San Diego | ULTIMATE GUIDE
Hey guys! This is soooo long overdue; I feel more and more relieved with each strike of the keyboard! I get a lot of direct messages on my Instagram about visiting San Diego, and I usually find myself too overwhelmed to answer; it’s impossible for me to put into a message all the beauty you will discover here. In an effort to answer direct questions from some of you, as well as give a general snapshot to those in the beginning stages of trip planning, I'm going to break down WHEN to come, WHERE to stay, WHAT to see, and WHERE to eat. Let's do this!
WHEN TO COME
There really is no BAD time to visit San Diego, as our weather is consistently beautiful year round, but if you have the luxury of tailoring your vacation to certain time of year, let me give you some advice to avoid the crowds!! I have an entire blog post HERE to help you plan your visit :)
When to Visit San Diego Blog Post
HOW TO GET AROUND
I highly recommend using GETAROUND if you are visiting San Diego. GETAROUND is like Airbnb, but for your cars. There are means for public transportation in San Diego, but if you are reading this blog post, you likely want to escape the city for a bit (and possibly do some hiking). GETAROUND allows you to rent a car on a need-be-basis. Instead of committing to at least an entire day, you can commit to as little as 1 hour for $6 (depending on vehicle). Use this link to get a $50 credit towards your first rental :)
LimeBikes + Scooters - an easy way to get around downtown San Diego, or explore the surrounding neighborhoods are through the city bikes and scooters. Popular apps used are LimeBike, Bird, and Lyft has some around town, too!
WHERE TO STAY - CITY vs BEACH
Did you know that downtown San Diego doesn't have actual access to the beach? If you look at a map, it is a bit misleading; Downtown is located right on the water, but it is the San Diego Bay, not Pacific Ocean, and there aren’t access points for swimmers. Choosing between staying at the beach or downtown is a personal choice. I hope the following breakdown makes your decision easier!
DOWNTOWN ~ CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING
The Gaslamp District is the most popular neighborhood downtown. Known for its nightlife and plethora of restaurants, this is a great place to stay for a city experience! If you are interested in a more authentic downtown experience, look into Little Italy (it’s my faaav!!!). It is a quaint, bustling neighborhood filled with restaurant patios, wine bars, and a fantastic farmers market on Saturday :) I'll touch more on neighborhoods in a later post!
Perks of being downtown:
15 minutes from EVERYTHING ~ you won't need to rent a car
Near the airport
Limebikes ~ city bikes and scooters you can rent for $1 an hour to get you around the city (wear a helmet!)
Petco Park-home of the San Diego Padres MLB team
Walking distance to amazing restaurants, pubs, views, and the bay
Trolley ($2.50 each way or $5 day pass)
BEACHES, PLEASE
Why vacation in Southern California if you can't go home with a tan?! If your ideal San Diego vacation includes waking up to waves crashing, local coffee shops, and people-watching on the boardwalk, then our beach towns may be more your speed!
CORONADO ISLAND ~ 14 minutes to airport
OCEAN BEACH ~ 9 minutes to airport
MISSION BEACH ~ 11 minutes to airport
PACIFIC BEACH ~ 18 minutes to the airport
BIRD ROCK ~ 21 minutes from airport
LA JOLLA ~ 21 minutes from airport
WHAT TO SEE
READ CAREFULLY! I've included pro-tips for each of these ;)
WATCH THE SUNSET FROM SUNSET CLIFFS - With it’s rigid and shear cliff faces, this is one of the most famous and beautiful spots in San Diego. It's a common location for proposals, photo shoots, social gatherings, and picnics. It's 15 minutes from downtown by car/uber with free street parking. (P.S. alcohol is prohibited at all beaches!)
Use this address to get you there:
1100 Sunset Cliffs Blvd
San Diego, CA 92107
HIKE TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE - This is my favorite hike in San Diego! What I love most about the reserve are the rare pine trees, unique landscapes, beach access, and (omg) the views! Torrey Pines is located north of La Jolla, so I recommend grouping the two into a single day trip (25-30 minute drive from downtown).
