Guidebook for San Diego
Beaches & Nature
The best SD has to offer! What makes us great.
Beautiful huge park (actually a green belt of parks) located down the road on the bay, with many options for water activities. Also great to run/walk. It encompasses mission bay, mission beach, and Belmont park, which were mentioned separately. A must see!
“With over 4,200 acres of land and sea, it’s one of the most popular San Diego parks and the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States”
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Mission Bay
Beautiful huge park (actually a green belt of parks) located down the road on the bay, with many options for water activities. Also great to run/walk. It encompasses mission bay, mission beach, and Belmont park, which were mentioned separately. A must see!
“With over 4,200 acres of land and sea, it’s one of the most popular San Diego parks and the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States”
The most beautiful beach in SD. See the sea lions and relax on the cove.
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La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdThe most beautiful beach in SD. See the sea lions and relax on the cove.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadBeautiful views, hiking, amazing sunsets.
One of the highlights of the city. Beautiful architecture, museums, restaurants, events, and of course park space.
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Balboa Park
One of the highlights of the city. Beautiful architecture, museums, restaurants, events, and of course park space.
Lots of trails and peaks to climb. Check out their website for more info. The visitors center itself is beautiful and educational.
“Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses more than 8,000 acres of both natural and developed recreational areas. Its rugged hills, valleys and open areas represent a San Diego prior to the landing of Cabrillo in San Diego Bay in 1542.”
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Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
1 Father Junipero Serra TrailLots of trails and peaks to climb. Check out their website for more info. The visitors center itself is beautiful and educational.
“Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses more than 8,000 acres of both natural and developed recreational areas. Its rugged hills, valleys and open areas represent a San Diego prior to the landing of Cabrillo in San Diego Bay in 1542.”
One of the peaks of Mission trails regional park, 1-2hour hike, dog friendly and kid friendly. See SD from above!
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Cowles Mountain
Cowles MountainOne of the peaks of Mission trails regional park, 1-2hour hike, dog friendly and kid friendly. See SD from above!
My favorite beach in SD, only 15 min away across the famous Coronado bridge. Check out the very old and famous Hotel del Coronado if you are there. Local tip- take the ferry from downtown San Diego for amazing views!
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Coronado Beach
My favorite beach in SD, only 15 min away across the famous Coronado bridge. Check out the very old and famous Hotel del Coronado if you are there. Local tip- take the ferry from downtown San Diego for amazing views!
Another beautiful SD beach with lots of shopping and night life options around.
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Pacific Beach
Another beautiful SD beach with lots of shopping and night life options around.
Beautiful central beach, connects to pacific beach so fun for running or biking the boardwalk from one beach to the next. With lots to see along the way! Check out Belmont park (amusement park) which is right on mission beach.
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Mission Beach
3000 Mission BoulevardBeautiful central beach, connects to pacific beach so fun for running or biking the boardwalk from one beach to the next. With lots to see along the way! Check out Belmont park (amusement park) which is right on mission beach.
Laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beach. With lots of night life and restaurant options.
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Ozeanstrand
1850 Ocean Front StLaid-back atmosphere and beautiful beach. With lots of night life and restaurant options.
Located right off ocean beach, this is the place for the most beautiful and iconic sunsets in SD. Great place to walk/jog/hike. A must-see.
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Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Ladera StreetLocated right off ocean beach, this is the place for the most beautiful and iconic sunsets in SD. Great place to walk/jog/hike. A must-see.
Huge park to run/walk on trails, swim in the public pool, play some tennis, bocce ball, or disc golf. Also has a dog park and velodrome (bikes).
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Morley Field Sports Complex
2221 Morley Field DrHuge park to run/walk on trails, swim in the public pool, play some tennis, bocce ball, or disc golf. Also has a dog park and velodrome (bikes).
Beautiful and relaxing hike very close to the house! Not too busy usually.
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Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center
5180 Tecolote RdBeautiful and relaxing hike very close to the house! Not too busy usually.
Entertainment & Activities
It's world-famous! Take a stroll to the zoo and see all the animals you can think of.
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San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrIt's world-famous! Take a stroll to the zoo and see all the animals you can think of.
Great for kids and adults and 10-15 minutes from our casita.
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SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Great for kids and adults and 10-15 minutes from our casita.
Check out a Padres game! Our stadium is one of the most beautiful and offers great dining and drinking options, as well as the famous "Park at the Park" (Gallagher Square), where you can have a picnic while watching the game.
