Before moving back to the DC area last June, I lived about three blocks from the beach in San Diego for almost three years. Although I am very happy to be back home, I definitely left a piece of my heart there! While the beach lifestyle dominates most of San Diego, there is a ton of stuff to do that will make you feel miles away from the beach. Honestly, San Diego really has it all: beach, city, mountains, and desert (if you go far enough). Without further ado, here is my somewhat comprehensive guide to everything to do in San Diego, both the city and the larger San Diego county. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I made sure to add all my favorites and must-sees. If I missed anything that you have done in San Diego and loved, comment below!
B E A C H E S
No Surf: This is a bit of a misnomer, as people really do trek down the cliff with their boards to surf, but it is nearly impossible to catch a good wave! What you will find here is a “locals only” vibe, tons of dogs running around, and the most breathtaking views you have ever seen within this little cove. This is hands down my favorite beach in San Diego so I highly recommend it, just don’t tell anyone I told you!
Sunset Cliffs: Right down the street from No Surf beach is the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which has a bunch of trails and lead down to a beach. These beaches are more popular, but it is super fun to walk around the tide pools and find secret caves down there!
Swami’s: This is basically a bigger version of Sunset Cliffs, a bit up the coast in Encinitas. Expect even more breathtaking views, bigger beaches, and a cool hippie vibe all around the street where you enter the beach.
Mission Bay: Not exactly a beach – the bay is surrounded by a “beach” but I don’t know why you would choose that over the ocean – but there are a ton of awesome water sports you can do on the bay! I used to teach stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga on the bay, and it is one of the most quintessential San Diego things you can do! Check out Bliss Paddle Yoga or SunChaser SUP for rental rates and yoga classes.
H I K I N G
Torrey Pines: Do not leave San Diego without doing this hike. I repeat: GET YA ASS BACK IF YOU AIN’T DO THIS YET! Enough said.
Cabrillo National Monument: This one isn’t really a hike, but its easy to get to and on one of the trails you get INCREDIBLE views of downtown and can even see all the way to Mexico! On the other side of the peninsula, you can walk around the trails that go through the tide pools, which are also super cool.
Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve: You have to drive about an hour outside of the city for this one, but it’s a perfect fall hike. Not only do you walk through trees that are orange-y and about as close to fall as you will get in San Diego, but you can also stop in the town of Julian on the way and get some of their famous apple pie!
C O F F E E & M A T C H A
Holy Matcha: I honestly don’t know how to accurately describe my love for this place. It is a full on obsession! I was already drinking matcha somewhat religiously before this place opened, but it not only increased my addiction, it also made me addicted to pale pink. I miss this place so much!!
Communal Coffee: The cutest coffee shop in San Diego, in my opinion! They have a ton of flowers inside that you can buy, and it’s attached to a plant store, so there are plants inside and out. Their coffee and avocado toast are also super bomb.
Jungle Java: The coffee here is nothing special, but it has a secret garden vibe that is EVERYTHING! It is more or less an outdoor coffee shop between two buildings, so on a sunny day it is the perfect spot to hide out with a book while you sip on an iced coffee before heading to the beach.
Better Buzz Coffee: They have several locations (I used to work at the one in Point Loma), but the OG cafe in Mission Beach is still my fave. It is literally across from the beach, so after getting an iced coffee and acai bowl, you can just cross the street and enjoy it while sitting in the sand. I may be biased because I am half Moroccan, but I highly recommend their Moroccan Spiced iced coffee!!!
Java Earth Cafe: This was one of my favorite study spots! The vibe here is super chill and feels a bit more low key since it’s not RIGHT on the beach.
Azucar: Cutesy little Cuban bakery and coffee shop with pistachio-passionfruit macarons that are to DIE for. They are the size of a burger!!! Sugar overdose but well worth it.
