After Santa Monica and Temecula, our third and final stop in our three-part SoCal Guide series takes us to Cali’s second-largest city, San Diego.
Celebrated for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SD is known as the “birthplace of California” that combines urban sophistication with a laid-back vibe.
Stay
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
This historic, exclusive resort features a private beach and a range of amenities, including tennis and golf — which have been recently updated to enhance guest experiences.
Do
Beyond the must-dos, like exploring the vast urban Balboa Park that’s home to museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo, or catching a play at the acclaimed La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego offers endless outdoor activities and shopping for all interests.
Get outdoors and enjoy San Diego’s endless sunshine on the water by taking a guided tour through La Jolla’s sea caves with Everyday California. Or, for the less athletically-inclined, indulge in a romantic, private cruise through the canals of Coronado, akin to Venice, past some of the city’s most extravagant homes with The Gondola Company.
If weather isn’t on your side, you can still spend hours perusing Pigment, a lifestyle boutique offering one-of-a-kind gifts, plants, and home decor — perfect for creative inspiration.
On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the Little Italy Farmers Market. This weekly market is open year-round from 8am-2pm with a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods (like bread, cheese, and homemade pastries), plus plants and handmade crafts.
Eat & Drink
Ferchaladas
Offering a fusion of birria and seafood, this spot is perfect for ceviche and some of the best tacos in the city.
Puesto
Savor upscale Mexican dining like gourmet tacos and fun-flavored margaritas.
Leila
Leila is a bustling Persian restaurant in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, celebrated for its immersive decor that evokes a “Magical Arabian Nights” atmosphere. Highlights span shared mezze, salads, and breads, plus kebabs.
The Marine Room
The Marine Room is a historic restaurant in La Jolla, celebrated for its dramatic ocean views right at the tide line, serving coastal California cuisine since 1941.
Marisi
Marisi is an “Italian hearth cooking” restaurant with a food roster of handmade pastas and classic cocktails.
Duke’s
Duke’s is a Hawaiian-themed restaurant doling out contemporary island cuisine against ocean views.
READ NEXT: Our SoCal Guides for Santa Monica and Temecula
