Guidebook for Coastal San Diego
Grocery Stores
Trader Joe's and VONS at Liberty Station: 2401 Truxtun Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
There is also a small grocery store walking distance from our house called Stumps Family Market 3770 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
Target is very close too: 3245 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood market with all the essentials. 5 minute walk.
43 locals recommend
Stump's Family Marketplace
3770 Voltaire StNeighborhood market with all the essentials. 5 minute walk.
Niche grocery store with unique items and a rotating selection. Good prices, located in Liberty Station, just a short drive away.
Trader Joe's
Niche grocery store with unique items and a rotating selection. Good prices, located in Liberty Station, just a short drive away.
Small version of major chain grocery store. Offers all the essentials plus some beach necessities.
Ralphs
Small version of major chain grocery store. Offers all the essentials plus some beach necessities.
Just a quick drive from our place, Target has everything you need! A full grocery store, swimsuits, sunscreen and anything in between.
Target
Just a quick drive from our place, Target has everything you need! A full grocery store, swimsuits, sunscreen and anything in between.
Parks, Nature & Beaches
All of the amazing outdoor sights to take in in San Diego
Great regional park featuring miles of running, hiking and mountain biking trails as well as a road that cuts through part of the park for running and road cycling. Trails are family friendly and most are not very steep. Scenic waterfall flows in the winter and following heavy rain. Free parking and entrance.
194 locals recommend
Mission Trails Regional Park
1 Father Junipero Serra TrailGreat regional park featuring miles of running, hiking and mountain biking trails as well as a road that cuts through part of the park for running and road cycling. Trails are family friendly and most are not very steep. Scenic waterfall flows in the winter and following heavy rain. Free parking and entrance.
Established in 1835 this 1,200 acre park hosted the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition and today features a host of museums, shopping, theater and entertainment options. Highlights include the Air and Space Museum, Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, Railroad Museum, Old Globe Theater, San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum, Organ Pavilion and so much more. Several excellent restaurants are also in the park; there is truly something for everyone, and a great way to spend an afternoon.
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Established in 1835 this 1,200 acre park hosted the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition and today features a host of museums, shopping, theater and entertainment options. Highlights include the Air and Space Museum, Ruben H. Fleet Science Center, Railroad Museum, Old Globe Theater, San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum, Organ Pavilion and so much more. Several excellent restaurants are also in the park; there is truly something for everyone, and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Old Town San Diego is a historical park and preserves San Diego as it looked back in the 1800's. Several original buildings are at the site, including hotels and the old jail. Wide variety of Mexican restaurants, live music and guided tours are available. Family friendly site to visit.
1070 locals recommend
Old Town
Old Town San Diego is a historical park and preserves San Diego as it looked back in the 1800's. Several original buildings are at the site, including hotels and the old jail. Wide variety of Mexican restaurants, live music and guided tours are available. Family friendly site to visit.
National Park with amazing views of San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean. Scenes from Top Gun Maverick was filmed here. Great walking trails and tidepools offer endless exploration. Also location of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Cabrillo National Monument
National Park with amazing views of San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean. Scenes from Top Gun Maverick was filmed here. Great walking trails and tidepools offer endless exploration. Also location of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Exceptional bayfront park that offers swimming, boat rentals, jet skiing, and access to deep sea fishing and whale watching trips. Fire pits available for late night smore's. Fireworks can be visible from Sea World during the summer.
Mission Bay
Exceptional bayfront park that offers swimming, boat rentals, jet skiing, and access to deep sea fishing and whale watching trips. Fire pits available for late night smore's. Fireworks can be visible from Sea World during the summer.
Classic San Diego surf spot. Designated areas for swimming, boogie boarding and surfing. Northern end is Dog Beach; popular spot for dogs and their owners.
Ocean Beach
Classic San Diego surf spot. Designated areas for swimming, boogie boarding and surfing. Northern end is Dog Beach; popular spot for dogs and their owners.
The iconic Hotel Del Coronado built in 1888 captures your heart and imagination. Located on one of the country's best beaches and the filming location for the famous football scene in "Top Gun Maverick," Coronado Beach is not to be missed. The hotel has activities such as outdoor movies in the summer and ice skating in the winter, along with plenty of beachside dining. The quaint town of Coronado is perfect for a stroll along Orange Avenue.
519 locals recommend
Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange AveThe iconic Hotel Del Coronado built in 1888 captures your heart and imagination. Located on one of the country's best beaches and the filming location for the famous football scene in "Top Gun Maverick," Coronado Beach is not to be missed. The hotel has activities such as outdoor movies in the summer and ice skating in the winter, along with plenty of beachside dining. The quaint town of Coronado is perfect for a stroll along Orange Avenue.
