I’ll be the first to admit, that I am being a bit ballsy by calling myself a San Diego local. Originally from Dallas, Texas, I packed up my life in Texas and wandered off to California nearly 2 years ago. Since relocating, I have lived in the Bay Area, and now, I am in San Diego.

Moving to California was one of the best decisions that I have ever made thus far, and living in San Diego has made a huge impact for me. If you’re curious to know more about this transition, I have a blog post that outlines this in full detail.

If you’re just simply planning a weekend trip to San Diego, and would love for a local’s guide to San Diego, then keep reading. Within this guide I will share some of the places that I have personally discovered since moving here.

This includes:

The BEST & aesthetically approved places to explore and eat

The most beautiful beach to find blue ocean water

Non-touristy activities and locations

Affordable yet lux places to stay

Whether you’re planning a girl’s trip to San Diego, or just hoping to wander off to one of the best places in California, save this blog as your local’s guide to San Diego. Also- please note that every location listed in bold is linked to a website.

What to Do:

If you visit San Diego but didn’t plan to visit at least ONE beach, then you really didn’t go to San Diego. Known for its beaches, and the “Southern California lifestyle”, adding a stop to one of the beaches in SD is an absolute must for your trip. To take it a bit further, I encourage you to try to visit my top two favorite beaches: La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach.

Featured in all of the beach pictures within this blog, La Jolla is by far one of my favorite places to hangout. Inspired by its luxurious lifestyle, and welcomed by its captivating ocean, you will easily love adventuring in La Jolla. And like every beach town, you have plenty of opportunities to shop and eat while soaking in the magnificent views.

Some of my fave tasty places to grab a bite or dine at include:

Cody’s La Jolla – $$ The wait is worth it, and even more so worth it if you can get an ocean view. I decided to go for their burger, and it has been one of the best burgers that I have ever had!

Dukes La Jolla $$ I love finding places with a waterfront view, and Duke’s La Jolla has exactly that. Yet more importantly, the food is super delicious.

Le Macaron French Pastries $ If you know me, then you know I adore French pastries. If available, I always grab a macaron when out to take care of my sweet tooth. This is a must if you appreciate French pastries.

Puesto La Jolla $$ If you have never paid $8 for a taco, then today is your lucky day. Puesto’s has tasty tacos, yet they’ll be the most expensive tacos that you have ever bought. Welcome to San Diego 🙂

The last thing that I want to add- is if you’re deciding to make a stop in La Jolla, please also make a note to be kind to the seals. More recently, it has been reported that some people have been tormenting the seals, and invading their habitats. Don’t be that jackass that acts like they haven’t been around wildlife before-mind your business.

Downtown San Diego:

When trying to plan my move from Oakland to San Diego, I decided to trust that God would make my young dreams of living in a high rise apartment come to life (thank You GOD!!!) With that being said, I have had the opportunity of exploring many place in downtown. Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, and Seaport Village, are some of the areas that you should consider adding to your list when visiting downtown. Here’s the deal about each of these areas- everyone knows about them. So if you’re hoping to avoid being around a lot of people, then plan your travels for our non peak season. I will disclose that information later on.

Regardless of when you decide to visit, here are some of my favorite places to explore near or within Gaslamp Quarter/East Village:

Holy Matcha- $ Literally the cutest place you’ll ever get your matcha, and owned by a local, so plan to make a stop to Holy Matcha to get quality matcha and an IG photo.

Lumi Rooftop– $$ One of the trendiest, and most visited places by the locals, Lumi’s has incredible rooftop views, and sushi. If you’re planning to visit, please make sure that you book reservations ahead of time.

The Nolen– $$ Another rooftop bar with killer views of downtown San Diego, The Nolen is a must add to your list if you desire to put on some fancyish fit to grab drinks with your girls. This place also requires a reservation and will not accept walk ins.

STK San Diego- $$$$ If you desire to add a fancy, big sexy, dinner to your itinerary, then add STK to the list. From the atmosphere to the food, you will absolutely love your experience dining here. I treated my BFF to a bday dinner here, and we both walked out so satisfied.

Osteria Panevino- $$$ Who I am if I don’t find an Italian place for food?! If you know me, then you know I love a good Italian place. Located right in the middle of the Gaslamp action, this is a perfect dinner location.

Breakfast Republic- $$ You know, I have only had this food to go (thanks BFF & Doordash), but this place has some of the best breakfast that I have ever had.

