How to Spend 3 Days in San Diego
I moved from Chicago to San Diego for the sunshine, and have found myself falling in love with this city over and over again. There are so many things to do and see in this city and all of it is within 15 minutes! Here are some of my favorite spots.
DAY 1: You’re going to land hungry!
From airport: Downtown/Little Italy/Point Loma: Queenstown Public House, Nolita Hall, or the very pink Morning Glory (long line, moves somewhat quickly, you can put your name in and grab coffee nearby) for brunch.
Or, if you want coffee and water views, go to Superbloom cafe (they have light bites, all outdoor seating) and walk the bay. Another recommendation is to hit Ultreya coffee (Ocean Beach location) for a bagel sandwich and walk towards the water. You can’t miss here.
Then, you can stroll Balboa Park (cafes here too) and go to North Park Beer Co in Banker’s Hill which isn’t too far from Pure Project Brewing in the same ‘hood.
Head over to late lunch at Mitch’s Seafood (low key dining on the harbor, best crab cake, fish tacos, and more). Then walk the marina path right along Mitch’s Seafood and admire the boats. Stop for a snack or drink at the bar at Vessel nearby. There’s also a divey joint called Club Marina near Mitch’s. Great spot, strong drinks.
Dinner at Nolita Hall (if you didn’t hit it for brunch), Kettner Exchange (Little Italy, has a rooftop, resos reco’d) or Seneca rooftop - great date spot - Italian and so gorgeous up there - not far from the maritime ships on the harbor.
DAY 2: Hiking and North Park, then all of the views!
Start the day with a drive out to Cowles Mountain or Torrey Pines (along the coast) for a hike. Check to make sure Torrey Pines isn’t closed for construction.
Head to the North Park neighborhood - the hip/artsy part of SD - for coffee at Lovesong, Communal or Holy Matcha North Park (Latina owned/v instagrammable).
Walk from there to lunch at City Tacos (North Park location, fried fish tacos are great, plus veg options). There’s a North Park Beer Co. location right here as well. They serve burgers and sausages on site. Pure Project (North Park location) and Seek Beer Co. aren’t too far from the main strip and are walkable from each other! Belching Beaver is also close.
Pop in and shop at the very cute shop Pigment in North Park. This one’s for the girls. Or, stop in at Verbatim Books!
After that, hit Part-Time Lover Vinyl Bar nearby for major vibes and cocktails.
If you’re feeling more nature, take the drive to Soledad Monument - free and full views of the city/ocean - this is on the way to the Ocean Beach neighborhood (OB). Head to OB Beach, take the walk the beach around the pier, and Template coffee is super dope.
My FAVE while in OB: swing through Wonderland Ocean Pub - best views in OB! They have craft beer, cocktails, and great food - it’s where I send everyone who can only hit one place while visiting - go before sunset. They hand out free shots at sunset. It’s a vibe. Head over to Sunset Cliffs nearby - the views at sunset are the best!
DAY 3: Relax!
Hang at Pacific Beach City Beach, walk the boardwalk/shops/people watching or rent bikes!
My favorite spot for views is right outside JRDN restaurant/bar, take the stairs down to the beach. If you want cocktails, hit Flamingo Deck for their flamingo drinks or Grass Skirt tiki speakeasy, or Uber to Mothership - a spaceship themed tiki bar.
Last day: Need to kill time before your flight? Hit Tom Ham’s for amazing daytime views, food and drinks - it’s v close to the airport!
Other restaurants:
Cesarina - amazing handmade pasta plus vegan options
Buona Forchetta - date night Italian spot, great pizza which is rare for SD
Tacos del Gordo is a famous spot
Turf Supper Club
Azuki Sushi (can be hard to get into, make a reso)
Animae - fancy dinner, amazing experience
Aero Club - famous whiskey bar - has a food truck, games, etc.
Other things to do:
Head north to the La Jolla Cove for the seals or kayak rentals - La Jolla is a little sleepy/affluent but a few cute coffee spots and rooftops for lunch!
La Jolla - Windandsea beach walk/cliffs
Annie’s Canyon Trail - slot canyon hike
Meditation Gardens up in Encinitas
Dumpling Inn for soup dumplings on Convoy St
Speed Boat Tour - drive your own lil speedboat in the harbor (a boat guides you out and back)! https://www.speedboatadventures.com/san-diego/
