San Diego doesn’t believe in wasting a Sunday—and neither should you! This is when the pace slows, the city shimmers with possibility, and perfect weather often arrives right on cue. Whether you crave a world-beating brunch, grooving at an outdoor concert, taking in art, or simply soaking up salt air on the sand, San Diego offers a Sunday scene for every mood. Treat yourself to a lazy wander, a Sunday-only event, or an unforgettable sunset—just don’t be surprised if your casual day off turns into the highlight of your whole trip.
Start your day with brunch at Great Maple
There’s something truly magical about a leisurely Sunday brunch—especially when you’re in San Diego, and even more so if you find yourself at Great Maple in Hillcrest. Sundays here are festive, a testament to the art of doing breakfast right. Step inside and you’re greeted by the scent of fresh maple syrup, coffee and sizzling bacon. The retro-modern decor—think sunlit booths, mid-century chairs and leafy patio corners—sets an inviting, unhurried vibe perfect for every kind of brunch crowd.
The signature maple bacon doughnuts are an event in themselves—served warm, pillowy soft, and best enjoyed with a side of strong coffee. Other crowd-pleasers include the Lumberjack pancakes (generous stacks slathered in butter and real maple syrup), chicken fried steak topped with peppery gravy, and baked apple French toast that feels like dessert for breakfast.
There’s always a line on Sundays, but the wait is part of the experience. Use the time to sip a lavender lemonade or that first mimosa on the leafy patio and enjoy the bustling scene around you. When your food arrives, take your time. People linger at Great Maple, ordering another round or swapping bites. When you finally head out, you’ll feel ready for anything the rest of Sunday throws your way.
Coronado ferry ride and lazy bike loop
Coronado ferry ride and lazy bike loop
There’s no better way to slow down and savor a Sunday than by hopping the Coronado Ferry for a day of old-fashioned exploring. The short but scenic cruise from downtown’s Broadway Pier to Coronado feels like a mini-adventure, with top-deck breezes and sparkling views back toward the San Diego skyline and Naval Station.
Once you arrive, rent a bike and set off on Coronado’s dedicated bike paths for a delightfully mellow loop. The bayside trail carries you past sailboats, outdoor cafés and bustling playgrounds, all filled with families and couples enjoying San Diego’s slowest, sunniest day.
Detour through the neighborhood’s leafy streets—homes are a storybook mix of beach cottages and grand Victorians. Climb the gentle slope up Orange Avenue toward the famed Hotel del Coronado for iconic photo ops or, for a more local vibe, rest at Spreckels Park where impromptu jazz concerts often unfold on the lawn.
Curious foodies should stop at the Ferry Landing’s small weekend art mart or grab lunch at Tartine Bistro, which serves up pastries, salads and more in a relaxed garden patio. When the mood strikes, return your bike and catch the golden light on your ferry ride back—there’s something restorative about ending your Sunday with wind in your hair and the city twinkling just ahead.
Brunch and books at Liberty Station
Sundays at Liberty Station are tailor-made for anyone craving a little culture, comfort and culinary indulgence with their day of rest. The historic former naval training center has been transformed into a creative haven, mixing grassy lawns and public art with independent eateries and locally owned shops.
Start with brunch at Fig Tree Café, where the garden patio is a true oasis and the menu is stacked with temptations like cinnamon roll pancakes, stuffed French toast and rich coffee. Or wander inside Liberty Public Market to bag your brunch: try a salmon toast or made-to-order crêpe, then a fresh-squeezed juice or third-wave espresso as you browse artisan vendors.
Literary folks love Liberty Station for its indie bookshops, where Sunday readings, signings and kids’ story circles are a regular treat. Art spaces are generous with their time on Sundays—painters and craftspeople open their studios, happy to let visitors peek behind the scenes. Wander down the Art Walk to see what’s new; there’s always the chance to join a hands-on workshop or score a unique locally made gift.
Point Loma Lighthouse and whale-watching
Point Loma Lighthouse and whale-watching
History meets natural wonder at Cabrillo National Monument on the tip of Point Loma, home to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and some of the city’s most jaw-dropping coastal panoramas. If you’re looking to pair your Sunday with coastal adventure and a dash of discovery, this spot is a must.
Arrive mid-morning when the marine fog is lifting and the lighthouse, perched high above crashing surf, stands out against a cobalt sky. You can climb inside the lovingly preserved 1855 structure (open for tours most Sundays) and check out the restored keeper’s quarters. It’s easy to imagine mariners scanning the horizon for ships and storms, and the exhibits bring old San Diego to life with fascinating detail.
