Few places captivate me with their natural beauty, culture and thriving food scene quite like San Diego. There’s an endless amount of places to explore here. Every suburb and district has something new to offer, from incredible beaches, to delicious meals to some of the best-maintained parks in the Country. It’s no wonder that San Diego’s nickname is “America’s Finest City.” San Diego is considered by many people to be the best city in the U.S., and honestly, I can’t argue with that. The culture is so rich here, the weather is perfect and the sunsets are absolutely stunning. Whether you’re looking to golf, explore or make a beach day out of a day trip, there’s no place quite like San Diego.
The San Diego Short List
Hotels
Places to Explore
- Old Town San Diego
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- Gaslamp Quarter
- North Park
- Little Italy
- Petco Park for a Padres game
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Beaches
- La Jolla Shores
- Mission Beach
- Hotel Del Coronado Beach
- Pacific Beach
- Ocean Beach
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Eats
- Duke’s (La Jolla) $$
- Miguel’s Cocina (Coronado) $$
- Werewolf (Gaslamp) $$
- The Crack Shack (Little Italy) $$
- Ristorante Illando (Little Italy) $$
- Crushed (Pacific Beach) $$
Insta-worthy Spots
- Children’s Pool
- Hotel Del Coronado
- Balboa Park
- Holy Matcha
- Pigment
- Scripps Pier La Jolla
- Better Buzz Coffee
- The Baked Bear
Best Sunset Views
- Duke’s La Jolla
- Mission Beach Park
- Sunset Cliffs
What to Wear in San Diego
Day
Beach
Night
Where to Stay in San Diego
Hotel del Coronado $$$
“The Del” as it’s affectionately referred to by locals, is one of the most famous hotels in California and the U.S. as a whole. The history here is absolutely incredible—the hotel first opened in 1888 in the Victorian era and has hosted countless celebrities, including from Charlie Chaplin to Benjamin Harrison to Frank L. Baum. The hotel was also the setting and filming location for one of my favorite movies: 1959’s Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe. Hotel del Coronado is also said to be one the most haunted hotels in America. You can even book a “Haunted Happenings” Tour that fills you in on all the spooky things that have happened here.
The Victorian design of the hotel is beautiful, and it was so incredible for me to see the comparisons between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando, which was modeled after this iconic California gem. One of my favorite childhood memories was spent playing on the beach here. This is the perfect resort to kick your feet up and spend a day at the hotel’s private beach, or if money is no object, it’s hands-down the best place to stay in San Diego in an ocean-view suite. Book your stay at the Hotel del Coronado here.
La Valencia $$$
The “Pink Lady” of La Jolla oozes Hollywood-esque glamour and charm. La Valencia is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an elegant getaway to La Jolla and want to spend your days relaxing on the beach away from downtown. and Even if you don’t stay here, La Valencia is the perfect place for a breezy brunch or lunch by the coast at The Med. You can make reservations at La Valencia here.
Embassy Suites La Jolla $$
If you’re looking to stay close to La Jolla, the Embassy Suites is an excellent option. This is one of my favorite places to stay in San Diego based on location. You can book your stay here.
Hilton Garden Inn Old Town $$
Another excellent choice if you want to stay in a beautifully-renovated hotel near Old Town and the San Diego Zoo. This is my other favorite place to stay every time I visit San Diego, and the value and location are excellent. Make reservations here.
