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Speed dating in San Diego has become the perfect solution for beach-loving singles tired of ghosting and fake profiles. With over 500,000 singles in San Diego County and events happening from Pacific Beach to Gaslamp Quarter, North Park to La Jolla, San Diego offers one of California's most laid-back yet active speed dating scenes.
From beachside sunset speed dating to upscale Gaslamp Quarter events, from surf-loving singles mixers to 50+ senior events—San Diego's speed dating landscape reflects the city's relaxed coastal vibe while maintaining professional quality.
Here are the best speed dating companies and organizers in San Diego, organized by age and demographic.
Founded: Local San Diego organizer Events: 6 upcoming on Eventbrite Coverage: Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Tagline: "Host-led speed dating with Connect-Card matching & balanced ratios" Style: Boutique, stylish venues
Website: speedsddating.com Eventbrite: SpeedSD Dating Organizer (6 events)
SpeedSD Dating is a LOCAL San Diego organizer hosting stylish speed dating events across San Diego's best neighborhoods—from Gaslamp lounges to La Jolla wine bars. They connect professionals who value chemistry, conversation, and connection.
What Makes Them Stand Out: LOCAL San Diego company (not a national chain) that knows the city's neighborhoods intimately. Host-led events with Connect-Card matching technology. Events at carefully curated San Diego venues that match the city's upscale coastal vibe. Balanced gender ratios carefully maintained. Question companies that promote through random Meet-Up groups—SpeedSD does NOT (they're independent and professional).
Format: Boutique-style host-led speed dating. Connect-Card mobile matching. Carefully selected San Diego venues from downtown Gaslamp to beachside La Jolla.
Venues: Gaslamp Quarter lounges, Little Italy wine bars, Pacific Beach venues, La Jolla upscale locations—all chosen for ambiance and San Diego character
Philosophy: SpeedSD questions businesses promoting through Craigslist and Meet-Up redirects. They're a professional, independent San Diego operation focused on quality over volume.
Pros: Local San Diego company understands city culture, boutique venue selection (Gaslamp to La Jolla), professional host-led events, Connect-Card technology, balanced ratios, independent operation not relying on Meet-Up spam.
Cons: Fewer events than national chains (6 vs 420+), smaller operation, may sell out quickly.
Best For: San Diego locals who want to support local businesses, people seeking boutique experience, singles who appreciate carefully curated venues, professionals wanting host-led events, those tired of impersonal national chains, ages 25-45.
Founded: 2007 Coverage: 70+ cities worldwide Price Range: $30-$75 Age Ranges: 22-32, 24-36, 26-38, 28-40, 32-44, 36-48 Claim: "San Diego's most sophisticated speed-dating night — no loud bars, no name tags, no awkward setups"
Website: mycheekydate.com/speed-dating-san-diego Eventbrite: MyCheekyDate Organizer (149 events nationally)
MyCheekyDate (branded as "Fancy a Go?" for many San Diego events) brings boutique-style sophistication to San Diego's speed dating scene. Operating since 2007 and featured on over 30 televised programs including Top Chef Masters, Bravo's 'Rate The Date', NBC, TLC's 'Cake Boss', they're regarded as the industry leader for upscale dating events.
What Makes Them Stand Out: "We believe dating should feel easy, not forced. That's why we skip the whistles and over-the-top gimmicks." Their Smart-Card mobile matching technology lets you mark matches from your phone and view results the same evening. Selective admission—they reward "lovely daters" with perks like complimentary events and future discounts for being kind, engaging, and genuine. Venues are chosen for ambiance, privacy, and comfort.
Format: Host-led events with 6-7 minute conversations. Smart-Card digital scorecards eliminate paper—upload your picture, make selections, get notified of matches all from your phone. Events feel intimate and refined rather than chaotic.
Venues: Whiskey Girl (702 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter), Hasta Mañana Cantina, Salt & Whiskey, upscale bars throughout San Diego
Additional Services: Blind-Date Matchmaking Packages ($595-$945), Advice Packages for profile and relationship coaching available at mycheekydate.com.
Target Audience: "Find your match for beach days, brunch spots, live music nights, or local festivals. Whether you're new to the city or born and raised, you'll meet singles who share your spark."
