Christopher’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
A few fun, local neighborhoods to check out during your stay. Coronado Beach is the closest beach which has nice shops and restaurants.
North Park boasts amazing eateries and nightlife as well, and caters to a fun, eccentric, blended crowd. There are lots of microbreweries in North Park (and Normal Heights as well). It’s fun to just walk around the shops and it’s pretty busy during the day. There’s also a popular public pool at the Lafayette Hotel, which you can pay to enter. During the summer they have some events but you can enjoy the water and some drinks by the pool.
439 locals recommend
North Park
North Park boasts amazing eateries and nightlife as well, and caters to a fun, eccentric, blended crowd. There are lots of microbreweries in North Park (and Normal Heights as well). It’s fun to just walk around the shops and it’s pretty busy during the day. There’s also a popular public pool at the Lafayette Hotel, which you can pay to enter. During the summer they have some events but you can enjoy the water and some drinks by the pool.
Coronado Island is also very close. The bridge to get to Coronado is the next exit south on the 5. This is the closest beach to the apartment. It’s very spacious and doesn’t generally get too crowded, and also has some wonderful shops and restaurants in the area.
297 locals recommend
Coronado Beach
Coronado Island is also very close. The bridge to get to Coronado is the next exit south on the 5. This is the closest beach to the apartment. It’s very spacious and doesn’t generally get too crowded, and also has some wonderful shops and restaurants in the area.
Hillcrest also has wonderful eateries and amazing nightlife, consisting of San Diego’s gay friendly neighborhood.
369 locals recommend
Hillcrest
3960 Normal StHillcrest also has wonderful eateries and amazing nightlife, consisting of San Diego’s gay friendly neighborhood.
Both Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo are minutes away by either bus or Lyft. Balboa Park hosts a wide range of museums, from art and history to space and aviation. The Botanical Gardens and Koi Pond are always a hit. The Japanese Garden is also worth checking out for some zen time. The Park is one of the biggest parks in the country and there is lots to see, even if you just want to walk around. Throughout the year there are various events going on that cater to tourists.
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Both Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo are minutes away by either bus or Lyft. Balboa Park hosts a wide range of museums, from art and history to space and aviation. The Botanical Gardens and Koi Pond are always a hit. The Japanese Garden is also worth checking out for some zen time. The Park is one of the biggest parks in the country and there is lots to see, even if you just want to walk around. Throughout the year there are various events going on that cater to tourists.
Seaport Village is downtown and right on the water. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists a like and worth checking out to see some fun boutiques full of souvenirs.
125 locals recommend
Seaport Village station
Seaport Village is downtown and right on the water. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists a like and worth checking out to see some fun boutiques full of souvenirs.
The Embarcadero is nearby and has plenty of good food and fun maritime museums (on actual boats), including The Star of India and the decommissioned aircraft carrier, the USS Midway. The harbor is also home to San Diego’s port for cruise ships and a yacht / boat slip.
36 locals recommend
Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is nearby and has plenty of good food and fun maritime museums (on actual boats), including The Star of India and the decommissioned aircraft carrier, the USS Midway. The harbor is also home to San Diego’s port for cruise ships and a yacht / boat slip.
Little Italy boasts San Diego’s premier Italian eateries and is very close by. Parking can indeed be difficult. Taking a Lyft is recommended. Many restaurants offer walk-in table availability, but some require reservations. It’s best to call ahead.
889 locals recommend
Little Italy
Little Italy boasts San Diego’s premier Italian eateries and is very close by. Parking can indeed be difficult. Taking a Lyft is recommended. Many restaurants offer walk-in table availability, but some require reservations. It’s best to call ahead.
For some retail therapy, Fashion Valley is the closest mall and has it all, from upscale designers, boutique shops and mall staples. Visit their site for a full list of their stores. If you have more time in your shopping budget, visit UTC in La Jolla. It offers many upscale shops and lots to do, to see and eat. San Ysidro (near the USA / Mexican border) offers some nice outlet shopping at its Las Americas Center.
833 locals recommend
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdFor some retail therapy, Fashion Valley is the closest mall and has it all, from upscale designers, boutique shops and mall staples. Visit their site for a full list of their stores. If you have more time in your shopping budget, visit UTC in La Jolla. It offers many upscale shops and lots to do, to see and eat. San Ysidro (near the USA / Mexican border) offers some nice outlet shopping at its Las Americas Center.
Ocean Beach is nearby and offers lots of shops, eateries and of course and amazing beach. It’s family friendly and has plenty of parking, though sometimes it can get congested, so arrive early.
776 locals recommend
Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front StOcean Beach is nearby and offers lots of shops, eateries and of course and amazing beach. It’s family friendly and has plenty of parking, though sometimes it can get congested, so arrive early.
Pacific Beach has lots of nightlife and caters to a younger crowd with lots bars.
700 locals recommend
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach has lots of nightlife and caters to a younger crowd with lots bars.
Mission Bay is an amazing spot for families, with a board walk that connects to Pacific Beach along with a small amusement park, complete with a roller coaster, putt putt golf and fun, treats.
189 locals recommend
Mission Bay
Mission Bay is an amazing spot for families, with a board walk that connects to Pacific Beach along with a small amusement park, complete with a roller coaster, putt putt golf and fun, treats.
Barrio Logan hosts Chicano Park, a great area to experience local Latino life in San Diego, complete with good eats and a lot of culture.
57 locals recommend
Barrio Logan
Barrio Logan hosts Chicano Park, a great area to experience local Latino life in San Diego, complete with good eats and a lot of culture.
