Why San Diego is the Best City and You Should Visit

San Diego, California is truly one of the best cities in the world. Don’t believe me? Well, I lived there for 4 years and go back several times a year because there’s just no place like it. Its laidback culture mixed with an endless amount of fun activities make it the perfect vacation to not matter what you’re looking for. Here are a bunch of reasons to prove why San Diego is the best city. Is San Diego worth visiting?

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San Diego’s Weather Year Round

The weather is great year round. No matter when you’re visiting, the weather stays temperate and hardly rains. It rarely reaches higher than the 80’s in summer or lower than the 50’s in winter, making it perfect for a beach day, hiking trip, or brunching with friends. San Diego interesting facts

Laidback Vibes and Chill People in San Diego

Another reason San Diego, California is the best is because the vibes are laidback and the people are super chill. There’s something to be said about San Diego culture. It’s a mix of a surf bum lifestyle (even if you don’t surf), trendy and delicious bars and restaurant, and more activities than you’d be able to fit into one lifetime.

Locals are constantly relaxing on the beach or picnicking with friends in one of the many parks throughout the city. And, you’ll meet some of the friendliest people in all of California! Locals are super outgoing and just want to have a goooood time! 😎😎😎

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San Diego has the Best Beaches

The city stretches for miles and miles along the ocean so there are many vantage points to gaze out at the sparkling seas, soak up some rays and take a dip. Why San Diego is the Best City

Coronado: Just in front of the Hotel Del Coronado, you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches filled with couples and families wanting to escape the craziness of the beaches in the heart of San Diego. If you’ve never been to the Hotel Del, it’s definitely worth a stop for a drink or just to walk through. You can also rent surrey bikes to cruise around the island with the family. Why you should visit San Diego

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Bird Rock: It’s not much of a beach, per se, but it’s definitely a local favorite to hit the waves. You can set up camp on the rocks or very small beach when the tide is out and watch as the surfers ride some of the biggest San Diego waves close by. the best beaches in San Diego

Sunset Cliffs: Similar to Bird Rock, there’s isn’t much of a beach just rocks and cliffs but the views from here are unlike anywhere else in San Diego. It’s called Sunset Cliffs for a reason, because this is the perfect place to be to watch the sunset. San Diego’s best beaches

Pacific Beach: If you’re looking for fun vibes and good drinks, Pacific Beach is your spot. It’s a younger and more wild crowd, so not the best beach for kids. There are several bars right off the beach for a quick pick-me-up after relaxing on the sand all day. San Diego’s best beaches

Black’s Beach: Although the beach stretches for over 2 miles, Black’s Beach, located in La Jolla, is one of the most secluded beaches in San Diego. In order to reach the sand, you must hike down from the top of the mountain which is quite a far way down. Many don’t bother venturing when there are neighboring beaches of La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines that are much easier to get to, yet also much more crowded.

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Balboa Park in San Diego

Balboa Park alone is a reason you must visit San Diego. It’s more than just a “park”, it’s the cultural Mecca of San Diego. There are a number of museums, gardens, and attractions located through Balboa Park – many more than you could possibly hit in one day. You can easily spend your entire vacation just visiting the attractions in Balboa Park! Here are some of the attractions in Balboa Park that I highly recommend visiting.

• Art Museums: Mingei International Museum, Timken Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts
• Other Museums: Centro Cultural de la Raza, Comic-Con Museum (Opening Date TBA), Marston House
• Gardens: Japanese Friendship Garden, Zoro Garden, Casa del Rey Moro Garden
• Performing Arts: Spreckels Organ Pavilion, The Old Globe
• Other Attractions: San Diego Zoo, Spanish Village Art Center, Cabrillo Bridge

As you can see, there’s A LOT to do in Balboa Park! And these are just some of the attractions; there are several more worth visiting I haven’t listed.

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So Many Outdoor Activities in San Diego

There are 100’s of miles of hiking, running, and biking trails just a short drive away. FUN FACT: Did you know the Triathlon was actually invented by a track club in San Diego in the 1970’s? You can literally run along the water for miles and miles, and I promise you’ll never get tired of the views. If you live an active lifestyle, San Diego is definitely worth a visit!

Biking along Silver Strand in Coronado

The Silver Strand is the peninsula between Coronado and Imperial Beach. The bike bath stretches over 10-miles in each direction, and once you can follow the path as it winds through Coronado Island. It’s an easy, flat ride with scenic ocean views on BOTH sides! where to bike in San Diego

Biking to Point Loma’s Cabrillo Monument

If you want a bit more challenging of a ride, bike from Liberty Station out to Point Loma’s Cabrillo Monument. It’s quite hilly on the way out, but much more downhill on your way back which is a nice treat. You’re so much higher than most of San Diego and at the furthest point out into the Pacific Ocean, so you can see for miles and miles in every direction.