F O O D
Raglan Public House: I am not a huge fan of traditional burgers (ok I lied I hate them! I told you I was picky), but this place has the bombest chicken, lamb and veggie burgers. And their fries are straight up CRACK! They also have regular burgers, but I can’t really tell you how those are. Be prepared to roll yourself out of here when you’re done!
City Tacos: I can honestly say this place converted me into a full-on taco fiend. They have a bunch of creative flavor combos that are not too over-the-top or fussy, a bar of sauces and raw veggies to dip in them while you wait for your tacos, and outdoor seating which is crucial. My favorite is the pulled lamb taco. Ok now I am drooling just thinking about it…
Poke Chop: There are a lot of good poke spots around San Diego (and some that are more authentic, like It’s Raw Poke Shop), but I love the build-your-own-bowl style ordering and all the options they offer for fish, toppings, and sauces. Also has outdoor seating which is perfect for people watching on the main street of Pacific Beach.
Barrio Star: This may not be a popular thing to say, especially for someone who lived in San Diego for so long, but I am REALLY picky about Mexican food! To my credit, I don’t eat dairy so it can sometimes be hard to find a place that doesn’t smother anything in cheese, but regardless I will admit I am picky. So the fact that I am recommending this spot for Mexican food should say something to you! I am also even MORE picky about margaritas, and this place really hits the spot.
Kindred: This is the kind of vegan restaurant you could bring your anti-vegan friends to, and they would love it! They have super flavorful and unboring vegan options, plus a drink menu that is worth going for on its own. Plus, it’s a dark metal-themed bar, which is kind of a weird combo with vegan food but hey why not right?
Underbelly: Really good ramen, not much else to say about it. There are two locations, but I prefer the North Park one because it is near all the good bars in North Park.
Cafe Gratitude: The San Diego location of the LA based restaurant totally does it justice. This place is super cute inside and has really yummy vegan/vegetarian foods, lattes, and desserts. Perfect place for brunch or a girl-date.
True Food Kitchen: Similar vibe and menu to Cafe Gratitude, but this one is incredible because it is HUGE and feels completely open and airy inside. Just love the vibe here and the food is great as well.
B A R S & N I G H T L I F E
Bluefoot: Right across the street from Underbelly North Park – has a dive bar feel, but plays really good hip hop and r&b. It’s like, lowkey meets ratchet vibe. Ideal combination if you ask me!
The Observatory North Park: This place has it’s ups and downs – the floor is ventilated to avoid the dreaded concert sweatiness, but the bar is separated from the main area which is annoying – but overall a great venue in a great location. They also happen to host a lot of the musicians that I am a fan of!
West Coast Tavern: This is about as lit as it’s going to get in North Park – come here after a show at the Observatory or just to turn up without paying a huge cover at True North Tavern.
The Office: They serve $5 cocktails until 9 pm, so come here to pregame for West Coast Tavern, a show at the Observatory, or just to go out anywhere else in North Park.
Bottlecraft: There are several locations, but the one in Little Italy is my fave spot for daydrinking. Make sure you try the Boochcraft – it’s a hard kombucha made in San Diego that comes in several amazing flavors and will get you fucked up. Honestly, don’t underestimate it!
Wonderland Ocean Pub: If you are looking for the ultimate sunset view bar situation, this is it! The food is good here too, but nothing amazing. Great way to round out a day at the beach, or to have a lowkey night out without having to dress up or put too much effort into the night.
Sunshine Company: This is about as beach/hippie/divey as a bar can get. I love this place because it was walking distance from my old apartment, they have a jukebox which takes cards, and there are several pool tables. Expect cheap drinks (cash only), lots of hippies and a cool rooftop patio. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area!
El Prez: The rooftop at this place has a fucking dope view of the beach, especially at sunset. Their food and drinks are great too – I just wouldn’t recommend this bar or any other ones in this area after it gets dark. The whole town of Pacific Beach has a super fratty vibe at night that I cannot stand.
