SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE PERFECT LONG WEEKEND
It’s one of California‘s most vibrant and laid back cities, a mecca of beautiful Pacific beaches, cute cafes, gorgeous parks, amazing restaurants and year-round stellar weather. I’ve lived in the Golden State my entire life, but didn’t make my way down to San Diego until recently. The close proximity to San Francisco was always an excuse not to visit. I told myself San Diego would always be there, and opted for more exotic destinations. Sheesh was I missing out. The city is absolutely amazing, and now I can’t get enough of it. Below is my complete guide to San Diego including the best parks, beaches, hikes, historical sites, boutiques, day trips, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and more.
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The lily pond at Balboa Park reminds me so much of Seville, Spain.
WHEN TO VISIT SAN DIEGO
MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER. Honestly, San Diego has one of the best climates in California, and it’s possible to enjoy good weather year-round. Generally though, the warmest temperatures are in late spring, summer and early fall with summer being the busiest time of the year to visit.
Hints of Europe at Casa del Prado. OUTFIT DETAILS: Spell dress linked here.
HOW MANY DAYS IN SAN DIEGO?
FOUR DAYS. There’s lots to see and do in San Diego, but for first-time visitors, a long weekend is enough time to get a good taste of the city. With four full days, there’s plenty of time to visit the beach, Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego and sit down at the city’s best restaurants, bars and cafes.
Holy Matcha might be the cutest cafe in San Diego.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SAN DIEGO
ANNIE’S CANYON
Annie’s Canyon sits near Solana Beach, just north of San Diego. Several short trails lead hikers to the small sandstone canyon that serves up a little slice of Arizona / Utah scenery.
BALBOA PARK
Balboa Park is the beating heart of San Diego, and my favorite spot in the city. There’s a little bit of everything here – spectacular parks, museums and cultural sights. It reminds me a lot of Spain. My favorite spots in the park are Casa del Prado, the Lily Pond, Alcazar Garden and the Japanese Friendship Garden. Lovely place to spend the day.
CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT
The southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula is where you’ll find Cabrillo National Monument, home to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, beautiful tide pools and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
CARLSBAD FLOWER FIELDS
If you visit San Diego in the spring, take a day trip up to Carlsbad to see the spectacular Flower Fields. If you time it right, you’ll visit when the fields are filled with thousands of blooming Ranunculus. It’s beautiful.
HARPER’S TOPIARY GARDEN
Inspired garden on a hill that feels a bit like Europe with green shrubs trimmed into life-sized figurines. This is actually someone’s front yard. It’s very easy to park on the street, and then walk up to the front-facing garden.
LA JOLLA COVE
On a warm day, the calm waters of La Jolla Cove sparkle the perfect shades of turquoise. It’s one of the most famous beaches in California, and a gorgeous place to spend the day – keep an eye out for the sea lions!
OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO
Old Town is the historic heart of San Diego, home to the first European settlement in California. It’s the oldest neighborhood in the city, and very touristy if that isn’t your jam. The popular tourist attraction is home to boutiques, restaurants, museums, colorful flags, historic 19th century buildings and live music.
PARK PRESIDIO
Park Presidio sits perched on a hilltop that overlooks Old Town San Diego. It’s home to the beautiful Junipero Serra Museum that resembles an old Spanish-style mission.
PIGMENT
This is my favorite place to shop in San Diego. The amazing boutique is stocked with the cutest mix of art, flora, furniture, clothing and gifts. Whenever I visit Pigment, I want to buy everything in the store. There are three locations in Northpark, Point Loma and Del Mar.
SPRUCE STREET SUSPENSION BRIDGE
A fun suspension bridge that sits tucked away in Bankers Hill. The bridge dates back to 1912, and crosses over Sessions Canyon. It’s very easy to park on the street, and then cross the bridge.
TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE
Great hiking options wind through the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Beach. There are more than eight miles of trails varying in difficulty. Two popular hikes are the Guy Fleming Trail for sweeping ocean panoramas and the Razor Point Trail for badalands views. The otherworldly sandstone canyons are particularly incredible, as well as the surrounding pine trees.
A day trip up to the Carlsbad Flower Fields in the spring is a must.
The Ranunculus is my new favorite flower.
SAN DIEGO HOTELS
Carte Hotel is my favorite place to stay in San Diego. It’s part of the Hilton chain, but feels more like a boutique property thanks to its ultra chic, modern design. The property is located downtown, walking distance to Little Italy. It opened in 2019, so it feels plenty new. Rooms are sleek with floor to ceiling windows, and bathrooms are very spacious with his & her sinks and a glass-enclosed shower. The rooftop bar is a popular spot on the weekends.
Hotel del Coronado is the most historic hotel in the region, dating back to the late 19th century. The architecture of the white Victorian beach resort reminds me of a historic boardwalk. To reach the hotel, it’s a short drive from San Diego, just over the bridge out to Coronado Island. The rooms of this beachfront property are very dated, but it’s still a popular spot with most tourists.
A comfortable stay with chic, modern creature comforts in the heart of downtown San Diego. The location is very central – both Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter are within walking distance. Rooms are well appointed with neutral tones and cute, modern restrooms. Hotel Republic is a part of the Autograph Collection, always a good sign.
