San Diego Travel Guide

Opt for the Gaslamp Quarter where the highest concentration of hotels, nightlife venues, and restaurants make the city accessible by foot. The Hotel Palomar San Diego houses 184 luxury rooms and suites, the best of which are balcony suites where you can sun tan in privacy before cooling off with a dip in the hotel’s elegant pool. At 22 stories, the hotel shows off every angle of downtown. Nearby, the small boutique Keating Hotel prides itself on “Soho style with California sex appeal” turning a historic brick building into 34 modern loft-like suites. Guestrooms are called “stanzas” and are decorated by the design team Pininfarina, which leads luxury brands Ferrari and Maserati.

All summer long the Andaz San Diego hosts some of the city’s hippest pool parties on the largest rooftop deck in downtown San Diego. For the top VIP experience, book their signature suite: two levels with a spiral staircase that leads to a private cabana by the pool. But of course, no one parties harder than the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego where a nightclub bumps in the basement and guests zip back and forth from the many bars and restaurants of the hotel, starting their days with a long shower in double rainfall spout showers.

If you can forego the pool, The US GRANT emits the timeless grandeur of its 1910 opening with ballrooms and ritzy chandeliers. Fourteen U.S. presidents have stayed at the hotel, a member of the Starwood’s prestigious Luxury Collection, and strolled its rooftop gardens.

Wherever you end up going, getting around the city is made easy by the San Diego Trolley, a light-rail system with routes to, from, and around downtown. The public transport system operates seven days a week from early morning to midnight. Cycling is another popular way to get outside, get active, and explore the city. Guided and self-guided bike tours can be arranged by Surf Monkey Bikes as well as rentals from their fleet of electric bikes, beach cruisers, another way to see a greater expanse of the city from La Jolla Cove to Mission Bay to downtown’s waterfront.

Hikers looking to explore the preserved natural beauty of the region will be happy to learn about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve where the nation’s rarest pine species (pinus torreyana) is protected in the chaparral of the reserve. There are many short trails in the park, but for a worthwhile hike, take the Broken Hill Trail which clocks in at just over a mile, loop back by going North along the beach or go South down to Black’s Beach, a wild beach below towering cliffs. On your way back, make sure to take in the vista from Yucca or Razor Points.

Looking at the massive wave breaks may give you the itch to try San Diego’s most popular activity. Private surf lessons, as well as multi-day camps, are offered by Pacific Surf to help guarantee you catch your first waves in San Diego. For a tamer time, the company also rents stand up paddleboard rentals for those who want to get on the water for a shorter, drier excursion.

After all the excitement, cruise the streets of Little Italy, a neighbourhood once home to San Diego’s tuna fishing industry established by generations of Italian families. The quaint district is full of outdoor cafes, restaurants with authentic bistro, as well as art galleries and shops that cater to higher tastes than the “spring break garb” in more touristy parts of the city.

San Diego is long considered one of the best cities for Mexican food in the entire country and with its proximity to the ocean, also serves incredibly memorable seafood. And since it’s California, there is a strong emphasis on health-conscious options.

Coasterra gathers one of the city’s best modern Mexican menus and spices the experience with personalised guacamole made at the table, as well as delicately crafted cocktails inspired by fine tequila and mezcal. Because of its incredible views of the city’s skyline and memorable dishes, the restaurant recommends booking a few days before your trip to ensure you have the opportunity to taste their famed Ahi Tuna Tostada. The best tacos are found at Puesto with two locations, one in La Jolla and in Seaport Village. The colourful and eclectic restaurants serve an equally colourful variety of tacos with a rotating taco of the month. Taco Tuesday lets you eat like a king and happy hours let you catch the sunset.

For modern American, Rustic Root in the Gaslamp Quarter hones in on the local, farm-fresh niche and welcomes you with one of the city’s best rooftop dining spaces. Tomahawks steaks are served with sides of cauliflower gratin and are guzzled down by the best ales of local breweries. Also in the GD is Bandar, an award-winning Persian restaurant making its space in a city full of Mexican and American options. Vegetarians and vegans, however, will be happier at Kindred, a hip space with a creative cocktail menu and entrees like the delicious beet risotto or beer battered palm tacos.

Make sure to arrive early for brunch at Snooze A.M. Eatery in the historic gay neighbourhood of Hillcrest for filling benedicts and innovative pancakes, like the pineapple upside down cake.

The best boutiques live in the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Seaport Village. Locals sport the San Diego proud 5 & A Dime in the Gaslamp Quarter, which blends street and beachwear into a casual collection of men’s t-shirts, sweatshirts, and headwear, which receives bonus points for being manufactured entirely in the city. For footwear, Gym Standard sources Southern California classics like Vans and Converse as well as specialized lifestyle-clothing brands.

Bird’s Surf Shed is a city classic keeping San Diego surf culture alive. The shop acts as a museum of surfboards displayed from the wall to the ceiling. It’s the place to check out new surf films and grab the swaggiest swim trunks on the market.

And if you don’t have time to hop the border to Mexico on your trip, let Casa Artelexia bring Mexico to you in their arts, gifts, and home décor store which imports from regions of Mexico best known for their design aesthetics. There is always an art exhibition or a workshop to join in and experience.