How to ‘San Diego’ like a local
There’s no “best” time to visit San Diego. It is truly one of the best cities to plan a trip to year round with moderate temperatures and little rain, along with stunning ocean waters and so many pockets of town to explore. But, we don’t want you to experience a run of the mill trip to San Diego, we want to help you take on San Diego like a local with our San Diego trip planner guide. Whether you have a 1-day San Diego itinerary or plan on spending a few weeks in America’s Finest City, we have all the information you need below!
When To Go
There’s little time for an off-season in a city with an average temperature of 70 degrees for 300 days a year. What most locals will tell you the best times to plan a trip to San Diego are when the rest of the tourists aren’t here. To avoid the summer tourist surge, we recommend visiting in the beginning of March or late September – November. In October, the San Diego Tourism Authority runs a campaign for “Kids Free” where kids are free at various attractions and restaurants. January is great too! During this time of year where schools are in session, hotel prices are cheaper too. Don’t worry about missing the summer — locals can attest that the hottest months of the year in San Diego are from July to October.
What to Pack
When it comes to planning a trip to San Diego, make sure your suitcase is packed with clothing for myriad climates. Case in point: in San Diego, we have something called “June Gloom,” where it is mostly overcast and colder by the ocean. So, pack layers, some light sweaters, and even some pants for the evening when the temperatures drop. Obviously, you can’t forget your swimsuit. And, while most of the city has chill vibes, there are a few restaurants in downtown San Diego that have an elevated dress code, so a little cocktail dress and some comfy heels and dress shoes and pants are a good idea to have in your bag.
Where to Stay
If you’re planning a San Diego vacation with friends and loved ones, some of your best options can be either an Airbnb or VRBO house rental. There are so many incredible places available to stay and you can choose which part of town you’d like to immerse yourself in as home base. Whether you’re flying into San Diego International Airport or on a California road trip, you’ll have many options centrally located to all of the amazing things in the city. But, if you’d rather have a maid make your bed every day, here are a few of the hotel accommodations we recommend:
The Pearl Hotel
A retro and hip hotel in the heart of Point Loma. This place is great because it’s centrally located to all the happenings in San Diego. The drinks at the bar are also quirky and delicious!
Rancho Valencia Hotel & Spa
If you want a 5-star luxury experience, Rancho Valencia has you covered. It’s home to the iconic Pony Club and serves as a relaxing couples getaway spot, or even a girl’s weekend or bachelorette party spot.
Estancia La Jolla
Spanish style vibes and poolside fun abound in this stunning La Jolla hotel, which is a fabulous spot for both families and couples. Estancia has a saltwater pool to dip your toes in, private balconies or patios to give you serene vibes, coastal inspired cuisine and barrel-aged cocktails, as well as top luxury spa treatments.
La Valencia Hotel & Spa
Known as one of the most iconic hotels in all of San Diego, La Valencia has been the ‘master of California coastal hospitality since 1926’. Enjoy courtyards, tropical gardens, as well as an ocean-view pool, along with being right near all the shops and more around Prospect Street.
Pendry
If you’re looking to stay downtown, this swanky and classy hotel is the perfect place to stay to be right in the middle of all the San Diego nightlife. Pendry serves as a prime-time home base for a night out in Gaslamp, has high-caliber dining and drinks at Fifth & Rose, Lionfish, Provisional and more!
Hotel Del Coronado
Perhaps the most iconic hotel in San Diego – the Del is rife with history and stunning views of the Coronado shores. The surrounding area on Coronado island is also home to many fun shops, and the perfect place to take a bike ride with your entire crew.
Top Attractions to See
There are so many places to visit in San Diego, it’s hard to make it all in one trip! Here are a few of our favorite attractions to direct our travelers to!
San Diego Zoo
Not just for tourists – locals love the zoo too. We suggest going in the morning when the animals are more lively because it’s not so hot. Grab some sandwiches (perhaps from SD favorite Board & Brew) and walk the nearly 100-acre grounds surrounded by trees, gardens, and some of the cutest animals you’ll ever see!
Gaslamp Quarter
The historic Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife and colorful past as one of the most prominent red-light districts in the West. But, it is also a mecca for amazing food and drink! Eat and drink your way through the best restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter – and if you want a little help mapping out your evening in Gaslamp, we’ll take care of you on our Gaslamp walking tour!
Little Italy
This pocket of town pays homage to the Italians who made their way to California years ago and brought their delicious traditional meals to San Diego. Enjoy walking in this chic neighborhood and trying out cocktail bars, breweries, and enjoying fresh pasta al fresco on one of the many restaurants’ lively patios. You will find the most authentic Italian restaurants in Little Italy.