The sprawling Intercontinental San Diego is the best corporate option in San Diego. It looks and feels like a chain, but the property has done a good job at maintaining cleanliness and comfort in the 400+ rooms. Also, can’t beat the waterfront location that is just 10-minutes from the airport.
This place is amazing. Under new ownership, the historic property underwent a $31 million renovation during the pandemic, and re-opened its doors in 2023. The result is a mix of 1920s chic, the darkness of David Lynch, hints of Wes Anderson and the Red Rum vibes of The Shining. And it works. Lafeyette Hotel is a maze of spectacular bars, a Supper Club, bowling alley, a restaurant and possibly the most picturesque pool in San Diego. A must visit, even if you aren’t staying here.
This iconic La Jolla property should be a bucket list stay for golfers. And for non-golfers, the lodge setting along the coast is still an amazing experience. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a sprawling property that surrounds the Torrey Pines Golf Course – rooms are dark, outfitted with lots of wood, rust leather, forest green cues and brick fireplaces.
Boutique hotel option in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter. Pendry San Diego is a lovely stay. The rooms are bright, airy and clean. However, a mere curtain hides the shower from the bedroom. Might be a bid awkward for non-solo travelers. There are six bars and restaurants on-site.
The succulent wall at Pigment. I’ll take one of everything, please.
SAN DIEGO CAFES & RESTAURANTS
THE BAKED BEAR
If you love a good ice cream sandwich, then The Baked Bear is a must. The menu is simple. Choose a cookie (chocolate chip, cookies & cream, snickerdoodle, etc). Choose an ice cream flavor (bear batter, blackberry crumble, mint chip, mud pie, toasted s’mores, etc.). And choose a selection of toppings (hot fudge, brownie bits, nutella, oreo crumbs, etc.).
BORN & RAISED
San Diego doesn’t cut corners when it comes to restaurant ambiance and design. And the art deco Born & Raised is no exception. The steakhouse menu specializes in meat dishes – the wagyu, filets and rib eyes are all popular. On a warm evening, grab a table on the rooftop terrace.
BUONA FORCHETTA
Delicious pizza option in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood. The menu is loaded with Italian goodness – rosemary focaccia, wood-fired pizza, pastas and a delicious selection of antipasti. You’ll want to order everything on the menu.
HOLY MATCHA
Holy Matcha is an adorable matcha cafe with two locations in Northpark and the East Village. If you haven’t already seen it on Instagram, Holy Matcha is decked out entirely in pink with touches of green plants, decor and matcha sprinkled throughout the space. Menu includes traditional matcha, lattes, cold brew, avocado toast and chia pudding.
HOLY PALETA
The colorful paleta creations are a visual feast at Holy Paleta. Both staple and seasonal flavors are on the menu including banana nutella crunch, pop spicy, rainbow crunch, cinnamon toast horchata, s’mores pop, cookie monster and more.
HUNTRESS
Modern steakhouse in downtown San Diego that serves both meat and seafood. For meatlovers, there are 12 options of steak on their Hunt menu including filet mignon, porterhouse, Japanese wagyu, bone-in ribeye and more.
IRONSIDE FISH & OYSTER
Yummy seafood spot for chowder, fish & chips, crab cakes and lobster rolls. The space is also very cute – per the usual in San Diego. `
MORNING GLORY
Another ultra chic San Diego restaurant decked out in everything pink and gold. Plush pink booths, funky pink lights, pink tiled floor, pink stools, pink countertops, pink umbrellas, etc. Morning Glory is a popular spot for brunch, especially on the weekends.
OSCAR’S MEXICAN SEAFOOD
Oscar’s is quick, delicious and pretty affordable. The specialty is seafood tacos – my favorites were the classic battered fish and shrimp tacos.
SENECA TRATTORIA
Seneca Trattoria is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city serving up handmade pastas, pizza, Branzino and a few meat options. Reservations highly recommended.
S3 COFFEE
Popular coffee bar that serves chai, lattes, cold brew, iced coffee and more. There’s a small corner of S3 Coffee designed in 2D. Grab a table in this area, and it’ll feel like you’re sipping a drink inside a sketch book.
WAYFARER BREAD & PASTRY
Artisan breads and pastries that are completely delicious. Favorites include the cinnamon bun, croissants and morning buns. Pizza night is Thursday to Saturday. This is one of the best bakeries in San Diego.
Battered fish and shrimp tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.
The yummiest ice cream sandwich from The Baked Bear.
SAN DIEGO BARS
- Craft & Commerce
- The False Idol
- The Grass Skirt
- Marisi
- Mothership
- Noble Experiment
- Polite Provisions
- Raised by Wolves
- The Space Pad
The loveliest Pacific sunset at Torrey Pines State Park.
GET AROUND SAN DIEGO
A car is a must in San Diego. You’ll need one to move from the beach to the parks to all of the restaurants scattered across the city. Everything is very spread out. All major car rental brands are available at the airport.
Sea Lions sunbathing in the bay waters.
GET TO SAN DIEGO
The San Diego International Airport connects the San Diego to dozens of domestic cities within the US, as well as a handful of international destinations including Tokyo, Canada, London and Mexico.
S3 Coffee is a fun little 2D spot in San Diego.
