Exploring San Diego, CA
by Nichole Devolites
(Updated September 3, 2022)
I lived in San Diego for a total of three years - two years in Pacific Beach and one downtown. I try to visit every couple of years to see both friends and family that made the area their permanent home. It’s amazing how much has changed across the city and its sprawling suburbs, much of it for the better.
Below are my recommendations of where to stay, where to dine/drink, as well as what to explore. It’s a great place to visit any time of year!
Carlsbad
View of Swami’s Beach from The Meditation Gardens
Carlsbad is a great place for a weekend and even to live! A lot of Olympians and tech CEOs live in the area.
Where to Stay
Where to Dine & Drink
Things to see & Do
Carlsbad Flower Fields - Note this is only open from March 1st - Mother’s Day and you must have a reservation.
State Beaches - Any one of them will do!
Coronado Island
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton - My favorite hotel in the San Diego area! With a (literal) haunted past (check out room 3327), it was also the setting for Marilyn Monroe’s “Some Like It Hot”, as well as a retreat for countless celebrities. While you’re there, make dinner reservations at Serea, have brunch outside at Sheerwater or in the Crown Room on Sundays, and get a massage at their amazing spa!
Other Recommendations:
WHERE TO DINE & DRINK
Il Fornaio - Not only do they have gluten-free pasta, they are within walking distance to the park on San Diego bay. Grab your food to go and enjoy a picnic outside! Price: $$ Gluten-free: B+
Sheerwater - Go there for brunch and request a table outside. They do have a lot of wonderful gluten-free options however, service can be slow. Price: $$$ Gluten-free: A-
THINGS TO SEE & DO
NOTE: If you get up early enough, you can see the Navy Seals running along the beach.
Explore SS Monte Carlo - a sunken ship
Del Mar
WHERE TO STAY
Where to dine & drink
Addison - five or ten course tastings
Poseidon Restaurant - GREAT views - right on the beach!
things to see & do
Del Mar Horse Races
Del Mar is known for their horse races however, there are many more things to see and do there!
Del Mar Farmers' Market (on Saturdays)
Rent a car and drive the coast, or do any of the things in this post for the day
Take a day hike, including Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Downtown San Diego
This includes: Gaslamp, Little Italy, and Balboa Park
Where to stay
where to dine & drink
Bronze Bird (top-rated)
C-Level Lounge - A great place to hang out for after-dinner drinks in an upscale setting.
Craft & Commerce - A great place with fantastic Mixologists!
Evergreen Private Speakeasy (Speakeasy)
Hidden Craft - A great place with fantastic Mixologists!
Island Prime - An upscale restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. I can vouch for the steak salads and I hear the lobster mac n’ cheese is amazing. Price: $$$$ Gluten-free: B
Mister A’s - I’ve only gone there for drinks around sunset but I hear the food is fantastic.
Noble Experiment (Speakeasy) - A great place with fantastic Mixologists!
Prohibition Lounge (Speakeasy)
The Lion’s Share - An interestingly curated food menu with fantastic mixologists. It’s in a blink-and-you-miss it location, which provides a wonderful intimate feel. Price: $$$ Gluten-free: B+
Werewolf - If you like livelier crowds and good food, this is the place for you. Price: $$$ Gluten-free: B
Youngblood (Speakeasy)
things to see & do
Balboa Park - You can easily spend a day wandering through all of the museums, gardens, etc.
Old Town San Diego - Definitely make sure you go in the evening to take in the authentic shows with dinner. Note that parking is very limited so either grab a ride share or get there early to park!
San Diego Zoo - One of my favorite zoos in the US and great for those that love to walk!
USS Midway Museum - Even if you’re not a military/history buff, the Midway is such a cool experience!
La Jolla
Where to stay
where to dine & drink
Brockton Villa - Ask for a table by the window. They cater very well to Celiac patients. Price: $$$ Gluten-free: A
George’s at the Cove - My go-to when in La Jolla! Ask for a table by the window and try to make it to dessert! Price: $$$$ Gluten-free: B+
Harry’s Coffee Shop - La Jolla’s oldest diner
Piatti - They have gluten-free pasta options.
Sugar and Scribe - Run by The Food Network’s Champion Chef Maeve
The Marine Room - Go at high-tide and request a table by the window - it’s amazing to see the waves lap at the window while you dine! Price: $$$$ Gluten-free: B+
things to see & do
Scripps Pier (Became a popular Instagram spot during sunsets)
Pacific Beach
Where to stay
where to dine & drink
Baked Bear - I remember the day this opened because they were the only ice cream sandwich place for miles that catered to people with Celiac (and they still do)! Note that there’s usually a line out the door but it moves fast. Price: $ Gluten-free: A+
Breakfast Republic - Excuse my language but holy shit. Never have I ordered from such a tasty, amusing, accommodating breakfast spot. Fun tip: Get the coffee to go so you get the fun coffee sleeve :). Check out Blackbeard’s video short on what we ordered. Price: $$. Gluten-free: A+
Fig Tree Cafe - One of the healthiest, most beautiful brunch spots in P.B. means I’ve been a huge fan for a long time. Check out our most recent experience there and definitely stop by if you have the opportunity. Price: $$ Gluten-free score: A+
JRDN - Located in the Tower 23 hotel, JRDN has been an upscale staple of P.B. as far back as the early 2000s. Not only are the menu and service amazing, but the view of the ocean and the people are beautiful. Check out Blackbeard’s video short here. Price: $$$ Gluten-free: B
Lahaina Beach House - Run into Olympians, pro-skaters and surfers, and other undercover well-knowns who come to relax and enjoy the beach while taking in the best sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. NOTE: They are cash only.
PB Shore Club - It’s a great place for lunch on a weekday unless you’re into large bar crowds. Their food is great and so is the view! Make sure to ask for a table next to the window. Price: $$ Gluten-free: B+
things to see & do
Catamaran Spa - With a wide range of spa treatments, you could spend a whole day being pampered as though you’ve transported yourself to Hawaii!
Get those steps in! Walk from Pacific Beach to Ocean Beach along the boardwalk.
Take a day trip to La Jolla