Balboa Park
There are endless places to explore in the historic Balboa Park. Spend the day exploring the wide range of museums, taking in the colonial architecture, and even take the kids for a ride on the iconic carousel. Make sure to go when it first opens, because during peak tourist season, it can get crowded. You can also join us on a private Balboa Park tour, where we help eager learners appreciate the park and all of its glory. Whether you’re going with a group or looking for things to do in San Diego by yourself, Balboa Park tops our list of the best attractions.
La Jolla Cove
If you’re a beach lover, La Jolla Cove is a must for you! There is a coastal walking trail that gives you a prime view of the La Jolla coastline, and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The bright blue waters are home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and pelicans.
Sunset Cliffs
With breathtaking views of the Pacific and a prime spot to enjoy “golden hour”, Sunset Cliffs is THE quintessential place to catch some of California’s best sunsets. Nestled in the Point Loma and Ocean Beach neighborhoods, Sunset Cliffs also has an amazing sea cave you can explore when the tide is low. Grab your boo, your family, and perhaps a blanket and picnic to take in one of San Diego’s most wondrous destinations.
Torrey Pines State Beach
This world-famous state park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the location’s namesake, Torrey pines, which are some of the rarest pine trees in the world. Take a hike and reward yourself with ocean views along the way, go for a swim in the ocean, or play golf at one of the most prominent courses in California, Torrey Pines Golf Course, which is known for being the place Tiger Woods won eight PGA titles.
Tour San Diego’s National Monuments
San Diego is home to many historic national monuments. If you’ve never been to San Diego, these are a must-see on your vacation.
Cabrillo National Monument
On the southern point of the Point Loma Peninsula is the Cabrillo National monument, which commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot in California. You can explore tide pools, hike to the top of Point Loma, or visit the Cabrillo Lighthouse.
Mount Soledad
This mountaintop park offers stunning views of the San Diego skyline and the Pacific Ocean. You can either hike or drive to the top of the mountain and take in panoramic views, and pay homage to our fallen veterans at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Over 130,000 veterans have been laid to rest at this national cemetery with panoramic ocean views. Pay respects to those who served our country, walk around the stunning gardens, and simply take time to bask in perhaps the most stunning cemetery in the world.
Photo via National Park Service
Top Restaurants
A little known fact about San Diego is that it’s actually a food mecca. From Mexican to Mediterranean, to Italian, San Diego has a flavor that everyone will love. Here’s a roundup of some of our faves from each of the neighborhoods in town:
Point Loma
Home to Sunset Cliffs, Liberty Station, and several major Marine Corps’ and Navy installations, Point Loma is a quaint, hometown feeling neighborhood with high quality dining opportunities.
Ketch
This seafood restaurant has been a Point Loma staple for over 30 years. The menu features fresh, locally-caught seafood, cooked to perfection. The views of the harbor are also amazing.
Cesarina
This Italian restaurant in Point Loma Heights is known for its authentic cuisine and warm atmosphere. The pasta dishes are made fresh daily, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven. One of the fan faves in Spaghetti allo Scoglio – spaghetti with clams, mussels, shrimp, garlic, fresh tomato sauce, Calabrian Peperonciono and fresh parsley.
Bali Hai
This restaurant is a San Diego mainstay, known for its tropical cocktails and beautiful sunset views. The menu features classic Hawaiian dishes, as well as seafood and steaks.
Gaslamp Quarter
The historic Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife and colorful past as one of the most prominent red-light districts in the West. But, it is also a mecca for amazing food and drinks! Here are a few of our faves below. P.S. If you want to do a deep dive into the history and food of the area, join us on our Gaslamp food tour!
Karina’s Cantina Gaslamp
This Mexican restaurant is a great spot for a casual meal. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes, as well as some creative twists. The margaritas are also excellent.
Saltwater
This seafood restaurant is located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The menu features fresh, locally-caught seafood, cooked in a variety of ways. The oysters are a must-try.
Rustic Root
This farm-to-table restaurant is a great option for those looking for a tasty meal before a night on the town in Gaslamp Quarter. The menu features seasonal dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients. A fan favorite is the roasted cauliflower!
Little Italy
Step into the streets of Italy right in San Diego’s backyard. Little Italy boasts myriad traditional Italian restaurants, wine bars, urban breweries, and dining al fresco. If you want to get a full experience, join us for a Little Italy food tour. To tide you over for now, here are a few of our favorite spots:
Camino Riviera
Dubbed a “sultry and creative celebration of the Yucatan coastline,” Camino has quickly become a Little Italy hot spot known for its grilled meats and veggies and use of local farms and specialty ingredients flown in from all over the world. Enjoy food ‘para la mesa’ like crispy macha potatoes, coconut rice, and the beef salpicon “gordita crunch”.
