The 9 Workshops & Classes in San Diego We Would Book First

1.Onewheel Electric Hoverboard Lesson and Bay Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Meet at Liberty Station for a 90-minute Onewheel XR lesson and guided bay ride. Your instructor, such as Jeff or Jesse, teaches balance, speed control, braking, and safe dismounts before leading you along the waterfront. Helmets, pads, and wrist guards are included.

“Excellent instructor...very patient. My boys picked it up right away and enjoyed the ride. Highly recommend this activity. Boys plan to rent in the future.”

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2.1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 1h 30m · from $139

Meet Everyday California at La Jolla Shores for a 90-minute beginner or intermediate surf lesson. Your English-speaking instructor covers ocean safety and surfing basics on land, then helps you catch waves with provided equipment. Public and private options are available.

“Best experience ever! Josh was such an amazing instructor. I had so much fun 😄”

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3.Stand up Paddle Board Lesson on The San Diego Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

Meet Michael, Sean, or another Chula Vista Water Sports instructor at Bayside Park for a beginner-friendly San Diego Bay lesson. You receive a paddleboard or kayak, life vest, and dry bag, then have about 90 minutes to paddle, rest, picnic, or practice at your own pace.

“Michael and crew were very professional and accommodating . My 3 kids went paddle boarding n enjoyed it so much. Will be back !!”

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4.Semi-Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Meet the San Diego Surf School at 4850 Cass St for a 90-minute private lesson with your own group. Instructors such as Tanner, Brooks, Cody, Ken, and Tom teach paddling, wave timing, and the pop-up, with board and wetsuit included.

“Amazing experience! My son and his best friend loved this outing and their instructor, Cody, was patient and encouraging!”

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5.Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $113

Meet the San Diego Surf School at 4850 Cass Street for a 90-minute beginner lesson with boards, gear, beach instruction, and water practice included. Instructors such as Lilly, Ben, Dash, and Josh have helped students build confidence, including children and first-time adults.

“My 19, 16 and 15 year old learned a lot. This was their first time surfing. The boys are hooked. My daughter thought it was fun, but could not get up. They told me the instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful.”

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6.Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $162

Meet San Diego Surf School on Cass Street for a private 90-minute lesson built around your goals. You’ll learn water safety, paddling, wave timing, and the pop-up with a lifeguard and CPR-certified instructor. Wetsuit, rash guard, and board rental are included.

“My son first time in the ocean had a blast and the instructor had him on the board and catching a wave in no time.”

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7.Intro to Wild Clay/Earthenware Pottery Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $72

Join Becky Sangha near Lake Cuyamaca for a three-hour, private pottery workshop in Julian. You’ll identify local clay, process raw earth, and shape a small earthenware vessel. Your pot goes home with you, along with instructions for firing it in an open fire.

“Really wonderful experience with a truly kind host! Great opportunity to learn about the culture and history in Julian and make something with your hands that is easy and fun for everyone.”

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8.Private Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your English-speaking Wavehuggers instructor at a San Diego beach for a private two-hour surf lesson. You’ll learn wetsuit use, beach footwork, paddling, ocean conditions, etiquette, and wave technique with a board and wetsuit supplied. Choose from beaches in San Diego, La Jolla, Cardiff, Encinitas, Carlsbad, or Oceanside.

“Cady was a great teacher we all had Lots of fun”

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9.2 Hour Private Group Surf Lesson in La Jolla

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your CPR-certified Wavehuggers instructor at Tourmaline Surf Park for two hours of private surf coaching. You’ll get a wetsuit, board, bottled water, beach footwork practice, and one-on-one help catching waves. Instructors such as Cady and Jake tailor the lesson to your comfort and ability.

“We had such a fun time learning to surf! Our instructor Cady was so great. Both my fiancé and I have never surfed before and Cady got us both up in the water during our lesson! We will definitely book again next time we’re in the area!”

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