San Diego, CA: Long Weekend Highlights
- Allyson Rychlak
- Jul 25
- 5 min read
Between the sunny weather, pristine beaches, and plenty of things to do (and eat), it's no surprise that San Diego is such a beloved city. I first visited in winter 2023 - check out my first San Diego guide for ways to spend a 7+ days in this SoCal destination - and was so excited to return with my friend this summer. Since this was my second time visiting, and my friend's third, we approached our four full days of the trip with a much slower pace than in the past. Check out my recommendations below for our favorite things to do, restaurants, and where to stay.
Things to do:
La Jolla:
See the sea lions and seals at La Jolla Cove, where you can snorkel or sea kayak if you're feeling extra adventurous.
Stroll down Girard Ave., La Jolla's main shopping street.
Enjoy the beach at La Jolla Shores or Windansea, one of San Diego's best beaches.
Visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for various hiking trails, sweeping ocean views over sandstone cliffs, and the endangered pine tree that gives it its name.
Pacific Beach:
Enjoy the beach, popular for surfing, and walk along Crystal Pier. PB is known for a youthful, laid-back vibe and nightlife. When I stayed here a few years ago, I loved walking Crown Point Park, north of Mission Bay.
Ocean Beach:
Come for a hike or simply to enjoy the beautiful scenery at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. If you're looking to explore, you can spend hours scaling the sandstone cliffs and the beaches below. As the name suggests, the best time to visit is sunset, for rugged cliffs, intertidal pools, and panoramic ocean views. If you're in OB on Wednesdays, there's a farmers market from 4pm-8pm, rain or shine.
Downtown:
Little Italy & Farmer's Market: Stroll down India Street, the heart of San Diego's Litte Italy, for shops and restaurants. If you visit on a Saturday, the neighborhood will be alive with Little Italy Mercato from 8am-2pm year-round, rain or shine.
Balboa Park: Bigger than Central Park, this historic urban park boasts over 1,200 acres just north of downtown. Check out the Spanish Village Arts Center, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and one (or a few) of 15 museums.
San Diego Zoo: A travel guide about San Diego is not complete without mentioning the zoo. While my friend and I skipped it this trip, I loved going early, beating the crowds, and visiting one of the top-rated zoos in the world. The red pandas are my personal favorite.
The zoo is located within Balboa Park, so check these out in the same afternoon.
If you come during baseball season, a Padres game at Petco Park is a great way to apend an afternoon or evening.
Coronado:
Take the ferry from Broadway Pier downtown or the convention center to Coronado ($9 per person per way), an island across the bay from downtown. Known for its historic Victorian Hotel Del Coronado, shimmering beaches, and quaint shopping and restaurants, it's a must-see for every trip to San Diego. Stroll down Orange Ave., rent bikes, or simply enjoy what's often ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States.
Restaurants:
La Jolla:
The Marine Room: If you do just one fine-dining experience during your time in San Diego, it should undoubtedly be this iconic restaurant in La Jolla. Perched on the beach, you'll be treated to panoramic ocean views, crashing surf against the glass windows, and an incredible sunset if you time it right. Make a reservation - you won't regret it.
Piatti: Stone-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and great ambiance on Avenida De La Playa, the main street in La Jolla Shores.
Pacific Beach:
Kono's Cafe: A PB staple since 1991. You can't go wrong with a no-frills breakfast in Kono's surfer-themed cafe right by Crystal Pier. The coffee and smoothie stand is also great.
Palmys: Cute spot for coffee, breakfast, or lunch, and a great cafe to work from if need be. The menu is overpriced, in my opinion, but the outdoor patio and how good the food is brought me back over two years later.
Oscar's: I'm still dreaming about the shrimp ceviche and fish tacos. If you like Mexican and seafood, don't miss Oscar's.
Downtown:
Barbusa: Pastas, pizzas, wines, you name it - San Diego's Little Italy at its finest. The pistachio pesto gnocchi had us ordering a side of bread to savor every last bite of the sauce.
Queenstown Public House: New Zealand-themed restaurant with outdoor seating, happy hour, and yummy burgers.
Prohibition Lounge: Okay, it's a bar, not a restaurant, but we came for drinks and live music on Saturday evening at this speakeasy off 5th Ave. in Gaslamp.
Coronado:
The Henry: Open for 3 meals a day with an airy patio off Orange Ave. Get coffee to go at their XV Coffee Bar.
Miguel's Cocina: This ranks as my boyfriend's favorite restaurant from our trip two years ago, so it must be added for those who love tacos (don't we all?). They have several San Diego locations, but this spot on Coronado was nicely tucked away from the crowds at The Del.
Linking my first San Diego travel guide for a more extensive restaurant list.
Lodging:
Both times I've been to San Diego, we stayed in Pacific Beach for the bulk of the trip, and then did a night downtown (Gaslamp Quarter). It depends on the kind of trip you're looking for, but both my friend and I agreed that we'd stay in La Jolla instead of PB the next time we return. It's simply gorgeous! Our hotel in Gaslamp was perfect for our day in Little Italy and Balboa Park before the Padres game, and was a great home base for the next day on Coronado before a red-eye home.
San Diego will always be one of my favorite places to visit. If you're planning a trip to this sunny SoCal city and are looking for some guidance, always feel free to reach out.