48 Hours in San Diego, California

Sharing your ultimate first-time getaway guide to sunny San Diego, California

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Do you believe in alternate universes?

I often find myself wondering about the choices I make and the paths I take—how even the smallest decisions could ripple into an entirely different version of my life. Not just in the big, existential sense (“What if I’d been born somewhere else?”), but in the tiniest, most mundane moments, too (“What if I’d taken a different route to the grocery store?”).

(In case you’re wondering if you’ve accidentally clicked the wrong link, I promise this is your weekend guide to San Diego. It’ll all make sense soon—just hang tight.)

I try not to dwell on these thoughts for too long, lest I spiral into an existential crisis. But recently, I couldn’t help but fall into that familiar loop of what-ifs as I was standing at my gate and reading the two words every traveler dreads: “Flight Closed.”

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This post may contain commissionable links; portions of this itinerary were hosted, but as always, all content and opinions here are my own.

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In all of my thirty-five years, I’d never missed a flight until this moment. As a weekend traveler, I’m always acutely aware of how little time I have to explore a destination and I never want to miss a second of it. So I enrolled in Global Entry to speed up time going through security and customs, and always try to arrive extra early for my outbound flight, just in case.

I couldn’t tell you why, but on the day of our departure for San Diego something in my gut told me we would not be making our flight. And then a sequence of unfortunate events kicked off, starting with hitting every red light on the drive to the airport and ending with the longest Precheck line I’ve ever seen at CLT. We missed our flight, and just like that, eight precious hours of our already-too-short weekend vanished.

But we made it. And San Diego, with its sunny demeanor and laid-back charm, had a way of making that awful experience melt away. Even with our trip cut down to just 48 hours, it was more than worth it—because in this city, any amount of time feels like a gift.

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ABOUT SAN DIEGO

San Diego is best known for its rich history, stunning coastline, and year-round mild climate. While it’s often called the Birthplace of California, the region was originally home to the Indigenous Kumeyaay people. Spanish explorers arrived in 1542, and by 1769, San Diego became California’s first European settlement. After Mexico won independence from Spain, it became part of the newly formed country—only to change hands again a few decades later, when California was admitted to the U.S. following the Mexican-American War.

San Diego grew from a mission outpost into a key military and maritime hub, particularly with the expansion of the U.S. Navy in the 20th century. Today, it’s the state’s second-largest city, and despite its size, it manages to retain its historic roots.

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WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SAN DIEGO

If your mood is easily swayed by the weather, I beg you: come to San Diego. With near-perfect temperatures year-round, you’ll have the best time no matter when you visit. Before our trip, local friends warned, “Don’t come in January—wait until spring or summer.” But honestly? I’m so glad we didn’t listen. We would have missed out on a gloriously beautiful weekend in Southern California.

Obviously, there’s more to this destination than its climate. San Diego’s mix of coastal beauty, rolling hills, and desert landscapes makes it a wonder for outdoor exploring. But with its rich cultural attractions and thriving food scene, it’s just as enjoyable indoors. In short, it’s an ideal destination for a leisurely, slightly meandering weekend escape.

Before we dive in, a quick note: San Diego has far too many incredible neighborhoods to cover in a single weekend. This guide is designed as an introduction for first-timers, with a focus on vibrant Barrio Logan, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and a little detour up to La Jolla.

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THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND SAN DIEGO

Balboa Park

How best to describe Balboa Park? This sprawling urban oasis is larger than Central Park, serves as a cultural and recreational hub, and is home to one of the world’s best zoos. But more than that, it acts as San Diego’s outdoor living room.

On any given day, locals descend with picnic blankets in hand and strollers in tow to enjoy over 1,200 acres of what feels like multiple parks in one. For weekend visitors, though, it’s best to focus on just a small section of the park to make the most of your limited time. During our visit, we wandered through the colorful Spanish Village Art Center, admired the stunning architecture of the Botanical Building (which recently underwent a three-year renovation but, unfortunately, was closed that day), and explored the park’s cultural district before strolling across the iconic Cabrillo Bridge.