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PETCO Park
100 Park BlvdCheck out a Padres game! Our stadium is one of the most beautiful and offers great dining and drinking options, as well as the famous "Park at the Park" (Gallagher Square), where you can have a picnic while watching the game.
A traditional amusement park on the beach! About 15 min from the house. One of my favorite activities for the kids…actually, it’s for everyone! There’s a historic rollercoaster, mini golf, bumper cars, and lots more. Go hang at the beach then ride some rides.
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Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdA traditional amusement park on the beach! About 15 min from the house. One of my favorite activities for the kids…actually, it’s for everyone! There’s a historic rollercoaster, mini golf, bumper cars, and lots more. Go hang at the beach then ride some rides.
Learn about the history of the Midway on the ship itself with activities and fun for the whole family.
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USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrLearn about the history of the Midway on the ship itself with activities and fun for the whole family.
Sightseeing
Food, drinks, sightseeing, shopping... downtown SD! If you are in SD you must check out Gaslamp. If you are looking for night life this is the place to be.
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Gaslamp Quarter
Food, drinks, sightseeing, shopping... downtown SD! If you are in SD you must check out Gaslamp. If you are looking for night life this is the place to be.
Full of amazing Italian restaurants, a Saturday morning Farmer's market, waterfront views, and walking distance from downtown SD, you have to check out Little Italy.
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Little Italy
Full of amazing Italian restaurants, a Saturday morning Farmer's market, waterfront views, and walking distance from downtown SD, you have to check out Little Italy.
Fun vibe with live music and dancing on some days (usually weekends). The Mexican restaurants are decent and many make amazing tortillas from scratch! It’s also the home of the very famous and very haunted Whaley house (look it up) which is open for tours, if you dare.
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Old Town
Fun vibe with live music and dancing on some days (usually weekends). The Mexican restaurants are decent and many make amazing tortillas from scratch! It’s also the home of the very famous and very haunted Whaley house (look it up) which is open for tours, if you dare.
Very fun neighborhood with countless restaurants, breweries, and local shopping. One of my favorite urban neighborhoods. Walk down university ave and you’ll have so much to explore. The heart of everything is university and 30th.
North Park
Very fun neighborhood with countless restaurants, breweries, and local shopping. One of my favorite urban neighborhoods. Walk down university ave and you’ll have so much to explore. The heart of everything is university and 30th.
Have a relaxing walk on the bay, grab some food or ice cream, and take in the sights. There’s also a carousel for the kids and the famous “kiss” statue (unconditional surrender). From there you can walk to downtown area, convention center, or little Italy if you have a full day to explore.
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Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrHave a relaxing walk on the bay, grab some food or ice cream, and take in the sights. There’s also a carousel for the kids and the famous “kiss” statue (unconditional surrender). From there you can walk to downtown area, convention center, or little Italy if you have a full day to explore.
Gorgeous views of San Diego and the great Pacific Coast. Monument honors Cabrillo, the discoverer of the SD Bay. Well done visitor center with lots of exhibits.
Cabrillo National Monument
Gorgeous views of San Diego and the great Pacific Coast. Monument honors Cabrillo, the discoverer of the SD Bay. Well done visitor center with lots of exhibits.
Another beautiful (and very nearby) spot to take in stunning views of the city, it is a memorial to honor veterans who fought in all wars. Beautiful memorial and amazing views.
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Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr SAnother beautiful (and very nearby) spot to take in stunning views of the city, it is a memorial to honor veterans who fought in all wars. Beautiful memorial and amazing views.
Food Scene
Our favorite sushi place! 5 min walk from the house. Great sushi and vibes! The word has gotten out on this local spot and now gets crowded, so go early and with time to spare.
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Sushi Fish Attack
4575 Clairemont DrOur favorite sushi place! 5 min walk from the house. Great sushi and vibes! The word has gotten out on this local spot and now gets crowded, so go early and with time to spare.
If you can’t tell yet, we love sushi. This place is super fun!
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Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
4609 Convoy StIf you can’t tell yet, we love sushi. This place is super fun!
We love this local spot. Amazing seafood and vibes. Great for a late brunch, no long lines yet the food and drinks are great! My favorite is the fish stack (sushi of course).
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Bay Park Fish Company
4121 Ashton StWe love this local spot. Amazing seafood and vibes. Great for a late brunch, no long lines yet the food and drinks are great! My favorite is the fish stack (sushi of course).
Cheap and delicious sushi. Be prepared to wait a bit some nights.
