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Put your phones away and shut your laptop screens—painting classes in San Diego are about to be your new favorite obsession! If your weekly screen-time notification is giving you the heebie-jeebies or you just need a better way to unwind after a full workday on the computer, it’s time to learn a creative hobby, like painting in San Diego.
Painting, in particular, is a great way to reduce your screen time because of its endless possibilities. Learn the basics of watercolors, acrylics, or textured paint, and you can enjoy a creative break whenever you need it. And a painting workshop is the perfect place to kickstart your hobby.
Or if you’re not looking for a new passion, no worries; try a one-off art class with friends or a date to do something meaningful and memorable. The best part? They’re designed for beginners, so you’ll have no more added stress or fatigue than you’d feel with a nighttime doomscroll. Keep reading to find the best painting class to help you ditch the screens and enjoy some intentional fun and relaxation. Plus, some extra screen-free activities that you can pair with painting in San Diego for a day of total relaxation and fun.
1. Make calming art in textured painting classes
Textured art is one of the easiest painting classes for adults with no prior artistic experience required. In one of these hands-on classes, you will learn how to create art with thick, sand-like paint. This style focuses on making designs with textures rather than colors. You’ll be surprised at the captivating paintings you can make even when only using one color. And the muted paints, simple designs, and satisfying texture are sure to put your mind at ease. An ocean textured painting class adds a coastal spin – perfect for a class taught only blocks from the San Diego shore. Learn how to paint a realistic sandy beach, with ocean waves, whitewash and all.
Pair it with a sandy beach
After painting with sand, head to the beach to dig your toes into it too! Watch the waves, munch on some burritos, crack open your favorite sparkling water, and let the ocean be your TV screen for a few hours. Sunset Cliffs, Windansea, Coronado, and Kate Sessions are some local favorites!
2. Discover a new hobby with floral watercolor classes
Free-flowing watercolors perfectly match the ocean landscape in San Diego. So why not learn how to paint the world around you? You’ll learn painting skills to pursue a new passion or interest. Try a watercolor painting class in Old Town, where you’ll learn how to create depth, softness, and movement in floral art. These nature scenes will instantly put you at ease.
A creative hobby is one of the best ways to reduce screen time. When you’re invested in a passion and have the skills to pick it up at any time, you won’t even think about picking up your phone. Get lost in painting flowers, trees, and the beach right in your backyard.
Pair it with a walk among flowers
Explore one of Balboa Park’s many beautiful gardens. Our top pick is the Zoro Garden, where you can walk through nectar plants and butterflies. Or totally escape in Palm Canyon or the Australian Garden, where you’ll be transported to another side of the world. Leave with inspiration for future watercolor paintings – you might even want to take a sketchbook!
3. Have fun with friends in paint and sip classes
Get out of the house and invite some friends to join you as you learn painting. Doing something together won’t just keep you accountable for swapping screen time for something more hands-on, but also give you time to socialize in a new and creative environment. Without outside distractions, you can focus on creating memories together.
Paint and sip classes are social, light-hearted, and lively, which will keep you engaged and having fun throughout. You’ll follow along to a step-by-step tutorial, making it easy to create something as a first-timer. Take home wall art you can feel proud of, or at least get a good laugh out of. It’s a much more fun way to spend an evening with friends. Find classes from Pacific Beach to Chula Vista.
Pair it with dinner and a view
If you’re looking for more screen-free activities to do with your group after class, enjoy dinner with an ocean view. Try Dukes in La Jolla for a beachside classic or Portside Pier in Downtown. If you want a playful (and screen-free) twist to the night, challenge your group to leave all of the phones in the middle of the table. The first person to grab it also has to grab the bill! If you all hold on strong, you get to split the bill evenly.
4. Try something out of the ordinary with glow-in-the-dark painting
Don’t just turn off the screens, turn off the lights too! If you’re looking for creative activities in San Diego, try something totally different like painting in the dark. This painting in San Diego class is taught under black lights for a cool twist on your classic paint and sip night. You’ll make neon, eye-catching paintings, the perfect relaxing swap to a harsh glowing screen. When you turn the lights on, you’ll be surprised at the totally different result on your page. This class focuses more on the creative and unique process to learn painting rather than the finished product, perfect for some feel-good fun away from digital distractions.
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Pair it with a ride on the ocean
Make it a truly neon night by renting a glow boat in Point Loma Harbor. Decked out in glowing lights, you can cruise the harbor for a peaceful end to your night. Enjoy the calming rock of the ocean and crisp ocean air. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready for a sound sleep.
5. Design playful homewares in candle painting classes
If you’re not one for handmade wall art, try candle painting instead. These adult art classes are perfect for a cozy and aesthetic craft night. This Downtown class even allows BYOB! Looking for bachelorette activities or date nights that will allow you to put your phones away and connect? These San Diego activities are our top pick!
Paint adorable patterns on your candles, a meditative process that will have you falling into a state of bliss. Take home colorful candles to bring some brightness into your home and always remind you to get a little creative.
Pair it with a caffeine break
Keep it cozy with a sit-in at a local coffee shop after your candle painting class. There are cute independent coffee shops around every corner, but if you’re looking for something late-night, check out Lestats in University Heights or MOTW in Clairemont Mesa. If you’re with friends, use this opportunity to catch up over a warm or refreshing beverage. Without phones in hand, you’ll find your chatter falling into a rhythm. If you’re solo, bring something like a book, journal, or sketchbook to unwind.
