San Diego Travel Guide

It has been a pretty crazy last couple of months over in my world. I am finally over the excuses and am ready to grind back on Eleventh & Sixteenth and bring you all the blog posts I have been promising. With Cinco De Mayo approaching this Saturday, I thought it would be the perfect time to post my San Diego Travel Guide.

San Diego is easily one of my favorite places to travel. It’s laid back California vibe really makes everyone feel welcome and you can’t beat perfect weather either! I have rounded up 8 of my favorite places to eat and 8 places to visit and explore. So whether you are planning an upcoming San Diego trip, or would like to plan one in the future, this list is the perfect starting place!

Places to Eat in San Diego:

• Better Buzzed Coffee
  • One of my favorite coffee places of all time. I highly suggest getting one of there many fresh brewed tea options. You also cannot beat their blended coffees. The slogan “Life’s better buzzed” just speaks to me, so clearly I fell in love with this quaint local spot. (They have multiple locations, so try to hit it at least once!)
• Holy Matcha
  • Matcha seems to be all the rage lately. However, Isaac and I have been big fans for the past couple of years. This was a must-see and this cute pink and green shop did not disappoint. Grab a matcha tea, donut or even a cup full of matcha soft serve. You also will be able to take the most perfect Instagram photos with all the fabulous banana leaf decor.
• Juniper & Ivy
  • Have you ever watched the cooking channel’s show, “Best thing I ever ate?” Well Juniper & Ivy was certainly full of some of the best bites we have encountered in our life. Make reservations and order a few different options to share!
• Kettner Exchange
  • Found by typing in “Rooftop Brunch,” this fun find was more than I could have expected. Amazing atmosphere on the top of Little Italy. Between everyone, we grabbed a little bit of everything and were not disappointed. Try to get a table upstairs and bask in the sunlight!
• Snooze
  • Probably one of the most recognizable staples in San Diego, this restaurant chain plays the most epic beats and serves up a breakfast menu to match. Just make sure you get there early, or don’t mind waiting in a long line. You can also find this spot in Denver, Colorado if that’s closer for you!
• Ironside Fish + Oyster
  • This ship themed restaurant really is worth the wait. Located in Little Italy, this darling restaurant is hidden behind a wall full of greenery and succulents. If you love seafood, this place is a must try!
• Konos Cafe
  • While exploring the beach towns, it’s quite easy to work up a serious appetite. After a morning jog we waited in line for Konos Cafe’s yummy breakfast burritos. It’s the perfect place for a quick breakfast before a long beach day.
• Lionfish
  • I actually stumbled upon this gem after the Social Media Conference I attended in early spring. I highly recommend popping in, especially for happy hour. The portions are large and make great tapas to share with friends. (If you get a chance, check out their rooftop section. I missed out 🙁 !)

Things to do in San Diego:

• Torrey Pines Natural Reserve Hiking Trails
  • Not sure if I am lucky or not but Isaac always makes sure we stay active, even on vacation. Lucky for us we found the hiking trails at Torrey Pines and spent the afternoon exploring wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast.
• Sunset Cliffs
  • We were introduced to the cliffs by our good friends. They certainly made sure we caught the best views during a perfect San Diego sunset. These pink and orange skies easily make up some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.
• Mission Beach / Pacific Beach / Ocean Beach
  • San Diego is known for its beaches. Be sure to check out all three of their famous locations. Be sure to rent a bike or roller blades and just ride across the boardwalk into each different area. You can also pop in to rent wetsuits, boogie boards, stand up paddle boards and surf boards.
• Gaslamp
  • For a night on the town, hit up the Gas Lamp quarters and enjoy some cocktails with friends. Full of life, Gas Lamp has different restaurants and bars for everyone. It’s easy to find multiple different places you will fall in love with. In the heart of downtown, it’s easy to go out every night!
• Balboa Park
  • Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, multiple arts venues, gorgeous gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo (Which we will hit a bit later).
• Seaport Village
  • Behind some of San Diego’s most famous hotels, Seaport Village is full of delicious food spots and local shops. We even rented a 4 person bike and explored the grounds.
• USS Midway Museum
  • If you go to San Diego the USS Midway is a must see attraction! Make sure you give yourself enough time to tour and listen to the amazing volunteers tell their stories.
• Unconditional Surrender Statue
  • You know I love a good Instagram photo. The Surrender Statue is the perfect place to get just that. This 25ft version of the famous WWII photo of a sailor kissing a nurse makes a great place to cozy up next to your sweet heart and snap a pic!
• San Diego Zoo
  • Voted the number one zoo in the world, if you love animals you have to check it out. It certainly is an all day event but is really something you need to go to at least once when you come to San Diego!
• Coronado Island
  • Just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado has gentle surf, sparkling wide-sand beaches, charming main street and great hotels, including the famous Hotel del Coronado. Since its so close to downtown, take a lyft and have fun exploring the quaint island!

Been to San Diego already? Am I missing anything that I need to try? Be sure to share your recommendations with me in the comments below. I am always looking for a good reason to escape to San Diego! – I also have an older San Diego travel guide here.