San Diego Vacation Guide

San Diego’s food scene isn’t just about individual restaurants — the city is known for:

• Fish Tacos & Baja-style seafood – Everywhere from upscale spots to food trucks.
• California burrito & carne asada fries – A hearty local favorite.
• Fresh sushi – SD’s Pacific location ensures great sushi and omakase options, from casual to Michelin-recognized.

Fine Dining & Upscale Experiences

• Addison – Renowned California haute cuisine with a tasting menu (Michelin-rated) featuring locally inspired dishes.
• Juniper and Ivy – Stylish, chef-driven New American restaurant with inventive plates.
• Born and Raised – Classic upscale steakhouse with prime cuts and elegant service.
• Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop – High-end steakhouse and butcher with premium meats.

Seafood & Coastal Favorites

• Ironside Fish & Oyster – Vibrant seafood spot with oysters, fresh fish & creative small plates.
• Sally's Waterfront Dining – Classic seafood with bay views.
• It's Raw Poke Shop – Fresh Hawaiian-style poke bowls.
• Fish Tacos & Baja-style tacos – Iconic SD eats available across town (e.g., at mariscos trucks and taco stands) — a must-try local staple.

Italian & Mediterranean

• Cesarina – Highly rated Italian pasta & cocktails.
• Ristorante Illando – Classic Italian favorites in a lively setting.
• Roman Wolves – Italian restaurant + bar with creative dishes.
• Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant – Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients.

Mexican & Latin American

• La Puerta – Popular Mexican restaurant with tacos, margaritas & lively atmosphere.
• Zama San Diego – Latin-influenced cuisine with bold flavors.
• Fish tacos, California burritos (carne asada + fries inside a burrito) and Tijuana-style tacos are iconic San Diego eats you’ll find all around town.

New American, Brunch & Casual

• Trust – Brunch and New American with seasonal ingredients.
• C Level – Waterfront New American & seafood with skyline views.
• Postino Little Italy – Wine bar with bruschetta boards and casual bites.
• Top of the Market - San Diego – Elevated seafood and more with harbor views.
• Lou & Mickey's – Classic steakhouse favorite.

Unique & Fun Spots

• Karl Strauss Brewing Company – San Diego craft beer staple with pub fare.
• Kettner Exchange – New American & cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
• The Rose – Wine bar with brunch and small plates.
• Cafe Sevilla of San Diego – Spanish tapas and sangria.

Gaslamp Quarter (Downtown)

Pacific Beach (PB)

Little Italy

North Park

Ocean Beach (OB)

Hillcrest

La Jolla

Encinitas

San Diego has a wide variety of active lifestyle sports. Looking to get wet? Try your hand at surfing, boogie boarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Looking to be on the water but stay dry? Try a fishing trip, renting a sailboat or catamaran for a harbor tour or head out to sea on a whale watching adventure. Check out the caves in La Jolla, accessible via kayak or by land through a historic tunnel. Sail above the beach with a glider trip from the San Diego Glider Port in Torrey Pines.

For more activities on land there are many options from hiking to waterfalls or gardens. Click here for a great list of the top 101 hikes in the region.

There are beautiful parks to explore as well as ocean front hiking trails where you can hike to a beach at the Torrey Pines State Park.

Golf enthusiasts will find countless courses and country clubs including the world renowned Torrey Pines golf course.

• Balboa Park is home to 18 museums as well as the world famous San Diego Zoo.
• The Safari Park in Escondido is also an excellent day trip for the family.
• Explore Coronado Island where you can visit the Hotel Del Coronado, built in 1888 and visited by countless presidents and dignitaries. Each winter they host ice skating by the ocean and you can catch great sunsets from the beach.
• Across the water is Seaport Village, a family-friendly place to spend an afternoon.
• Just north of Seaport Village is the Embarcadero area, offering over 50 shops selling art, souvenirs and dining. It features the iconic USS Midway Museum where you can tour a retired aircraft carrier.

• Legoland California in Carlsbad, SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Beach, Belmont Park in Mission Beach, The New Children's Museum in downtown.
• San Diego is home to some stunning beaches! Check out Del Mar beaches, Torrey Pines State Park beaches, La Jolla Shores, the Children's Pool in La Jolla.
• Snapdragon Stadium is home to MLS & NWSL professional soccer teams as well as San Diego State Football team. It hosts an annual college bowl game as well as Monster Jam and Motorcross each winter.

