A Local's Guide to San Diego

SD is my hometown and my favorite place in the world! It's a special place and I hope this guide helps you explore and experience all that it has to offer.

Feb 05, 2024

San Diego (SD) is one of the best cities in the US. There is something for everyone - especially those who like a mix of city & outdoors.

This city boasts a diverse mixture of culture and cuisine with amazing weather year-round. It’s similar to LA where it’s made up of a ton of small cities; you can drive 10 minutes and feel like you’re in an entirely new area. One of the most unique things about San Diego is the ease of life & healthy living that vibrates throughout the locals & the air. San Diego is a great city if you want a place that is beautiful, welcoming, active & laid-back.

WARNING: you may fall in love with it!

About this Guide: I originally wrote this for a couple visiting from L.A. I update this from time to time. Overall, this is geared more toward couples/groups rather than families with kids. I’ve left out key attractions like Legoland/Sea World and included more bomb-dot-com sites/food/booze spots. If you ARE going with your kids, let me know. I’d be happy to send through some recommendations!

WHERE TO STAY

For a weekend trip, I recommend staying:

Gaslamp - This is in the heart of Downtown with lots of good eats, bars, and sites. It’s location makes its easy to see other landmarks - Balboa Park, Coronado, Petco Park, Seaworld, SD Zoo.

Beach Cities

La Jolla - If it’s your first time, I’d recommend staying here. It’s not only beautiful but in a great location where it’s a quick drive to other parts of the city. Which beach city to stay at depends on the overall vibe & experience you’re looking for and who you’re traveling with, though in general.

Other beach cities to consider are:

Younger Crowd (20s): Pacific Beach - great night life & active beach vibes
Families:
- Mission Beach - tons of activities & closer proxmity to downtown
- Encinitas / Oceanside - more local & small(er) beach town vibes, closer to Legoland, North County, etc.

I recommend Gaslamp if you’re new or haven’t spent too much time in San Diego. This will give you a good sense of what the city has to offer, and the beach isn’t too far away. It’s in a convenient location that’s easy to get around. Most places are walkable or an easy car ride away. I highly recommend this area if you’re celebrating a birthday and/or looking for a well-rounded time of eating, drinking and exploring.

A beach city is great if you’re wanting more of a “vacation” vibe — wanting a more picteresque/natural beauty vs. city. I’d recommend staying west of the 15 fwy so you’re within a mile or two from the coast. Beach dwellings can be great for a group weekend trip where you just want to hang/BBQ/pool/etc. If you’re an active group/family it can be easier to get to hikes, beaches, and/or landmarks depending on where they’re located. Each beach town offers a different vibe, keep reading!

WHAT TO SEE/DO/EAT

BEACH CITIES

You can’t visit a coastal city like San Diego without hitting the beach. I’m batching together these beaches as they’re all fairly close to one another:

Del Mar

15th Street is the go-to beach spot for locals and visitors. There are shops/restaurants nearby and some of the best beaches around. For an easy hike go to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It’s a local favorite! The hike is BEAUTIFUL with 2,000 acres of coastal paradise. It has the beach, trees, flowers and some of the most amazing views of the city. Try to park by the water BEFORE the park entrance (may have to wait for a few minutes for someone to leave), otherwise, it’s $20 for the parking lot. For the BEST sandwiches in town stop by Board & Brew.

Del Mar Race Track is famous for horse races but it has a ton of events year-round. Del Mar County Fair during the summer is a classic go-to with beer fest, concerts, and other entertainment (e.g., comedians!)

