Back by popular demand, my legally blonde friend Emily shares with us her “musts” in San Diego. Hope you enjoy her local’s suggestions on where to go, what to do, and what to eat.
For someone who is an emphatic non-city person, I truly love San Diego.
Here is why: you can get anywhere in 20 minutes, the beaches are beautiful, the food is incredible, and the people are eminently friendly. If you are heading here for an entire week, or just a weekend visit, the first thing you need to do is get as quickly as you can to the Inn-N-Out Burger just two miles away from the airport, and head immediately to the beach. Beyond that, here is a 24 year-old’s guide to everything that has made me fall in love with this city.
Beaches:
Even if you spend every day at the beach, the vacation will be considered a win.
Mission Beach– Start off with lunch at Luigi’s at the Beach. If that’s not your style hit up Mission Beach:Better Buzz @ 1909 Garnet Ave, and make sure you order : “The Best Drink.”
Ocean Beach– Lunch at Hodads! 5010 Newport Ave, also: OB Lighthouse Ice Cream to get none other than a Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich
La Jolla- Swim with Sea Lions or Kayak through the caves at La Jolla Coves, And then have lunch at Puesto! they give Street Tacos a whole new meaning. If you do not go here you will regret it. In the need of a fun date night dinner? Nine-Ten has an awesome Happy Hour from 3:30-6:30.
Coronado- Coronado is a small, perfect Island off the Southern Coast of San Diego. Home to the Hotel Del Mar and the worlds most perfect beach. If you venture over there make sure to have lunch at The Burger Lounge with their endless Lavender Lemonade.
Pacific Beach – Grab lunch at Taco Surf. Is the best fresh, inexpensive tacos and burritos in San Diego. That is saying a lot. Their Ceviche Salad is heaven. Post lunch, have dessert at none other The Baked Bear. San Diego’s pride and joy of ice cream sandwiches.
Shopping:
Old Town– So much fun, colorful and Mexican household items and clothing. Then grab a margarita on the patio of Café Coyote… happy hour from three to six!
La Jolla: Kate Spade, Lulu, and The La Jolla Outpost.
Little Italy Saturday Market: The cutest street market overflowing with tasty treats, flowers, and little souvenirs. Every Saturday, year-round, rain-or-shine, from 8AM-2PM on W. Cedar St. between Kettner Blvd. and Front St.
The Gaslamp: Most fun for window-shopping. Shop till you drop, and hopefully you drop in front of the Ghirardelli Chocolate store on 5th and Market.
Activities:
The Presidio: Founded in 1769, It’s the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the U.S.
Sunset at Sunset Cliffs (1253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd 92107): Hands down the best place to watch surfers by day, Sunsets by night.
The Hotel del Coronado: One of the most iconic buildings in San Diego sitting on the #1 Beach in America, by Dr. Beach.
Balboa Park- There are a million and two things you can do in Balboa Park: museums and gardens and concerts and shows. Many things are open to the public for free, while others may cost you a small amount for a day ticket. If you plan on doing one or more of these things: consider getting a “Go San Diego Card.” You pay a fee for a full days access to museums, the zoo, and waterfront activities like whale watching or kayaking!
While at Balboa, YOU MUST go to the Botanical Building. Open to the public for free everyday, and home to my favorite Carnivorous flower.
On Sunday: Balboa Park International Cottages: Houses are open for at least 4 hours between Noon-5:00 p.m. every Sunday.
Balboa Park is also home to the San Diego Zoo. This 100-acre zoo is world renowned, and home to its famous Giant Pandas.
Hoping your time in San Diego is better than you ever thought it would be! Just remember, You Stay Classy San Diego, and Thanks for Stopping By.
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