Guidebook for San Diego
Essentials
Sprouts Farmers Market
3015 Clairemont Dr7-Eleven
1995 El Cajon BlvdFood Scene
Lebanese food. The “Ultimate Supreme Manaeesh with chicken” is our go-to. :)
27 locals recommend
Mama's Bakery & Deli
4237 Alabama StLebanese food. The “Ultimate Supreme Manaeesh with chicken” is our go-to. :)
Get the California burrito if you're visiting San Diego for the first time (or have never had one). They’re a San Diego specialty filled with carne asada, French fries, guacamole, cheese, and (at Bahia) salsa fresca.
Bahia Mexican Restaurant
1985 El Cajon BlvdGet the California burrito if you're visiting San Diego for the first time (or have never had one). They’re a San Diego specialty filled with carne asada, French fries, guacamole, cheese, and (at Bahia) salsa fresca.
“Crime Scene” is one of our favorites. $3 pizza by the slice. CASH only!
213 locals recommend
Pizzeria Luigi
1137 25th St“Crime Scene” is one of our favorites. $3 pizza by the slice. CASH only!
Loving Hut
1905 El Cajon BlvdVegan, mostly Asian-inspired dishes.
Bahn Thai
4646 Park BlvdGreat for take-out!
Grinds & Vine Coffee Bar
2419 El Cajon BlvdGreat breakfast/coffee spot a short walk from our place.
This pretty, trendy coffee shop shares a space with a florist so if you enjoy working in coffee shops, this one has particularly beautiful surroundings. :)
146 locals recommend
Communal Coffee
2335 University AveThis pretty, trendy coffee shop shares a space with a florist so if you enjoy working in coffee shops, this one has particularly beautiful surroundings. :)
Breakfast Republic
2730 University AveVery popular breakfast/brunch spot.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
3940 Fifth AveSightseeing
Fun neighborhood surrounding an old Mission, there's plenty of shops and eateries for everyone. Also has one of America's "most haunted houses," the Winchester House with tours all day. ;)
1070 locals recommend
Old Town
Fun neighborhood surrounding an old Mission, there's plenty of shops and eateries for everyone. Also has one of America's "most haunted houses," the Winchester House with tours all day. ;)
No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Many shops and restaurants in historic old buildings. Ghirardelli Chocolate is a favorite of mine for their hot-fudge sundaes!
1208 locals recommend
Gaslamp Quarter
No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Many shops and restaurants in historic old buildings. Ghirardelli Chocolate is a favorite of mine for their hot-fudge sundaes!
Used to be part of the Navy barracks, but made into public land a few years ago. The city converted the space into a fun market with many different local, artisan shops.
227 locals recommend
Liberty Public Market
2820 Historic Decatur RdUsed to be part of the Navy barracks, but made into public land a few years ago. The city converted the space into a fun market with many different local, artisan shops.
Coronado is a small island, half of which is a dedicated Navy base. The other half is a beautiful, upscale beachtown that's popular with tourists. The highlight is the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
487 locals recommend
Coronado Island
Coronado is a small island, half of which is a dedicated Navy base. The other half is a beautiful, upscale beachtown that's popular with tourists. The highlight is the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
Entertainment & Activities
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrSeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Stadium Way
Stadium WayNorth Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
2050 Entertainment CirConcert venue.
Viejas Arena SDSU
5500 Canyon Crest DrConcert venue.
House of Blues San Diego
1055 Fifth AveConcert venue (smaller shows).
Arts & Culture
San Diego Natural History Museum
1788 El PradoFleet Science Center
1875 El PradoParks & Nature
Balboa Park is a huge park/reserve a mile south of our house with plenty of hiking paths, grassy fields, children's playgrounds, and picnic tables. It's also home to most of San Diego's museums and is famous for it's beautiful architecture (most of the structures were built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition).
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a huge park/reserve a mile south of our house with plenty of hiking paths, grassy fields, children's playgrounds, and picnic tables. It's also home to most of San Diego's museums and is famous for it's beautiful architecture (most of the structures were built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition).
Beautiful building housing many exotic plants built in front of a massive koi pond. Stunning all year round, and always free!
49 locals recommend
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
1550 El PradoBeautiful building housing many exotic plants built in front of a massive koi pond. Stunning all year round, and always free!
Shopping
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdUpscale outdoor shopping mall.