Cabrillo Monument, in itself, it definitely worth a trip even if you don’t bike out there as these are some of the best views in all of San Diego. There’s a visitor center, hiking trails, a small museum, and tide pools to explore.

Running through Mission Bay

Hands down, the best place to run in San Diego is around Mission Bay. The main route I usually run is an 8-miles loop, but there are plenty of off-shoots and shorter and longer runs to choose from. And the best part is, there’s water on every side of you! There are bathrooms and water fountains along the way whenever you need a pitstop.

This is a very popular spot for locals and tourists, so you should expect to see a lot of people out there. For this reason, I don’t like biking around here as there’s a lot of walkers to avoid, but you definitely can do that here as well.

Water Sports at Mission Bay

As the water is pretty calm in Mission Bay, you’ll see a lot of people out on the water soaking up some rays. You can rent boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, kite surfboards, snorkel gear, jet skis, and pretty much any other type of water sport equipment you can think of. The water isn’t “warm,” but it’s definitely not as cold as the water up the coast.

Hike through Torrey Pines State Park

For some of the best views in San Diego, head to Torrey Pines State Park in North La Jolla. Yes, I’ve said “best views” a few times already, but that’s because there’s truly amazing views in MANY places throughout San Diego!

There are several steep hiking trails with ocean views at every point. One of my favorites is hiking down to Black’s Beach from the Gliderport.

Hike to Potato Chip Rock

A bucketlist hike in San Diego is Potato Chip Rock. It’s a bit more north and inland from the heart of San Diego, but it’s definitely worth a day trip to. It’s very popular and a relatively easy hike, so you should expect to see a lot of other people out there. You might even have to wait in line to take a picture on the rock. Wondering why you’d want to take a picture? Well, this is why… 😉

Surfing at La Jolla Shores

One of the best surf spots in town is at La Jolla Shores. I love this part of San Diego as it’s much more of a local’s spot because of its remote location tucked away from tourist attractions. As you head over to this cute surfer haven, you’ll feel as if you’re just driving through a residential area until you see the water. There are a bunch of cute restaurants and shops along the beach and tons of surfers fighting for the small waves.

San Diego’s Food Scene is the Best

As I mentioned before, the foodie scene 🍳🍔🍕🍩 is top notch in San Diego California! Honestly, it’s hard to choose favorites as the food is D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S everywhere, no joke. Here are a few that I recommend:

Best Brunches in San Diego

Brunching is a HUGE part of San Diego culture, so you’ll definitely have to add that to your list. There are 100’s of adorable and delicious brunch spots to choose from around the city, and the number just keeps growing!

• Hash House A Go Go: One of the most famous brunch spots in San Diego is Hash House A Go Go, and it definitely lives up to the expectations. This place is perfect for a big meal after a fun night out on the town. Talk about carbo-load, but it’s well worth every bite!
• Great Maple: Rooted in comfort foods, this modern eatery specializes in adding a twist to southern favorites. San Diego’s best brunch
• Baja Betty’s: Known for its affordable boozy drinks and tasty Mexican breakfast, you can eat to your hearts content while filling up on mimosas and bloodies.
• Swami’s Cafe: With 11 locations throughout San Diego proper and North San Diego, Swami’s is a DEFINITE must when visiting town. I don’t think I’ve ever visited San Diego and not eaten here at least one morning. They offer all the breakfast and brunch favorites with big sized portions and sides. One of my favorite things about Swami’s (pre-COVID) is that they offer about 15 different flavors of coffee that you can pour yourself. Hopefully they’ll pick this back up once the world is safe again!

Best Coffee Shops in San Diego

For the coffee lover, you’ll be blown away by the plethora of options to choose from. Once again, so hard to choose favorites but here are a few to look into.

• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: Started in the town of Bird Rock, a cute surfer community in between La Jolla and Pacific Beach, this coffee roaster has become a favorite of locals.
• Communal Coffee: They have several locations across the city, but my favorite, by far, is the location in South Park. The coffee is served from a trailer in a small courtyard, perfect for relaxing and getting work done. They also bring in local musicians to perform every once in a while.