But your visit may look entirely different—perhaps you’d prefer an afternoon at an art museum, a charming puppet show, or a peaceful stroll through lush gardens. The beauty of Balboa Park is that there’s truly something for everyone, and a million reasons to return again and again.

→Balboa Park // 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

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La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market

Farmers markets can be a mixed bag for travelers. On one hand, they offer a hyper-local food experience, with tables overflowing with the region’s best produce. On the other hand—what exactly are you going to do with a pile of sweet potatoes or a head of cabbage? Nibble on them in your hotel room?

Luckily, many modern markets blend fresh produce with prepared foods, making them just as enjoyable for visitors. La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market does this beautifully, with booth after booth of incredible fare. Best of all, proceeds from this Sunday market support the local public school—so simply by showing up and eating some excellent food, you’re making a positive impact with your visit.

→La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market // 7335 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Head to the Beach

San Diego spoils its visitors with an abundance of beaches. While locals no doubt have their favorites, the best approach for newbies is to sample them one by one. Even though a January trip was too cold for my chicken self to brave the water, this trip brought us to two stunning beaches in the San Diego area:

In La Jolla, we took a leisurely stroll along pristine sandy shores, starting at the tide pools and heading north to Ellen Browning Scripps Park, occasionally veering onto sidewalks when cliffs interrupted our path. Along the way, we stopped to visit the seals at the Children’s Pool (and, of course, for gelato—but more on that later!).

Meanwhile, Sunset Cliffs had me daydreaming about life as a local—grabbing a picnic blanket and settling in weekly to watch the sun’s final, radiant act of the day. It’s a prime spot for sunset viewing, often with an impromptu pre-show by local surfers. Just be mindful near the edge of the cliffs—this dramatic coastline averages five deaths per year due to falls.

→La Jolla
→Sunset Cliffs

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Visit Local Shops

Shopping wasn’t high on my agenda (the next category was my priority), but I did find two fantastic spots for helpful souvenir hunting—both perfect for the kitchen.

At Home Ec, I wandered through shelves of unique ingredients, quirky kitchen gadgets, and other delightful finds. While they happened to be hosting a bake sale during our visit, there’s plenty to love here on any given day for those who enjoy all things home and culinary. Expect shelves of unique ingredients, “what does that do?” neat kitchen gadgets, and other fun finds.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Tortilleria makes a strong case that, yes, excellent tortillas count as souvenirs—especially if you don’t have a great tortilleria in your hometown. Specializing in both corn and flour tortillas, this spot offers the unmistakable fragrance of nixtamalized corn and the rare convenience of being open 24/7. We feasted on tacos, burritos, and quesadillas for weeks after our return, and I’m already mourning the end of our stash. Clearly, it’s time to go back…

→Gabriel Tortilleria // 2480 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102
→Home Ec // 4153 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

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CAN’T-MISS SAN DIEGO AREA RESTAURANTS

Ferchaladas

Fair warning: This guide contains an absurd number of tacos—more than you’d think one person could possibly eat in a weekend. But I’m here to tell you that anything is possible if you simply put your mind (and stomach) to it.

Our culinary journey through San Diego begins at Ferchaladas, a casual, hole-in-the-wall spot on the edge of Logan Heights. The menu here revolves around two specialties: birria and seafood. Naturally, we had to try both. And, as often happens when Michael and I share dishes, we disagreed on our favorite (which, honestly, I prefer—it means we can each hog our top pick guilt-free). Next time, I’ll arrive with an even bigger appetite so I can try their crowd-favorite ceviche.

→Ferchaladas // 2709 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102

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El Pescador Fish Market

As a visitor, you might be wondering why on earth I’d send you to a fish market. But beyond the abundance of fresh seafood, La Jolla’s El Pescador Fish Market doubles as a quick-service restaurant serving up some of the best ocean-to-table fare in the region.