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Sushi Deli 1
228 W Washington StCheap and delicious sushi. Be prepared to wait a bit some nights.
Visit the public market at Liberty Station (a former Naval Station) to hang with the locals and try all kinds of food. Set up like an indoor market inside the actual old navy station, with a bar area as well. Also great for outdoor picnics. Sometimes hosts live music. There are also many amazing restaurants located here.
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Liberty Station
2640 Historic Decatur RdVisit the public market at Liberty Station (a former Naval Station) to hang with the locals and try all kinds of food. Set up like an indoor market inside the actual old navy station, with a bar area as well. Also great for outdoor picnics. Sometimes hosts live music. There are also many amazing restaurants located here.
You are in SD so you must visit Stone! This is the restaurant and tasting room to the original Stone Brewery in SD. Great food and a lively atmosphere in Liberty Station.
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Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
2816 Historic Decatur RdYou are in SD so you must visit Stone! This is the restaurant and tasting room to the original Stone Brewery in SD. Great food and a lively atmosphere in Liberty Station.
A SD local favorite spot for beers and microbrews. They make amazing beer and pizza! Check it out when in Ocean Beach.
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Pizza Port Ocean Beach
1956 Bacon StA SD local favorite spot for beers and microbrews. They make amazing beer and pizza! Check it out when in Ocean Beach.
Asian fusion galore. Famous for their Vietnamese Pho, this is a local SD favorite spot. You may have to wait a bit on weekends. Located right by the beach.
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OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
2218 Cable StAsian fusion galore. Famous for their Vietnamese Pho, this is a local SD favorite spot. You may have to wait a bit on weekends. Located right by the beach.
My favorite fish tacos in SD. Located beach-front, this casual restaurant/bar wont disappoint.
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South Beach Bar & Grille
5059 Newport AveMy favorite fish tacos in SD. Located beach-front, this casual restaurant/bar wont disappoint.
Hodad's
5010 Newport AveFamous SD burgers on the beach! Also has a downtown location.
“Convoy area” in San Diego (about 10 min east from the house) is known for the best Ramen! This is our favorite spot but you can’t go wrong with any you choose to explore.
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Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen
4646 Convoy St“Convoy area” in San Diego (about 10 min east from the house) is known for the best Ramen! This is our favorite spot but you can’t go wrong with any you choose to explore.
Dare to venture out? Check out this famous Tijuana-based taco shop, located in South Bay SD, about 15 min drive from my house. Authentic Mexican (not SoCal but actually Mexican) taco shop. Chula Vista and neighboring areas are the best place for Mexican food in SD.
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Tacos El Gordo
556 BroadwayDare to venture out? Check out this famous Tijuana-based taco shop, located in South Bay SD, about 15 min drive from my house. Authentic Mexican (not SoCal but actually Mexican) taco shop. Chula Vista and neighboring areas are the best place for Mexican food in SD.
Can you say traditional SoCal taco shop? This is the real thing. Late night eats, carne asada fries, California burritos, and all the other greasy SD taco shop eats you may want. It’s affordable and has a drive thru.
Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery
Can you say traditional SoCal taco shop? This is the real thing. Late night eats, carne asada fries, California burritos, and all the other greasy SD taco shop eats you may want. It’s affordable and has a drive thru.
A local SD favorite! the original Lucha Libre shop as seen on the Food Network! Super fun vibe and yummy food. Try the surf and turf burrito. You won't be disappointed.
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Lucha Libre Taco Shop
1810 W Washington StA local SD favorite! the original Lucha Libre shop as seen on the Food Network! Super fun vibe and yummy food. Try the surf and turf burrito. You won't be disappointed.
Walking distance or 2 min drive from the house. Great pizza and beer!
IsaBella Artisan Pizzeria & Craft Beer Garden
4705-A Clairemont DriveWalking distance or 2 min drive from the house. Great pizza and beer!
If you’re not up for Little Italy, check out our local Italian spot in Bay Park. Delicious food and very low key. The service and food are amazing. Reservations required.
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Baci Restaurant
1955 Morena BlvdIf you’re not up for Little Italy, check out our local Italian spot in Bay Park. Delicious food and very low key. The service and food are amazing. Reservations required.
An old steak house, get ready to cook your own steak. Very affordable. Strong drinks. Very popular “hole in the wall” traditional spot among locals. Get there early or be prepared to wait.
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Turf Supper Club
1116 25th StAn old steak house, get ready to cook your own steak. Very affordable. Strong drinks. Very popular “hole in the wall” traditional spot among locals. Get there early or be prepared to wait.