Things to Do in San Diego
Old Town San Diego
Founded in 1769, Old Town lies at the heart of San Diego’s heritage and its history. If you want to step back in time and taste some incredible Mexican food, Old Town is where to be on any given weekend. Although this area is a little more touristy, it’s popular for a reason. You can explore old-time saloons, shops, and cantinas. I highly recommend stopping for a sunset dinner or patio lunch at any of these Old Town restaurants:
- Old Town Tequila Factory
- Cafe Coyote y Cantina
- Miguel’s Mexican Cocina
La Jolla
La Jolla is home to some of the best beaches, shopping and wildlife in San Diego. This is my favorite neighborhood to explore time and time again. If you only have a few hours in San Diego and are traveling from LA or OC for a day trip, I highly recommend spending the afternoon in La Jolla. You can’t go wrong with my La Jolla itinerary:
- Happy Hour/Late Lunch at Duke’s La Jolla
- Seal Watching at Children’s Pool
- Beach Time at La Jolla Shores
- Shopping in Downtown La Jolla
Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo
Balboa Park is the best place in San Diego for families and park-lovers alike. Pay a visit to the historic Casa del Prado Theatre or the San Diego Natural History Museum. Balboa is also home to the world-famous San Diego. The zoo is a must-see if this is your visit to San Diego. The wildlife is incredible here and so well-cared for (the pandas are my favorite!). You can purchase tickets to the San Diego Zoo here.
Gaslamp Quarter
If you’re big on nightlife, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is the hub of some of the best restaurants and bars in the entire city. The entire area is so unique and photogenic—this is my favorite downtown district I’ve ever visited. Check out these hot spots for a night downtown:
- Werewolf
- ALTITUDE Sky Lounge
- The Tipsy Crow
- Prohibition
North Park
North Park is San Diego’s artsy neighborhood. This is the best district in the city for street art, cute coffee shops and brunch. Make sure to check out these North Park gems while you’re in the area:
- Pigment
- Holy Matcha
- City Tacos
- Breakfast Republic
- Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Little Italy
This is one of the best corners of the city for delicious food and nightlife. Little Italy is home to vibrant Italian culture and Instagrammable restaurants everywhere you look. Check out the best spots in Little Italy:
- The Crack Shack
- Salt & Straw
- Bencotto Italian Kitchen
- Civico 1845
- Craft & Commerce
San Diego Beaches
La Jolla Shores
This is my favorite beach in La Jolla, and it’s conveniently located right next to the famous Children’s Pool area with the seals. Visit during golden hour for dreamy light and lower crowds.
Mission Beach
Mission is my favorite beach in San Diego for sunset views. Time your visit closer to the harbor and surrounding palm trees for a more tranquil experience.
Pacific Beach
The perfect beach if you’re looking for the Southern California surfing vibe paired with lots of trendy cafes and boutiques.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach has a very boho flair to it and is an excellent place for antique shopping, organic eats and fishing.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
A local favorite for watching the sunset. Although it can get crowded here, the views from the cliffs are so worth the crowds.
San Diego Restaurants
Duke’s La Jolla
Duke’s offers incredible Hawaiian food, unreal sunset views and one of the best patios overlooking the ocean in San Diego. Visit during Happy Hour for a more affordable meal or splurge on the banana leaf fish and shrimp.
Miguel’s Cocina
I stumbled across Miguel’s when I visited the Hotel del Coronado, and I was so pleasantly surprised by the fish tacos. All of the ingredients are so fresh here—the tacos are truly next level since you’re so close to the Mexico border.
Instaworthy San Diego
Children’s Pool Seals
La Jolla’s Children’s Pool is home to some of San Diego’s more famous residents: the seals. The wildlife here is a huge draw for animal lovers alike. This is one of my favorite photo spots in San Diego: the view is stunning and the seals are absolutely adorable and so entertaining to watch.
Hotel Del Coronado
The prettiest hotel in San Diego. The beach and hotel courtyards make for the perfect photo spot for your next Insta shot.
Casa del Prado
Balboa Park’s historic theatre is a stunning backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour.
Holy Matcha
Holy Matcha wins the award for cutest coffee shop I’ve ever seen. There are floor to ceiling flowers in every shade of pink you could imagine and the pink and green palm print color scheme is super Instagrammable. It also doesn’t hurt that the drinks are super cute either.
San Diego Sunsets
San Diego has some of the best sunset views you will ever see. You really can’t go wrong with any of these sunset spots for spectacular views:
- Duke’s La Jolla
- Mission Beach Park
- Sunset Cliffs
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