Of all the places in California, I love to visit San Diego. There is so much to do, whether it be relaxing at the beach or eating and drinking in the sun. I have compiled a list of twelve places to visit or places to eat! If you are from San Diego or have any places that have opened in the last few years that you would recommend, let me know!
1. La Jolla
La Jolla (LA HOY-YA) is a small town about 45 minutes north of San Diego. If you have a week in San Diego, you should plan an overnight stay in La Jolla to really experience it! There are so many shops and restaurants to stroll through and with the town set right on the Pacific, you can’t beat the atmosphere. I recommend heading right down to the water and check out La Jolla Cove. This is a popular beach spot in the summer. You can also visit the sea lions.
2. Wave House
This is one of my favorite spots to hang out. It is set right on the beach in Belmont Park at Mission Bay. Wave House is a spot you can come to surf or body board in the simulated waves. I could sit there for hours watching people.
3. Ocean Beach
I am a sucker for surf / skater shops in beach towns. Ocean Beach is no exception. There are a ton of shops and restaurants to wander through for hours. Head here to enjoy sunset and enjoy the nightlife. I definitely recommend eating at Hodad’s and shopping at the Closet.
4. Lolitas
OMG, my mouth waters just thinking about Lolitas. It is a small chain of Mexican restaurants what serve Carne Asada fries. If you have never had this, you NEED TO! I get it several times when I am in SD. They also serve an amazing Carne Asada burrito!
5. Baseball Game at Petco Park
There is nothing better than watching a baseball game in the sun! Buy bleacher seats and sit at “the beach.” It is a small sand area where you can throw out a blanket and relax!
6. Seaside Village
In the last few years, Seaside Village has gotten a face lift. It is located right in the San Diego Harbor. It is a great place for some shopping and eating at all the cool restaurants right in the marina. My favorite time of day to visit is during sunset! Walk around the perimeter walk way and check out the rock stacking.
7. Little Italy
Little Italy is a great place to stop by on your way down to Seaside Village. Not only is there a Ballast Point Brewing in Little Italy, but there is a Filippi’s pizza here! I was told that this was one of the best pizza around and they weren’t wrong!
8. USS Midway
The USS Midway is a aircraft carrier that operated for 47 years, during which time she saw action in the Vietnam War and served as the Persian Gulf flagship in 1991’s Operation Desert Storm. Decommissioned in 1992, she is now a museum ship at the USS Midway Museum. It is a super cool place to check out for a few hours! You can wander through almost every part of the ship. My favorite spot to be is right on the top deck where jets used to take off you feel so small on the large ship!
9. Coronado Island
You may recognize Coronado Island from the iconic Coronado Hotel. The beaches here are your typical white sand. I love spending hours relaxing at the beach here. If you have an extra night, I recommend staying the night at the Coronado Hotel. There is also a great dog beach here!
10. Mission Bay
Mission Bay is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. There are a bunch of cute hotels to stay at and a bunch of water sports to enjoy! It is very common to see paddle boarders here. Belmont Park with the Wave House restaurant that I mentioned earlier is also here! If you have been dying to go to Sea World, you can visit while you are at Mission Bay.
11. Sunset Cliffs
No lie, the sunset cliffs freak me out if you are with daredevils. There is nothing stopping you from walking right to the edge of the rocks where waves are crashing against the rocks. The name speaks for itself. Come at sunset for some amazing views
12. Gaslamp District
If you have friends who have had bachelor or bachelorette parties in San Diego, then chances are they hung out on at the Gaslamp District. It is a whole area with a ton of restaurants and shops but at night there are a bunch of places to go out.
Bonus: Old Town San Diego
Want to experience what San Diego used to look like? Head to Old Town for the day! There are always interactive activities going on and a ton of amazing Mexican restaurants to eat at. I recommend checking out the Whaley House museum, Old Town Mexican Café and the Seeley Stable
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