If you’re able & willing to, I recommend taking a stroll in downtown by walking or hopping on a scooter. Making your way to Little Italy for more food options, and the cutest charming aesthetic has to be one of the stops you add when making your way downtown (I couldn’t help it lol).

Cloak & Petal– $$$ THE BEST SUSHI THAT I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Need I say more? And this place is SO cute on the inside, and they make their cocktails strong. Peep their happy hour menu located on the website too (thank me later).

King & Queen Cantina– $$ If you love Mexican food, brunch, and margaritas, then say less. This is hands down, one of my FAVORITE places to eat at. Everything on their menu is worthy of the calories. Trust me that you will want to add this to your local’s guide to San Diego list.

Queenstown– $$ I have never been to New Zealand, but if the food taste anything close to the food at Queenstown, then I am THERE. I love getting burgers from Queenstown, and they are pet friendly 🙂 Also this place is super cute (featured above).

Donut Bar – $ If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that Donut Bar has been the highlight of my life, along with my dog, Daisee’s. She will walk in the direction of Donut Bar, because she expects a treat (and gets one) every time. This place is amazing, and they are nice with their $7 mimosas.

Ketch Grill & Taps- If you’re dying for a waterfront view, or if you’re a beer babe, then add Ketch to your list. I am NOT a beer babe, but of course I decided to try out a flight of beers for the experience.

Non Touristy Activities:

As I promised, here are a local’s guide to San Diego: the non-touristy exclusive addition. Because I get it, traveling and being amongst so many people can feel unnatural, and oftentimes irritating. Especially if you’re trying to immerse yourself as a local would.

If you desire to live as a local would when visiting San Diego, here are a few locations you must scope out:

Pure Spin Studio- If you have an itch for the club, but refuse to go to the club, then Pure Studio is right up your alley. Invigorated by the upbeat music and the energetic spin instructors, you will NOT regret starting your morning with a $25 class. It also an easy way to burn 400-500 calories, and near Little Italy. I go here 2x a week and I LOVE this place.

Liberty Station– Perfect for shopping, grabbing some food, making a stop at the Farmer’s Market, or grabbing a plant from Pigment, this is a good escape if you want to feel more like a local.

NorthPark– If you run into tourists while in NorthPark, it’s because they know a local in San Diego, or have read this blog. Either way, while you’re here, grab coffee at Communal Coffee, food at at one of the local restaurants or go shopping in NorthPark while you’re exploring.

Point Loma- One of my favorite areas, Point Loma has a few cute houses and a great place to watch the sunset. Make a stop at Sunset Cliffs, bring some pizza from Mr. Moto’s, and cozy up to watch the sunset. If you want to watch some badass surfers, stop by Ocean Beach for a great show on the waves.

Torrey Pines Hike- For my adventure seeking, nature lovers reading this, make plans to hike Torrey Pines trail when visiting San Diego. You will soak in beautiful views of the ocean and experience fresh air. There are tons of trails- all which include an incline that you’ll have to hike as well.

Where to Stay:

StayPineapple Hotel Z– $$$ If StayPineapple is available in a city that I am traveling to, then you know that I will be right there. When exploring San Francisco, I had the pleasure of crashing in one of the coziest, most comfortable beds you could ever imagine. Lucky for you, StayPineapple has Hotel Z located in Gaslamp Quarter.

La Valencia in La Jolla– $$$$ Also known as the Pink Lady Hotel, or where MJ (Kris Jenner’s mom) stays when in San Diego, this is probably the most charming, and adorable hotels that you will find in La Jolla. You have the chance to attend a tea party while overlooking the ocean… how adorable right?!

Overall:

Transportation: If you desire to do all of the options that I provided above, then you will want to book a rental car. If you’re staying downtown for the majority of your trip, then you can rely off of walking, Uber rides or scooters. Public transportation is not really a reliable option in San Diego.

Best time to visit: I promised that I would give this to you, but I also have to be upfront. Being that I am still a new person living in SD, I am still learning our peak seasons. But I can tell you this- avoid May-Aug at all costs. SO many tourists are here visiting during these months.

Solo Travel Safety: Totally a safe and easy place to solo travel, however, be careful when in downtown by yourself. Stay off of your phone, pay attention, and don’t engage with strangers that look sketch.

Friendliness: One of the reasons why I love living in San Diego is because so many people are kind and friendly here! Of course, you have your jackasses and your introverts who mind their biz, but you will def feel the warm welcome here.

Other local recommendations: Stay at least 3 days. Everyone that has come to visit me has regret not staying past the weekend. If you’re able to, leave on a Thursday night so that you can explore all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday before catching a late afternoon flight.