays. Check the schedule before your swap—you could save $100+ over a two-week stay.

The Midway Museum

The USS Midway served as an aircraft carrier from 1945 to 1992 and now sits permanently docked in San Diego harbor. I'll be honest—I almost skipped this, assuming it was a military propaganda exhibit.

I was wrong. The audio tour (included in the $26 admission) features actual sailors who served on the ship, and their stories are genuinely moving. You can climb into cockpits, explore the engine room, and stand on the flight deck imagining what it must have felt like to launch jets into the Pacific.

Old Town for History (Skip the Restaurants)

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park preserves the original settlement from the 1820s-1870s. The adobe buildings are authentic, the history is interesting, and admission to the state park portion is free.

However—and I cannot stress this enough—do not eat at the restaurants in Old Town. They're tourist traps serving mediocre Mexican food at premium prices. Walk through, appreciate the history, then drive 10 minutes to Barrio Logan for actual good tacos.

What to Do in San Diego: Day Trips From Your Home Exchange Base

One of the advantages of a longer home swap stay is the ability to explore beyond the city. San Diego's location makes it a perfect base for day trips.

Tijuana, Mexico

The border is right there. You can walk across in 15 minutes and be in a completely different country.

Tijuana has cleaned up significantly in recent years, and the Avenida Revolución tourist strip—while still touristy—is genuinely fun. The food scene in Tijuana is having a moment, with restaurants like Misión 19 earning international acclaim.

Park at the San Ysidro transit center ($10/day), walk across the pedestrian bridge, and take a taxi or Uber to your destination. Coming back takes longer—budget 1-2 hours for the border crossing, especially on weekends. Bring your passport; a driver's license won't cut it anymore.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Two hours east of San Diego, the landscape transforms from coastal scrubland to actual desert. Anza-Borrego is California's largest state park, covering over 600,000 acres of badlands, palm oases, and spring wildflower blooms.

The wildflower season (typically mid-February through March) is spectacular when conditions are right. Entire hillsides turn purple, yellow, and orange. Check the park's wildflower hotline before making the drive.

Even without flowers, the desert has its own stark beauty. Fonts Point offers a sunrise view over the Borrego Badlands that rivals anything in Utah.

Julian: Apple Pie and Mountain Air

This tiny mountain town an hour northeast of San Diego feels transported from New England. The main street has antique shops, wine tasting rooms, and no fewer than four bakeries claiming to make the best apple pie.

Mom's Pie House is my pick. Their Dutch apple with streusel topping ($7 a slice, $28 whole) is worth the drive alone. Combine it with a hike in the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park for a perfect fall day trip.

Home Exchange Tips Specific to San Diego

After multiple swaps in this city, I've learned a few things that might help.

Parking Matters

Most San Diego neighborhoods have street parking, but some areas are nightmares. Ask your swap partner about parking situations before you arrive. North Park and Hillcrest can be challenging; Ocean Beach is usually fine; La Jolla depends heavily on the specific location.

If your swap home has a driveway or garage, consider it a major perk.

You Probably Need a Car

I hate saying this because I love public transit. But San Diego's trolley and bus system, while improving, doesn't connect the neighborhoods efficiently. You can survive without a car if you're staying in North Park or Hillcrest and don't plan to leave much. Otherwise, rent one.

Turo often has better deals than traditional rental agencies. I've rented Teslas for $60/day through Turo—cheaper than a basic sedan from Hertz.

The Marine Layer Is Real

San Diego's weather is famously perfect, but coastal neighborhoods often wake up under a thick fog that burns off by noon. Locals call it "May Gray" and "June Gloom," but it can happen any month.

If your swap is in Ocean Beach or La Jolla, don't panic when you wake up to gray skies. Drive 10 minutes inland and you'll find sunshine. By afternoon, the coast clears up too.

SwappaHome Has Solid San Diego Listings

I've found my San Diego swaps through SwappaHome, and the listings tend to be well-maintained with accurate descriptions. The credit system (1 credit per night, regardless of location) means you're not paying a premium for a La Jolla ocean view versus a North Park bungalow—a major advantage when exploring different neighborhoods.

The platform's verification system helps too. San Diego attracts a lot of genuine home exchange enthusiasts, and I've had universally positive experiences with hosts here.

Making the Most of Your San Diego Home Exchange

The real magic of what to do in San Diego during a home exchange isn't about checking attractions off a list. It's about settling into a rhythm.

Wake up slowly. Make coffee in your borrowed kitchen. Walk to a neighborhood café and read for an hour. Take an afternoon siesta because you can. Cook dinner with farmers market produce and eat on the patio as the sun sets.

This is what hotels can't give you. The space to breathe. The freedom to be bored, then curious, then delighted by something unexpected.

My last morning in North Park, I walked to Dark Horse for my usual cortado. The barista asked where I'd been—I hadn't come in for a few days because I'd been exploring Anza-Borrego. We talked about the desert, about her upcoming trip to Joshua Tree, about how three weeks in a place changes everything.

That's the conversation you don't have when you're staying at a Marriott.

San Diego is waiting. The beaches, the tacos, the hidden neighborhood gems. All you need is a home to come back to at the end of the day—and someone else's home might just be the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free things to do in San Diego?

San Diego offers incredible free activities including Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (just pay $20 parking), Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach, walking the La Jolla Cove seawall, exploring Balboa Park's gardens, and attending farmers markets throughout the city. Many museums also offer free admission on rotating Tuesdays.

How many days do you need to explore San Diego properly?

For a comprehensive San Diego experience, plan at least 7-10 days. This allows time to explore multiple neighborhoods, take day trips to Tijuana or the desert, and actually relax. Home exchange stays of 2-3 weeks let you experience San Diego like a local rather than a tourist rushing between attractions.

Is San Diego good for home exchange travel?

San Diego is excellent for home exchange because its distinct neighborhoods offer completely different experiences—from beachy Ocean Beach to urban North Park to upscale La Jolla. The consistent weather, walkable communities, and strong food scene make longer stays rewarding. SwappaHome has quality listings throughout the city.

What should I avoid doing in San Diego as a tourist?

Avoid eating at Old Town restaurants (tourist traps), driving to beach neighborhoods on summer weekends without a parking plan, skipping neighborhoods beyond downtown, and assuming the Gaslamp Quarter represents real San Diego. Also don't underestimate the morning marine layer—it burns off, but plan accordingly.

What is the best time of year to visit San Diego?

September through November offers the best San Diego weather—warm days, minimal fog, and fewer tourists. Spring (March-May) brings wildflower blooms in nearby deserts. Summer is peak tourist season with higher prices and crowded beaches. Winter remains mild (60s°F) and is ideal for whale watching.