From ceviche to sandwiches to chowder, you can order just about every major seafood dish here, but of course, I couldn’t resist a fish taco. El Pescador’s version arrives on a fresh corn tortilla with a bit of cabbage for the perfect cool crunch—and they don’t skimp on the fish. One taco was the perfect hearty snack, but if you’re extra hungry, you can add a second or upgrade to their burro (what El Pescador calls its burrito).

→El Pescador Fish Market // 634 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Tacos El Gordo

I like to think I’ve experienced a lot of different things over my last decade of frequent travel, but a taco spot with a bouncer at the door was a first. Yet the queue at the Tacos El Gordo in the Gaslamp Quarter really does feel like the line to a popular club—and trust me, it’s a club you want to be in.

The ordering system is a little chaotic, with separate counters for different types of tacos, but the service is impressively efficient. If you’re into organ meats, you’ll find lengua, tripa, and cabeza on the menu. But whatever you do, you must order at least one adobada. Juicy, marinated pork is shaved straight off the trompo (vertical spit) onto a handmade corn tortilla, then topped with cilantro, onion, and a deeply flavorful sauce. Sure, it’s messy—but it’s your last stop of the night, and what a way to end it.

→Tacos El Gordo // Multiple Locations

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Alchemy – Choose Thy Poison

With a name as ominous and intriguing as Alchemy – Choose Thy Poison, I couldn’t resist making a reservation. The verdict? The food is frighteningly good.

The menu is a carefully curated selection of elevated takes on classic Mexican dishes, like chilaquiles and tetelas. Since we visited in the early afternoon, we lucked into the best of both worlds: access to both the brunch and dinner menus (I mean… twist my arm).

Given my growing taco tally, we kept it light and ordered just two dishes: the aguachile negro, seared over charcoal and brightened with punchy tomatoes, and a tetela, a triangular masa pouch filled with braised pork loin, plated atop one of the best salsas I’ve ever eaten. If I could bottle their salsa rosa—a spicy yet cooling sauce kissed with beet for color and earthiness—I absolutely would. Pair it all with one of their agave wine-based cocktails, and you have a perfect afternoon on the patio.

→Alchemy – Choose Thy Poison // 1932 Kearney Ave #100, San Diego, CA 92113

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Johnny Mañanas

Sometimes you want a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with tortillas fresh off the comal and a tiny menu, and other times, you want nothing more than to tuck into a bowl of chips and guac with a margarita in hand. For the latter, head to Johnny Mañanas.

With a creative origin story, this family-owned restaurant has been a Southern California staple since 1989, and it just so happens to have a location in Ocean Beach. Order a pile of chips, hit up their salsa bar, and sip on a Mexican Candy Margarita while you wait for your tacos. By far the best value on the menu is their famous crispy fish taco, which is far heartier than its $3.50 price tag suggests.

The relaxed, beachy atmosphere here feels quintessentially SoCal—the kind of laid-back vibe we don’t really have back home in North Carolina, and exactly the type of local experience I’m always searching for when I travel.

→Johnny Mañanas // 4888 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

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The Waves Taco Club

You can’t leave San Diego without a California Burrito (I’m no lawyer, but I feel like it might be illegal?). Luckily, they’re easy to find all over the city. With limited time one evening, we made our compulsory burrito pilgrimage to The Waves Taco Club, a highly rated local spot near our hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Here we found chill digs and a tempting menu, but we stayed the course and ordered The Waves’ California Burrito with marinated steak, roasted salsa, melted cheese, cilantro, french
fries, and chipotle cream. Something about having the fries in a burrito makes all the ingredients and textures meld into one perfect carb-filled union, but I’m not mad at it. For the sake of my heart, this dish might not be my go-to back home, but it’s a San Diego experience I’ll relish for now.

→The Waves Taco Club // 916 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

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Buona Forchetta

If you somehow tire of Mexican food (could never be me!), Buona Forchetta is the perfect place to switch things up. We enjoyed a truly delightful Italian feast at their original South Park location with friends who live in the city, kicking things off with a mountain of calamari fritti and slabs of bruschettone before moving on to entrees.