Classic San Diego beach in beautiful La Jolla, "the jewel." One mile long, sandy beach. Perfect for kids with an easy surf break. Offers designated surfing areas, kayak tours to off-shore preserves, and grassy playgrounds. Popular location for scuba diving. Close to UCSD's Scripps Pier and Black's Beach surfing spots. Parking can be tough on weekends, so plan to arrive early!
299 locals recommend
La Jolla Shores Beach
Classic San Diego beach in beautiful La Jolla, "the jewel." One mile long, sandy beach. Perfect for kids with an easy surf break. Offers designated surfing areas, kayak tours to off-shore preserves, and grassy playgrounds. Popular location for scuba diving. Close to UCSD's Scripps Pier and Black's Beach surfing spots. Parking can be tough on weekends, so plan to arrive early!
Go for a stroll along Mission Beach or a rent a bike for a ride on the boardwalk. South Mission Beach is known for volleyball and easy surf. Directly across from Mission Beach you can access Mission Bay, if you prefer something a bit calmer - go for a paddleboard or kayak.
78 locals recommend
Mission Beach Boardwalk | Ocean Front Walk
West Mission Bay DriveGo for a stroll along Mission Beach or a rent a bike for a ride on the boardwalk. South Mission Beach is known for volleyball and easy surf. Directly across from Mission Beach you can access Mission Bay, if you prefer something a bit calmer - go for a paddleboard or kayak.
Entertainment & Activities
Iconic amusement park featuring countless animal exhibits and interactions as well as roller coasters, indoor rides and hugely entertaining animal shows. This is a "must do" if you're visiting with family, along with the San Diego Zoo. Visit on weekdays or arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds. Check out their annual pass for admission...might be cheaper than one-day passes.
1754 locals recommend
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Iconic amusement park featuring countless animal exhibits and interactions as well as roller coasters, indoor rides and hugely entertaining animal shows. This is a "must do" if you're visiting with family, along with the San Diego Zoo. Visit on weekdays or arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds. Check out their annual pass for admission...might be cheaper than one-day passes.
World class zoo! Period. Amazing animal exhibits and interactions, live music and specialty performances throughout the day. Make sure to take the double-decker tour bus tour to get an overview of the whole park, then zero in on your favorites. Popular exhibits include polar bears, gorillas and giraffe feedings! Bring your walking shoes or take the Skyfarai to get from one side of the park to the other.
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrWorld class zoo! Period. Amazing animal exhibits and interactions, live music and specialty performances throughout the day. Make sure to take the double-decker tour bus tour to get an overview of the whole park, then zero in on your favorites. Popular exhibits include polar bears, gorillas and giraffe feedings! Bring your walking shoes or take the Skyfarai to get from one side of the park to the other.
Great restaurants, shopping, The Lot movie theater, executive golf course and mini golf at the Loma Club, playgrounds, waterfront esplanade and expansive park space.
Liberty Station
Great restaurants, shopping, The Lot movie theater, executive golf course and mini golf at the Loma Club, playgrounds, waterfront esplanade and expansive park space.
Unique wild animal experience you can only find in San Diego. See animals in their natural habitats. Feed giraffes and watch cheetahs run at top speed! Not to be missed. Get a pass a visit the San Diego Zoo too.
967 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdUnique wild animal experience you can only find in San Diego. See animals in their natural habitats. Feed giraffes and watch cheetahs run at top speed! Not to be missed. Get a pass a visit the San Diego Zoo too.
Voted best ballpark in America! Come watch the Padres battle the rest of the MLB at one of the best sports venues. Wide variety of gourmet food offerings inside the park, plus Gallagher Square which hosts outdoor concerts, fireworks, and special events. Amazing venue for a fun night out under the stars.
709 locals recommend
Petco Park
100 Park BlvdVoted best ballpark in America! Come watch the Padres battle the rest of the MLB at one of the best sports venues. Wide variety of gourmet food offerings inside the park, plus Gallagher Square which hosts outdoor concerts, fireworks, and special events. Amazing venue for a fun night out under the stars.
Quaint seaside village with lots of shopping, walking, and restaurants. Great way to spend an afternoon. Take the nearby water taxi over to Coronado Island for a full day's adventure!
762 locals recommend
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrQuaint seaside village with lots of shopping, walking, and restaurants. Great way to spend an afternoon. Take the nearby water taxi over to Coronado Island for a full day's adventure!
Great family spot to enjoy the San Diego summer. Authentic beach side carnival spot with roller coasters, rides, shopping and arcades. Stroll, jog, or skate the 6 miles of beach boardwalk that extends from South Mission Beach to La Jolla. Numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and beach bars to choose from.
689 locals recommend
Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdGreat family spot to enjoy the San Diego summer. Authentic beach side carnival spot with roller coasters, rides, shopping and arcades. Stroll, jog, or skate the 6 miles of beach boardwalk that extends from South Mission Beach to La Jolla. Numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and beach bars to choose from.
