San Diego Itinerary: Top Sights for a Short Trip
San Diego skyline and marina from the walking trail along North Harbor Drive
San Diego has a way of turning a work trip into a getaway, especially when the forecast predicts rain and then delivers perfect weather anyway. I’ve visited this town for the ASU+GSV conference (and college tours with the kids) and during each trip carved out time to explore. The vibe here is relaxed and people are genuinely friendly. Adding on to my short stays, I toured the USS Midway, took in the beach town calm of Coronado Island, wandered Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, and drove up the coast to La Jolla and Encinitas for classic ocean views.
Places to eat
Our best meal in San Diego was at Callie, a popular mediterranean restaurant with a Michelin mention.
Sally’s at the Manchester hotel on the Seaport is a great option for salads and seafood.
An outpost of the popular Malibu restaurant, Malibu Farm sits on the waterfront within the Seaport Village area on the marina and offers fresh, healthy, farm to table food.
Miguel’s Cocina has great views, stellar service, and really good Mexican comfort food, including the ahi tuna tacos, nachos, and chicken enchiladas shown below. Ask for the house special hot sauce and sit outside for the breeze and views.
For tacos, try Puesto (with locations on the downtown waterfront and up the coast in La Jolla.)
For cheaper tacos, try the homey and popular Tacos El Gordo, with $4.12 beef and pork tacos (if you’re looking for chicken or fish tacos, this is not the place for you).
Note: More restaurant recommendations below for Coronado Island and Encinitas.
Things to do
Visit the USS Midway Museum, an incredible war time ship with interactive displays and expansive water views from the ship’s deck.
Explore the Maritime Museum for two hours of touring a variety of sea vessels.
Walk around Balboa Park on a tour (including coffee) and see both nature and multiple museums.
Within Balboa Park, the most incredible section is the Japanese Friendship Garden, filled with ponds, waterfalls, statues - a truly serene environment.
The Rose Garden is also at Balboa Park. It’s a gorgeous and whimsical space to take in.
Where to stay
There are so many great options for accommodations, but depending on the time of year, the area can be quite pricey. If you are loyal to Marriott, the Marriott Marquis is great - location right on the water in the heart of downtown, with great views and a lazy river. For Hyatt loyalists, the more boutique Andaz is a good choice. Rooms are on the smaller side, but the chic rooftop pool and appointments make up for this. If you are on a budget or in San Diego for work, meaning you have to go for economical and not luxury, three places along the waterfront are great value - the Wyndham, the Springhill Suites, and the Intercontinental, right next door to one another and across the street from the Maritime Museum. We stayed at the Springhill Suites and were pleasantly surprised by the service, quality of the (free) breakfast, and spaciousness of the room.
Just across the water from San Diego is Coronado Island. Try this hack: Take the commuter boat at sunset and get a sunset cruise for $9 instead of $100. Once there, walk to parks, dining, and shopping. We hopped off the boat and walked to Nado Republic where we had a fabulous meal and finished with ice cream from the shop right next door.
For a splurge, take a trip up the coast by train to the Alila Marea, an ocean front resort with dramatic views and delicious dishes at their restaurant, Vaga.
Simple pleasures and free views are abundant in San Diego. Take a stroll up N. Harbor Drive and enjoy the scenery. If you packed light, the airport is even close enough to walk to your flight along this route.
