If fun in the sun is what you’re after – San Diego is your spot. We love this city. It is especially close to our hearts because we went to college there. What we love most about San Diego is there is something for everyone. We can help you design a trip with the right mix of relaxation and experiences. And we can help you find the best place to stay based on your travel preferences. If you are into more of a city vibe, stay downtown near the Gaslamp district. If you want more of a beachy vibe, try Mission Beach, La Jolla, or even further up the coast in Carlsbad. Another great option is the Marina area of Shelter Island, where you can experience both city and beach. There is no wrong place to stay in San Diego. Depending on where you stay, though, your transportation needs may be different. Thankfully, with modern-day options like Uber and Lyft, you won’t have trouble getting around. The freeways and city layout are conducive to getting anywhere in about 15-20 min. Plus, where you end up staying could end up being very walkable.
In terms of what to do, the list is expansive. Here are a few of our favorite things (not in any particular order):
- Balboa park
- Beautiful rose garden areas and nature trails to walk around
- Amazing museums and lots of historical architecture
- San Diego Zoo and a Zoological garden
- Mission Beach
- Bike along the beach from Ocean Beach to Pacific Beach and everywhere in between with beautiful coastal views
- Hang out at the beach with a book or a friend (there’s also lots of beach volleyball and water sports)
- Perfect for sunbathing, seaside relaxation, and surfing
- Entertain yourself on the rides and games on the pier
- Explore restaurants (one of our favorites is Cannonball – Asian fusion with amazing oceanfront dining)
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Amazing restaurants and shopping
- This is where the urban nightlife is, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants
- Seek out a speakeasy and then dance the night away
- Tons of festivals, concerts, and other entertainment is held here
- La Jolla
- Our favorite area to ‘brunch’ – we’re suckers for the quaint deliciousness of The Cottage
- Walk to high-end shops and art galleries in the La Jolla Village
- There are some gorgeous luxury hotels here with impressive coastal views
- Hike the shores of La Jolla and catch trails all along the water’s edge for some scenic beauty
- Beaches have the option for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply laying out
- Coronado Island
- This is a great spot for a few days of rest and relaxation
- Don’t miss a walk-through or a visit to Hotel del Coronado, it’s one of their many luxury hotels and they have some great beachside bars and an amazing taco shack
- Ride bikes or walk through the town; it’s very pedestrian-friendly
- You can relax on the beach, do water activities, go golfing at the Coronado golf course, go biking, and visit downtown Coronado
- There are lots of Airbnbs, too, if you have a large group and want to be a little bit away from the city
- Park attractions
- There are so many things to do that are family-friendly, especially with kiddos
- Legoland
- Wild Animal Park
- Sea World
- San Diego Zoo
- You are also only about 2 ½ hours from Disneyland and Universal Studios
- Restaurant Scene
- Little Italy – a vibrant neighborhood with great Italian restaurants, gelato, cafes
- Old Town – you can get amazing Mexican food in many places in San Diego, but Old Town is full of Hispanic culture, cute shops, and great Mexican food
- Gaslamp has a lot of restaurants and bars
- LaJolla area has some amazing eateries with great views
There is no shortage of things to explore and do. Like any trip—with the right planning and itinerary, you will surely get the whole experience tailored to your liking. We are here to help!