Though the restaurant is best known for its pasta, complete with a build-your-own section for endless “pastabilities” (don’t worry, I groaned at that too as my fingers typed it), it was the pizza that stole the show. Their Neapolitan-inspired pies are perfection with a pillowy crust, soupy center, and a Goldilocks amount of toppings. I can rarely finish my half of a pizza when Michael and I share one, but this time, I savored every last bite.

Oh, and good news for my vegan and vegetarian friends: there’s so much for you on the menu here!

→Buona Forchetta // Multiple Locations

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SAN DIEGO TREATS, BAKERIES, AND COFFEE SHOPS

IZOLA

At some point in the middle of your trip, do you ever turn to your travel companions and say, “I wish this was my weekly spot?” That moment happened for me at IZOLA when I turned to Michael and said, “I wish we could make this our Sunday morning tradition.”

The laminated pastries here are easily some of the best I’ve ever had (and trust me, I’ve eaten a lot of croissants). You can truly taste the high-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship in every bite. Of course, this level of quality comes at a price, with most pastries hovering around $10–$15—but each arrives with a bread knife, making them perfect for sharing.

→IZOLA // 1429 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

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Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

Judging by the line out front, Wayfarer Bread & Pastry has become a destination in its own right. This cozy, small-batch bakery in La Jolla turns out mouthwatering pastries studded with local ingredients, as well as beautifully rustic loaves of sourdough bread. While I regrettably couldn’t spend the day shouldering a big loaf around, I did have room for two incredible treats—and I couldn’t have been more pleased.

Short on time but big on planning? Place a preorder and waltz right past the queue to collect your goods. You’ll thank me later.

→Wayfarer Bread & Pastry // 5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Bobboi Natural Gelato

Back home in chilly North Carolina, I might have said, “Gelato? In January?” (Just kidding—I would never turn down gelato). But San Diego’s perfect weather means it’s always the perfect season for Bobboi Natural Gelato.

For over a decade, this gelateria has been churning out flavors that feel both Californian and Italian (think Plant-Based Pistacchio or Charcoal Vanilla). Order a scoop or two to share, then take a stroll—each of Bobboi’s locations is tucked in a neighborhood made for wandering.

→Bobboi Natural Gelato // Multiple Locations

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Por Vida

For a delicious specialty latte, head to Barrio Logan’s Por Vida. In addition to fun seasonal drinks, this artsy coffee shop transforms classic Mexican flavors into latte form. I was equally tempted by the Horchata Latte, Dulce de Leche Latte, and Mazapan Latte—and honestly, I would have ordered all three if my heart could handle the caffeine.

Instead, I went with the Mazapan, savoring every sip and scraping up the last bits of my favorite peanutty treat from the bottom of the cup. Stay and soak up the vibe if you can, or grab your drink to go and explore this incredible neighborhood.

→Por Vida // 2146 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

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Provecho! Coffee Co.

As a weekend traveler, I don’t always have the luxury of lingering over a coffee—more often than not, I’m scurrying off to my next stop. But a quiet holiday morning left us with plenty of time to enjoy our cups for here at Provecho! Coffee Co.

With beans imported directly from Mexico and Honduras, the coffee doesn’t get much fresher than this. But what stood out most about my slow morning at Provecho! was the people. It’s clear this spot is a neighborhood favorite, with regulars streaming in one after another to order their usual.

→Provecho! Coffee Co. // 1955 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

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Shepherds Coffee Company

For a mid-day pick-me-up, amble over to Shepherds Coffee Company. This Imperial Avenue coffee shop celebrated five years in business in 2025, and my Black Sheep latte left no doubt as to why. With activated charcoal, honey lavender syrup, espresso, and milk, it was the perfect sweet-and-floral afternoon treat (and hey, maybe the charcoal helped counteract all the eating and drinking from this trip).