La Jolla

This is the Manhattan Beach of SD. Super nice, more of the ritzy beach town vibe

La Jolla Cove/Seal Beach - touristy and can be overrun during peak hours but a scenic stroll by some of the prettiest coastal views around town. You can see seals and sea lions.
La Jolla Shores - check out the tide pools.
Windansea - a hidden beach gem that’s a quick favorite. Almost don’t want to mention since it’s hardly ever crowded. Dip your toes in the water and relax on the sand with locals.
Dining Spots:
- The Taco Stand - several locations, amazing tacos
- Girard Gourmet - this is an old-school deli with amazing food and pastries
- George’s at the Cove -There 3 levels, each with a different price range but you can enjoy a meal or cocktail on the Ocean Terraces. It comes with gorgeous views! Highly recommend eating lunch or happy hour on the top floor.
- Catania - authentic Italian coastal cuisine in a relaxed & elevated setting featuring panoramic ocean views.
- Duke’s La Jolla - sit outside! Great laid-back beach vibes
- The Promiscuous Fork - a little local gem with fresh ingredients that creates unique, original items not typically found in most casual restaurants
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood - Steakhouse/Seafood- iconic restaurant with amazing food, great for date night.
- The Marine Room - this restaurant is right along the water (actually on top of) and is a house-hold name in the area.
Lots of fun beach activities if you’d like to try surfing or rent a kayak!

[Local Tip] Bird Rock

This is a SUPER small town just south of La Jolla. If you need a pick-me-up, stop by Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, a local micro roaster that’s won awards for best brew. Great lattes and has the “Cali” setting with an open-air facade and location right by the water.

Pacific Beach

This is similar to LA’s Hermosa Beach with a youthful atmosphere. Tons of young adults here but you’ll see families and people of all ages. While you can find a healthy amount of 20-something-year-olds trying to rage face, overall, it’s a laid-back beach town that enjoys having a good time. It’s a local watering hole with great, characterized by affordable bars and beach culture that epitomizes So Cal.

Food+Booze:

The Grass Skirt - This is a 2-in-1 place. During the day it’s a poke place but at night it’s a tiki speakeasy with BOMB drinks. Go into Good Time Poke and through the stainless steel doors and you’ll be greeted with Tiki goodness. Nighttime still has bomb food and the lava bowls are amazing!
Cafe Athena - a local favorite featuring Greek/Mediterranean food. Great fun cocktails and friendly staff, they catered our wedding!
Other spots: The Patio on Lamont (GREAT brunch spot, you can do mimosa brunch or just enjoy the large servings!), Crushed (brunch spot), Fig Tree Cafe (breakfast), Isabel’s, Oscars Mexican Seafood (multiple locations), The Duck Dive, SD Tap Room, PB Ale House, FireHouse

Mission Beach

This is the go-to spot for activities and has something for everyone. Romantic strolls to family-friendly activities. Check out the mini amusement park - Belmont Park for rides, eats, and shopping. Head over to Mission Bay to rent jet skis, kayaks, and more. Local Tip: You can kayak from Mission Bay to the back of SeaWorld and see some penguins!

Point Loma

Liberty Public Market - this is SD’s version of Grand Central Market (I like Liberty better because of the indoor/outdoor space). Beers, wines, specialty foods, craft vendors. There’s a HUGE grassy outdoor eating area and live music on Sundays. Make sure to stop by local brewery - Stone!
Sunset Cliffs - more of a stroll rather than a hike. Perfect to catch the sunset. Sometimes you can see dolphins or whales!

Encinitas / Cardiff

This is in North County Coastal San Diego. If you want to see where locals hang, I highly recommend stopping in this town on your way in or out of San Diego. This may be my favorite area of SD and we’ve lived here most recently. It’s a small beach town - peaceful, down-to-earth surf vibe. Just drive down the 101 and you’ll hit Main Street which has everything you’d need for an enjoyable visit.

Beach

Local beach spot: Moonlight Beach

The coastline here has some epic surf spots like Swami’s. For the best beach/sand go to Moonlight (Encinitas) or Solana Beach.
There’s an amazing walking/biking path all along the coastline from Encinitas to Solana Beach and even Del Mar.

Food & drink - so many great options:

Encintas

Fish Shop - this spot is the best! Awesome seafood, beer, wine. Casual vibes.
Honey’s - my favorite breakfast spot, make sure to grab a spot outside so you can people/dog watch. The blueberry pancakes are everything. No frills place with great portions.
Herb & Sea - delicious seafood, sister restaurant to Herb & Wood (Little Italy). They have a great HH that’s first come, first serve. Book a reso if you’re going during peak hours. Great for date night!
Better Buzz Coffee - great spot for coffee, this is chain you’ll see throughout SD.
Taco Stand - best tacos!
Other Spots:
- The Bier Garden - great spot to sit outside, fun music & happy hour.
- UNION Kitchen & Tap - another great spot with gastropub vibes, big outdoor area with TVs and dog-friendly.
- Echale (Wine Bar) - amazing wine, limited menu but bomb
- Modern Times - brewery with a cool open-air vibe. Their food menu is mainly vegan/vegetarian!