• Pannikin: This was my go-to coffee shop back when I lived in San Diego, and it’s still one of my faves. There are a couple across San Diego and the structures are just as cute as its name. If you like “cozy vibes,” Pannikin in San Diego is the place to be. And, their baked goods are to die for!
• Better Buzz Coffee: This coffee chain started as a small drive-thru coffee stand years ago in Pacific Beach. They now have several sit-down locations all across the city. They serve up your typical coffee drinks + drinks with a fun twist! where to drink coffee in San Diego

Where to Eat Lunch in San Diego

Time for lunch? Try out one of these hot spots: where to eat in San Diego

• Parakeet Cafe: With 3 locations across San Diego, Parakeet Cafe focuses on healthy and organic ingredients. Their soups and bowls are mouth-watering, and many of their ingredients are also vegan and paleo-friendly. They also serve juices and smoothies. best lunch in San Diego
• El Zarape: There are A LOT of good Mexican food joints in San Diego, but hands down the best burrito shop is El Zarape in North Park! They have over 20 different burritos and always feature specials in addition. Their ingredients are as authentic as they come, but they also have flavors for the more Americanized palette.
• Trilogy Sanctuary: If you’ve never eaten vegan food before, let this be your first time! This is the best vegan restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. Yes, that’s a bold statement, and true! All of their menu items are vegan AND gluten-free, and use the cleanest ingredients. You probably wouldn’t even realize the food was vegan if I wasn’t telling you. They have every type of cuisine on their menu as well. What also makes this spot cool is the location. It’s on the roof of a yoga studio with views overlooking the Pacific. And they have aerial outdoor yoga on the roof, so while you’re eating, you might be watching people zen-ing out.
• Liberty Station: What was once used as a large Naval base has now been transformed into a trendy public marketplace. The area features literally every type of cuisine as well as boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries, a stunning indoor-outdoor Stone Brewery and several other sit-down restaurants. You could easily spend a whole day in the area, which we’ve definitely done before!

Where to Eat Dinner in San Diego

There are soooo many incredible gastropubs, upscale eateries and Mexican restaurants in San Diego. You’ll really never be able to hit them all even if you live there. Here are some of my faves:

• La Vecinidad: This is another place I go to every time I visit San Diego! It’s hands down the best Mexican food in San Diego. And, that’s not just my opinion, but also my boyfriend’s who is Mexican, as well as 1000 other individuals who have reviewed them on Yelp. Their chips are delicious. Their tacos are 2nd to none, and they even have a secret menu! I can’t say I have a favorite menu item here, because I try something different each time I visit and it’s all super tasty. A fun addition to your meal is their Gummy Bear Margarita.

• Mister A’s: Okay, normally I don’t talk about expensive places on my blog but I had to add this one as it’s truly a unique experience. Featuring a blend of French-American food, they’re known for their steaks and once-in-a-lifetime views. The views are really the reason you need to go there, and it’s worth every penny.

• Piatti: My favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego is Piatti in La Jolla Shores. They have such a unique array of pastas and pizzas, like the Saffron Pappardelle, that I’ve never seen anywhere else in the world.
• Phil’s BBQ: Hands down the best BBQ in San Diego is at Phil’s BBQ. Their meat is tender and their sauces are to die for. They don’t take reservations and on any given day, you’ll likely be waiting in line for well over 1-hour. They do offer to-go. why San Diego is the Best City. where to eat in San Diego

All the Things to do at Night in San Diego

People come to San Diego for the beaches, but stay for the nightlife. No matter what you’re in the mood for, San Diego has the perfect night-on-the-town option. Things to do at Night in San Diego

The Best San Diego Craft Breweries

The craft brewery scene is off the charts in San Diego. Literally everywhere you turn, you’re likely to run into a craft brewery. A few of my favorites are Stone Brewery at Liberty Station, Border x Brewing in Barrio Logan, North Park Beer Co. in North Park and Ballast Point in Little Italy. where to drink in San Diego

The Best Rooftop Bars in San Diego

With perfect weather year round, you better believe there are some great rooftop bars in San Diego. Here are some of my favorites: Firehouse in Pacific Beach, Born & Raised and Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, Rustic Root and Altitude Sky Lounge in Gaslamp, and Cannonball in Mission Beach.

Taco Tuesday

Being right on the border of Mexico, Mexican food and drinks are kind of a big deal around town. There are Mexican food joints on every corner, but I want to spare you from the bad ones. Here are my favorites which all offer Taco Tuesday deals: La Vecinidad in Hillcrest, El Jardin Cantina in Liberty Station, Barrio Star in Bankers Hill, and Cabo Cantina in Pacific Beach. Or, head to Old Town San Diego and choose from pretty much any Mexican food restaurant in the areas for food and drink specials.

Where to Go Dancing in San Diego

Believe it or not, I was a club promoter back when I was living in San Diego. The clubs might have changed since 2011 but the scene hasn’t. Here’s where to go dancing tonight: Omnia Nightclub and Bassmnt in Gaslamp, U-31 Bar in North Park, and western dancing at Moonshine Flats.

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RECAP: Why San Diego is the Best City

1. The weather year round
2. Laidback vibes and chill people
3. San Diego has the best beaches
4. Balboa Park
5. There are so many outdoor activities
6. It’s food scene is the best
7. All the things to do at night in San Diego Why San Diego is the Best City

Make sure to check out all our neighborhood guides for Los Angeles if you make it up North. Or, head 1-hour inland to visit the hilltop mining town of Julian, CA.

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