Next time, I’ll give the White Sheep a try—it swaps espresso for chai and ditches the charcoal. Sounds like spiced heaven, doesn’t it?

→Shepherds Coffee Company // 2460 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102

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SAN DIEGO BARS AND BREWERIES

Mujeres Brew House

It’s not often I come across a woman-owned brewery, so when I do, I make it a point to visit. Founded by Carmen Favela, Mujeres Brew House is a gloriously pink brewery in Barrio Logan. The tap list is ever-changing, but you’re sure to find flavors inspired by Mexico, like tamarindo, piloncillo, or my personal favorite—Abuelita. Take things up a notch with a Michelada if you wish, then head out onto the spacious patio for a perfect afternoon in the sunshine.

→Mujeres Brew House // 1983 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113 

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The Nolen Rooftop

It’s no secret that California is an expensive place to visit, but if you ask me, Happy Hour is the most fun way to save a little money while traveling. Seven days a week, you can enjoy discounted drinks and bites at The Nolen Rooftop, located atop the Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center—all while taking in a stunning view of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Before this, I couldn’t tell you the last time I enjoyed two rooftop drinks for under $20 (though I’ve certainly tried!). Hop in the elevator for $7 Old Fashioneds or $9 creative cocktails on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. or weekends from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

→The Nolen Rooftop // 453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego, CA 92101

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Harland Brewing

I visited the South Park outpost of Harland Brewing—but with four taprooms scattered throughout the city, you’re never far from great beer. The menu leans IPA-heavy, which, coming from Charlotte, meant I was in familiar territory.

Not a fan of bold, bitter brews? No worries—there are plenty of other styles to choose from, often with a creative twist (a lager brewed with jasmine rice and toasted rice flakes, anyone?). If you’re hungry, the South Park location offers a dedicated food menu, while the other taprooms feature rotating food trucks or allow outside food from local spots.

→Harland Brewing // Multiple Locations

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WHERE TO STAY FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT TO SAN DIEGO

Hotel Z

For a first-time visit, you’ll want to stay in the heart of it all. I’ve been dreaming of another Staypineapple hotel experience since my trip to Chicago nearly two years ago, so I was delighted to find their San Diego outpost in the Gaslamp Quarter: Hotel Z.

This charming boutique hotel infuses personality into every aspect of the guest experience. From the cheeky “I’m Naked” door tags to the sweet pineapple cookies in the lobby each afternoon (pro tip: grab a second one for a midnight snack!), everything here feels just a little more fun than your typical hotel chain.

I always try to take advantage of a hotel’s amenities when I can—it’s a great way to save money and time while enhancing your experience. A welcome drink was, well, welcome after that long, arduous travel day, and the complimentary morning coffee and water bottle filling station in the lobby kept us moving and hydrated. That said, I didn’t get to enjoy everything Hotel Z has to offer (but I hope you will for me!). I’m not the most confident cyclist, so I skipped the adorable yellow bikes available for guests. And while I didn’t bring a four-legged friend to this incredibly dog-friendly hotel, I still loved seeing the daily parade of pups coming and going with their humans.

Now, I know what you might be thinking, and your questions are totally valid: when a hotel leans heavily on its fun amenities, how does it hold up where it really matters? What about the bed—arguably the most important part of any stay?

Scout’s honor, Staypineapple has some of my favorite hotel beds. Big, plush, and Euro-style with two duvets, they made for an incredibly restful night’s sleep. Despite being in the middle of the city, the rooms felt quiet and peaceful (though I always travel with a white noise machine—a must for light sleepers like myself). And I appreciated that our Junior Suite left us with plenty of space to spread out. With a sofa, a dedicated workstation, and an open wardrobe, we had plenty of room to move about as we got ready for the day (plus a coffee maker, microwave, and mini-fridge helped, too!).

Of course, no hotel stay is perfect, and longtime readers will know I have one recurring complaint: barn doors for bathroom doors. I get that they’re space-efficient, but they don’t seal, which is less than ideal.