AD Nightclub/F6ix/Analog Bar: If you are looking to really turn up, check out these spots downtown on the weekend. You have to really be mentally prepared for a night out in the Gaslamp Quarter though – not only are people showing up and out for bars and clubs here, but the streets are PACKED at all times of the year. I like to describe the Gaslamp Quarter as a giant adult zoo of drunkness! It is really fun to be able to walk from bar to bar to bar all in the span of a few blocks, but issa LOT if you are not prepared! However, if you have pregamed and know what you are getting yourself into, I highly recommend going to the Gaslamp at least once.
Belly Up: This is probably my favorite concert venue in the area, located in Solana Beach a bit up the coast from San Diego. It has an intimate feel, but isn’t too small or claustrophobic like some smaller venues are. Also, they have a great roster of artists that come through here, so check their concert calendar if you are planning a trip!
S H O P P I N G
Pigment: If I could live inside any store, it would be this one. They are jam packed with everything imaginable from plants to home decor to jewelry to kitchen goods. It is the ideal place to find a gift, but good luck leaving without something for yourself!
Dreamgirls: This boutique is right down the street from the Ocean Beach farmer’s market, so it is dangerously easy to accidentally wander in and spend all your money! It was also dangerous living walking distance from this shop, because boredom shopping never ends well…
Closet: Similar vibe to Dreamgirls (and a block away), but a little cheaper. Still just as dangerous for boredom shopping – you’ve been warned!
Mimi & Red Boutique: Out of the two locations, I would recommend the North Park one because it is right around the corner from Pigment AND Holy Matcha, so you can make a whole afternoon out of it! Expect casual-chic vibes and moderate to high pricing. Still fun just to browse if you aren’t trying to spend all your money!
O T H E R T H I N G S T O D O
Ocean Beach Farmer’s Market: Of all the farmer’s markets in San Diego, this one is the most fun and most popular. Every Wednesday, they have a mini festival of food, music, and the best people watching you could ask for at the market and the beach down the street. After the market ends, head over to Wonderland Pub or Sunshine Company for a drink to keep the party vibe rolling.
Rosarito/Ensenada: If you remembered to bring your passport and have a car at your disposal, a quick day trip across the border is a super fun and unique way to get the most out of your San Diego experience. Rosarito is about half an hour past the border, and Ensenada is roughly two hours past. Be prepared to wait a while at the border on your way back in though! As long as you plan ahead for that, it is well worth the day trip.
Anza-Borrego State Park: Also a bit of a drive outside the city, this park is as close to Joshua Tree as you will get in San Diego. Make sure you check the weather beforehand and bring LOTS of water! Check out the metal dinosaur sculpures and take a few pics while you are there.
Julian: If you decided not to hike at Volcan Mountain, you can still make the trip to Julian for the pie and the cute little small-town vibes. Take a different route going and coming back for some extra scenery!
Balboa Park: Basically the Central Park of San Diego, Balboa Park is a huge park in the city that includes everything from the zoo to a variety of museums. I recommend the indoor botanical garden and the cactus garden.
Waterfront Park: The park itself is nothing special when there is not an event in it, but if you walk from the park down to Seaport Village and back through downtown, you can kill a whole afternoon and enjoy several parts of San Diego in one fell swoop.
La Jolla Cove: There are several places where you can see the seals that swim up and park themselves on the cliffs. They are cute and funny but really smelly! There are also places where you can rent snorkel and/or kayak gear to explore the cove.
Meditation Gardens: Right next to Swami’s beach, you can find these tranquil gardens overlooking the ocean and spend as little or as long as you want here. There are some great spots to take pictures, or find a peaceful little corner to meditate (or nap) for a little while.
Ocean Beach Pier: This is a great spot to watch the sunset after the Ocean Beach Farmer’s Market, but my favorite time to visit is during the day when it is more empty. Walk all the way to the end, lean against the edge looking out over the vast expanse of ocean, and just watch all your stresses melt away. There is nothing like it!!
Petco Park: Just kidding I don’t care about baseball and have never been to a game!
