Guidebook for San Diego
Food Scene
The view is amazing! Book this on the balcony for sunset - right on the water! You have your choice of "top of the Market" upstairs which is a bit more upscale and the lower level which is more budget and family friendly. Both have great food. https://www.thefishmarket.com/locations.aspx?id=6
70 locals recommend
The Fish Market Valet
3 Tuna LnThe view is amazing! Book this on the balcony for sunset - right on the water! You have your choice of "top of the Market" upstairs which is a bit more upscale and the lower level which is more budget and family friendly. Both have great food. https://www.thefishmarket.com/locations.aspx?id=6
HUGE portions. I'm not kidding. Before you order, look at the food being delivered to other tables! Massive and yummy. We split 1 meal between 4 people and still had leftovers! Expect long wait time. http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/
185 locals recommend
Hash House A Go Go
3628 Fifth AveHUGE portions. I'm not kidding. Before you order, look at the food being delivered to other tables! Massive and yummy. We split 1 meal between 4 people and still had leftovers! Expect long wait time. http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/
OMG!!! If you like eggs benedict, you will love this place! Mix and match from creative creations in a fun and fresh atmosphere. Expect long waits. http://snoozeeatery.com/locations/hillcrest/
178 locals recommend
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
3940 Fifth AveOMG!!! If you like eggs benedict, you will love this place! Mix and match from creative creations in a fun and fresh atmosphere. Expect long waits. http://snoozeeatery.com/locations/hillcrest/
The ambiance is so nice on their patio. You have to be sure to request it and if you have 3 or more, they have cool Cabanas to sit in. Our Fav is the octopus and the focaccia di Recco with goat cheese and honey comb...YUM!!! http://www.davantienoteca.com/sandiego/
67 locals recommend
Davanti Enoteca
1655 India StThe ambiance is so nice on their patio. You have to be sure to request it and if you have 3 or more, they have cool Cabanas to sit in. Our Fav is the octopus and the focaccia di Recco with goat cheese and honey comb...YUM!!! http://www.davantienoteca.com/sandiego/
Super cool vibe and yummy food. Great Sunday brunch with live Bluegrass music on the outdoor patio and awesome Bloody Mary's!
139 locals recommend
Urban Solace & Bar Solace
3823 30th StSuper cool vibe and yummy food. Great Sunday brunch with live Bluegrass music on the outdoor patio and awesome Bloody Mary's!
Great quality sushi at a reasonable price. Ask for Midori and tell her "Mom and Dad sent us!" Walking distance from our home! http://ebisusushisd.com/
11 locals recommend
Ebisu Sushi & Bar
3765 Sixth AveGreat quality sushi at a reasonable price. Ask for Midori and tell her "Mom and Dad sent us!" Walking distance from our home! http://ebisusushisd.com/
Although it's not Italian, you'll find this dining experience in Little Italy to be outstanding. Not only a great bar scene and lively place, the food is outstanding. http://www.kettnerexchange.com/
168 locals recommend
Kettner Exchange
2001 Kettner BlvdAlthough it's not Italian, you'll find this dining experience in Little Italy to be outstanding. Not only a great bar scene and lively place, the food is outstanding. http://www.kettnerexchange.com/
One of our solid favorites in Hillcrest where we frequent quite often. If you have a taste for an incredible fish dish, definitely order the basil seabass. There isn't a thing on the menu we've not liked, so lots to choose from! http://saigononfifth.menutoeat.com/
30 locals recommend
Saigon on Fifth
3900 Fifth AveOne of our solid favorites in Hillcrest where we frequent quite often. If you have a taste for an incredible fish dish, definitely order the basil seabass. There isn't a thing on the menu we've not liked, so lots to choose from! http://saigononfifth.menutoeat.com/
We've been avid sushi fans in San Diego since the early 80's and have come to know many of the sushi chef's in town. Aki-san is one of our favorite chef's who works for Hisashi “Nao” Ichimura, owner of Azuki who is also the Executive Chef. They've got an incredible team and some of the highest quality fish in California. http://azukisushi.com/
55 locals recommend
Azuki Sushi
2321 Fifth AveWe've been avid sushi fans in San Diego since the early 80's and have come to know many of the sushi chef's in town. Aki-san is one of our favorite chef's who works for Hisashi “Nao” Ichimura, owner of Azuki who is also the Executive Chef. They've got an incredible team and some of the highest quality fish in California. http://azukisushi.com/
Drinks & Nightlife
Check out the concerts here! So close and great venue and super close! http://valleyviewcasinocenter.com/events.php
28 locals recommend
Pechanga Arena San Diego
3500 Sports Arena BlvdCheck out the concerts here! So close and great venue and super close! http://valleyviewcasinocenter.com/events.php
Dueling Pianos - great talent and super fun! Warning - starts of PG and goes up from there the later it gets. Foos average. We go for the first set and maybe part of the second and avoid the cover charge. http://sd.theshouthouse.com/
47 locals recommend
The Shout! House
655 Fourth AveDueling Pianos - great talent and super fun! Warning - starts of PG and goes up from there the later it gets. Foos average. We go for the first set and maybe part of the second and avoid the cover charge. http://sd.theshouthouse.com/
Don't miss the blue cheese date, the sangria, and the meat skewers! Be sure to stick around for the Latin guitar at 9 or head downstairs for the Salsa lessons and dancing! http://cafesevilla.com/
47 locals recommend
Cafe Sevilla of San Diego
