To know San Diego is to love it. Constant sunshine with near perfect weather, the shimmering Pacific Ocean and its accompanying beaches, the verdant hills, delicious cuisine and its laid back California lifestyle. I spent 18 months living here and go back whenever I get a chance. And so much of what this great city has to offer doesn’t cost a cent. Below I share my top spots for how to make the most of anytime in this great city.
The beach: This is probably automatically at the top of everyone’s list. San Diego has beaches for everyone. Mission Bay is great for SUP where the water is calmer. Pacific Beach is famous for its surfing (but great surfing can be found almost anywhere in San Diego). The tiny beach at Coronado is pristine and practically regal against the Del Hotel. Ocean Beach and La Jolla Shores are also very popular beaches. One thing I haven’t timed right yet but hope to do soon is to snorkel with the Leopard Sharks. Completely harmless these actual sharks are best found in the warmest months of the year migrating through San Diego.
Old Town: It’s only the birthplace of California…if you’re into that sort of thing. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants, performances and other historical buildings. You can easily spend a few hours here just strolling and purchasing fun souvenirs. The area by the Old Town square has the most authentic shops in my opinion.
The Mormon Battalion Historic Site: This historic site has been a part of Old Town for decades but it was completely renovated in 2010. It is phenomenal tour for anyone remotely interested in history or just looking for a fun thing to do with your kiddos. The entire tour takes 45 minutes but you can linger for much longer looking at the artifacts, getting your souvenir photo made, panning for gold or doing other things in their courtyard. Did I mention it’s completely free and they’re open every day 9-9:00?
Balboa Park: There are lots of small museums here but truthfully the magic of Balboa Park is strolling through it. Here you’ll find elaborate architecture, lush gardens and lots of street performers. It’s great for a paseo day or night.
Downtown La Jolla and the Cove: The water here is arguably the clearest in all of San Diego. There’s gorgeous swimming near the sunbathing seals at the cove, or just wade in while keeping an eye out for the Hermit Crabs among the rocks. Not feeling up to getting wet? The cove is fantastic just to get a glimpse of the seals or for photographing its emerald waters. Downtown La Jolla truly is a gem. One can spend hours pursuing the antique shops, art galleries and home décor studios. And of course the food is topnotch. My favorite gallery to drop into is always Peter Lik’s. His photography is mind blowing. If you’re interested in a more active pastime while in La Jolla, sign up for a kayak tour from La Jolla Shores that will take you through the sea caves. We booked our last tour through Everyday California and loved it.
LDS San Diego Temple: If you’re driving up Highway 5 through La Jolla your eyes will feast upon this magnificent structure. While entrance is restricted to practicing members of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-Day Saints, visitors are encouraged to stroll the grounds, take pictures and chat with the volunteers serving on the grounds. You can’t help but feel that it is a holy place when visiting.
Cabrillo National Monument: Located at the tip of Point Loma, has a couple of lighthouses and tidal pools. I never made it to the tidal pools as they revolve around a very specific calendar but the lighthouses are fun and historic. Note there is a $5/vehicle entrance fee to see the light house.
Ocean Beach Pier: Recognized as the 2nd longest pier on the west coast, this landmark draws many tourists and locals a like. Take a relaxing stroll above the ocean or do has some locals do and fish from the pier. Poles can be rented onsite and no license is required.
Coronado: I love, love Coronado. Picture pristine streets of charming shops and restaurants, beautiful homes in quiet neighborhoods, and shimmering sand beaches. Literally, the sand has flecks of a gold dust substance. I don’t know their witchcraft but I’m not complaining. In fact the beach there has been voted one of the best beaches in America because it’s so white and clean. While there you must walk around the historic Del Hotel, if not spring to stay there. That’s still on my bucket list. Besides the hotel and beach the main strip that runs through the “island” has lots of fun shops and restaurants. Also Coronado’s Centennial Park offers superb views of Downtown San Diego from across the waterfront.
Seaport Village: Again with the charming shops, restaurants and street performers. San Diego just does that so well! Located right on the waterfront, Seaport Village is a splendid place to pass the time while in this fine city.
Mount Soledad: A quick drive from Downtown La Jolla, this veteran’s memorial offers the best views in all of San Diego. You can practically see to Mexico on a clear day.
Cowles Mountain: If you’re looking for some fun hiking, the nearby city of La Mesa features a “mountain” which also offers great of San Diego.
And a quick mention for the neighborhoods of Hillcrest for its funky shops and restaurants while the Gas Lamp Quarter offers more nightlife options downtown.
Restaurant Recommendations
Lucha Libre Taco Shop: Anytime a friend is going to San Diego I always tell them they must visit this San Diego spot. It’s kitsch done right with their Mexican wrestling memorabilia. And the long lines prove the patrons aren’t just here for their T-shirts, which of course I own. Their food is the authentic and delicious love child of Mexico and California. I would recommend Surfin’ California Burrito served with any number of their fresh salsas. Its steak, shrimp, avocado, fresh fries, cheese, pico de gallo and their super-secret Chipotle sauce. Is your mouth watering yet? Insider tip: Call ahead the day before and reserve the Champions Booth for your dining experience. You won’t be sorry.
Hash House a Go Go: This restaurant defines breakfast in the farmer sort of way. I suppose they serve food at other times but really how can they compete with pancakes as big as a large pizza or hashes large enough to feed a small family? Again, expect a line if you come at prime times but it’s so worth it. All of their food is divine but the Butterscotch Almond Flapjacks really stick out. Insider Tip: Come with someone else so that one person orders an order of flapjacks and another person orders a savory hash. Then promptly share your bounty. Expect leftovers because their portions are off the scale.
Georges on the Cove: Cat’s out of the bag on this one. George’s was voted best restaurant in San Diego. Their food is a gourmet medley but what makes this spot exceptional for me is their unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Do yourself a favor and dine on their ocean terrace. Your fish tacos will be served with a side of the shimmering blue ocean stretching off into infinity. It’s that good. Insider tip: They take reservations so do yourself that favor of calling ahead.
Café Coyote: Even before I moved to San Diego I had heard things about this place from friends. Is it super touristy and your standard Old Town Mexican food? Yes but eating Mexican in Old Town is a requirement for any trip to San Diego and this place is one of the best. What I love most though is their tortillas! Short on time? Grab some from the señoras serving them on the street outside of the restaurant. For 50 cents you can walk away with a piping hot tortilla. But don’t stop with standard tortilla. They also sell delicious cinnamon, chocolate and strawberry flavored tortillas and yes they’re amazing!
Las Cuatro Milpas: Admittedly I haven’t been here yet but I’ve heard great things and 4.5 stars on Yelp can’t be wrong. Don’t fret, the next time I’m down in San Diego I’m headed straight for Las Cuatro Milpas. I hear the lines and jaunt to the hood of San Diego are more than worth it for this super authentic Mexican food. Insider Tip: Its cash only so come prepared.
Oh San Diego how I miss you. This city offers so much fun in the sun year around to the visitors and locals a like. If you’ve spent some time there I’d love to hear what are some of your favorite spots?