We strongly recommend having access to a car to get the most out of San Diego. That said, the city's trolley system is top-notch if you're looking for local whimsy around a particular neighborhood.

Visit San Diego's official website for even more to do around town!

5-Night Stay

Day 1: Downtown, Waterfront & Gaslamp Nights

• Start in Seaport Village for a relaxed waterfront stroll and coffee.
• Walk north to the Embarcadero and tour the USS Midway Museum for a dose of history.
• Optional harbor cruise or sailboat tour if you want to be on the water.

• Ironside Fish & Oyster – oysters, fresh seafood, and creative small plates.
• Alternative: It's Raw Poke Shop for something quick and fresh.

• Head to Balboa Park and explore a couple of museums or simply walk the gardens.
If traveling with kids, this is a great time for the San Diego Zoo.

• Born and Raised or Cowboy Star for an upscale steakhouse experience.
Seafood option: Top of the Market with harbor views.

• Hit the Gaslamp Quarter for high-energy nightlife.
• Start with cocktails, then move to clubs or rooftop lounges after 9–10pm.
• Expect dancing, DJs, and late-night energy.

Day 2: Beaches, La Jolla & Coastal Elegance

• Head north to La Jolla Shores.
• Go kayaking to the sea caves, paddleboarding, or snorkeling.
• Walk up to the cliffs to spot sea lions near the Children’s Pool.

• Grab classic fish tacos or Baja-style seafood from a local spot.
• Casual option nearby or poke bowls if you want something light.

• Drive to Torrey Pines State Park for a coastal hike with ocean views.
• Optional: Golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course or visit the Glider Port to watch paragliders.

• Addison for a world-class fine dining tasting menu (book far in advance).
• Alternative upscale but more casual: Juniper and Ivy.

• Stay in La Jolla for sunset wine or cocktails.
• Quiet, polished vibe—perfect after an active day.

Day 3: Coronado, Little Italy & Trendy Nights

• Cross the bridge or take the ferry to Coronado Island.
• Walk the beach near Hotel Del Coronado and explore the historic property.
• Relax, bike, or simply enjoy the views.

• C Level for waterfront dining with skyline views.
• Or casual beachside eats in Coronado.

• Return to downtown or rest up.
• Optional stop at Belmont Park in Mission Beach if traveling with kids or wanting classic boardwalk fun.

• Head to Little Italy:
• Cesarina for handmade pasta
• Roman Wolves for creative Italian
• Ristorante Illando for lively classic Italian

• Little Italy nightlife crawl:
• Postino Little Italy for wine & bruschetta
• Kettner Exchange for cocktails and energy
• Rooftop lounges for stylish late drinks

Day 4: Local Flavor, Breweries & Chill Vibes

• Brunch at Trust or The Rose in North Park.
• Explore local shops, art, and coffee spots.

• Brewery stop at Karl Strauss Brewing Company or explore North Park’s craft beer scene.
• Optional hike, garden walk, or beach visit in Del Mar or Torrey Pines Beach.

• Go full San Diego:
• California burrito, carne asada fries, or Tijuana-style tacos from a local taqueria.
• La Puerta or Zama San Diego for a sit-down option.

• Choose your vibe:
  
• Pacific Beach for beach bars and social energy
• Ocean Beach for dive bars and bohemian charm
• Hillcrest for inclusive, energetic nightlife and lounges

• Lou & Mickey’s for a classic steakhouse send-off
• Or Sally’s Waterfront Dining for relaxed seafood by the bay

6-Night Stay

Add Day 5: North County Adventure

• Drive to San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.
• Spend the morning exploring expansive habitats and animal encounters (great for all ages).

• Eat at the Safari Park or head west toward the coast afterward.

• Continue to Encinitas: walk Moonlight Beach; Browse surf shops and local boutiques; and Relax with ocean views and coastal trails

• Casual coastal dining in Encinitas.
• Look for craft cocktails, fresh seafood, or modern Californian fare.

• Enjoy Encinitas nightlife: Laid-back bars, live music, surf-town energy; early wind-down compared to downtown, perfect for a final night