353 Fifth AveDon't miss the blue cheese date, the sangria, and the meat skewers! Be sure to stick around for the Latin guitar at 9 or head downstairs for the Salsa lessons and dancing! http://cafesevilla.com/
This is a speak-easy directly underground from the Melting Pot fondue restaurant. They have a unique collection of whiskey's you don't see everywhere and the local musical talent is incredible. You get up close and personal with the musicians and the team service here is outstanding. http://syrahwineparlor.com/
92 locals recommend
Vin de Syrah
901 Fifth AveThis is a speak-easy directly underground from the Melting Pot fondue restaurant. They have a unique collection of whiskey's you don't see everywhere and the local musical talent is incredible. You get up close and personal with the musicians and the team service here is outstanding. http://syrahwineparlor.com/
Great shopping and restaurants all in the historic district. Walk up and down 5th and 6th Avenue. Stay for dinner. http://www.gaslamp.org/
1208 locals recommend
Gaslamp Quarter
Great shopping and restaurants all in the historic district. Walk up and down 5th and 6th Avenue. Stay for dinner. http://www.gaslamp.org/
Sightseeing
The original town. They have done a great job of preserving the look and feel of the Old Town. Lots of quaint little shops and lots of history. http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/
1070 locals recommend
Old Town
The original town. They have done a great job of preserving the look and feel of the Old Town. Lots of quaint little shops and lots of history. http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/
Must see! http://www.midway.org/exhibits-and-activities?gclid=CIHUvJixzs0CFQaUfgodmpsPPA
775 locals recommend
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrMust see! http://www.midway.org/exhibits-and-activities?gclid=CIHUvJixzs0CFQaUfgodmpsPPA
We enjoy renting bikes to ride the boardwalk, but it's just as fun to walk it. The beach is fantastic and you can ride the old wooden roller coaster, rent jet skis, rent stand-up paddle boards, rent a sailboat, grab a cocktail on the beach and probably one of the best places to people watch!
554 locals recommend
Mission Beach
3000 Mission BoulevardWe enjoy renting bikes to ride the boardwalk, but it's just as fun to walk it. The beach is fantastic and you can ride the old wooden roller coaster, rent jet skis, rent stand-up paddle boards, rent a sailboat, grab a cocktail on the beach and probably one of the best places to people watch!
You just can't come to San Diego without watching a sunset from Sunset Cliffs. It is a spectacular setting and we always recommend bringing a picnic basket and having a glass of wine to watch the sun go down. Put this address in your GPS: 1001 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Take your camera, tennis shoes, a jacket and enjoy the amazing views. Consider a picnic during sunset - you won;t regret it!
580 locals recommend
Sunset Cliffs
You just can't come to San Diego without watching a sunset from Sunset Cliffs. It is a spectacular setting and we always recommend bringing a picnic basket and having a glass of wine to watch the sun go down. Put this address in your GPS: 1001 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Take your camera, tennis shoes, a jacket and enjoy the amazing views. Consider a picnic during sunset - you won;t regret it!
Entertainment & Activities
You can go to the famous Sunday brunch, or walk the famous beach...but definitely check out this amazing wooden structure where Marilyn Monroe filmed a famous movie. There is shopping, restaurants, entertainment and they even have an ice-skating rink during the Christmas season! http://hoteldel.com/
519 locals recommend
Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange AveYou can go to the famous Sunday brunch, or walk the famous beach...but definitely check out this amazing wooden structure where Marilyn Monroe filmed a famous movie. There is shopping, restaurants, entertainment and they even have an ice-skating rink during the Christmas season! http://hoteldel.com/
Our stadium is right downtown! Easy Uber ride and a guaranteed fun time! Not just the home of the San Diego Padres! Lots of other events as well - check it out! http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ballpark/
709 locals recommend
Petco Park
100 Park BlvdOur stadium is right downtown! Easy Uber ride and a guaranteed fun time! Not just the home of the San Diego Padres! Lots of other events as well - check it out! http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ballpark/
We like this far better than the Zoo. It feels like a real Safari and the shows are fun! Don't miss the bird show! Expect 30-45 drive and 10 degrees warmer. http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/
967 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdWe like this far better than the Zoo. It feels like a real Safari and the shows are fun! Don't miss the bird show! Expect 30-45 drive and 10 degrees warmer. http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/
Need a pool for the day? Great place for a nostalgic visit to a historic hotel and dip in the pool. Super cool vibe and check their website for live music by the pool. $20 for a day pass. http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/
38 locals recommend
The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
2223 El Cajon BlvdNeed a pool for the day? Great place for a nostalgic visit to a historic hotel and dip in the pool. Super cool vibe and check their website for live music by the pool. $20 for a day pass. http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/
20 movie theater is about 6 minute drive. It has IMAX 3-D and runs all the latest movies. This is inside the Mission Valley Mall that has all kinds of additional restaurants and shopping. https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/san-diego/amc-mission-valley-20