My favorite brunch spot. Hidden gem. Cash-only but worth it. Famous for being a very old (ancient) eclectic cafe. The food is great and offers outdoor seating. In the hip and walkable neighborhood of South Park with lots more to explore.
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Big Kitchen Café
3003 Grape StreetMy favorite brunch spot. Hidden gem. Cash-only but worth it. Famous for being a very old (ancient) eclectic cafe. The food is great and offers outdoor seating. In the hip and walkable neighborhood of South Park with lots more to explore.
Amazing brunch in a fun neighborhood! Go early or be prepared to wait on weekends.
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Great Maple
1451 Washington StAmazing brunch in a fun neighborhood! Go early or be prepared to wait on weekends.
A very popular option for brunch in SD, located in the trendy Hillcrest neighborhood and another location in La Jolla. Long wait times on weekends.
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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
3940 Fifth AveA very popular option for brunch in SD, located in the trendy Hillcrest neighborhood and another location in La Jolla. Long wait times on weekends.
Essentials
Lots of essentials can be found a few blocks away at this strip mall. About 10 min walk or 2 min drive. There’s a grocery store, 99 cent store, restaurants, bars, a TJ maxx, Ulta beauty, Ace hardware store, movie theater, 24 hour Krispy Kream donuts, and lots more.
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Clairemont Town Square
4821 Clairemont DrLots of essentials can be found a few blocks away at this strip mall. About 10 min walk or 2 min drive. There’s a grocery store, 99 cent store, restaurants, bars, a TJ maxx, Ulta beauty, Ace hardware store, movie theater, 24 hour Krispy Kream donuts, and lots more.
Lazy Eye Coffee
Local drive-thru coffee spot. High quality strong brews.
If you’re tired of Starbucks and want some local delicious coffee, check this place out. About 10 min down the road.
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Bay Park Coffee
4130 Napier StIf you’re tired of Starbucks and want some local delicious coffee, check this place out. About 10 min down the road.
CorePower Yoga - Clairemont Mesa
A couple of blocks away. Great for a drop in hot yoga class.
Huge outdoor mall in UTC area (about 10 min drive north). Lots of shopping and restaurants. Recently renovated.
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Westfield UTC
4545 La Jolla Village DrHuge outdoor mall in UTC area (about 10 min drive north). Lots of shopping and restaurants. Recently renovated.
Drinks & Nightlife
I love the local bay park businesses like this one. This is a great spot for brunch but also a quick drink/app. Very close to the bay and beaches. In the heart of our Bay Park neighborhood.
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Luce Bar & Kitchen
1959 Morena BlvdI love the local bay park businesses like this one. This is a great spot for brunch but also a quick drink/app. Very close to the bay and beaches. In the heart of our Bay Park neighborhood.
Local winery with fantastic wine and sangria. Good to hang out or just to stop by.
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Blue Door Urban Winery
4060 Morena BlvdLocal winery with fantastic wine and sangria. Good to hang out or just to stop by.
Play games and have drinks! Adult arcade/bar in a fun neighborhood with lots to eat and drink around (North Park).
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Coin-Op Game Room
3926 30th StPlay games and have drinks! Adult arcade/bar in a fun neighborhood with lots to eat and drink around (North Park).
Seven Grand San Diego
3054 University AveWhiskey bar! Whiskey lovers won't be disappointed.
Unique place to go wine tasting, you get to try all sorts of wine from their electronic dispensers.
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Splash Wine Lounge and Bistro
3043 University AveUnique place to go wine tasting, you get to try all sorts of wine from their electronic dispensers.
**Currently closed for renovation**
Famous for their peanut butter stout, this SD brewery will not disappoint. Check out their tasting room so you dont have to drive up to Vista.
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Belching Beaver North Park
4223 30th St**Currently closed for renovation**
Famous for their peanut butter stout, this SD brewery will not disappoint. Check out their tasting room so you dont have to drive up to Vista.
A little bit of a drive but it’s a must-visit location for beer lovers.
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Stone Brewing
1999 Citracado ParkwyA little bit of a drive but it’s a must-visit location for beer lovers.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Transportation
SD does not have the best public transportation. The trolleys go to limited locations and the buses are slow. If you have ample time and are patient you can use public transportation otherwise I recommend car or ride shares.
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Rush hour traffic
We don’t have terrible traffic but rush hour happens. Avoid going north or west on the highways between 7-9am if possible or going south or East on the highways between 4-6pm.