New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but San Diego has plenty to offer at nighttime. If the local bar/drinking/ clubbing scene isn’t your thing, that’s ok. We’ll be covering activities that cross over tourist and family friendly and to more local and intimate settings. Some require physical endurance with a sweet reward, and others you can just sit back and relax. Of course, all of these events are either only hosted on Full Moons, or are just better experienced on such an evening.

1 SUNSET CLIFFS

You can find the Sunset Cliffs by following Sunset Cliff BLVD in Ocean Beach which is on the North side of Point Loma. Along the way you will find several fun shops, and a beach town vibe that seems to be trapped in time. Take a stroll along the edge, and you’ll find stairways and areas where you can climb down and find nice spots to rest along the cliffs. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and gaze at the moon and stars while the waves crash below you.

2 TORREY PINES

There are several trails and points of entry for Torrey Pines State Beach, which is located in La Jolla. Where the forest meets the ocean, you will find the endangered Torrey Pine, which only grows in this area. Some areas are difficult hikes, and other spots are nice strolls, but either way they are beautiful spots to watch the sunset and catch a full moon.

3 MOONLIGHT PADDLEBOARD TOURS

You can go Paddleboarding in the San Diego Bay with local instructor, Cheyanne Abolt at California Paddle Board Tours on full moons. Cheyanne also teaches yoga paddleboarding on Saturdays. If you’re up for that extra adventure, be sure to book in advance to reserve a spot. Not only is it a great work out, but the view of watching the moon rise behind the city is breathtaking.

4 GHOST WALKING TOURS

Old Town Trolley offers a Ghost and Gravestone tour. It involves some walking, and isn’t recommended for children who scare easily. But for those who want an entertaining tour on the darker side of San Diego history, this would be a fun walk in the full moon!

5 MOONLIGHT SAILING TOURS

Want to relax on the San Diego Bay with a spectacular view of the city? Watch the full moon rise behind the skyscraper as waves gently crash along the hull of a classic sailing yacht. Ditch the crowds for an intimate sail with San Diego Sailing Tours by booking a Moonlight sail. Our guests enjoy experiencing San Diego for an exclusive tour, and an opportunity to make lifetime memories.

6 SOUTHBAY DRIVE-IN THEATER

Want to get nostalgic? San Diego still has two operating Drive-in theaters, one in Santee and the other in South Bay. Both are a drive outside of normal city tourist zone, but they are a fun way to enjoy the movies in a way new generations don’t remember. Of course, the only thing more romantic than the drive-in is doing it on a full moon.

7 COWELS MOUNTAIN FULL MOON HIKE

You can either venture on your own, or join a group hike with companies like REI or on meetup apps. But you will always find large groups of people taking advantage of this local hike, not only for the challenge, but for the beautiful 360 view of the city and full moon in its backdrop. Not many urban cities still have a mountain and wildlife preserve right in the middle of it, making it an easily accessible hike. Make sure to bring water, comfortable shoes, and a flashlight or headlamp. Some meetups even provide lighting.

8 LOCAL FULL MOON DRUM CIRCLES

Want to go deep into the San Diego local scene? Then join a full moon drum circle. If you’re into the spiritual and like musical communities, then these are perfect environments to step out of your shell, make new friends, and connect with others. And the best part is that you don’t have to be a musician. Just show up with a positive attitude, and be ready to dance, clap your hands, drum, or sing. There are several groups and places that host drum circles such as Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla, and even Blacks Beach if you’re comfortable with optional clothing.