While San Diego may have plenty of class, this city has a vibrant culture with hipster hideaways and haunted histories that seemed to have been left out of Ron Burgundy’s news casts. Whether you are looking for a romantic retreat, family fun, botanics in and out of bars, or a ghostly good time, you’ll find it in San Diego.
1.) Visit Coronado Island
Cross the bridge to the film worthy resort town of Coronado. The highlight of this town is Hotel del Coronado. While this stark white, red roofed hotel has been featured in several films, it was most iconically featured in Marilyn Monroe’s 1959 romantic comedy Some Like It Hot. If booking a night at this luxury accommodation is out of your price range, indulge in one of their tours, historic ($40) or haunted ($30), or simply walk down the beach and set up camp on one of the dunes for a relaxing beach day with a spectacular view of this historic marvel. If you want to keep the day rolling, try playing a round at Coronado Municipal Golf Course. This ocean-side, public course was rated number 5 by Golf Digest for best golf for value, with twilight times starting at just $26. Though there are a plethora of delicious, high-end options in Coronado, grab a bite at Lobster West. A stone throw from both the golf course and hotel, Lobster West offers New England style soups and seafood rolls at affordable prices.
2.) Sip Across the City
When it comes to aesthetically pleasing and Instagrammable bars, San Diego understands the assignment. While you won’t be able to party until the sun rises (but really? Who needs to stay out past 2am anyway?), you will find creative and charming options for every taste. In the northern part of the city, just 10 minutes from the shores of La Jolla, you’ll stumble upon Raised by Wolves, a rather small yet stately liquor store. With a reservation, you’ll get to enjoy sitting by the fire before the floor beneath you spins you into a swanky speakeasy that would give even Gatsby’s architects a run for their money. Heading south into the city, plan on spending some time in the lively neighborhood of Little Italy. If you are looking for a place with a bit of glamor and to reminisce on your time as a child, look no further than Wolfie’s Carousel Bar. Here, as you chat with friends new or old at the bar, you’ll notice the floor beginning to move. As you circle the room, look out at the decadent decor that makes this bar a must-do in the city.
If you are looking for something a little less glitzy, head to Craft and Commerce. Here, you’ll be surrounded by books and taxidermied safari animals. And, yes, under the same roof you’ll have access to another speakeasy. False Idol will transport you to the tropics where thunder booms, rock walls show the skulls of those lost to shipwrecks, and drinks are topped with flowers and fire. While every bar on this list served first class cocktails, Noble Experiment may take the cake for the best bartenders in the city. Located in the beloved (and known for its nightlife) Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown and decorated with a wall of gold skulls and ceiling of paintings, you’ll have to make a reservation before pushing through the keg wall of The Neighborhood eatery to enter this (yes, another one) speakeasy. With no menu, you’ll simply tell the bartenders what types of alcohols and flavors you are in the mood for and they will use their expertise to whip you up something that is sure to delight.
3.) Caffeinate at The Invigatorium
The Invigatorium is an inventive and inspiring space in the heart of downtown San Diego. With all the glitz and glamor of mid century modern decor, The Invigatorium adds a prehistoric twist. The dinosaurs that prowl the premises aren’t the only piece of art that sticks out – guests can sit next to Ronald McDonald or sway under the gold glittering disco ball. If the ambiance wasn’t reason enough for The Invigatrium to make your list, the coffee is. As a barista for over five years, the cardamom latte was one of the best this author has ever had. Better yet, they serve up your beverage in beautiful, hand crafted pottery. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, try one of their signature cocktails.
4.) Roll up to El Tianguis Rolled Taquitos
In inflated times, it can feel like no place still has impeccable food at prices that don’t break the budget. El Tianguis Rolled Taquitos is the exception. El Tianguis Rolled Taquitos provides authentic Mexican cuisine that is worth going out of your way for. 3 taquitos will only put you back $6.22 and you can add beans and rice for just $1.80. The entire establishment is gluten free, they use no products related to nut allergies, and there are both vegan and vegetarian options. The vibrant interior, superior customer service, and of course, mouth watering taquitos will keep you coming back for more.
5.) Explore Balboa Park
Balboa Park may be San Diego’s worst kept secret, but for the best reasons. An oasis in the heart of San Diego’s urban sprawl, Balboa Park’s 17 museums and 1,200 acres of land make it loved by tourists and locals alike. Check out the Museum of Us and its iconic California Tower or peruse the San Diego Museum of Art. If you’d rather enjoy the fresh air, there are plenty of free activities to occupy your time. While it is currently temporarily closed for renovations, you can’t miss the Botanical Building upon its reopening. For the time being, you can enjoy the flora and fauna right outside its doors by observing the koi fish in Lily Pond, likely the most photographed section of the park. Give yourself a few hours to simply walk around, as you are guaranteed to find secret snippets of beautiful architecture and nature during your time here. Looking for a souvenir? Head to the Spanish Village Art Center to walk colorful streets and shop goods made by local artisans.
6.) Seek the Supernatural in Old Town
Old Town San Diego is dripping in culture. While there were many Indigenous Peoples already living in California, Old Town San Diego is considered the birthplace of the state as it was the first permanent Spanish residence. The Spanish influence is evident in the captivating architecture, but being so close to the border, Old Town San Diego is imbedded with elements of Mexican flair. As with any location steeped with older history, there are bound to be some good ghost stories. While walking around the streets (or taking the trolley) makes for a relaxing day, kick things up a notch by delving into darker history. Considered one of the most haunted houses in the country, the Whaley House was home to Thomas Whaley, Anna Whaley, and their family. Built by the former in 1857, several of the Whaley family died within the home and are known to still haunt it today. Guided evening tours start at only $18 and are interesting to both believers and nonbelievers alike. Before or after your tour, swing through El Campo Cemetery to see the grave of Yankee Jim as well as many other souls who might be walking the streets with you.
7.) Discover La Jolla
When you think of coastal California, you probably picture walking at a leisurely pace, passing by palm trees, and breathing in salty-sea air. This fantasy could be perfectly set in La Jolla. A seaside village just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, La Jolla provides a glimpse into life in the California suburbs and its famous residents, the seals and sea lions of course. For a unique experience, head to Sunny Jim’s boutique store and pay $10 to hike down the 145 stairs to view the sea cave below. This once bootlegger’s tunnel lets you gaze at the ocean waves through a head shaped cave dug out in 1902. Next, take a jaunt down the Coast Walk Trail, a lovely place for sunset. If feeling adventurous, you can take the path that veres off right before the white bridge to find one of San Diego’s picture perfect swings. Be warned, this path is very slippery and its steep incline requires ropes to safely reach the swing.
8.) Meander Through the Mission
California’s 21 Missions are a well known piece of beauty and history. For those dedicated to seeing them all, they can follow El Camino Real, a 600 mile trail that leads from Sonoma, CA to San Diego, CA, hitting each mission along the way. This trail is best enjoyed south to north, as California’s very first mission was Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. First founded on July 16, 1769 (but moved to its current location in 1774), the Mission grew to an impressive 55,000 acres. Now, for an admissions price of $8.00, you can tour the remaining humble buildings and peaceful gardens. Make sure to snap a pic of the towering bell wall before you head out.
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