Top San Diego Classes & Workshops

Escape the ordinary and delve into a world of creativity during this Wild Clay Pottery Workshop. We'll work together amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature on private property in Julian, California. This immersive experience invites travelers to unleash their artistic spirits (no experience necessary) against a backdrop of rolling, oak-strewn hills and apple orchards. Discover the timeless art of pottery-making guided by expert artisan, Becky Sangha, as you mold and shape clay sourced from the very earth beneath your feet. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned potter, our workshop promises an unforgettable journey of self-expression and connection with the land. Book your spot today and indulge in a truly enriching adventure in the mountains here in Julian, where artistry meets nature in perfect harmony.

Learn the basics of surfing in San Diego at a beach with gentle waves that are perfect for beginners. This semi-private surf lesson has a low student-to-instructor ratio for personalized attention from a highly trained team. Start on the beach to get a handle on surf essentials like safety, paddling, standing up, and wave etiquette, and then head out into the waves to put your new skills into practice.

Explore some of the best eats in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego—and learn insider facts and stories about its sordid past—on this two-in-one, small-group walking tour. Join an expert guide who has the inside scoop on the district's hopping restaurant and bar scene. Sample delicious dishes at several eateries, sip drinks, and learn about the neighborhood's past as a notorious red-light district.

Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

Bring a towel and swimsuit down to Cass St in San Diego, and be ready to hang ten. Join this small group surf lesson with some of the best instructors in town to have a great time on the water. Surfing is one of San Diego’s most popular sports, so don’t have a chance to get out there and try it. After, the rest of the day is yours to explore as you like.

If you're new to surfing, get abundant attention from an instructor with a private surf lesson in San Diego. The customized session is geared toward each individual's age and experience to help get you paddling and standing up as soon as possible. Get comfortable with basics of wave safety, positioning, and surf etiquette right on the beach before heading out to try catching your first waves.

Your dumpling era starts with a mixing bowl and a stack of wrappers. At a casual San Diego brewery, you’ll combine ground pork, shrimp paste and fresh chives to create a savory filling, then learn how to fold and shape Chinese dumplings without stressing over perfect pleats. You’ll get hands-on practice with each step, making the process approachable even if you’ve never folded a dumpling before. While your dumplings cook, you’ll whip up a sweet-savory dipping sauce using soy sauce, honey, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Then you’ll work with the remaining pork-and-shrimp filling to create shumai-style dumplings, learning a second shape and technique. Once everything is cooked, enjoy your freshly made meal. It’s hands-on, social and just messy enough to be fun — especially when that first dumpling actually holds together.

Capture the essence of your San Diego adventure with a personalized photography or videography session. This unique experience takes you to iconic locations like Balboa Park, Sunset Cliffs, and La Jolla, or any hidden gem of your choice. With light posing guidance and a relaxed atmosphere, you'll feel at ease while a local photographer captures stunning high-resolution images or a cinematic video reel. Enjoy the flexibility of customizing your session length and locations while receiving your professionally edited photos or video in just 3–5 days. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and influencers looking to create memorable content.

Why You’ll Love This Experience A journey of scent, self-expression, and self-care. At Lini Skinfood, we believe fragrance is personal — it’s memory, mood, and magic all in one. Discover the art of perfume-making while connecting with your senses and intuition. Unlike traditional perfume workshops that use synthetic ingredients, you’ll work with clean, natural botanicals and skin-loving oils, hand-picked for their beauty and wellness benefits. Your creation isn’t just a scent — it’s a body oil perfume that nourishes your skin while leaving a lasting aroma unique to you. What makes it special: Personalization: Every scent is one-of-a-kind — no two blends are the same. Guided by Lini: A skincare artisan and scent curator who blends beauty, wellness, and creativity into every moment. You’ll leave not only with your own custom body oil perfume, but also a sense of calm, inspiration, and confidence — the kind that lingers long after the scent fades. CALL 24-48 HOURS TO BOOK TIME

A social gathering awaits at this hands-on cooking class in San Diego, where participants collaborate with professional chefs to whip up authentic Italian-inspired dishes from scratch. Over three to three and a half hours, enjoy welcome appetizers, create two main dishes tailored to your group’s preferences, and savor a delightful signature dessert. With the added touch of a welcome drink in hand, the experience culminates in communal dining, allowing everyone to relish the culinary creations they helped craft together.

Do something different with your time in San Diego by taking part in this private hands-on cigar rolling workshop. Don’t worry about bringing anything with you, as all tools and materials are provided. During your class, learn top tips from expert cigar rollers as well as fascinating insights on the history of the craft that most travelers usually miss out on.