37 locals recommend
Amc Mission Valley 20
1640 Camino Del Rio N20 movie theater is about 6 minute drive. It has IMAX 3-D and runs all the latest movies. This is inside the Mission Valley Mall that has all kinds of additional restaurants and shopping. https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/san-diego/amc-mission-valley-20
Parks & Nature
The cove is where everyone goes to see the seals, sea lions and pelicans up close and personal. Take your nose plugs - it can get smelly depending on the tide, heat, and breeze. Walk down the steps to the beach are to see the seals but don't touch! It's a $500 fine :/ Walk up the hill to the Cave Shop and pay $4.00 to walk the 170 steps down through the cave - so worth it! http://www.cavestore.com/
1327 locals recommend
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdThe cove is where everyone goes to see the seals, sea lions and pelicans up close and personal. Take your nose plugs - it can get smelly depending on the tide, heat, and breeze. Walk down the steps to the beach are to see the seals but don't touch! It's a $500 fine :/ Walk up the hill to the Cave Shop and pay $4.00 to walk the 170 steps down through the cave - so worth it! http://www.cavestore.com/
This is our best-kept secret! Call ahead to see if the gliders are flying - usually between 1-4. Sit on the highest point of the San Diego Shoreline and watch glider pilots jump off the cliff and fly off into the sun above the ocean! Spectacular, cheap and AMAZING!!! Free and the have a snack shop there if you get hungry - great roast beef sandwich. Bathrooms are porta-potties. https://www.flytorrey.com/
268 locals recommend
Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic DrThis is our best-kept secret! Call ahead to see if the gliders are flying - usually between 1-4. Sit on the highest point of the San Diego Shoreline and watch glider pilots jump off the cliff and fly off into the sun above the ocean! Spectacular, cheap and AMAZING!!! Free and the have a snack shop there if you get hungry - great roast beef sandwich. Bathrooms are porta-potties. https://www.flytorrey.com/
Great hiking with amazing views! http://torreypine.org/reserveinfo/trails/
1108 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadGreat hiking with amazing views! http://torreypine.org/reserveinfo/trails/
This is a great way to see San Diego from a completely different perspective. It gives you a historical understanding of why San Diego Harbor is so unique and how it evolved over time into what is the Pacific Fleet headquarters today. Stop by the Pacific side and look for critters in the tide pools. https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm
502 locals recommend
Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center
1800 Cabrillo Memorial DrThis is a great way to see San Diego from a completely different perspective. It gives you a historical understanding of why San Diego Harbor is so unique and how it evolved over time into what is the Pacific Fleet headquarters today. Stop by the Pacific side and look for critters in the tide pools. https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm
Literally our front yard is Balboa Park. You can walk 1.2 miles into the center of the park and be in the epicenter of everything it has to offer, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. With 13 museums and 11 attractions, this is a must! Street performers, botanical garden, organ pavilion offering free concerts on Sundays and much, much more! http://sandiego.balboapark.org/attraction/list/1357
61 locals recommend
Balboa Park Visitors Center
1549 El PradoLiterally our front yard is Balboa Park. You can walk 1.2 miles into the center of the park and be in the epicenter of everything it has to offer, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo. With 13 museums and 11 attractions, this is a must! Street performers, botanical garden, organ pavilion offering free concerts on Sundays and much, much more! http://sandiego.balboapark.org/attraction/list/1357
Arts & Culture
Right in the heart of Balboa Park - easy walk - less than a mile. https://www.theoldglobe.org/
96 locals recommend
Old Globe Theatre
1363 Old Globe WayRight in the heart of Balboa Park - easy walk - less than a mile. https://www.theoldglobe.org/
The best experience with the Symphony in our opinion is the Summer Pops experience on the Embarcadero behind the convention center. We get season tickets every summer and just get lawn seating. We take our cooler, picnic supplies and have a dinner on the grass waiting for the sun to go down and the concert to start. It's just an awesome experience. http://www.sandiegosymphony.org/
56 locals recommend
San Diego Symphony
750 B StThe best experience with the Symphony in our opinion is the Summer Pops experience on the Embarcadero behind the convention center. We get season tickets every summer and just get lawn seating. We take our cooler, picnic supplies and have a dinner on the grass waiting for the sun to go down and the concert to start. It's just an awesome experience. http://www.sandiegosymphony.org/
Shopping
Not really a mall - more like a waterfront shopping area with restaurants and shops on the marina.
762 locals recommend
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrNot really a mall - more like a waterfront shopping area with restaurants and shops on the marina.
Westfield Mission Valley
1640 Camino Del Rio NEasy Uber. Also has the movie theatre.
Right in the heart of downtown San Diego you'll find 5 levels of shopping all within walking distance to the Gaslamp when you're done shopping.
241 locals recommend
Westfield Horton Plaza
324 Horton PlazaRight in the heart of downtown San Diego you'll find 5 levels of shopping all within walking distance to the Gaslamp when you're done shopping.