A group of us visited some friends living in San Diego in July 2022. I have heard nothing but great things about it and was so excited to visit.. and I have to agree. San Diego is a great place to visit (or live) with so much to see, do, and eat. Below are some recommendations of things I did, or planned on doing, that you should too!
One of my favorite things to do is ride around on the city e-scooters during sunset. It's absolutely stunning and a moment I'll never forget.
All places/activities with an *astrics next to it are the ones that I highly recommend.
Areas:
Pacific Beach (PB) - This is the Airbnb we stayed in. AMAZING location and very homey feeling, especially with the front yard.
Ocean Beach (OB)
Law Street - beautiful spot for a sunset view
Coffee/Smoothies:
*Better Buzz Coffee: Probably one of my new favorite coffee shops ever. I didn't end up trying any food but it all looked amazing. I had to just keep getting the chai lattes because they were some of the best I've ever had.
Iced Chai
Hot Chai
Mad Beet: Super yummy acai bowls & smoothies in PB. Very flavorful and great for a quick healthy bite.
Acaiwol Nation: organic acai, granola, honey, strawberry, blueberry, banana
Breakfast/Brunch:
Breakfast Republic: I have heard amazing things about this place but unfortunately didn't get to go. Chris said it was awesome and would definitely go again.
California Breakfast Burrito: Skirt steak, eggs, pico de gallo infused guacamole, potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese and sour cream, served with black beans, Mexican rice, and salsa
Eggies: Another popular *quick* breakfast spot that is located right next to Breakfast Republic. Chris got a breakfast sandwich, a couple of times, which shows that it's worth adding to your list.
*Palmys Cafe: GET THIS ACAI BOWL. Genuinely one of the best I have had in a very long time. The cutest little cafe right on the corner, not far from the beach - so it obviously has the perfect vibe.
Acai Bowl: Seasonal fruit, house made granola, raw wildflower honey, micro mint
Crushed: A popular brunch spot in PB that has a line more often than not. They have a bunch of unique food options and drink options, which make this spot fun & great for groups.
Keepin' it Old School Benny: Savory prosciutto piled high on our classic benny topped with hollandaise sauce
Spicy Bloody Mary
Melon Berry Mojito: Even came with a sour patch watermelon gummy!
Broken Yolk: A brunch spot that was pretty good but overall nothing special.
Ranchero Skillet: Home fried potatoes sauteéd with spicy chorizo, fresh chopped serrano peppers, and onions. Topped with Jack cheese, sunny side up eggs, avocado, red onion, cilantro and ranchero sauce. (I subbed Beyond Meat sausage, which was delicious)
Sun-Up Breakfast Sandwich: Two fried eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, and American cheese on grilled sourdough bread.
Fresh OJ
Cocina De Barrio: A Mexican restaurant that has a crazy brunch that would hit the spot for everyone. I haven't been yet, but I have my eye on the churro french toast.
Lunch/Dinner:
El Prez: A popular dinner & drinks spot with an unreal view of the shore from the rooftop. The food was okay and it seems to me that you're really paying for the view and the party-type vibes. Definitely a cute spot for a photo.
Salt & Pepper Calamari: Fresh seasoned calamari, hand-battered and fried to crispy perfection. Served with fried jalapeño slices. Chipotle aioli and cilantro jalapeño aioli for dipping
Shrimp taco, potato soyrizo taco, & chicken tinga taco
Blueberry Mint-a-Rita: Espolón Blanco tequila, housemade margarita mix, and blueberry puree. Shaken and served on the rocks. Topped with soda water and garnished with fresh mint and blueberries
Enoteca Adriano: An Italian restaurant located in PB. Nothing to write home about but it was a good dinner.
Burrata: Fresh burrata wrapped with parma prosciutto, arugula, fresh fig jam, baby heirloom tomatoes, crostini.
Gnocchi tre gusti: Potato dumplings, cherry mozzarella, tomato basil sauce
Spaghetti Carbonara: Guanciale, tossed egg with pecorino and parmigiano, no cream.
Allegro: A beautiful Italian place in Little Italy. I haven't gotten to go but I was told to get the Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe.
Azuki Sushi: A sushi rec I got from one of my friends. I plan on going once I return!
Quick Eats:
Oscars Mexican Seafood: A small taco joint that has $1 fish tacos Monday-Thursday from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. They also have a bunch of yummy sauces.