Pros: Premium experience, established reputation (since 2007), sophisticated San Diego venues, Smart-Card technology, tickets never expire, verified Eventbrite organizer with 25,000+ past events, selective admission ensures quality, featured on 30+ TV programs.
Cons: More expensive ($30-$75), selective admission may exclude some, smaller event sizes mean fewer matches per night.
Best For: San Diego professionals ages 22-48 seeking upscale experience, people willing to pay premium for quality attendees, daters who value sophistication, newcomers to San Diego wanting quality crowd.
Founded: 2001 Coverage: 70+ cities across US and Canada Price Range: $23-$35 per event Age Ranges: 20s/30s, 30s/40s, 35-49, 40s/50s, 50s/60s, 24-42 (Christian events) Claim: "The preeminent singles event company: the oldest, largest, and best"
Website: pre-dating.com/san-diego-speed-dating Eventbrite: Pre-Dating Organizer (420+ events nationally) | San Diego Speed Dating Organizer
Pre-Dating stands as America's largest and oldest speed dating company, having organized over 38,000 events since 2001. Their San Diego presence covers Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Beach, North Park, La Jolla, and surrounding areas including North County.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Most established brand with proven 24-year track record. Events at accessible San Diego venues including Whiskey Girl, Modern Times Flavordome, and restaurants throughout San Diego County. Professional hosts keep events organized. Strong track record—thousands have found love at their events. Specialty events include Christian Speed Dating, cultural-specific events, and senior dating.
Format: Traditional speed dating with 6-minute "pre-dates" where you meet 8-12 potential matches. Mark your scorecard, submit choices, receive mutual match results within 24-48 hours.
Venues: Whiskey Girl (Gaslamp), Modern Times Flavordome, restaurants throughout San Diego, North County locations
Event Types: In-person speed dating, online/virtual speed dating, Lock & Key Singles Parties, Christian Speed Dating, cultural/religious specific events, senior events (50+)
Pros: Most affordable pricing ($23-$35), most established reputation (since 2001), extensive San Diego coverage, well-trained hosts, proven success stories, featured on BBC, CNN, NPR, specialty events for specific demographics.
Cons: Traditional format may feel formulaic, email-only matching (no app platform), spread across vast San Diego area.
Best For: Professionals ages 20-65+ seeking traditional speed dating, budget-conscious daters, people living in North County or suburbs, those who value established national reputation, Christians seeking faith-based events, first-time speed daters.
Local: San Diego-based independent organizer Age Range: 30-45 Format: In-person speed dating with digital match cards Specialization: "Real life interactions with other single professionals who are looking to date"
Eventbrite: Pete O'Neal Organizer
Pete O'Neal runs independent speed dating events in San Diego focused on bringing back "old school" in-person dating for professionals ages 30-45. Events emphasize dating with intention for meaningful long-term relationships.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Local San Diego organizer who understands the city's dating scene. "No filters. No catfishing. No fake accounts. Within minutes, you'll know if there's genuine interest!" Wine and beer night editions, holiday-themed events. Handpicked private lounge venues with food, drinks, music, and good energy. 6-minute rounds followed by post-event casual hangout so you can reconnect with anyone you vibed with.
Format: 6-minute speed dating rounds starting at 7PM. Simple digital match card system—connect freely with mutual matches the next day. Drinks and food available during and after. Post-event mingle session.
Venues: Panini Kabob Grill (Westfield UTC), handpicked private lounges
Philosophy: "Chemistry can't be swiped, it has to be felt." Events attract single professionals in a stage of life looking for something meaningful.
Pros: Local organizer, emphasis on meaningful connections, post-event hangouts, food/drinks included, intimate venues, ages 30-45 sweet spot for serious daters.
Cons: Smaller operation than national brands, less frequent events, limited age ranges.
Best For: San Diego professionals ages 30-45 seeking meaningful relationships, people who want local events with personal touch, daters tired of casual hookup culture, those who value post-event mingling.
