San Diego, USA
Sunshine State
Welcome to San Diego! San Diego is by far one of my favorite cities in the United States. If you’re like me, looking for an escape from the freezing winter weather, head on over to the West Coast. Enjoy delicious food, sunshine, great beaches, and interesting culture.
Arriving in San Diego
When arriving at the airport of San Diego, take the City Bus Public transit from the airport to downtown San Diego. Bus 992 stops at terminals 1 and 2 and operates from 5 am to midnight every day. The bus comes every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays. The bus takes you directly to the city center and is MUCH cheaper than an uber or taxi.
Sand-iego
San Diego is full of amazing beaches that are open all year long. Go for a swim, go surfing, or just take a stroll. There are many options of beaches, depending on your available mode of transportation.
La Jolla Cove: Very popular cove about a 15 minute drive from the city center. There are options of transportation, but your travel time will increase significantly. This area is ecologically protected and is home to sea lions which lounge on the rocks and sand!
Coronado Beach: Take a ferry to the “island” of Coronado. Explore this small town by walking around the neighborhoods and relaxing on the beach. I recommend renting a bike for the day to ride around the island.
TIP: Wheel Fun Rentals - Coronado Island is a good place to rent bikes!
- Pacific Beach: Nice beach surrounded by many restaurants, stores, and ice cream shops. The beach is about 15 minutes by car from the center, and 50 minutes using public transportation.
TIP: Pacific Beach is relatively close to Old Town, San Diego. So, if you plan on spending the morning in Old Town, spend the afternoon at the beach!
Exploring the City
San Diego is relatively small, compared to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Take advantage of the small town vibes by walking around and exploring the different neighborhoods.
Little Italy: Ciao! Be sure to stop for gelato and pizza, every day!
Old Town: Old Town, San Diego is located a tad outside of the city center. You can get there by train. Walk around and explore the shops and houses of the first European settlement in California. Being so close to Mexico, San Diego is home to authentic Mexican culture and delicious food. In Old Town, you can see the town’s Mexican heritage through the handcrafted items sold from Mexico.
Gaslamp Quarter: Neighborhood in San Diego home to entertainment, shopping, and nightlife.
USS Midway Museum: Learn about San Diego’s naval community on this decommissioned aircraft carrier. The general admission price is pretty expensive ($31 for adults and $21 for children). It is also great to take a picture from the outside and take a virtual free tour on their website!
Balboa Park: Gorgeous and gigantic park! Filled with museums, restaurants, gardens, fountains, and the San Diego Zoo. You can walk to Balboa Park, but it is an uphill battle. Also, you can take a bus!
San Diego Zoo: The first zoo to introduce open air exhibits, encouraging natural animal habitat. One of the only places outside China where you can see Giant Pandas!
Coronado Orange Avenue: While exploring the island of Coronado, make sure to walk up and down Orange Avenue, which is the main street filled with shops and restaurants.
TIP: The ferry to Coronado starts at 9:00 am from San Diego and takes a trip to Coronado every hour, on the hour. The ferry from Coronado to San Diego starts at 9:30 am and leaves every hour, on the half hour. The last ferry leaves San Diego at 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday. The last ferry leaves from Coronado at 9:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday. The ferry is $7 per person one way.
- Embarcadero Marina Park South: A great place to see the Coronado Bridge. I recommend going to watch the sunset!
Where to Dine
One downside to San Diego is its expensive food prices. But, there are some hidden gems that you can find that are delicious and cheap. I recommend eating a big lunch rather than a big dinner. Sometimes restaurants offer lunch deals, but rarely will you see dinner deals.
Downtown San Diego
The Taco Stand
Donut Bar: Huge donuts (can be shared) that are expensive but delicious.
Ortiz’s: The best taco stop
Hodad’s: The best burger spot
Mister A’s: $$$$ Expensive, but delicious!
Old Town, San Diego
- Casa Guadalajara: Great Mexican restaurant in Old Town, San Diego.
Coronado
MooTime Creamery: Delicious and popular ice cream shop on Coronado Island.
Extraordinary Desserts: Perfect dessert spot.
II Fornaio: Italian restaurant
Peohe’s: Seafood
La Jolla
Brockton Villa: A tad expensive. American food. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
George’s at the Cove: Has an ocean terrace. Californian food.
Cusp: Californian food, seafood.