Battered Fish Taco: Served with Cabbage, Onion, Tomato, Cilantro
Veggie Taco: Served with Cheese, Beans, Rice, Cabbage, Onion, Tomato, Cilatro & Avocado
Tacos el Gordo: A cash-only taco shack located on the beach. Didn't get to go, but I heard it's an absolute must.
Dessert:
Baked Bear: THE cookie ice cream sandwich spot. There are so many options to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. I decided to just get two warmed-up cookies, with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Gooey Butter Cake
Salted Nutella Chocolate Chunk
Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
Donut Bar: Another place I did not get to try, but these donuts look unreal and I'm really looking forward to having one.
Cocktail Bars:
Lahaina's Beach House: A dive bar located right on the boardwalk of PB. This isn't a place that you go to for the food or drinks, but rather the front porch that overlooks like beach. This place is extremely popular during sunset so I recommend going early if you want a glance at the crazy view.
Flamingo Deck: A great spot for Instagram photos, yummy cocktails, and a fun pre-game before your night out - very pink and girly. We sat down and got food, but next time I would probably just sit at the bar and grab a drink.
Tempura Calamari: togarashi, lemon aioli
Papas Bravas: Fingerling potatoes, garlic chips, rosemary, saffron aioli
Lil' Shin Dig: Strawberry infused absolut, tangerine, aperol, lemon
Tiramisu Martini: Absolut elyx, espresso, coffee liquor, tiramisu foam
The Nolen Rooftop: Beautiful rooftop bar that I will be going to next time I'm in town.
Lumi: Japanese eatery with a rooftop bar. Definitely need to check out when I'm back!
Baja Beach Cafe: Great spot for post-gaming a night out. They have 2 for 1 margaritas from 10:30 pm -12:30 am which definitely hit the spot.
BAJA (Raspberry Banana Margarita): Patron Silver tequila, Banana Liqueur, Raspberry Liqueur, Triple Sec, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice and a splash of fresh Lime Juice
Nightlife:
Shore Club: Shore club is definitely a college bar but it was super fun, even on a Wednesday. Around 9:00pm on Wednesdays, they have goldfish races where you can sign up to blow a goldfish through water and hope it wins. It gets intense. Also - there is a souvenir shop below Shore Club, and I personally think they sell the best t-shirts if you're looking for one.
Watermelon limeade (no cranberry): This drink is on the menu but the bartender did not add cranberry juice. This drink literally tasted EXACTLY like a sour patch watermelon.
Hot dog: There are a few hot dog stands outside of the bar, so you can't miss them. I got a bacon wrapped hot dog and it was good.. expensive.. but good.
The Local: A fun bar that you can enjoy during the day or night. During the day they have some pretty cool drinks, including a pineapple dole whip with fireball.
Open Bar: A dive bar that is known for being cheap. Good for pre-gaming.
Bubs at the Ballpark: A fun spot to hit before you go see a Padre's baseball game. Most likely won't get a seat but the vibes are high.
Mavericks Beach Club: A great bar/club that is super popular. We went on a Thursday and there was no cover, but on weekends the cover can be about $20-$25 and will still have a very long line. We had so much fun as there are many rooms with various different vibes. I got a slushie and it wasn't very good, but it was really strong.
Ramiro's Taco Shop: A run-down Mexican food joint that you go to after the bars. Definitely sketchy but has really good churros and a great cheese quesadilla. Also loved their hot sauces.
Activities:
Padre's Baseball Game: If you are in town during baseball season, I recommend catching a Padre's game. The stadium is one of the best I've ever seen. Make sure to start your night at Bubs at the Ballpark just a few blocks up - all the fans will be there before the game.
Garlic Fries
Cravery Cookies: SO delicious. They also sell ice cream, so you can make ice cream sandwiches but these are the yummy cookies I got and would recommend - Cookie Monster (White Chocolate Chips, Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Oreos, Mini Marshmallows, Caramel Bits) & Birthday Cake (Funfetti cake batter, Guittard Vanilla Chips & Rainbow Sprinkles).
Sail San Diego: We took a private boat ride for 6 people, which ended up being $99 per person for 3 hours. I think this was one of the highlights of my trip and would definitely recommend if you are looking to do something with a group. Unlimited snacks, beer, and seltzers were supplied.
Bonfire on the Beach: Didn't get to do this activity but I heard it was great for groups and a lot of fun.
Snorkeling: Very personable tour in La Jolla. $80 per person and a great way to explore as you walk in right off of the beach. You can see baby sharks, sea lions, and more!
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