Technology: AI-powered matching algorithm Age Ranges: 29-49, 35-49 Format: Tech-forward speed dating with intelligent matching Claim: "THE most compatible singles in the room"
Website: cityswoon.com/speed-dating-sandiego Eventbrite: Cityswoon Organizer
Cityswoon brings tech-powered speed dating to San Diego using an intelligent algorithm to match you with the most compatible singles during the event. Fill out a profile in under 5 minutes and experience 6-8 quick-fire date rounds.
What Makes Them Stand Out: AI algorithm selects your matches each round for maximum compatibility—you're not just randomly rotating. Check-in is on your phone with NO match cards, drink tokens, paper or pens required—just bring your phone and great attitude (ensure it's fully charged). Venues chosen for romantic atmosphere like Understory at Sky Deck.
Format: Series of relaxed mini-dates selected for you each round by intelligent algorithm live at the event. Phone-based check-in and matching.
Venues: Understory at Sky Deck (Del Mar Highlands Town Center)—"perfect spot for a romantic date night, offering intimate and stylish atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines"
Pros: Tech-powered matching for better compatibility, no paper/physical cards needed, romantic venue selection, modern approach.
Cons: Non-refundable tickets (all purchases final), must contact customer service 7+ days out for credit/transfer, limited to ages 29-49.
Best For: Tech-savvy singles ages 29-49, people who trust algorithms, daters seeking compatibility-based matching, those comfortable with phone-based systems.
Format: Coffee shop speed dating + happy hour mixers Age Ranges: 25-45, 40+ Venues: San Diego coffee shops Style: Casual, intimate atmosphere
Eventbrite: Jigsaw® Dating Organizer
Jigsaw Dating hosts coffee shop speed dating and happy hour mixers throughout San Diego—perfect for the city's laid-back coffee and craft beer culture. Events designed to spark real connections in casual settings.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Coffee shop venues feel authentically San Diego. Daytime options for people who prefer casual coffee dates over bar scene. Happy hour mixer events for those who want less structured mingling. Multiple age brackets (25-45, 40+).
Format: Speed dating at coffee shops with smaller groups, plus happy hour mixers for casual mingling.
Event Types: Coffee shop speed dating (ages 25-45), happy hour mixers (ages 25-45, ages 40+)
Best For: Coffee lovers, people who prefer daytime events, singles seeking casual atmosphere, those uncomfortable in bar settings, ages 25-55.
Age Range: 24-39 Format: Interactive speed dating Mission: "We want you to find your match!"
Eventbrite: DateFaster.com Organizer
DateFaster.com hosts fun, interactive speed dating for younger San Diego singles ages 24-39.
Best For: Young professionals ages 24-39, people seeking fun atmosphere, first-time speed daters.
Age Ranges: 30s/40s, 35-49, 40s/50s, 50s/60s Coverage: All of San Diego County Price: $23-$35 Specialty: Senior Speed Dating dedicated events
Website: pre-dating.com/san-diego-speed-dating Over 50 Landing Page: Senior Speed Dating Eventbrite: Pre-Dating Organizer
Pre-Dating is the most reliable provider for mature singles 40+ in San Diego. With 24 years of experience and dedicated age brackets, they understand mature dating needs.
Why It Works for 40+: Traditional no-tech format with simple paper scorecards appeals to mature daters. Accessible San Diego venues with parking throughout the county. Professional hosts create comfortable atmosphere. Established 24-year reputation attracts quality, serious crowds. Multiple age brackets ensure age-appropriate matches.
Venues: Whiskey Girl, Modern Times Flavordome, restaurants throughout San Diego, North County locations
Event Frequency: Regular monthly or bi-monthly 30s/40s, 40s/50s, and 50s/60s events across San Diego
Best For: Singles ages 35-70+ seeking traditional speed dating, mature daters who prefer no-tech approach, people living throughout San Diego County, those who value established reputation.
Age Ranges: 36-48, 40-55 Style: Upscale boutique events Price: $40-$75
Website: mycheekydate.com/speed-dating-san-diego Eventbrite: MyCheekyDate Organizer
MyCheekyDate offers upscale speed dating for mature professionals ages 36-55 at sophisticated San Diego venues.
Why It Works for 40+: Mature professionals appreciate refined atmosphere and selective admission. Smart-Card technology is modern but simple. Premium pricing filters for serious, established daters. Matchmaking services available for more hands-on approach.
