In case you were hoping for more than just photos, here are my favorite must-sees, must-eats and must-dos in sunny San Diego.
STAY: Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Located conveniently in downtown, this 3-star resort offers bay views on one side and the glittering lights of the city on the other. Check Hotwire or Priceline for less-expensive, last-minute rates, and I suggest parking your car on the street if you want to avoid the $20+ daily resort parking fee. Otherwise, the resort offers standard amenities, including free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, bar and gym. The best part, however, about staying here is that not only are you near the bay (perfect for romantic evening strolls), but you're literally within minutes of some of the best restaurants and cafes.
BRUNCH: Pappaleco
Located in the "Little Italy" neighborhood of San Diego, Pappaleco is a charming and cozy Italian cafe that serves panini, gelato and, of course, delicious coffee. You order at the counter, as the indoor space is extremely small, and eat at the quaint little outdoor eating area very similar to what you typically see on the streets of Italy or France. I recommend the salmon or prosciutto panini, Napoleon cake and all of the coffee options.
LUNCH: Puesto
Lunch at Puesto is a must for anyone visiting San Diego. The entire menu is delicious, so you simply can't go wrong. We ordered the mix 'n match tacos, so each person got to choose three flavors. I highly recommend the Chicken Al Pastor, Cochinita Pibil and the Zucchini Cactus tacos, all which were oh-so-delicious!
The cozy outdoor eating area is another major reason to visit Puesto. With ultra hip decor, ample greenery (including a living wall) and a super chill vibe, it's the perfect place to come for lunch and stay for dinner, if the weather is nice (which, it usually is).
SHOP: Little Italy Mercato Farmer's Market
Every Saturday, year-round, rain-or-shine, local farmers and vendors meet on W. Cedar Street between Kettner Blvd. and Front St., offering fresh, California-grown produce, artisan foods, herbs, beverages, flowers and all sorts of specialty items.
We happened upon this little gem accidentally, as we were strolling back to our hotel after brunching at Pappaleco. The market is held from 8AM to 2PM, so I suggest skipping a formal lunch and heading here instead. Check out the Mercato Farmer's Market official website for more information.
DAY TRIP: La Jolla
Although I will be dedicating an entire blog post to La Jolla, I wanted to quickly mention it here, as it is definitely one of my favorite experiences from our days in San Diego. La Jolla is a charming seaside neighborhood surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches and best known for the large populations of wild seals. I highly recommend walking as much of the seven miles of this hilly seaside community as you can handle – as much for the picturesque views of the ocean as for the people-watching.
Although it was late November when we visited, there were hundreds of people swimming and snorkeling, some even venturing out to where the seals were lounging. If you want a bit of a private oasis feel, head to the Children's Pool Beach (also known as Casa Beach), and follow the Children's Pool Observatory Walkway to the southernmost part of the walkway, and you'll find a partially secluded stretch of the beach that will feel like your own private island. When we visited, the Children's Pool Observatory Walkway was under construction, so we literally had to sneak down the cliffs down to the beach, which could possibly explain why there were so few people down there. Regardless, it's still not as busy as the main part of the Children's Pool right of Point Mercinger.
Be honest, are you already planning your next vacation?
If so, where to?
Browse all other California road trip articles or the FOXY OXIE Travels page if you need some more vacation inspiration!
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Ok, now all I want to do is go visit San Diego. Thank you for that. ;-)
What great photos Oksana! I specially like the one of a boat that looks like it has a spaceship on top. Whats going on there?
Those photos are to die for! I’ve only been to California once and I was thirteen, so I’d love to go back and explore!
I have never been to the West Coast! It looks so nice and warm there – well warmer than Maine :-) I have no idea where we will go on our next vacation, the warm months in New England are glorious though, so I always tend to stay close to home.
Beautiful captures. I think I should say yes to my cousins’ invite to visit San Diego.
You’re pictures along had me wanting to visit but then you really had me at an Italian brunch. San Diego is on my wanderlust wish list for sure now. xx Merisa | Monogrammed Magnolias
I had never thought about visiting San Diego before, but this post makes me want to plan a trip there right now! Such gorgeous photos :)
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
Thank you so much!
Oh yes, out of all the beauty California has to offer, San Diego is rarely at the top of anyone’s list. We were flying to the opposite end of the country to do a road trip up the Cali coast, so finding the least expensive airfare from Tennessee to California was a priority. For whatever reason, routes to San Diego had the best rates, which, in truth, is the only reason we added it to our list in the first place.
But oh, what did we discover! It’s such a fun, warm and laid-back city – the quintessential California experience!
Do you do much traveling yourself?
It sounds like such a lovely trip, I’ve always wanted to visit San Diego! And your photos are breathtakingly beautiful!
California is one place that is on my list to visit this year. These beautiful pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I visited San Diego in November and had such a lovely time. I adore both Northern and Southern California!
I have never been to San Diego – I keep saying this is a place we need to visit some day soon. But flights to Cali from Chicago are always a bit outrageous. Love all your recommendations
California is my favorite place to vacation. I went twice last year. I hope I get to go again this year!
Looks amazing, my fiance lived there years ago. On the bucket list for sure.
Oh this makes me want to book a plane ticket and fly off to Sunny San Diego! Looks like a really fun trip!
Looks like a beautiful place and such a fun time!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
We are planning a big and long trip to Scotland in the summer. And for the local trips we are thinking of either California or Florida before the winter is over. I have never been to san diego, but it’s on my list! Looks like you had fun!
Your pictures are gorgeous!
I’ve been meaning to visit SD for a while and this only makes me want to go more!
I’ve never been to San Diego. It looks so pretty, and warm. Thanks for sharing.
I have been wanting to visit California soon! My husband have a whole big trip planned! San Diego is definitely on our list of places to visit. It looks beautiful.
San Diego is my favorite place on earth! I lived there in my childhood years and I miss it now that I live in the midwest where it is currently 33 degrees outside but feels like 22 :0 Hope you enjoyed your trip and have more great trips in the future!
Cassie
My Pop of Color
I love San Diego! I have a very dear friend and his family that live there:) It is a beautiful place and so laid back…the people are awesome!
I wish I could go on holiday this year. I am in desperate need of a detox that is for sure! It would be nice to have some time away that is for sure.
Gorgeous photos! Sounds like you had a blast! I’m planning a tip to Disney World with my boyfriend this summer! (We’re both kids at heart!)
xx, Katie http://blondebroke.blogspot.com
We go to San Diego every year! I love it there. We will be back in April and I can’t wait.