PARKING: There are three ways you can park to enter Torrey Pines. I always park at Torrey Pines State Beach because it is free to park, and free to walk in the reserve; the strip is located along the beach right before the park entrance. Your next option is to enter the park, and pay a $15-20 fee (depending on the season) per vehicle. There is parking by the front gate, OR you can drive to the top (we usually do this with our parents) and park near the museum shop.
PADDLE BOARD/KAYAK THE COVES IN LA JOLLA- Watch out for Sea Lions! My husband and I went through a company called Everyday California (located in La Jolla), and had an amazing 2-hour experience. They are on Groupon!
SUNNY JIM SEA CAVE IN LA JOLLA - Sunny Jim is located in an old convenience store-turned-museum-souvenier shop, called the Cave Store. They claim that this building was used as a cover during the prohibition to smuggle in alcohol and drugs from Mexico. There is a man-made tunnel from the store through the ground that was carved out over 1902-1903. The entrance fee is $5-10 (seasonal), and the man-made tunnel down can be slippery with 145 steps to the bottom. This is the only sea cave in California that you can enter by land!
The secret swing is also near here if you can find it ;)
LA JOLLA SEA LIONS - The sea lions are a great attraction for all ages. I park anywhere from La Jolla Boulevard to Pearl Street. To see the sea lions, start at Sunny Jim cave then walk along the coastline. As you pass the beautiful Clam Cave on the right, you will shortly hear (or smell!) the reason for your visit. Although there is nothing to keep you from walking right up to wildlife, I keep a safe distance; they are unpredictable, especially the mother’s with young sea lion pups and the bull males, easily identified by the lump on top of their head!
THE WORLD FAMOUS SAN DIEGO ZOO - Don't shrug off the zoo, PLEASE! I'm telling you, you've never been to a zoo like the World Famous San Diego Zoo; it absolutely lives up to its’ reputation. Your ticket includes free parking and an aerial tram ride (Skyfari) with breathtaking views of downtown. PRO TIP: if you go on a Sunday morning, you can enjoy a boozy brunch at Alfred's treetop restaurant! BRUNCH AT THE ZOO!!! Who doesn't enjoy animals with a buzz? The zoo serves beers from our local breweries like Coronado Brewing, Stone, and Ballast point around the park for you to enjoy. Also- get the kettle corn, it's our fav!
EXPLORE BALBOA PARK - Balboa Park is like our 'Central Park.' It’s location is central to the city and has a variety of attractions including: museums, the San Diego Zoo, golfing, art exhibits, festivals, and gardens. My favorite areas to explore are the Spanish Village, Cactus Garden and the Botanical Garden (which are all next to each other). The Spanish Village is the local arts district., you’ll want to visit during normal business hours so you can see all of the incredible work on display (or buy!). It is known for their rainbow buildings and cobblestone courtyard! The Botanical Garden is absolutely STUNNING! Go to the Cactus Garden around sunset, if you have time. It's a great showcase and appreciation of the beauty found in the desert. All of these are free to do, and have free parking!
LITTLE ITALY FARMER'S MARKET - Saturday’s 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is the BEST farmer's market in San Diego. If you're looking for local goods, coffee, and snacks, this is where you need to be. Go to the Guac Shack and order a walk-and-guac ($5 for a generous portion), and ask for the Gringo and Macho dip combo!
EXPLORE PACIFIC BEACH - Quintessential beach town! I love Pacific Beach (or, 'P.B.') for everything it embodies. This is where you want to be for a fun beach day, margaritas, street entertainment, murals, açaí bowls... the whole nine yards! This is where Shore Club and Crushed are (see below). My husband and I have spent a few days sipping margaritas on the board walk in the sunshine and it's the best!!
HIKE COWLES MOUNTAIN - the highest point in the City of San Diego! This is a moderately strenuous hike and highly trafficked. Go early in the morning, or at sunset for the best views and more comfortable temperatures. You can easily finish this hike in regular sneakers.
