The Ultimate San Diego Tour: Food, Drinks + Views
What started as a loose plan of ideas for spots to take visitors has become a comprehensive list of all of my favorite places to eat, drink and take in the views in San Diego and the surrounding areas.
Here are some tips about staying in San Diego: You’ll want to rent a car, though most places are only a 15 minute drive. That means you can stay in any neighborhood and still be relatively close to mountains, the beach and the more urban areas. Though gas prices are a bit higher in California, you won’t have to pay tolls in San Diego. Remember to be patient with finding parking, especially in the neighborhoods by the beach. The good news is, there’s loads of free parking - just be sure to check the signs closely.
Renting bikes or skates and enjoying the boardwalk or trails is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. No matter what the time of year, wear sunscreen or bring along a hat! Even if you’re just on a patio for lunch.
My favorite neighborhoods are North Park, South Park, Normal Heights, Ocean Beach, and Pacific Beach. I think Pacific Beach has the most to see and do in one neighborhood. The crowd is younger, but you get lots of shops, the beach, bars and restaurants. Ocean Beach is definitely great during the day but it can get loud at times at night! Prepare for some pretty wild people watching!
Here’s a guide to some of my favorite places in the city that has captured my heart.
EAT
-Brunch-
Nolita Hall*
Queenstown Public House*
Great Maple
-Lunch-
City Tacos* (best fried fish taco)
Mitch’s Seafood* (best crab cake)
Wonderland Ocean Pub* (amazing views and food)
SD Taproom for great beer and bites
Crack Shack for fried chicken
PB Fish Shop
Tacos Del Gordo
-Dinner-
Trust*
Cesarina Italian*
La Puerta Mexican*
Fort Oak
Cucina Urbana
Menya Ultra Ramen
Lola 55 Tacos
Puesto Tacos
Herb & Wood
Kettner Exchange (rooftop vibes)
Buona Forchetta
Dumpling Inn*
OB Noodlehouse
Lion Share
Meze Greek Fusion (great happy hour)
DRINK
-Beer-
Modern Times Brewing
Pure Project Brewing*
Mikkeller Brewing
Pizza Port Brewing
Burgeon Brewing*
Harland Brewing
Stone Brewing
Seek Beer Co*
Belching Beaver
AleSmith Brewing
Mujeres Brewing
Rabbit Hole gastropub* - stop at Sycamore Den after for cocktails
The Corner Drafthouse - 70 taps and close to some breweries
Raglan Public House
-Cocktails-
Nolita Hall
Flamingo Deck
Sycamore Den
The Grass Skirt
NuNu’s
Club Marina
DO
-Hikes-
Cowles Mountain
Torrey Pines
Annie’s Canyon Trail
-Views-
Soledad Monument
Sunset Cliffs*
Ocean Beach Pier
Ocean Beach City Beach*
Pacific Beach City Beach
La Jolla Cove Seals
Balboa Park (some areas here allow you to bring alcohol)
*= Personal faves
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PHOTO: Irina Sen/Shutterstock