That minor quibble aside, I wouldn’t hesitate to book here again—or to recommend it to anyone looking for an inviting, personality-filled stay in the heart of San Diego. With ultra-friendly staff, spacious rooms, and thoughtful amenities that actually add value, Hotel Z is my top choice for your very first visit to the city.

→Hotel Z // 521 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Arriving in San Diego

Arriving to San Diego by car or train? Congratulations! You can move along to the next section because you’re already in the heart of the city.

For those flying in, don’t fret—you’re not too far away. San Diego International Airport is just three miles from downtown, and easily reached from most major domestic destinations. How to get from the airport to the city and back is up to you: you can take your rental car, hail a rideshare or taxi, or take public transit. I’ll share a little more about each below so you can decide.

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Getting Around San Diego

To rent a car or not to rent a car, that is the question.

And the answer? I would say, it depends on where you’re staying. As our hotel didn’t have a dedicated lot, and overnight parking in the Gaslamp Quarter can run anywhere from $25-$50 without in-and-out privileges, it felt prudent to put the cost of a rental car and parking toward public transit and rideshare expenses. But if you decide to stay outside of the core of San Diego, you’ll probably find it worth it to rent a car (just know you’ll likely have to pay for parking as you explore the area).

Luckily, public transit is decent in San Diego. It’s not the most robust of American transit systems, but the trolleys and buses cover much of the city and they run relatively on time (and you can keep tabs on your next bus or trolley thanks to live updates within Google Maps). Before you land, download the PRONTO app, set up your account, and add some money to your balance. Fares are currently $2.50 for two hours, and the daily max is capped at $6 (meaning, even if you tap to pay three or more times over the course of a day, you’ll only be charged $6).

Be sure to always validate your ride, or you may be forced to pay a fine. It’s easy to remember as you’re boarding the bus as the scanner is right at the door, but to ride the trolley, you’ll scan your pass at the station before you board. The scanners are not the easiest to spot, but you should find one at either end of the station. And speaking from experience, have your transit pass at the ready while you ride—as much as we use public transit when we travel, this might have been the first time I’ve ever had my pass checked by fare enforcement.

Don’t underestimate how long it can take to get somewhere—some transit routes feel incredibly efficient, but we found getting to the beach was more challenging and time consuming than expected. If you’re visiting all of the places in this guide, you should expect to fill in the gaps with Uber or Lyft, which are plentiful.

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Money

It’s no secret that Southern California is an expensive place to live—but what about to visit?

When comparing prices to other U.S. cities, I found a mixed bag. Anecdotally, hotel prices are on par with or just slightly higher than those in similarly sized cities (but still lower than, say, San Francisco or New York City). Rental cars and parking, however, were noticeably more expensive than in major cities in the Southeast and Midwest, which is frustrating for a city that relies so heavily on cars. Food and drinks were in line with what I typically expect to pay in cities like my own, Charlotte—though San Diego’s Happy Hours offer incredible deals, making dining out feel much more affordable if you can visit at early bird times.

Don’t be surprised if bars and restaurants tack on additional fees to cover healthcare or wages. And because this is the U.S., where service industry employees rely heavily on tips to earn a livable wage, you should still plan to tip 18%–20% on your bill.

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Local Cuisine

I hope you’re hungry because San Diego serves up a feast. The city offers global dining experiences around every corner, but if there’s one cuisine you must enjoy while you’re here, it’s Mexican food—you’re mere minutes from the border, after all.

You can find just about anything you’re craving, but I have one non-negotiable: the California Burrito. This only-in-America creation was born in San Diego, and you’ll find variations of it all over the city. Every restaurant puts its own spin on it, but at its core, this is an oversized burrito stuffed with carne asada (or another meat), guacamole, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and French fries (yes, fries). It’s best enjoyed in the wee hours of the morning, preferably after a couple of beers—and as a kindness to your future self, preferably shared with a partner.

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Safety

Ah, the least fun but most important topic.

