San Diego—A Great Place to Visit

A Great Place To Visit San DiegoBy Maria Haase

As I feel the warm sun on my skin and the fresh breeze from the ocean in my hair, I sometimes have to pinch myself. Do I really get to call America’s Finest City my home? San Diego has it all: The perfect spring-like weather year-round, the ocean, the desert, art, culture, and lots of things to do. So let me show you some of my favorite places in the city, from well-known sights to spots only the locals know.

Best Places to Visit in San Diego

San Diego has a bucket list of “must-dos,” like the famous San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway, La Jolla, Little Italy, and Balboa Park. Any top 10 things to do in San Diego list features those. So let me introduce you to some lesser-known spots around the city.

•Find the Hidden Swings in La Jolla: These swings are hidden in the coastal hills of La Jolla. Overlooking the Pacific, these swings make for a stunning photo op. On the way there, you can enjoy a beautiful coast hike.

•Take the ferry to Coronado: You can board the ferry either behind the Convention Center or at Broadway Pier. Enjoy a mini harbor cruise with stunning views of downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bridge. Then go shopping at Coronado Ferry Landing, rent a beach cruiser, and bike to the famous Hotel Del Coronado. And finally, enjoy Happy Hour and a stunning sunset view of San Diego at Peohe’ s.

•Explore Barrio Logan: This neighborhood is famous for its stunning murals in Chicano Park and Hispanic influence. Eat at great hole-in-the-wall tacos and tamales shops (Las Cuatro Milpas is an excellent choice)

Photos, from left: Coronado Beach; La Jolla; Hotel Del Coronado; Chicano Park Barrio Logan

and check out the low-rider club meetups showing off their vintage cars.

•Explore the local art scene: San Diego has top-notch museums and a few artist hubs. You can meet local artists, watch them create their art, take classes and buy some fun souvenirs. My favorite two are the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park and the Arts District at Liberty Station.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Diego

San Diego recently transformed from a drab wallflower to a blossoming foodie town. Yes, we ’ve always had tasty tacos, friendly neighborhood spots, and some of the best breweries in the country. Yet when it came to fine dining and innovative chefs, San Diego disappointed for a city of its size.

Luckily, much has changed in the past 5-7 years. San Diego restaurants received an avalanche of recognition, including James Beard and Tre Gamberi awards, Bib Gourmand, and now even has 4 Michelin-starred restaurants. Addison leads the way with 2 Michelin Stars under Chef William Bradley, followed by the two Sushi restaurants Soichi and Tadokoro and French-inspired Bistro Jeune et Jolie.

While I love to treat myself to a fancy dinner for a special occasion, I also love the more approachable neighborhood spots. Ciccia Osteria offers incredible Italian fare in Barrio Logan. Mitch’ s Seafood has some of the freshest seafood in a rustic setting overlooking the Marina in Point Loma. Hodad’s has the most gigantic (and tastiest) burger in Ocean Beach and Downtown. Tacos El Gordo has authentic TJ-style tacos. I’d say some of the best outside of Mexico. And Morning Glory will give you by far the poshest brunch experience, including Mimosa flights and souffle pancakes.

San Diego is also one of the biggest craft beer hubs on the West Coast. With over 120 local breweries, you will undoubtedly find a brew you like. Try the famous Sculpin IPA at Ballast Point or the Arrogant Bastard at Stone Brewery for a traditional West Coast IPA. Do you like sours? Then check out Little Miss Brewing. If you prefer malty beers, try the Debutante by Societe Brewing Company. Don’t like beer? Head to one of the fabulous San Diego wineries or check out the local distilleries like You & Yours or Old Harbor Distilling Co, both in the East Village in Downtown.

As you can see, I wasn’t exaggerating when I said: “Sad Diego has it all!”. No matter what you choose to put on your itinerary, you are bound to have a fun time in San Diego.

Photos, clockwise from top: Seaport Village and Marina At Night; nish Village Art Center Balboa Park; Mission Beach San Diego; USS Midway San Diego Museum; California Tower Balboa Park at Dusk