San Diego travel guide

Consider your next vacation to San Diego planned.

I have so much love for San Diego and recently moved back to Arizona after living there for almost 2 years. The ocean air, friendly people, and laid-back lifestyle are all just a few of the reasons I felt like it was so easy to call San Diego home. One of the best parts about living in San Diego (in my opinion) was the local restaurant scene; you could honestly spend weeks just eating your way through San Diego and not even scratch the surface. I often have friends or family ask me for restaurant recommendations and activities while they are visiting San Diego, so this is where I would eat, and what I’d include on my itinerary if I was visiting San Diego and wanted to experience it like a local.

Eat

Little Lion Cafe (Sunset Cliffs) – It doesn’t get any quainter than this gem of a café located at Sunset Cliffs near Point Loma and Ocean Beach. I highly recommend snagging a reservation as seating is VERY limited, but if you can’t get a resy and want to wait, take a walk along the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs and enjoy the view.

Little Frenchie (Coronado) – I’ve only had the brunch here, and that’s the meal that keeps me coming back. This French restaurant is near the Hotel Del on Orange Avenue, so perfect to start your day here and walk around the Del or Coronado beach afterwards.

Jolie (Coronado) - my friends (hi Megan and Christian!) recently opened this restaurant on Orange Avenue on Coronado Island near the ferry landing and it is the CUTEST. Their food is 10/10 and they have an amazing wine selection as well. Grab a reservation and if you are feeling adventurous, go for the “Trust the Chef” experience – it’s $65 pp and the chef has the freedom to bring out 5-7 courses of his choosing. Highlights include the crudo, oysters, and I was shocked that I even loved the duck! Such a great addition to the island!

Parc Bistro-Brasserie (Banker’s Hill) – You won’t see any tourists at this French restaurant located in Banker’s Hill. I love coming here and sitting at the bar and taking advantage of their generous happy hour which is Monday-Friday from 3:30-7:00pm. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable and the bartenders Amanda and Nilton make you feel so welcome. Be sure to get to the bar early if you are going to enjoy their live music on Saturday evenings - it fills up quick!

Old Venice (Point Loma) – Anytime Bobby and I wanted an authentic, no frills Italian meal in our neighborhood, we always chose Old Venice. This restaurant has been a staple in Point Loma for over 42 years and the food is some of the best Italian we’ve had. I love their patio and some of our favorite entrees include the Wicked Caesar (must love garlic for this one!) and the rigatoni bolognese.

Wolf in the Woods (Mission Hills) – This one a one of the newer restaurants to the SD food scene, and this intimate wine bar and restaurant books out weeks in advance. The restaurant is in Mission Hills which is a cute neighborhood 15 minutes North of Downtown, but you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a quaint European café. The food is a combination of New Mexican with Native American, European, and Hispanic influences and most of the plates are small tapas style or shareable, so I recommend this for a date night or small party and sharing your way through the menu since you will want to try everything!

*Al fresco dining at Wolf in the Woods.*

Tahona Bar (Old Town) – For an upscale Mexican dining experience, look no further than Tahona Bar in Old Town! You get to experience the buzz and history of Old Town San Diego, but with a swankier atmosphere than your traditional Mexican restaurant. The tacos are amazing and they describe their food as a blend of Baja and Oaxaca, so you can find items on the menu such as an Ahi Tostada (order this!), quesabirria and carnitas tacos, and empanadas. Their margaritas and palomas are super refreshing and here’s also a speakeasy in the back called Oculto 477 (reservations required).

Sushi Lounge (Point Loma) – No joke I probably ate here at least once a week when we lived down the street in Point Loma. Not only because it was convenient, but their sushi is super fresh, and they have great happy hour pricing! I love sitting at the bar on a cool evening when all the garage doors are open. Pro tip: save some room for dessert next door at The Craft creamery!

Callie (East Village) – There’s a reason Callie received attention in 2022 as one of the best new restaurants in America, and a Bib Gourmand and Plate by the Michelin Guide. This is another restaurant to make sure to get a resy at ahead of time, or if you want to sit at the bar get there by 4:45pm and put your name on the waitlist. Shoutout to Ozwaldo, the best bartender!

Animae (Downtown) – Go for the food, stay for the vibes. I describe this as a steakhouse with Japanese flair. Located in Downtown San Diego, if you are looking for a special occasion restaurant but want something different than a traditional steakhouse steak and potatoes, head to Animae and prepare to be blown away. On paper menu items such as caviar shrimp toast and wagyu friend rice sound bizarre, but trust me, this stop will be one of highlights of your restaurant tour.

Play

Padres game – one of the best ways to get a true San Diego experience is to go to a game at Petco park. This is one of my favorite stadiums – you get amazing views of the Downtown skyline with views of the planes coming into land, and honestly their concession stand options are some of the best! Pro tip: go on a Friday night and get there early for Party in the Park – a pregame happy hour in Gallagher Square with $5 drinks from local breweries and live music.

