My favorite spots in San Diego: a local's guide
I had the pleasure of calling San Diego home for five years. Friends are constantly asking me for recommendations, so I finally decided to share my personal list. These aren't meant to be the city's "must-see" attractions. They're simply the places I returned to again and again, along with a few restaurants I still think about years later.
Favorite walks
The best stretch of Balboa Park is El Prado, from Cabrillo Bridge to the Bea Evenson Fountain. The Spanish Colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, museums, fountains, and street performers make it one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. Even if you don't visit a museum or the zoo, it's worth wandering.
Coronado feels like something out of Pleasantville. I love walking along the beach or the sidewalk in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. The wide beach is beautiful, the homes are immaculate, and the entire island has a relaxed, small-town feel despite being just minutes from downtown.
Arguably San Diego's most beautiful neighborhood. Spend time wandering through the shops before walking down to the Children's Pool and Seal Rock, where you can get surprisingly close to dozens of seals and sea lions. Fair warning: they're adorable, but they definitely smell.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
If you only do one hike in San Diego, make it this one. The coastal trails along the cliffs offer incredible ocean views, and the scenery is quintessential Southern California. Parking can be difficult on weekends, so arrive early if you can.
My favorite viewpoint in San Diego. Located on Point Loma, it offers panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Pacific Ocean. If the tide is low, be sure to visit the tide pools. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Think of it as San Diego's laid-back version of Venice Beach. You'll find surfers, street musicians, dog walkers, cyclists, and plenty of people watching. Tourmaline Beach, at the north end, is also one of my favorite beginner surf breaks.
Start at Waterfront Park in Little Italy and walk south toward Seaport Village. Yes, it's a bit touristy, but it's a beautiful waterfront stroll and a great way to experience downtown San Diego.
If you're looking to escape the coast, this iconic hike is worth the 45-minute drive from downtown. The famous rock makes for a fun photo, but the hike itself is just as rewarding.
My favorite neighborhood in downtown San Diego. It's clean, walkable, and packed with fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, and patios. If you're visiting on Saturday morning, don't miss the Little Italy Farmers Market. It's the city's best, though arriving early will help you beat the crowds.
Favorite places to eat
My favorite food hall in the city. Located inside the former Naval Training Center at Liberty Station, it's filled with great local food vendors, shops, and plenty of outdoor seating.
My go-to casual seafood restaurant. Order at the counter, grab a seat outside overlooking the marina, and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in San Diego. Try to avoid peak lunch and dinner hours because seating is limited.
My favorite taco shop in San Diego. Located in Barrio Logan, it serves authentic tacos with a modern twist. The lines can get long, so going outside of peak meal times is worth it.
Hands down my favorite sushi restaurant outside of Japan. Don't let the strip mall location fool you. It's exceptional. It's definitely a splurge, but I've never left disappointed.
Whenever I'm in La Jolla, I stop here for a fish sandwich or seafood salad. It's casual, consistently delicious, and serves some of the freshest seafood in town.
One of my favorite breakfast burritos in San Diego. I usually order to go from one of the original Pacific Beach locations. Bring cash, and don't wait too long because breakfast typically ends around 11:00 a.m.
You could spend days eating your way through this neighborhood. Some favorites include Craft & Commerce, Juniper & Ivy, Herb & Wood, and The Crack Shack.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend eating most meals in Coronado, but brunch at The Del is a fun splurge for a special occasion.
One of my favorite date-night restaurants. Great cocktails, excellent food, and a cozy atmosphere.
If you're craving Asian food, this is where you should go. Convoy has the best concentration of authentic Asian restaurants in San Diego, especially Korean barbecue, ramen, and Taiwanese cuisine.
Other activities
Rent bikes and explore Coronado. The island is incredibly bike friendly.
Spend a beach day at Coronado or La Jolla. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Pacific Beach.
Visit Chicano Park to see some of the country's most impressive outdoor murals, then grab tacos at ¡SALUD! nearby.
Check out one of San Diego's many farmers markets. Little Italy is the largest, but neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, and Ocean Beach each have their own on different days.
Take a surf lesson. Tourmaline is my favorite spot for beginners, while Ocean Beach is a good place to learn in the whitewater.
Catch a Padres game at Petco Park. It's one of my favorite baseball stadiums in the country, with excellent food, local beer, and beautiful views of downtown.
A few final thoughts
If you have extra time, venture north to Encinitas or Solana Beach. Both are charming coastal towns with excellent restaurants, breweries, and beaches.
One final opinion that may be controversial: Coronado is one of my favorite places to walk, but I generally find the restaurants overpriced and underwhelming. I'd rather grab a drink on the patio at Hotel del Coronado, enjoy the ocean views, and then head elsewhere for dinner.