But visits here are about more than just local lore—time it right and you’ll catch the gray whale migration in winter and early spring. Volunteers and rangers often set up telescopes and guide visitors in spotting spouts and dorsal fins from December through March. Bring your own binoculars if you have them, and you might also spot dolphins, pelicans diving, or even a sea lion or two playing below the cliffs.
Carlsbad State Street Farmers’ Market
Take a short trip up the coast on a Sunday and you’ll discover a North County tradition that perfectly captures San Diego’s easygoing spirit: the Carlsbad State Street Farmers’ Market. While this celebrated event technically hosts its biggest buzz on Wednesdays, Sunday brings a scaled-down but hyper-local version, where you can mingle with growers, taste-test sustainable produce, and browse the offerings of local makers and crafters.
It’s this community feel that makes the Sunday market special—musicians strum beneath the trees, kids scamper with balloon animals, and small-batch jams and salsas lure even the ‘just looking’ crowd into a purchase. Locals stop in after church or yoga class, creating a neighborly energy that you rarely find elsewhere.
State Street itself is sandwiched between boutiques, bookstores and pint-sized coffee shops, all open on Sundays so you can extend your adventure with an iced latte at Baba Coffee or a visit to Vinaka Café. Pick up a breakfast pastry and sit beneath a canopy of pepper trees, people-watching and planning the rest of your day.
Oceanfront yoga at Pacific Beach or Del Mar
Oceanfront yoga at Pacific Beach or Del Mar
San Diego’s Sunday morning yoga culture is the stuff of legend. Imagine sun salutations as pelicans soar overhead, waves roll in and salt air fills your lungs—yep, that’s the reality at Pacific Beach and Del Mar, where free or donation-based yoga classes pop up year-round right on the sand.
Check social media for updated times—sessions usually begin around 9 or 10AM. Bring a mat or just a big beach towel, some water and an open mind; these classes are purposely casual and inclusive, drawing everyone from experienced yogis to curious vacationers looking to stretch off last night’s fish tacos. Teachers amplify the ocean soundtrack with mellow playlists and gentle cues, and don’t be surprised if a local pup or two roams through during shavasana.
If you’re at Pacific Beach, nearby cafes like Better Buzz Coffee Roasters serve up espressos alongside pastries and protein-packed acai bowls. In Del Mar, you’ll be tempted by brunch at Stratford Court Cafe, set in a quirky cottage with garden tables and killer huevos rancheros.
Hillcrest Sunday Farmers’ Market
Those who want their Sunday to be equal parts gourmet, community and color, head to the Hillcrest Farmers Market—one of San Diego’s most celebrated and inclusive foodie destinations. This Sunday market is jam-packed with more than 175 local vendors and pops with so much fresh energy, you’ll quickly see why both San Diegans and chefs from all over town include it in their weekend routines.
You can browse seemingly endless stalls, loading up on the region’s finest vegetables, locally smoked fish, small-batch cheeses and artisan breads—then discover a row devoted entirely to hot, ready-to-eat international foods. Sample Thai street noodles, gourmet tamales, Vietnamese egg rolls, vegan pastries and fresh-pressed juices—literally breakfast, lunch and snacks for the week all in one colorful stroll.
Yet it’s the people-watching that makes Hillcrest special: you’ll see everyone from local musicians playing ukuleles to kids in superhero capes, stylish foodies debating the merits of wildflower honey, and friendly dogs weaving between tables. Drag queens shopping for produce, chatty couples splitting empanadas, vegan chefs leading cooking demos—this market is a true celebration of San Diego’s inclusive spirit.
Arty afternoons: La Jolla’s galleries
Arty afternoons: La Jolla’s galleries
For art lovers—or anyone looking to infuse their Sunday with a little inspiration—La Jolla’s coastline offers more than just picture-perfect beaches. On Sundays, the town’s galleries and studios, and the acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) throw open their doors for leisurely exploration, artist talks and hands-on workshops.
Begin your cultural stroll at MCASD, where the new oceanfront expansion lets natural light wash over cutting-edge exhibits and large-scale works that mix global perspectives with California cool. The sculpture garden, with its views over the Pacific and whimsical installations, is always a highlight.
Wander down Prospect Street, where La Jolla’s private galleries line the sidewalks—don’t miss Quint Gallery, R.B. Stevenson, or the eclectic Madison Gallery. Need a cool-down between stops? Grab gelato at Bobboi Natural Gelato for the win.
Harbor Island and Shelter Island: Sunday by the water
Searching for a low-key but scenic Sunday? Leave the crowds behind and find your pocket of tranquility along San Diego’s Harbor Island and Shelter Island. These little strips of land jut into the bay between downtown and Point Loma, creating a breezy promenade for walking, cycling or just soaking up the harbor views.
