I found myself sending really long Twitter DMs so if you’re coming to San Diego and want some recommendations from a local, here’s a TLDR version:
Where to stay
Avoid staying in south/south-east San Diego. If you're going to stay downtown, avoid the east side. Here are my recommendations:
- Little Italy
- Coronado
- West Downtown/Seaport Village
- Mission Valley
- Pacific Beach
- Oceanside
What to do
- Shop: Fashion Valley Mall, Westfield UTC, One Paseo
- Beaches: Coronado, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores, Sunset Cliffs
- Hikes: Torrey Pines Beach Trail, Big Laguna Trail, Cowles Mountain, Potato Chip Rock
- Zoo or Safari Park
- Legoland
- SeaWorld
- Balboa Park
- USS Midway
- Seaport Village
- Coronado Ferry
- Liberty Station
- Old Town
- Padres Game
- Belmont Park
- La Jolla Cove (see the seals & sea lions!)
- Whale watching (year round!) on a small boat or big boat
- Patriot jet boat
- Parasailing in the bay
- Concert or movie at The Shell
What to eat
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What to drink
Coffee
Breweries
Cocktails