Best For: Affluent professionals ages 36-55, mature singles seeking upscale experience, people willing to invest in quality events.
Age Range: 35-49 Format: AI-powered matching
Eventbrite: Cityswoon Organizer
Cityswoon's intelligent algorithm works well for 35-49 age group seeking compatibility-based matches.
Best For: Tech-savvy singles ages 35-49, people who trust algorithmic matching.
Age Range: 30-45 Focus: Meaningful long-term relationships
Eventbrite: Pete O'Neal Organizer
Pete O'Neal's events attract 30-45 crowd seeking serious relationships, not casual dating.
Best For: Singles ages 30-45 ready for committed relationships, people seeking intention-driven dating.
Age Range: 40+ Format: Happy hour mixers
Eventbrite: Jigsaw® Dating Organizer
Jigsaw Dating hosts dedicated 40+ happy hour mixer events for mature singles.
Best For: Singles 40+ who prefer mixers over formal speed dating.
Age Range: 40+ Location: 671 Turquoise St, Pacific Beach Vibe: Laid-back Pacific Beach beach culture Format: Speed dating for mature singles
Eventbrite: Search "Later Daters San Diego Pacific Beach"
Later Daters hosts dedicated 40+ speed dating events in Pacific Beach—San Diego's famous beach neighborhood known for laid-back vibes, oceanfront bars, and casual coastal culture.
What Makes Them Stand Out: PACIFIC BEACH location (671 Turquoise St) brings beach town casual atmosphere to mature dating. Unlike downtown Gaslamp's upscale scene or La Jolla's sophistication, Pacific Beach offers relaxed beach-community vibe. Perfect for 40+ singles who embrace San Diego's surf/beach culture over formal downtown settings.
Format: Traditional speed dating in Pacific Beach venue. More casual than Gaslamp Quarter events.
Neighborhood Character: Pacific Beach attracts laid-back San Diegans, beach lovers, surfers, and those who prefer flip-flops to dress shoes. Less formal than downtown, more social than La Jolla.
Pros: Pacific Beach location for beach culture lovers, casual atmosphere, dedicated 40+ crowd, neighborhood parking easier than downtown, beachy San Diego vibe.
Cons: Farther from downtown/Gaslamp, casual setting may not appeal to those wanting upscale, Pacific Beach known as younger party neighborhood (but this event is 40+).
Best For: Mature singles 40+ who love beach culture, people living in north San Diego coastal areas, those preferring casual beach town atmosphere over downtown formality, surfers and beach lovers, singles seeking relaxed Pacific Beach vibe.
Focus: Gay men speed dating Coverage: Major cities nationwide including San Diego Price: $35-$75
Website: mycheekydate.com
MyCheekyGayDate (part of MyCheekyDate family) provides upscale speed dating for gay men in San Diego with same boutique sophistication as their straight events.
Best For: Gay men ages 22-55 seeking sophisticated speed dating, people who value curated events.
Coverage: LGBTQ+ speed dating and mixers Demographics: Gay men, lesbian, bi, trans, queer, curious
Website: pre-dating.com/san-diego-speed-dating
Pre-Dating hosts LGBTQ+ specific speed dating events and mixers in San Diego.
Best For: LGBTQ+ singles seeking affordable events, traditional format, variety of demographics.
Neighborhoods: Hillcrest, North Park Resources: LGBTQ+ community organizations
Meetup: San Diego LGBTQ+ Groups Eventbrite: San Diego LGBTQ Events
San Diego has vibrant LGBTQ+ community centered in Hillcrest and North Park with various organizations hosting speed dating.
Best For: LGBTQ+ singles seeking community-based events, people wanting Hillcrest neighborhood scene.
Age Range: 24-42 (Christian events) Venues: Whiskey Girl and other San Diego locations Format: Faith-based speed dating
Eventbrite: Search "Christian Speed Dating San Diego Pre-Dating"
Pre-Dating hosts dedicated Christian/Catholic speed dating events for San Diego singles seeking faith-aligned matches.
Best For: Christian singles ages 24-42 seeking faith-based dating, people prioritizing shared religious values.
