SAN DIEGO
Places to Stay
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Every time I went to San Diego, I stayed at the Ocean Park Inn which is located in Pacific Beach and is right on the boardwalk overlooking the beach.
Things to Do
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• Go for a bike ride on the boardwalk
One of the highlights of my trip (I went each time I visited). You can rent beach cruisers from a few different places right on the boardwalk. You rent them for a certain amount of time and ride up and down while admiring the beautiful beaches, palm trees, and ocean front houses of San Diego!
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• Surf
I took my very first surfing lesson here. I told myself I always wanted to learn and what better place to learn than Cali?! My friend and I booked our lessons through www.pacificsurf.com - Hoping I'll get back out in the water again one day soon!
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• Walk out onto the pier in Pacific Beach
Cool scenic view far out into the ocean looking back at the beach and town.
• Head over to La Jolla Cove
This is a beach in La Jolla which is about 10-15 minutes from Pacific Beach. Must see! Small beach but has TONS of seals. Really cool spot to go check out. Also, La Jolla is a really beautiful town, so walk around a little and see what else it has to offer.
• Go to Torrey Pines
BEAUTIFUL hike. This is about a 20 minute drive from Pacific Beach. Short and easy hike once you get there just off of the beach that brings you to the top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean.
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• Go to Sunset Cliffs
This was also about 20 minutes from Pacific Beach. The main purpose for this place is exactly what it's called - - to go view the sunset off of cliffs.
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• Go to Point Loma
You can just hang out at the bottom by the water or you can drive up to have a beautiful scenic view of San Diego (we drove up). It took us a little while to find the place and to know exactly how to get up there, but worth it in the end! You can park your car and walk around up top.
• Go to downtown San Diego
I'm a beach bum so love sticking around the beach areas, BUT downtown San Diego is pretty awesome too. You'll find tons of restaurants and bars and beautiful spots by the harbor as well. This is more of a city vibe but there's so much to do and see. If going out at night, the gas lamp quarter (an area within downtown) is very popular.
• Do a brunch cruise around San Diego Harbor
We did this on a Sunday afternoon. Very laid back but really nice on a beautiful sunny day. Indoors had a buffet of food, and tables to sit at. There was unlimited mimosas throughout the entire time and you were able to go sit outdoors as well and admire the harbor. Classical live music was also playing. We booked this through www.flagshipsd.com/cruises/sunday-champagne-brunch-cruise
• Go to an NFL bar
If you are traveling here during football season, they have bars throughout San Diego that are dedicated to 1 NFL team each. Therefore, if you are a NY Jets fan (which I am) - You go to that designated bar and you'll find it decked out in Jets colors/decorations, and typically Jets fans only. I'm a big football fan so doing this on a Sunday was one of the highlights of my trip! Just google it when you're there to find out what bar is dedicated to your favorite football team.
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Pacific Beach Pier
Torrey Pines
La Jolla Cove Seals
La Jolla Cove Beach
Point Loma
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs
Restaurants / Bars
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• Crushed
Awesome little brunch spot. Located in Pacific Beach. They serve all different types of flavored mimosas and have the BEST food. Cinnamon roll pancakes... (picture below)... you're welcome! Probably a cool spot to come later on in the day too but we loved it for brunch.
• Kono's Cafe
Usually always a line, but located by the Pacific Beach pier right on the boardwalk, and is totally worth it. Line moves super fast and it's a really casual spot. There's seating inside but each time I went I grabbed my food and ate at the tables outside on the boardwalk. Get one of the egg burritos!
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• PB Ale House
Right on the boardwalk of Pacific Beach. Sports bar vibes with an indoor area downstairs, and an outdoor area upstairs. Very casual, chill spot.
• Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge
This is located in Pacific Beach right next to the hotel I usually stay at (Ocean Park Inn). There is a rooftop up top that is more on the classy/dressy side, when going at night. Probably more casual during the day. Nice ambience though with fire pits!
• PB Local
Seems like a popular local spot (hence the name), located in Pacific Beach. I felt like I lived in California when going here. There's an indoor area and outdoor area. I'm 30 and this place seemed more on the younger side. Maybe young to mid 20's. But we went later in the night one night so maybe that's why. Still a cool place though.
• The Duck Dive
Sports bar/restaurant on one of the main roads in Pacific Beach. Pub food.
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• Lahaina Beach House
This is located directly on the Pacific Beach boardwalk. Great day time spot to go grab a beer after a dip in the ocean, or a bike ride on the boardwalk. The deck overlooks the boardwalk too so you can people watch and still enjoy the beach views. Very casual, we went in our bathing suits/cover ups.
• PB Shore Club
Great sunset spot. Right on the boardwalk of Pacific Beach. Grab a seat out back on the upper deck. Typical pub food, but cool atmosphere. Gets crowded but I never felt like it was too bad and I always managed to get a perfect seat up front. (Get there early enough though so that you do have time to get yourself a good spot for when the sunset starts)
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• El Prez
Located in Pacific Beach but off of one of the main roads. Walking distance though from the boardwalk areas. I liked this place better during the day. Great rooftop area for some drinks and some lunch. Or for a happy hour! Food (Mexican) was DELICIOUS! We went back one night and it was a totally different crowd and a little too much for me.
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