How to Make New Friends as An Adult in San Diego
Is it just me, or is making friends as an adult is weirdly hard? You’re not in school anymore, your coworkers aren’t always your people, and social media can feel like a black hole of comparison and curated lives. So what do you do if you’re living in San Diego and craving real connection? Here are a 5 ideas to make new friends as an adult in San Diego:
Join a Group Pottery Class
Yes, this is a shameless plug but I created this little studio because I needed it. I was craving something quiet, lowkey, creative. Something that didn’t revolve around drinking or trying to make awkward small talk over noisy music at the bar.
So I built it: a backyard pottery space where people can come together, slow down, and feel safe just being themselves. A space where you can shut your brain off, let your body lead, and allow connection to happen in a low-pressure environment.
Classes are small (8 people max), beginner-friendly, and woven with simple nervous system regulation support like breathwork, grounding, and somatic awareness.
If you’re looking for something that’s chill, creative, and community oriented…this might be your thing too.
2. Join a Sport
I know this isn’t a groundbreaking suggestion, but I’m including it because I have personal experience and can fully vouch for how effective it is. Before I got chronically ill (thanks, Covid), I was super involved in sports and there’s just nothing like the camaraderie that comes from being part of a team. It’s built-in community, movement, and connection all in one.
Volo Sports is a great place to sign up for casual leagues like beach volleyball, soccer, or pickleball. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even check out my old gym, Victory MMA. They offer a free one-week trial and they’re the most affordable MMA gym in San Diego (last time I checked).
(P.S. If you go, try James Thomas’ boxing classes and tell him Mermazing sent you. He’ll know exactly who you’re talking about.)
3.Attend a Wellness Event
There are sooo many options here. Beach yoga, fitness camps, herbal festivals, ice baths (hard pass for me, but to each their own). These are beautiful places to meet people who value connection and healing. My favorite resource for finding unique group wellness events in San Diego is the Locally Well newsletter.
4. Get Involved in a Cause
One of the most fulfilling ways to make friends as an adult in San Diego is by joining forces with people who care about the same things you do. Whether it’s food justice, mental health advocacy, or arts accessibility, volunteering builds values-based connection.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
1. Teralta Art: a non-profit community initiative dedicated to making art more accessible to underserved neighborhoods. (Many of their volunteer roles do not require any prior art experience).
2. Saddles in Service: this nonprofit connects veterans, first responders, and others struggling with stress, trauma, or burnout to healing through horses. Volunteers help care for the horses and support participants. (Plus, being around animals and nature is extremely regulating. It’s a win for everyone).
This kind of purpose-driven connection is often where the deepest friendships form. When you're shoulder-to-shoulder building something meaningful, the small talk fades.
5. Start Your Own Thing
Still not finding what you need? Maybe you’re craving something that doesn’t exist yet—and maybe you're the one meant to build it. Keep it casual. Keep it real. The people who need it will come. And you can “advertise” for it on places like Bumble BFF, MeetUp, Next Door, and Reddit.
A Little Encouragement Before You Go
If making friends as an adult has felt awkward or discouraging, I get it. Most of us are just walking around hoping someone else will make the first move.
It’s easy to assume everyone else has it figured out, but the truth is: so many people are craving more than surface-level connection.
It might take some time. And you might try a few things that don’t click. But if you keep your heart open, I know you’ll find your people ♡.