Bencotto Italian Kitchen
This traditional Italian restaurant makes over 1,000 lbs of hand rolled pasta each week along with light house-made sauces (you’ve got to try the Pink Pancetta Sauce!). They even serve a not-to-be-missed tableside “Cheese Wheel Pasta” where you get to choose your pasta type that is tossed in a giant 60 lb cheese wheel right at your table.
Barbusa
Enjoy a modern take on Sicilian cuisine! They’re known for their Sicilian meatballs, Caraccio (made with short ribs, shallots, caciocavallo, lemon and microgreen), and Piselli Carbonara (made with handmade fettuccini, sweet peas, caramelized onions, pancetta, and farm fresh egg yolk). If you’re a pizza lover, they’ve got you covered with handcrafted pizza!
Old Town
Explore the oldest town in San Diego — Old Town! The bars and restaurants with traditional Mexican fare that line the streets of Old Town were once the land which Europeans first settled upon in 1769, as well as home to the very first mission in California. If you want more history lessons, marvelous Mexican food, and margs, join us on our Old Town food tour
Casa De Freds
This Mexican restaurant is a San Diego institution, known for its delicious Baja-inspired food, live music, and vibrant decorations, as well as their fresh margaritas! Dine outside on the patio and feel free to bring your pup – Freds is very dog friendly!
Cafe Coyote
Cafe Coyote has been pleasing palettes for 30+ years. They’re known for their fresh Mexican fare and robust menu of margaritas as well as fresh tortillas served with your meal the traditional way — a mano (by hand).
Tuetano Taqueria
After some exposure on the hit Guy Fieri show, “Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives,” Tuetano Taqueria’s Tijuana-style beef birria cooked with melted cheese, the quesabirria, has grabbed the attention of locals and tourists alike … even the Michelin Guide is touting it as one of the five “new discoveries” in San Diego.
Best Drinks: Breweries, Wineries & More!
Last but certainly not least, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to grab a smooth glass of wine or a craft beer in San Diego. Cheers, guys!
Breweries
Did you know San Diego is one of the premiere craft beer locations in the country? It’s no surprise our San Diego brewery tours are very popular. If you’re a beer lover, you can’t go wrong with grabbing a flight or pint at any of these locations.
Ballast Point
Founded in 1996, Ballast Point is one of the most well-known breweries in San Diego. They’re known for their innovative beers, such as their Grapefruit Sculpin. You can enjoy their creative craft beers in their taproom in Point Loma.
White Lab
White Labs is a San Diego-based yeast laboratory that supplies yeast to breweries all over the world. They also have a taproom in Miramar, where you can sample their beers and learn about the yeast process.
Eppig Brewing
Slowly becoming a new San Diego fave because of their high-quality beers is Eppig Brewing. They have a collection of traditional beers, but also experiment with new flavors such as the Beach Beer Mexican-Style Vienna Lager (amber lager fermented clean and cold with a hint of sweet summer corn and caramel in the aroma. Enjoy a brew with a view at their Point Loma ‘Waterfront Biergarten’ or stop by their La Jolla Village tasting room location.
Wine tastings: Bernardo Winery, Carruth Cellars Urban Winery, LJ Crafted Wines, Vino Carta
Wine Tastings
San Diego is also home to some amazing wineries and city wine bars. Here are just a few of our favorites … There are truly so many here!
Carruth Cellars Urban Winery
Carruth Cellars Urban Winery is a small, urban winery that produces wines from grapes grown in San Diego County. They are known for their Pinot Noirs and Syrahs. They have 4 tasting rooms throughout San Diego County in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Solana Beach, and Liberty Station (which is a tasting room, wine garden & cheese shop!).
Vino Carta
At both Vino Carta locations in Little Italy and Solana Beach, you can sip on quilty wines from family run-farms with a passion for organic and sustainable practices. Buy a bottle or glass and spend quality time with the ones you love as you take in the old-world vibes. At the Solana Beach location, you can enjoy delicious cuisine crafted with local ingredients created by Chefs Elliott and Kelly of Long Story Short.
Pali Wine Co
Pali Wine Co. is an urban San Diego winery in the heart of Little Italy that has beautiful indoor/outdoor seating, wines sourced from the Santa Rita Hills area in California to create their critically acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as some to-die-for bites!
Want to make the most of the San Diego wine scene? Join us on our Little Italy wine tasting tour!
From sights to eats, we hope our comprehensive guide helps you experience San Diego like a local. If you want a more curated experience, we’d love to have you join us on a San Diego tour!
Written by:
This blog was written by Aleezah Davenport. Aleezah is a native San Diegan, and a second-generation PLNU alumna. She enjoys exploring the city and taking her girls out for dinner on the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs. Writing about San Diego provides her the opportunity to learn more about the local scene, and share her newfound knowledge about her hometown – two of the things she loves most. She enjoys sharing her passions with readers, and is excited to be writing for a platform that provides fun information to a large audience.
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