During my time in San Diego, I never felt unsafe, though there were moments when I felt uneasy. Like many major cities, San Diego has a visible unhoused population, and you may encounter individuals experiencing mental health crises or open substance use. These situations can be complex and challenging, but in my opinion, the best approach is to remain aware of your surroundings while also treating people with compassion and respect.

Since I was traveling with a partner, I can’t personally speak to the solo travel experience, but some locals advised avoiding the East Village area at night. If you ever feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to call a rideshare—your peace of mind is always worth the cost.

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WITH MORE TIME IN SAN DIEGO

Lucky you to have more time for exploring San Diego and the surrounding area (I’m not jealous or anything…). There’s always more to do at a destination than a weekend allows, so I’ve happily started compiling a list of things for my next visit:

Hit the Tourist Track

You might have noticed that this guide is devoid of many of the San Diego “must-dos,” and while they’re on my list, I’m a big fan of trusting my gut when deciding what I want to do for a trip so I can travel without regret. Clearly, my gut said “feed me” this time around, but these classic San Diego activities and attractions are on my list for next time (pro tip: compare pricing for your visit with a combination pass from Go City or CityPASS to potentially save some serious cash):

• San Diego Zoo
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
• Mission Beach Boardwalk
• San Diego Natural History Museum
• Whale Watching Tours

Enjoy More Local Food and Drink

While I assure you I could eat Mexican food for every meal and be wholly content, there are still so many delicious meals to be found in the city. Here are just a few local spots I’m eyeing for my next visit (and yes, there are still a few more taco spots on my list):

• Restaurants: Wolf in the Woods, Mabel’s Gone Fishing, Fish Guts, Kingfisher, Meet Dumpling, Las Cuatro Milpas, The Taco Stand, Comedor Nishi
• Bakeries and Treats: Relic Bageri, Michi Michi, Secret Sister, Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
• Bars: Bar Kamon, Part Time Lover, Roma Norte, Happy Medium

Get Out of Town

With more time in San Diego, why not explore more of Southern California? And don’t forget your passport, so you can explore some of Mexico’s beaches and wineries while you’re at it:

• Idyllwild
• Rosarito, Mexico
• Valle De Guadalupe, Mexico
• Tijuana, Mexico
• Palm Springs
• Los Angeles

As always, if you make it to any of these spots before I do, won’t you do us all a favor and leave a comment to let us know your thoughts?

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FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING A WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO

San Diego is a destination worth visiting, no matter how much time you have to explore. Even though our trip was cut short, the city’s easy navigation, abundance of things to see and do, and (most importantly!) incredible food made it hardly an issue.

Personally, I’m keeping an eye on airfare from Charlotte—multiple daily direct flights and a red-eye return makes it easy to maximize a weekend with minimal time off (though that first day back can be a little rough—thankfully, coffee and concealer work wonders). I can’t wait to return, dive deeper into the city, venture further afield, and bring you along with me once more.

Thank you to the team at Staypineapple for your generous hospitality during our stay!

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Questions for you

Have you ever missed a flight?

Quick: what is your favorite style of taco?

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Where to next? Why not give one of these a visit:

• Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for San Diego in the Winter
• Instagram Stories Highlight: San Diego
• San Francisco in One Square Mile: Exploring Cow Hollow, Russian Hill, and the Marina District
• Photo Diary: Attending a Wedding at San Francisco’s City Hall + A Mini Directory
• Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for San Francisco, California
• Traveling Light: A Personal Item Packing List for Five Days in San Francisco
• A Vibrant Travel Guide for Five Days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• A Carry-On Packing List for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Travel Guide: How to Spend a Week in Guadalajara, Mexico
• Guadalajara Food Guide: Everything We Ate (and Drank!) in Mexico’s Second City
• Worth the Trip: A Review of Guadalajara’s Corn-Focused Restaurant, Xokol
• Sipping History: A Day Trip Guide to Visiting Tequila, Mexico
• Semana Santa: What to Expect on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Guadalajara
• How to Find Cheap Flights
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