HOTEL DEL CORONADO - Free parking on Ocean Boulevard along the beach. I park on the beach then make my way towards the back of the hotel, where you can see the famous yard and rooftops of the Hotel Del Coronado. You are free to walk around and explore the grounds of the hotel - don't be shy! They have a small museum just past the lobby. Try to find the hidden ballroom with massive crown chandeliers! I don't recommend staying for drinks or food unless you plan to spend some money. I DO recommend their creamery because they have excellent ice-cream. If you are in San Diego in December, you need to go to the hotel for their ice-skating on the beach!
OLD TOWN San Diego - live music, margaritas, cool shops, and history! This is colonial San Diego, and is very fascinating (and haunted!). I like going in the afternoon (2-3p.m.) to visit and explore the museums, then stay for dinner to enjoy live music. They best courtyard is between Fiesta Cocina/ Temecula Oil Company with dreamy outdoor lights.
TAKE A FLAGSHIP BOAT TOUR - They offer bay/whale watching tours (there are different options), and Groupon sells ticket for half the price! Only do whale-watching if you are here in the spring (migration season). The Flagship bay tour has a rooftop bar with normal priced drinks (yay!). I prefer the 2-hour tour because you get great views of Coronado Island, Downtown San Diego, and Point Loma.
GO TO A PADRES GAME - They may not win, but the craft beers and bites are worth every penny! You can easily get tickets at the counter on game day - PRO TIP: ask for a view of downtown :) If hot dogs and beer aren't what you are looking for, they have a great selection of organic and healthy options which is unique to our stadium.
USS MIDWAY - an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum that is open to the public. It is located downtown on the bay, with spectacular 360 views on the top deck. They have their own parking lot that costs $10 for a day pass (worth it because parking in this area is competitive). I would recommend at least 3 hours for this activity.
WHERE TO EAT
BUONA FORCHETTA for ITALIAN FOOD - you can't leave without ordering the the NICOLA PIZZA (truffle oil, fresh mozzarella, and mushroom... you can thank me later). Get here BEFORE they open at 5p.m. for dinner (also open for lunch), because the wait can be up to 3 hours, and they don't take reservations. This is the type of Italian food you will tell your grandchildren about!!!
CRUSHED in Pacific Beach for the MIMOSA FLIGHTS - I canNOT say enough amazing things about them. they'll legitimately change your life...or at least your day ;) (also the soyrizo fries)!! Great for brunch, tapas, and sharing.
SHORE CLUB for the REDBULL TROPICAL SLUSHIES - This is where I take my friends when we want to day drink on the beach! Casual, beachy, and a very social spot.
MISTER A's for HAPPY HOUR - Monday through Thursday from 3-6 pm with jaw-dropping views of downtown San Diego
THE FISH MARKET/ TOP OF THE MARKET - fresh seafood on the water, and homemade margaritas!
BALLAST POINT LITTLE ITALY - aside from all the amazing beer, they also have THE BEST truffle fries in San Diego
WATERFRONT LITTLE ITALY - DIVE BAR.. cheap beer, free popcorn, packed house!
CAFE GRATITUDE for the NACHOS, omg. so good. This is an amazing vegan restaurant in Little Italy, that serves up the most flavorful and colorful food. Definitely don't leave without ordering the nachos and a smoothie.
JAMES COFFEE, CO - VANILLA LATTE or DIRTY CHIA this is actually the best coffee you'll ever have...in my not so humble opinion
HARUMAMA, SD - the CUTEST character steam buns EVER!!!! you must go and get the jelly sake, too :)
READ HERE for Harumama Blog post
S3 COFFEE BAR - rainbow lattes, and ombre matcha late! they also have an insane avocado toast
DON CARLOS TACO SHOP - AUTHENTIC. STREET STYLE. REAL. MEXICAN FOOD in La Jolla! You canNOT come to San Diego without having tacos from a hole-in-the-wall joint, where someone's mom is cooking you fresh taco's made to order, and serving Mexican Co-ca-cola!
LOLA55 - A new and adorable Mexican fusion restaurant in East Village. Order the Lola Margarita and the Civiche.
