Hey dudes and dudettes! Sorry, I must still be feeling those California vibes (though, no one that I met in California talked like that, so maybe I’m feeling the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle vibes). Anyhoo, I spent essentially one weekend in San Diego and managed to cram in a lot, surprisingly. So, should you find yourself there for two days, here are some tips and tricks on how to get things done. I also have a few suggestions from a local gal, and as I like to preach and practice, tourist like a local lives.
And remember, my goal while I was there was to eat as much seafood and/or as many tacos as I could, so much of this revolves around that theme because Florida, I miss your seafood and Chicago, I miss your tacos.
I stayed near the Convention Center since I was there for work and there is nothing around there. Well, not nothing. The water, which was pretty. But I had to search a bit further for food and it reminded me a lot of being around Navy Pier in Chicago, or the Embarcadero in San Francisco.
If you have to stay downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter isn’t that far from the water, and it’s where many of the large hotels and Petco Field are located. While this bar-and-tourist heavy area wasn’t my favorite, it didn’t stop me from finding some pretty damn good tacos . If you’re looking for the same, head to Volcano Rabbit for a marg and a duo. These were delicious- the smoked portobello with roasted corn and crispy leeks blew my mind, and really, all I thought I wanted to eat was fish.
The Convention Center area wasn’t without merit. A twenty minute walk will get you to the Maritime Museum and the USS Midway Museum. Remember that San Diego is home to the main base of the Pacific fleet and you’ll see evidence of that everywhere.
I didn’t have time for both, but I do recommend the Maritime Museum. For a nominal fee you can add on a 45-minute boat ride around the bay, getting a glimpse of Hotel del Coronado, a better look at the Naval Base and some fresh air.
Once back on “dry land,” set sail (figuratively) through time to explore the different boats, ships and submarines that are part of our early history.
Walking along the water, you won’t find it too hard to find someplace to cop a squat and enjoy the view, so grab a book to relish in the California sunshine!
If you have a little more time and inclination, check out the neighborhoods. Little Italy is adorable, and lined with cute shops and restaurants, the sights and sounds of friends catching up and bellies being filled. I’d suggest Ironside Fish & Oyster, which had a hopping happy hour in progress when I showed up. The lobster roll is their thing, and far be it from me to not get what one suggests.
Good decision.
Seafood not your thing? Craft + Commerce is from the same restaurant group and comes equally recommended (head to the back to the tiki bar!). If you still have room after dinner, head down the street a few doors to Salt & Straw. I wanted ALL the flavors and tried most of them but finally settled on Almond Brittle with Salted Carmel Ganache. This still lingers in my dreams, and once I bust out the ice cream maker, may soon grace my freezer.
Head a bit further into the hills into Old Town San Diego. This area is very kitchy, with souvenir shops and mariachi bands galore, with vendor hawking hot homemade tamales and freshly fried churros.
I hopped on a bus to tour the Ghosts & Gravestones, getting a glimpse into San Diego’s early pioneer past and hearing about some of the West’s early notorious settlers.
I full believe in ghosts, so this was the ONLY picture I was willing to take! See anything (or anyone)?
If you find yourself in Old Town, walk a few blocks past all the hub bub to lower key Ceviche House. It was pretty empty when I go there, but these tortas…
Well, just look at them! Perfection.
The neighborhood of North Park is also worth a look if you want to check out the famous San Diego Zoo. If you’re around there, Balboa Park is great for a walk around, and the El Prado area boats a boat load of museums to keep you busy all afternoon: The San Diego Museum of Art, The Timken Museum, Botanical Building, Rose Garden and Cactus Garden.
Work up an appetite? A hop skip and the jump from the Zoo is Panama 66, a casual eatery with good drinks and good vibes. A little further away is City Tacos is a small casual joint, but the non-street size tacos will fill you up and set you up until dinner!
Pictured: Especial, Surf & Turf, Pescado
And finally, if the beach is on your list (it is California after all), here are a few suggestions just a short drive away:
The Mission Beach Boardwalk (which leads to Pacific Beach)
Point Loma
Ocean Beach
Whew. The weekend of activity left me spent, and so before heading home, I tucked into my hotel for one last sweet.
What are your San Diego recommendations?
I need to plan a trip to San Diego! Looks amazing! 🙂
You surely do!
Beautiful! So clean and blue…and food looks great too.
I really was perfect, especially after having such grey weather here.