Cardiff

VG Donut & Bakery - they catered desserts for our wedding. Truly one of the best bakeries. There is a line most weekends, but it moves fast! Literally, anything here is delicious
Bump Coffee - simple, delicious coffee. Cool vibes. Not really a spot to sit, rather grab a coffee & walk along the beach. Definitely get an empanada!
Waverly - great spot with a cool vibe, epic cocktails, and food.
The Shanty - this is our favorite dive bar! They have a great outdoor area with TVs & on Fridays they have amazing food trucks. This is the ideal spot for a post-beach hang. They have pool tables, etc. indoors

Favorite Music Venue: The Belly Up (Solana Beach) - this is a historic & iconic music venue in SD! We saw Iration here in 2023. They have a mix of big names & local artists. Vibes here are unmatched & tons of age diversity which we love.

*Note: Carlsbad & Oceanside have gotten increasingly popular over recent years. It’s much more developed than Encinitas! Some restaurants: Campfire, King’s Fish House, HomeState, Eris Vegan Food, Come On Over Cafe, The Plot, Himalayan Bistro Oceanside, Jeune Et Jolie ($$$$ - French), Yoshino Japenese Deli, GONZO! Ramen.

CORONADO

Technically another beach city, but I think it deserves its own section. This is a must-see in my opinion. Coronado is this small island just a couple of miles away from Downtown filled with yuppies. It’s gorgeous, right out of a movie, stupid nice. My favorite thing is to rent a bike and go for your own tour around the island. I like Little Sam’s for bike rentals but there are several in the area. Tons of picturesque spots and it's bike-friendly/pretty flat terrain.

Must-see is the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. The hotel and beach right in front is BEAUTIFUL. (This is where high school students take their prom pics, ha). Have a meal here or stop for a quick cocktail or visit the ice cream shop.

Local Tip: During the holidays/Christmas they build an ice-skating rink at Hotel Del Coronado!

DOWNTOWN

Balboa Park - multi-attraction park covers 1200 acres. This is 40% bigger than NY’s Central Park and 100% wilder. It’s right next to the city’s zoo. There are museums, restaurants, tennis courts, dog parks, a botanical garden, an archery course, an organ pavilion, and miles of trails for hiking/walking. Grab a beer, see a live organist play free concerts, or visit the Museum of Man. You can easily spend hours here.

Gaslamp Quarter - 16 blocks in the heart of the action downtown, particularly 5th and 6th avenues. TON of different restaurants, pubs, shops, dive bars, nightclubs, local craft beer on tap, etc. It’s right next to Petco Park, and a short distance away from Seaport Village, Balboa Park, and the Zoo. A must-see, especially for nightlife and/or happy hour.

Food+Booze

The Nolen - rooftop bar/restaurant with fantastic views (This is the rooftop lounge of the Marriott Courtyard)
Speakeasies - Prohibition and Noble Experiment
Rustic Root - dual-level, so make sure to indicate you want the rooftop. Mimosa trays make for a great brunch spot, otherwise, solid menu for any other part of the day
Barleymash - fun/trendy sports bar & restaurant. Craft beers and yummy food. Must be 21+
The Balboa - a small dive bar in Bankers Hill. Apparently it has the BEST burgers.

*Depending on the season, catch a ballgame at Petco Park. While the Padres aren’t necessarily the best team, you’ll enjoy open-air stadium and warm weather. The food, beer, and fans are great.

Little Italy - One of the best spots/microcosms in Downtown. It’s just north of Gaslamp. The main area is off of India Street. It’s lined with Italian restaurants, pizzerias, hipster coffee shops, etc. Wide selection of art galleries and design stores. Fir Street has boutiques. A nice place to wander, leading to beautiful Amici Park. Great date area!

Food+Booze:

False Idol / Craft & Commerce - Just a few blocks away from Gaslamp in Little Italy. False Idol is a hidden tiki bar. People call it a “Polynesian oasis brimming with tropical drinks and wood-carved decor.” Enter through a stainless steel door next to the main bar at Craft & Commerce, which is a great gastropub spot! Book online via their website to avoid a wait
Nolita Hall - pizza/cocktails
Juniper & Ivy - Led by Top-Chef: All Stars winner Richard Blais. It “offers refined American cuisine with unique iterations of the classics.” Most dishes are plated on wood, steel or stone.