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San Diego's beach culture creates unique singles opportunities:
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Yes. San Diego has one of the most active Southern California speed dating scenes with dozens of events monthly. The city's laid-back beach culture combined with high transplant population makes speed dating popular. Many singles prefer in-person events over apps given San Diego's outdoor social culture.
Prices range from $23 (Pre-Dating) to $75 (MyCheekyDate premium events). Most events cost $30-$45. Coffee shop events (Jigsaw Dating) tend to be more affordable.
Depends on priorities. Pre-Dating offers most established reputation and best value ($23-$35). MyCheekyDate provides most upscale experience with Smart-Card technology. Pete O'Neal best for local vibe and meaningful connections. Cityswoon best for AI-powered matching. Jigsaw Dating best for casual coffee shop atmosphere.
Yes. Pre-Dating regularly hosts 30s/40s, 35-49, 40s/50s events. MyCheekyDate hosts 36-48 and 40-55 brackets. Pete O'Neal hosts 30-45 events. Jigsaw Dating hosts 40+ happy hours. Check Eventbrite for current events.
Yes. Pre-Dating offers dedicated 50s/60s Senior Speed Dating events throughout San Diego County. Check their website for current senior events.
Events occur across the county: Gaslamp Quarter (Whiskey Girl, upscale bars), Pacific Beach (beach bars), North Park (craft breweries, Modern Times), La Jolla/UTC (Pete O'Neal events, Cityswoon), North County (Pre-Dating suburban venues). Coffee shops for daytime events (Jigsaw Dating).
Yes, always. Popular events (especially MyCheekyDate and Pete O'Neal) sell out days or weeks in advance. Early registration often gets discounts. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite or company websites.
Smart casual to business casual. San Diego is very casual (beach culture), but dress slightly up from everyday wear. For upscale events (MyCheekyDate): business casual. For coffee shop events (Jigsaw): clean casual is fine. Jeans acceptable but make them nice. Avoid: overly casual beach/gym clothes, flip-flops (unless it's a beach event).
Yes! Jigsaw Dating hosts coffee shop speed dating. Perfect for people who prefer daytime events or want to avoid bar scene. Fits San Diego's strong coffee culture.
Speed dating is perfect for San Diego newcomers! Events give you structured way to meet 8-12 people in one night—much faster than trying to break into established friend groups. MyCheekyDate specifically mentions "Whether you're new to the city or born and raised, you'll meet singles who share your spark." Consider Thursday app events too for meeting locals.
While there aren't surf-specific speed dating events, San Diego's general speed dating crowd includes many beach-goers and surfers. Look for Thursday app events in Pacific Beach, join beach volleyball singles groups, or attend singles surf lessons. Pete O'Neal's "find your match for beach days" messaging attracts outdoorsy crowd.
Yes! All companies welcome visitors. Just create account and register. Good way to meet locals if you're considering moving to San Diego or visiting for work. Pre-Dating and MyCheekyDate most visitor-friendly with professional atmospheres.
Most organizers (Pre-Dating, MyCheekyDate, Pete O'Neal) carefully balance gender ratios. If event becomes unbalanced, they stop selling tickets for overrepresented gender. San Diego has fairly balanced demographics compared to tech cities.
San Diego is more laid-back and less superficial than LA, with better gender balance than SF. Speed dating here reflects the city's casual beach culture—events are less formal/stuffy than SF tech scene, less image-focused than LA. Success rates comparable but atmosphere more relaxed.
Yes! Pre-Dating hosts dedicated Christian Speed Dating events ages 24-42 at venues like Whiskey Girl. Perfect for singles seeking faith-aligned matches.
Pre-Dating hosts specialty events including Jewish Speed Dating, Asian & Indian Speed Dating, Latino Speed Dating, and African American Speed Dating in San Diego. Check their website for upcoming cultural-specific events.
Yes! Pre-Dating offers dedicated 50s/60s Senior Speed Dating events. Their Over 50 landing page has details on senior events throughout San Diego County.
MyCheekyGayDate hosts upscale gay men speed dating. Pre-Dating hosts LGBTQ+ mixers for gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer, and curious singles. Check Hillcrest and North Park LGBTQ+ community organizations on Meetup and Eventbrite for additional events.
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