FAIRWEATHER - This is a tiki bar for the fair-weather fans (a sports joke). With a great view of the ballpark, you can enjoy the game without actually going to the ballpark. BEST PINA COLADAS IN TOWN!
When to visit San Diego, California
San Diego, you finally made the decision to visit America's Finest City, so now what? You want to plan your visit, but how do you decide when to come?
The good news is that there really is no bad time to visit San Diego, as our weather is consistently beautiful year round (we have it pretty tough here, ha!). If you have the luxury of tailoring your vacation to a certain time of year, I hope you find this post resourceful!
*bar graph is from tripsavvy.com
The best times to visit San Diego are March - May and September - November because this is our off-season. Not only can you get cheaper flights and hotel/ airbnb rates, but you will avoid the summer crowds!!
JANUARY
Average Temperature: 57°F
Average Sunshine: 72%
Average Rainfall: 1.98 inches
FEBRUARY
Average Temperature: 58°F
Average Sunshine: 72%
Average Rainfall: 2.35 inches
January - February are quieter months in San Diego, and the perfect time to come if you want to relax. The temperatures are cooler (for us!), just know ahead of time that February is our wettest month. Be prepared for rain, but the sun always comes out!
EVENTS
Bring in the New Year with a Polar Bear Plunge into the Pacific Ocean on January 1, with La Jolla Cove's Swim Club (am I the only one who thinks this sounds painful? ha!)
The whole month February is San Diego Museum Month, so admission to (most of) the museums in Balboa Park are half off.
*image from ouroyster.com
Drink your carbs at the San Diego Winter Brew Fest! They feature local beers from San Diego (and beyond), live music, and food.
MARCH
Average Temperature: 60°F
Average Sunshine: 70%
Average Rainfall: 1.81 inches
APRIL
Average Temperature: 62°F
Average Sunshine: 67%
Average Rainfall: 0.78 inches
This is one of the best times to visit San Diego because the weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and we are still in our off-season (yay for less crowds)! The beaches start to see some action, but aren't yet over crowded.
EVENTS
Visit the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. The fields are open March 1 - May 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and is located 40 minutes north of downtown. Admission is $16, and much bigger than the pictures lead on. You can easily spend a half day exploring the area!
We host the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade west of the Mississippi, which is followed by and Irish Festival in Balboa Park (family friendly). At night you can head to the shamROCK the Gaslamp block party (21+) to celebrate like a true Irishman!
Opening season for the Padres (MLB at Petco Park) begins in April. Ticket's are easy to get online or at the ticket booth day-of (local tip - ask the attendant for a view of downtown). Even if the team isn't amazing, the views, food, and local beer are worth an evening at the ballpark!
*image from www.usatoday.com
MAY
Average Temperature: 64°F
Average Sunshine: 59%
Average Rainfall: 0.12 inches
JUNE
Average Temperature: 67°F
Average Sunshine: 58%
Average Rainfall: 0.07 inches
Everyone assumes the San Diego weather is perfect year round (rightfully so), but May and June and the months I recommend least. During May and June we have a weird fog/marine layer that hangs around for most of the day; it looks like it's going to rain, but it never does. San Diegan's call this season MAY GREY and JUNE GLOOM.
EVENTS
The San Diego County Fair is June 1- July 4, and is the largest county fair in the United States. With over a million visitors each year, the fair focuses on agriculture and crafts, but provides unique entertainment, animals, rides, concerts, and food to try.
*image from San Diego Magazine*
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in historic Old Town San Diego, California's first settlement. Old Town filled with museums, Mexican culture, live music, art, and history. They host a huge three-day celebration called Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo each year, packed with plenty or margaritas!
Run in the San Diego Rock'n'Roll Marathon. This is a marathon course bringing athletes and musicians together for an inspiring event. Various bands and cheer teams line the course to motivate runners as they make their way through downtown. Tickets sell out well in advance, so I advise you to sign up for their email list!