Delve into the rich flavors of Sicily with a hands-on seafood cooking class at Cucina Migrante. In this engaging 3-hour session, you’ll prepare two seasonal seafood dishes while learning about the cultural influences that define Sicilian coastal cuisine. Guided by a professional chef, discover how to select the freshest fish and gain insights into San Diego’s local seafood system. Enjoy a communal dining experience complete with an appetizer, dessert, and a welcome glass of wine, while sharing stories and laughter with fellow food enthusiasts. Feel free to bring your own beverages to complement the meal. What's included: All equipment for cooking Ingredients for the dishes Two seasonal seafood dishes Appetizer and dessert Welcome wine / beer Non-alcoholic beverages BYOB welcome Highlights Hands-on instruction from professional chef Learn to recognize fresh fish and hear about local fishermen Shared dining experience with a welcome wine and dessert

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit. After 3+ years of construction, Elephant Valley is now officially open! Come immerse yourself in this incredible conservation habitat and meet a multi-generational herd of eight African savanna elephants.

Explore Tijuana, Mexico, without getting lost on this day trip from San Diego, a great choice for first-time visitors. Visit cultural attractions, sample authentic Mexican street food at a sidewalk taco stand, and do some shopping and sightseeing. Opt to walk or take public transportation and experience the city like a local. Your guide can suggest stops and adapt the itinerary to fit the needs of the group.

Tijuana, Mexico is a short trip across the border from San Diego. The Mexican border town had at one point achieved notoriety as a town of ill-repute, but this reputation is only a small part of the history of this colorful, interesting city. Dip your toe into the fun and hospitality of this town with locals who are eager to share the true story of Tijuana with you.

Our watercolor painting picnic experience is designed to create a relaxing experience learning about essential watercolor techniques, and creating a work of art of your choosing. We provide all the materials needed for a comfortable setup, with professional art tools. We lead with practice sessions, and then provide tailored guidance for each individual guest as they work on an original watercolor painting. We love to share insights about the value of watercolors, for its meditative effects, and its lessons on patience, embracing imperfection, and practicing until progress is achieved.

Let go and relax with this small-group yoga class on the sands of La Jolla Shores Beach—part of the beautiful San Diego Coastline. Begin with meditation, then take part in an energetic yoga flow while taking in the ocean waves. Finally, wind down with an optional lavender essential oil forehead and temple massage. This practice can be tailored to your experience and ability, and a mat and bottled water are provided for a seamless experience.

Escape to the picturesque shores of Coronado Beach for an exclusive private group yoga class. With mats provided, immerse yourself in a personalized wellness journey on this stunning San Diego, California coastline. Led by an expert instructor, synchronize your movements with the rhythm of the tides and find serenity in the embrace of the sun-kissed sand. Experience the transformative power of yoga in a breathtaking setting, fostering unity and rejuvenation within your intimate group. Unwind, connect, and create cherished memories in this extraordinary coastal escape.

Led by a local certified Tequila Specialist, this guided tasting offers a unique and educational experience. Guests will learn about San Diego's history and its connection to Tequila. They will sample three distinct, additive-free premium tequilas—a blanco, a reposado, and an añejo—each selected to showcase the rich diversity and craftsmanship of authentic tequila.

An evening cooking class invites culinary enthusiasts to create authentic vegan Italian dishes from scratch. Collaborate with skilled chefs as you dive into a custom menu curated to fit your dietary preferences. Start with delicious vegan appetizers and chef bites, then work together to craft two seasonal main dishes before indulging in a signature dessert. Welcome drinks set the tone for a relaxed communal dining experience where you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor with fellow food lovers.

Experience the beauty of Mission Bay with a self-guided Paint and Sip Picnic designed for creativity, connection, and relaxation. The experience includes two ocean-themed paintings to choose from, along with easy, step-by-step guides, making it perfect for beginners and experienced creatives alike. There’s no instructor hovering, just a thoughtfully prepared setting where you can paint at your own pace, sip sparkling cider, snack, unwind, and enjoy the calm water and scenic views. Ideal for couples seeking a romantic date, friends planning a unique outing, or travelers celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a well deserved moment of escape, this experience blends art and atmosphere in a meaningful way. Guests leave with their own ocean-inspired artwork and a shared memory rooted in connection and calm. It’s more than a picnic, it’s a creative bayfront experience in the heart of San Diego.

At Aqua Foils, we exclusively employ the finest and most advanced eFoil technology, as well as cutting-edge safety and communication equipment. Our choice, the LIFT eFoil, guarantees an epic and incredibly smooth flying experience that you won't forget. Our instruction approach is world-class, characterized by a blend of humor and a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring you feel at ease while flying with us.

Get over the border to Mexico with this small group tour to Tijuana. Your guide will meet you in San Diego and help you cross the border to keep it hassle free. Then together you’ll hit up some coffee stops that only your guide knows. Keep costs down and make new friends with this economical small group choice, and learn all about Mexico’s coffee, too.