Concert at Humphrey's Concerts – this concert venue is located on Shelter Island right along the San Diego bay, and this intimate, outdoor concert venue that is a staple in the summer months during their concert season. You’ll often see kayakers paddle up and listen to the show which is so fun to see.

Lagree at Elevate or DEFINE <3 – I’m biased since I used to teach at both of these Lagree studios, but for my Lagree lovers out there definitely check out a class at either of these studios. Elevate has locations throughout San Diego and DEFINE is in Point Loma.

Summer concerts at the park (Coronado and Point Loma) – between Memorial Day and Labor Day every Sunday evening starting at 4:30pm there are free concerts at Spreckles Park on Coronado Island. Grab a blanket, bring some charcuterie, and relax which enjoying the various local bands. During the last few weeks of July, and early August there is a free concert Friday evening at Point Loma Park and it’s a similar, relaxed vibe. Perfect if you have littles to let them run around and blow off some steam while you post up on a blanket or beach chair with your favorite beverage and snacks.

Beach yoga at Sunset Cliffs – my girl Amy with Mind Body Badass teaches the most amazing yoga flow every Saturday morning and Wednesday evenings at Sunset Cliffs. Classes are donation based and sign ups are located here. Be sure to sign up ahead of time because classes do fill up. Nothing says San Diego quite like practicing yoga hearing the waves crash in the background. 😊

Farmer's Market (Little Italy)– every Saturday from 8am – 2pm 6 blocks of Date Street close off to become a vibrant farmer’s market lined up with some of Southern California’s best produce vendors, soup makers, and artisans. They also do a smaller scale farmer’s market every Wednesday from 9:30am-1:30pm.

Sip

Vino Carta (Little Italy) – Vino Carta is a wine shop and tasting room in Little Italy that features small, family-run producers and natural wines made using organic and sustainable practices. They have an amazing selection of bottles to purchase and a relaxing indoor/outdoor seating area if you want to enjoy a bottle or glass while you are there.

Barefoot Coffee (Solana Beach) – If you head up towards Solana Beach, be sure not to miss Barefoot Coffee Roasters on Cedros. Grab a coffee and walk down to the beach, or shop along Cedros at the cute local boutiques.

Eppig Brewing (Point Loma) – One of the best views at a local brewery – Eppig is a casual, relaxed atmosphere in Point Loma right on the bay. Go to Point Loma Seafood or Mitch’s Seafood and bring your lunch to go to enjoy with your brew.

Influx Cafe (Little Italy) – Truth be told, Bobby and I still get our espresso beans from Influx...their coffee is that good. They use local organic coffee from Cafe Moto, and the coffee drinks (and food!) are all perfect to start off your morning. Order the Viennese coffee with oat milk and say hi to Seth and Diana for me!

Paru Tea Bar (Point Loma, La Jolla) – We discovered this tea shop when we lived in Point Loma, and if you love tea, you will love Paru. They have bags of loose-leaf teas for purchase along with hot or iced teas to go. I love their merchandise and candles as well.

Lovesong Coffee (North Park) – This newer coffee shop is in North Park and is very Instagrammable. They have really unique coffee flavors and is worth checking out if you plan to visit North Park.

*Get the Bee’s Knees at Lovesong Coffee, trust me.*

Carruth Cellars (Little Italy, Solana Beach) – Another favorite spot of ours is Carruth Cellars. Their new location at Liberty Station in Point Loma has a nice open patio and cheese counter where you can order charcuterie to enjoy with your wine. They also have a location in Solana Beach on Cedros which is super cute.

Shop

Rare Bloom Boutique (Point Loma) – If I ever had an itch to go shopping for staple wardrobe pieces, you would find me here. Rare Bloom is the cutest clothing boutique with great gift items and is perfect if you are looking for everyday staples. I love all their jeans, tank tops, and jackets. Most of my closet is from this store.

Shop/Good (North Park, Del Mar) – For my girlies who appreciate natural skincare and makeup, this is your new favorite spot for all things beauty. They even offer facials which are organic and super luxurious. I loved my facial from Devon and you can relax knowing that the products they use are also good for your skin.

*Treat yo self to a facial at Shop/Good.*

Cedros Avenue (Solana Beach) – Another great spot if you have an itch to go shopping. You could make an entire morning or afternoon stopping at the coffee shops/cafes along this street and moseying into the local boutiques and furniture shops.

These are just a handful of amazing places in San Diego and where you could typically find me when I lived there. 😊 Most of this list is central to Downtown/Point Loma since that is where I lived, but I could write an entirely different blog post highlighting the restaurants and activities in North County. Any San Diegans have a favorite local spot that I missed? Always love adding new restaurants to my food list! BRB, booking my next trip to San Diego <3.