JULY
Average Temperature: 70°F
Average Sunshine: 68%
Average Rainfall: 0.03 inches
AUGUST
Average Temperature: 72°F
Average Sunshine: 70%
Average Rainfall: 0.02 inches
If you are looking to escape to San Diego at its' peak, then this is when you want to come! The weather is warm, summer has claimed her territory, and there's A LOT to do! This is the best time to enjoy our beaches and outdoor activities like kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and surfing. The beaches are packed with sunbathers, families, music, and sports. This is when you will get to experience quintessential San Diego!
EVENTS
Big Bay Boom for the 4th of July We're famous for our Big Bay Boom fireworks show, at 9 p.m., where the city strategically places four barges around the bay for one of the biggest fireworks shows in the U.S. The fireworks can be seen from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Coronado Landing, and is free! *4th of July is one of the most expensive weekends to visit*
*image from San Diego Magazine
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - Opening day at the horse track is July 18th and will end in early September. People come from all over to bet on horses with hopes to win big. This is a popular summer event for patrons to enjoy the weather, dress up, socialize, and hopefully win some cash!
*image from arizonafoothills.com
Go to Comic-Con International: San Diego, AKA WHERE GEEK DREAMS COME TRUE! This is a multi-genre convention celebrating comics and similar fantasy entertainment. Comic-con is filled with action figures, anime, video games, zombies, superheroes, wizards, and fairies; basically if you can dream it, you'll see it here! It proves that geek culture is everyone's culture. Tickets are incredibly hard to get, so be sure to sign up for their email lists. Even if you can't get a ticket, it's a fun time to people watch in downtown San Diego; you might find yourself sharing a cocktail with Tortoro and Captain America!
*image from bandaiding.com
OCTOBER
Average Temperature: 67°F
Average Sunshine: 68%
Average Rainfall: 0.57 inches
SEPTEMBER
Average Temperature: 71°F
Average Sunshine: 69%
Average Rainfall: 0.15 inches
This is a beautiful time to visit San Diego. The weather is still warm, but summer is over so the crowds have died down. This pocket of time gives you so many options of things to experience during your visit. Not only can you still go to the beach, but you can take day trips to the mountains for cooler temperatures and 'fall' activities; it's the best of both worlds.
EVENTS
San Diego Restaurant Week is a celebration of local restaurants showcasing culinary diversity with prefixed menus at discounted prices. If you are a foodie, this week was MADE for you. SDRW is September 23-30, with over 180 participating restaurants.
Visit the town of Julian for their famous apple pies! Apple season begins as early as the end of August and lasts until mid October. This is an easy day trip if you have a car, and a must if you are visiting San Diego in the fall. The most popular apple pies in Julian are the Julian Pie Company, Mom's Pie House, and Apple Alley Bakery.
CRSSD Music Festival is a bi-annual oceanside music festival located at Waterfront Park, downtown San Diego. There are three stages featuring well-curated old school and new artists. The backdrop to the stages are spectacular views of downtown and the San Diego Bay.
NOVEMBER
Average Temperature: 62°F
Average Sunshine: 75%
Average Rainfall: 1.01 inches
DECEMBER
Average Temperature: 57°F
Average Sunshine: 73%
Average Rainfall: 1.53 inches
Cooler nights, stunning sunsets, and a quieter experience is what you will get in San Diego if you visit in November and December. I love the holidays in San Diego because its a unique experience (especially since I come from the East Coast).
EVENTS
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo is my favorite time to visit the zoo, and it runs December 8-January 1. We always go to the zoo in the evening for the "Celebration of Lights," which is a musical experience/ animal-themed parade.
*image from Pinterest
December Nights at Balboa Park is free to attend, and is a local Christmas tradition. It is a park-wide event where you can enjoy entertainment, live music, Christmas lights, and free admission in the evenings to most of the museums.
*image is from lajollamom.com
Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado is a unique experience you can only enjoy in a city like San Diego. The outdoor ice-skating rink is on the Windsor Lawn, which probably doesn't mean anything to you, so basically, it's ice-skating at the beach!
*image is from www.localadventurer.com
I hope this helps you plan your next trip to San Diego. Let me know if you have any questions about visiting, I'm always happy to help!
- caitlin