Harbor Island, lined with shady palms and grassy parks, offers skyline photo ops like nowhere else. Locals jog or bike along the paved paths, kids fly kites, and couples set out picnic spreads or quietly fish from the piers. Shelter Island, just to the south, feels like a mini vacation, especially on Sundays when sailboats glide past and the Polynesian-inspired Kona Kai Resort beckons with tropical drinks and a welcoming patio.
Stick around for sunset, when the city twinkles behind bobbing boats—a peaceful, heart-filling bookend to your weekend. Even locals are surprised by how restorative these islands can be. If your soul needs stillness, this is Sunday’s best medicine.
Brunch and live jazz at The Lafayette Hotel
Brunch and live jazz at The Lafayette Hotel
If your idea of the perfect Sunday is a day of elegance, history and soulful music, The Lafayette Hotel in North Park has you covered. Far more than a place to rest your head, this beautifully restored 1940s gem has turned its restaurant, lobby and iconic pool into the centerpiece of a true Sunday experience.
Begin with an indulgent brunch at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Mississippi Room—where plush velvet booths, Art Deco chandeliers, and a jazz band in the corner instantly transport you back in time. The menu is a treasure trove for foodies: think eggs Benedict with crab cakes, cinnamon-vanilla French toast, and bottomless mimosas for good measure. On Sundays, the kitchen gets especially creative, sometimes offering Southern-inspired specials or local seafood with a twist.
But the real charm comes from the atmosphere. The Lafayette attracts a fun, eclectic crowd—families celebrating milestones, couples getting cozy, and stylish friends catching up after a late Saturday night. As the jazz trio winds through Gershwin, Coltrane and New Orleans classics, even folks who came just for food end up lingering over coffee or a craft cocktail.
Sunday night movies under the stars
For the perfect finale to your San Diego Sunday, catch an outdoor movie with your favorite people. Throughout the warmer months, the city’s parks, hotel rooftops and even some beaches host Sunday night ‘movies under the stars’, where you can stretch out on a blanket and let the weekend fade to black with popcorn in hand.
One of the best-known is Rooftop Cinema Club atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt downtown. The setting couldn’t feel more VIP: comfy deck chairs, personal wireless headphones for perfect sound, and the sparkle of city lights just beyond the screen as dusk settles in. Their selection runs the gamut from family classics and rom-coms to cult favorites—think ‘The Goonies’ one week, ‘La La Land’ the next. Arrive early to grab gourmet popcorn or a themed cocktail, and settle into the laid-back, buzzy rooftop crowd.
Elsewhere in the city, keep your eyes peeled for recurring Sunday movie series hosted at spots like Waterfront Park or Liberty Station—these bring together local families, students and neighborhood regulars for free or low-cost screenings. Everyone brings blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers full of snacks; the air fills with laughter even before the previews roll. Sometimes food trucks line up for dinner and dessert, upping the picnic vibe.
Ghost tours and historic walks in Old Town
Ghost tours and historic walks in Old Town
If you’re looking for a Sunday activity with a bit of mystery and character, and even a few chills, end your weekend with an evening ghost tour or historic stroll through San Diego’s Old Town. On Sundays, this historic heart of the city slows down just slightly—restaurants and shops quiet while the deeper stories begin to surface.
Start with a twilight walk past adobe buildings, the old cemetery and the preserved San Diego State Historic Park, where costumed guides often regale small groups with tales of the city’s earliest days. If you’re brave, book a guided ghost tour (Old Town’s Whaley House is reputedly one of the most haunted spots in America and offers candlelit tours every Sunday night) and learn about resident spirits, eccentric pioneers and gold rush legends.
It’s not all shivers, though! Old Town is also a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Mexican food and stroll with after-dinner churros—the Sunday-night crowd is mellow, inviting and mostly local. Mariachi music sometimes drifts from Casa de Reyes, and the plaza’s fairy lights set a charming scene.
Relaxing at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
There are few better ways to top off a San Diego Sunday than with a trip to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The name alone promises something special, but seeing the waves crash against towering sandstone and the sky light up with bands of pink and gold is one of the true wonders of coastal California.
Arriving on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll find families unpacking picnics on the bluff, friends catching up on blankets, and solo adventurers meditating on the famous Sunset Seats—carefully carved stone benches perched for optimal sky-gazing. The air smells of sage and seasalt; pelicans fly in tight formation just overhead.
Bring your own picnic (grabbing takeout sandwiches from Olive Tree Marketplace is a local favorite), or settle for just a hot chocolate to keep your hands warm. Wander along the cliff-top paths, explore secret little nooks for a private view, and watch daring surfers navigate the rocky breaks far below.
Looking for more things to do in San Diego? Check out our favorite people-watching spots, and complete your weekend with our guide to the best things to do in San Diego on Saturday.
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