San Diego Travel Guide

Last weekend I was lucky enough to tag along on my husbands work trip to San Diego. I spent 4 days there and he stayed another 5 days after I left. Before the trip I reached out to a childhood friend of mine who lives there to get some recommendations and she definitely came through with some goodies! (Thanks Jules!) This was only my first time in San Diego, so I'm sure there are plenty of places I missed, but in this post I am sharing the places I experienced and think you all would love.

Where to stay:

The Moxy

I highly highly highly recommend staying here if you are visiting San Diego! It's a great location and the Moxy is such a fun hotel. They have a super chic and trendy interior, tons of games to play in the lobby an awesome bar, and they offer free coffee every morning! We spent a couple nights just hanging out in the lobby because there is so much to do. They even had a DJ come in on the weekend nights! I will say, it's definitely a spot for millennial's

Where to eat + drink:

Tocaya Organica

I low key love places like this- super trendy, aesthetically pleasing, quick and healthy restaurants. I never really go to them because JT isn't really a fan of over priced "foo foo" food as he says. So I decided to walk here one day while he was working. I ordered the Fajita Del Ray Bowl online beforehand which was smart because when I got there the line was out the door. It was a bit overpriced for the amount I was given in my opinion, but delicious nonetheless.

The Henry

The Henry is new to Coronado. It's very stylish + chic. A great place to have happy hour!

Brian's 24

A 24 hour diner across the street from our hotel (The Moxy). It wasn't your basic diner food. I was surprised to see all of the options they had. Our friends got the buffalo chicken tots which we shared, and then JT and I split the Waffle Cristo. Both did not disappoint. We also got mimosas the size of our face.

The Nolen

This place is a gem! It's located next to the Courtyard Marriott in the downtown/Gaslamp area. It's a rooftop bar so the views are stunning. If you are staying at The Moxy they will give you free drink vouchers for this place. Just ask!

Cody's

THE CUTEST BRUNCH SPOT. You MUST go here if you plan to explore La Jolla. They stop serving food at 3pm and bar officially closes at 4pm, so make sure you go early. The interior is something out of my dreams. and the view is tooo good! Everything gave me so much inspo. Also, the biscuits and gravy are out of this world FYI, so go ahead and try them. With a nice glass of rose or a mimosa for me ;)

George's at the Cove

I was recommended this spot by a few people and it did not disappoint. Not going to lie though, the smell of the seals (yes, they smell) had traveled up to the restaurant and it wasn't very pleasant. I'm not sure if it was just the direction of the wind the day I was there, so don't let that be the reason you dont visit this gorgeous spot... plus you do get used to it after a bit!

Duke's

We had the best meal here. There was a group of 7 of us and not one person had a bad thing to say about their meal. Everything on the menu had my mouth watering and the service was excellent. Good food and good views.

OB Surf Lodge

You know I had to find a brunch spot right on the beach! Again, everything on this menu looked so good. Highly recommend getting brunch here and exploring the little town of Ocean Beach.

Bravo's

Popped in here for a drink before heading to the Sunset Cliffs and had the most delicious hibiscus margarita and my girlfriend got the coconut margarita. Both were dangerously good and super fresh.

Rustic Root

Another super cute open air bar in the downtown/Gaslamp area. We went later in the night for drinks so I couldn't get a good photo.

The Crack Shack

Really really good fried chicken. You order at the window and seat yourself.

What to do:

Explore Coronado

The Seals at La Jolla Cove

Sunset Cliffs

Bar Hop Downtown

Explore Ocean Beach

Overall, I loved San Diego. It is definitely a place I could see myself living. The people were so incredibly nice, something I'm not used to in South Florida unfortunately, and everything was so aesthetically pleasing. From the restaurants/businesses to the scenery. I couldn't get enough. I am really hoping to make it back there soon.

Here are some other things my friend Julia recommends doing:

Snorkeling at Marine Room Beach

Pearl Street Shops

Scripps Pier/Beach

Hike Torrey Pines

Seaport Village Shops

San Diego Zoo

Padres Game

Little Italy Farmers Market

Harbor Island

Pacific Beach Pier

Mission Jetty Shack