Before we moved to California, we visited pretty frequently but only for 3-5 days at a time so I’ve become a pro at finding things to do in a short period of time. Now that San Diego is so close to us, we visit at least once a month for little day trips.
I’ve been to San Diego when the weather’s been beautiful, rainy, cloudy, windy, you name it, I’ve been there for it. So no matter when you go or what the weather’s like, you’ll have something to do in this guide.
Where to go
1. Downtown San Diego but not during a pandemic. Downtown SD is a mini city to me since I came from NYC – it’s enough to get a city vibe but not overwhelming. During non-pandemic times it’s bustling with outdoor dining, vendors, funky cars, etc.
The Gaslamp Quarter is super cute and a great photo opportunity. It does feel young/college-y so be aware of that if that’s not your vibe.
2. South Park/Golden Hill for peace and quiet. This area is much more charming than downtown IMO – it’s more residential. I can see couples in their late twenties/early thirties hanging here. South Park is packed with cute coffee shops and cafes which makes it desirable for the more social type.
North Park is a bit younger than South Park with little hipsters running around, still charming nonetheless. I feel like Bon Iver would play at a bar there.
3. La Jolla is a dream! It’s the cleanest, chicest, classiest, and most expensive part of San Diego. I love boujee so anytime we go to SD we always end up here. I will say, it’s a bit more touristy than other spots so get there early for parking and photo ops.
4. Pacific Beach is definitely the grungiest of beach towns in San Diego. I was actually surprised at how “grungy” it is. There’s a decent amount of trash and homeless people. It’s still beautiful, but “grungy”. It’s also a college town so expect lots of kids that party. It’s great for surfing though which is why we go pretty often.
5. Mission Beach is a bike ride away from PB. It’s cleaner and more mature but still a laid back beach town.
What to do
Torrey Pines Gliderport/Black’s Beach (La Jolla): This is a great place for hiking, sightseeing, and whale watching. Black’s Beach is a black sand beach and a nudest beach so something to consider before going lol.
Seal Beach (La Jolla): There are seals here pretty much at every time of year but their mating season is December to May so you’ll see a ton out during that time.
Crystal Pier (Pacific Beach): Great place to take pictures, watch the surfers, and catch the sunset.
Windansea Beach off Neptune Place (La Jolla): We stumbled upon this place one time for the sunset and now it’s our favorite spot. It’s beautiful and non-touristy. There’s a cute little walkway that you can walk around on too and catch the sunset from different beaches.
Kayaking (La Jolla): There are multiple places to go kayaking but we went to La Jolla Kayak. You can rent a kayak alone or do a group tour through caves which is very cool. We’ve done both but I will say we like the tours better. The tour guides are super knowledgeable so you get fun facts the entire time you’re on the water.
Where to eat
Breakfast/Brunch: Hannah’s Gourmet
Their breakfast selection is out of this world. We’ve had the raspberry lemon pancakes and chipotle eggs benedict. The menu changes pretty frequently so check daily for updates.
Lunch: The Taco Stand
You have to get here at an odd time like 11am, 2pm, or 4pm, otherwise you’ll be waiting in a line wrapped around the block (no joke). They are FAMOUS for their authentic tacos and they’re worth the wait.
Dinner: Monello
Where to start with this delicious Italian gem?? My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Ok, so most everything you get will be hand tossed in a massive cheese wheel, yes a cheese wheel, right in front of you. If the food alone isn’t enough to check this place out, the experience definitely is. Make a reservation far in advance though, spots book quickly!
Have you ever been to San Diego?
xx
PS Check out more of my 24 Hours travel series: 24 Hours in Palm Springs, 24 Hours in Laguna Beach, 24 Hours in Joshua Tree
No Comments