Kettner Exchange - Sleek and welcoming space with a nautical/modern theme. Ground floor is a formal dining area and upstairs is a second dining area where you may feel like you’re on a boat. However the rooftop patio is what people are really obsessed with. It’s beautiful and apparently you can rent out one of the 5 cabanas and drink from your own keg
Born & Raised - swanky steakhouse that opened in fall 2017 ($6M build-out). The menu is simple: prime cuts aged in-house, killer cocktails (from the bar or a roving cart), and a “be seen” atmosphere.
The Crack Shack - fried chicken! fast/casual concept. Same team behind Juniper & Ivy.
Ironside Fish & Oyster - higher-end seafood
Herb & Wood - American/Seafood/Mediterranean

Seaport Village - This is a tourist spot, but super cute! It has a bunch of waterfront shopping, Bayview dining, carousels, etc. Get some saltwater taffy and some clam chowder. They frequently have events. Good spot for the whole family. It’s particularly cute during the Christmas/Holiday time.

Old Town - The first Spanish settlement, established in 1796 (though Native Americans had been living here long before). Many historic buildings have been preserved here and you can still tour missions around the area. Presidio Park is recognized as the area where Spanish settlers initially resided. One of the most reliable places for authentic Mexican foods. Shops are fun and colorful.

NORTH PARK/SOUTH PARK/NORMAL HEIGHTS/HILLCREST

This area is north/east of Downtown. This is the up-in-coming area of SD that’s filled with local hot spots. This is the most ‘hipster’ area of San Diego, but it’s still San Diego so not that hipster. There are a ton of great eateries and bars here. I’d come here if you’ve already checked out Downtown/Beach Cities. Some of the favs:

Polite Provisions (North Park) - AMAZING specialty cocktails.
La Vecindad Neighborhood Tacos (Hillcrest) - unreal Mexican food
Urban Solace (North Park) - more of a romantic spot with amazing food.
Kindred (South Park) - Vegan spot that I’m dying to try since I’ve heard GREAT things from my non-vegan friends. It’s the Cafe Gratitude of SD. It’s a cocktail-bar restaurant made by Kory Stetina, creator of Lovelikebeer. Big, bold flavors.
Blind Lady Ale House (Normal Heights) - pizza, pub with local craft brews

OTHER CITIES

Solana Beach - Solana Beach is just north of Del Mar (south of Encinitas). The one place to call out is Cedros. Cedros is an adorable street lined with unique shops, cute restaurants, and quaint businesses. If you’re looking for entertainment, Belly Up is an icon of San Diego that’s been around for decades.

Ocean Beach - OB is a local area, right next to Pacific Beach. It’s all things hippie. Classic, old-school CA neighborhood. Tons of places with tasty and affordable eats!

Hillcrest - this is the SD’s Weho! Amazing food, energy, and rainbow flags lining the streets. You’ll find unreal brunches, cute cafes, and the like.

Convoy Street - SD has a great variety of excellent regional Asian food. Convoy Street (in Kearny Mesa) is the mecca where it boasts a full range of cuisine. Po-Po Approved! (PoPo = grandma / mom’s mom in Cantonese)

Dim Sum: Jasmine Seafood (this has the carts and where we take family when in town)

LOCAL TIPS

Mexican food - It’s a MUST in San Diego. There’s a ton of cheap options and they’re all delicious. California Burrito is the go-to for most San Diegans, but really anything off the menu is good! I’m more of a tacos gal ;)

Breweries - There are SO many breweries in San Diego. Check out Ballast Point, Stone, or one from here: The Best Breweries In San Diego

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Aka Wild Animal Park to locals is WAY better than the Zoo. It is not as expensive or crowded. And it’s HUGE - the park offers unique options and there are eight different safaris, including a treetop ropes course and a “Roar & Snore” sleepover amid the beasts. It’s located in North County San Diego.

Night Clubs - Gaslamp/Downtown is the spot if you’d like to go clubbing. My personal favorite is Nova (as I’m into dance music). I had my bach there!

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