Fun and exciting adventure located in Fashion Valley Mall. Escape from a jail cell, enchanted forest or crazed circus, and then go shopping at Nordstrom! Family fun for everyone.
Red Door Escape Room
Fun and exciting adventure located in Fashion Valley Mall. Escape from a jail cell, enchanted forest or crazed circus, and then go shopping at Nordstrom! Family fun for everyone.
Arts & Culture
This floating retired aircraft carrier in San Diego Bay is a must see while visiting San Diego. There are docents and audio guided tours to give you a feel for what it was like to live aboard the Midway and you can visit the flight deck, exploring numerous aircraft.
775 locals recommend
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrThis floating retired aircraft carrier in San Diego Bay is a must see while visiting San Diego. There are docents and audio guided tours to give you a feel for what it was like to live aboard the Midway and you can visit the flight deck, exploring numerous aircraft.
Amazing waterside concert venue that offers live music, movies with live orchestra soundtracks, and other special events. Terrific venue located close to downtown, Convention Center and Petco Park.
32 locals recommend
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
222 Marina Park WayAmazing waterside concert venue that offers live music, movies with live orchestra soundtracks, and other special events. Terrific venue located close to downtown, Convention Center and Petco Park.
Food Scene
The neighborhood's most sought after restaurant! Made from scratch daily, excellent Italian cuisine. Authentic fare with friendly Italian wait staff. A short 10 minute walk from our place or valet parking available. Reservations recommended as this popular spot books up!
49 locals recommend
Cesarina
4161 Voltaire StThe neighborhood's most sought after restaurant! Made from scratch daily, excellent Italian cuisine. Authentic fare with friendly Italian wait staff. A short 10 minute walk from our place or valet parking available. Reservations recommended as this popular spot books up!
Best authentic pizza in town!! Unique offerings, fired pizzas, terrific pasta. Located in Liberty Station with great walking space for an after dinner stroll.
14 locals recommend
Officine Buona Forchetta
2865 Sims RdBest authentic pizza in town!! Unique offerings, fired pizzas, terrific pasta. Located in Liberty Station with great walking space for an after dinner stroll.
Good delivery pizza place. Fast delivery, surprisingly good tiramisu. 15 minute walk. Parking can be limited.
Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
Good delivery pizza place. Fast delivery, surprisingly good tiramisu. 15 minute walk. Parking can be limited.
Awesome pizza creations. Delivery and take out. Local brewery offerings. Great beach vibe, only blocks to the beach. Favorite of locals which can get busy on the weekends. Must try the Beer Buddies!
164 locals recommend
Pizza Port Ocean Beach
1956 Bacon StAwesome pizza creations. Delivery and take out. Local brewery offerings. Great beach vibe, only blocks to the beach. Favorite of locals which can get busy on the weekends. Must try the Beer Buddies!
Best donut shop in San Diego!! People have flown across the country to go here. Only a 5 minute walk away. Located next door to Stump's Grocery Store.
Christy's Donuts
Best donut shop in San Diego!! People have flown across the country to go here. Only a 5 minute walk away. Located next door to Stump's Grocery Store.
Outstanding homemade bakery. Offers freshly baked breads, pastries, and handmade sandwiches. PB&J sandwich is not to be missed. Perfect choice for a picnic basket.
30 locals recommend
Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe
2750 Dewey RdOutstanding homemade bakery. Offers freshly baked breads, pastries, and handmade sandwiches. PB&J sandwich is not to be missed. Perfect choice for a picnic basket.
Fun dinner option. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner offering delicious pot pies, quiches, and full coffee bar. Shares space with Stella Jean ice cream for a late night treat.
Pop Pie Co. Point Loma
Fun dinner option. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner offering delicious pot pies, quiches, and full coffee bar. Shares space with Stella Jean ice cream for a late night treat.
Popular boba and tea restaurant. Busy during afternoons and on warm, sunny days. 5 minute walk.
Tea’s Moment - Boba Point Loma 瞬間
Popular boba and tea restaurant. Busy during afternoons and on warm, sunny days. 5 minute walk.
San Diego is known for its taco shops. Ortiz's is a local favorite with generous breakfast burritos! 5 minute walk.
21 locals recommend
Ortiz's Taco Shop
3704 Voltaire StSan Diego is known for its taco shops. Ortiz's is a local favorite with generous breakfast burritos! 5 minute walk.
Another popular local taco shop. Favorites include carne asada burritos, beef tacos with rice and beans, and their carne asada nachos!
Tony's Fresh Mexican Food
1578 Rosecrans StAnother popular local taco shop. Favorites include carne asada burritos, beef tacos with rice and beans, and their carne asada nachos!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Bus and Trolley routes are a great way to go.
Catch the 923 bus route at several nearby bus stops. Bus service to Ocean Beach and Downtown San Diego with connections to the San Diego Trolley. Trolley provides access to La Jolla, East County, and the Mexican Border crossing