Restaurants
(Mexican) Puerto Nuevo style Mexican food, including freshly grilled lobster and fantastic margaritas. They have a delicious breakfast/brunch option as well. I recommend the chilaquiles.
24 locals recommend
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
141 University Avenue(Mexican) Puerto Nuevo style Mexican food, including freshly grilled lobster and fantastic margaritas. They have a delicious breakfast/brunch option as well. I recommend the chilaquiles.
(Mexican) Another Mexican eatery that has a fantastic selection of food along with an extensive drink list. Their tacos are incredible. For drinks I recommend the blackberry jalapeño margarita.
43 locals recommend
Barrio Star
2706 Fifth Ave(Mexican) Another Mexican eatery that has a fantastic selection of food along with an extensive drink list. Their tacos are incredible. For drinks I recommend the blackberry jalapeño margarita.
(Mexican) This is a fun place to eat at and also people watch. Food is delicious and drinks are great.
9 locals recommend
Huapangos
3693 Fifth Ave(Mexican) This is a fun place to eat at and also people watch. Food is delicious and drinks are great.
(Mexican) This place specializes in chilaquiles with various options and a build it yourself option as well. Really incredible.
15 locals recommend
Cocina 35
1435 Sixth Ave(Mexican) This place specializes in chilaquiles with various options and a build it yourself option as well. Really incredible.
(Mexican) Another authentic Mexican restaurant with really great food. A nice spot for a quieter brunch or dinner.
22 locals recommend
El Comal
3946 Illinois St(Mexican) Another authentic Mexican restaurant with really great food. A nice spot for a quieter brunch or dinner.
(Thai) A very popular Thai restaurant with wonderful, authentic food.
35 locals recommend
Amarin Thai Cuisine
3843 Richmond St(Thai) A very popular Thai restaurant with wonderful, authentic food.
(Sushi/Japanese) A fun location in the heart of North Park with a large menu of sushi with some unique twists. Can’t go wrong with some great sake deals too.
10 locals recommend
North Park Sushi & Grill
3021 University Ave(Sushi/Japanese) A fun location in the heart of North Park with a large menu of sushi with some unique twists. Can’t go wrong with some great sake deals too.
(Indian) An authentic Indian restaurant with a lovely ambiance, delicious food.
Gourmet India Restaurant & Catering
1118 Morena Boulevard(Indian) An authentic Indian restaurant with a lovely ambiance, delicious food.
(French) One of San Diego’s premier French bistros, hosting a small but immensely satisfying menu of traditional French food, wine and drinks. Reservations recommended. Lots of great, authentic options.
9 locals recommend
La Bonne Table
3696 Fifth Ave(French) One of San Diego’s premier French bistros, hosting a small but immensely satisfying menu of traditional French food, wine and drinks. Reservations recommended. Lots of great, authentic options.
(French) Another fantastic choice for French eatery, consisting of prix fix and full option menus. They also have a nice breakfast option.
19 locals recommend
Au Revoir French Bistro
420 Robinson Ave(French) Another fantastic choice for French eatery, consisting of prix fix and full option menus. They also have a nice breakfast option.
(American, Burgers) A restaurant in downtown with some great burgers and sandwiches.
30 locals recommend
Bootlegger
804 Market St(American, Burgers) A restaurant in downtown with some great burgers and sandwiches.
(American) A restaurant with many great options. Their burgers and sandwiches are great.
8 locals recommend
Taste & Thirst
715 Fourth Ave(American) A restaurant with many great options. Their burgers and sandwiches are great.
(Bars/American) Another bar and grill, complete with televisions broadcasting current games of all sorts with amazing burgers, drinks and a fun vibe.
69 locals recommend
True North Tavern
3815 30th St(Bars/American) Another bar and grill, complete with televisions broadcasting current games of all sorts with amazing burgers, drinks and a fun vibe.
(American) A wonderful restaurant with some great food and outdoor seating. I recommend the breakfast burritos.
18 locals recommend
Working Class
4095 30th St(American) A wonderful restaurant with some great food and outdoor seating. I recommend the breakfast burritos.
(American/Southern) This location has a southern style to their food. Really delicious for brunch.
77 locals recommend
Waypoint Public
3794 30th St(American/Southern) This location has a southern style to their food. Really delicious for brunch.
(Bar) A bar serving top of line hand mixed cocktails of all varieties. If you’re in to the mixology scene, this is the spot for you. Arrive early; it gets busy.
245 locals recommend
Polite Provisions
4696 30th St(Bar) A bar serving top of line hand mixed cocktails of all varieties. If you’re in to the mixology scene, this is the spot for you. Arrive early; it gets busy.
(Coffee/Breakfast) This is a wonderful, local coffee shop. They have a large outside area and indoor where you can sit and sip some coffee while enjoying some nice baked goods or sandwiches.
134 locals recommend
Krakatoa
1128 25th St(Coffee/Breakfast) This is a wonderful, local coffee shop. They have a large outside area and indoor where you can sit and sip some coffee while enjoying some nice baked goods or sandwiches.
(Coffee) This is a San Diego chain, and my personal favorite, coffee spot. The champ drink is really delicious.
236 locals recommend
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
3260 Adams Ave(Coffee) This is a San Diego chain, and my personal favorite, coffee spot. The champ drink is really delicious.
(Sandwiches) Delicious sandwiches in so many varieties. Definitely recommend anything with the dutch crunch bread.
10 locals recommend
Ike's Place
1010 University Ave(Sandwiches) Delicious sandwiches in so many varieties. Definitely recommend anything with the dutch crunch bread.
(Desserts) A great place to get your sweet tooth fix on. This is just one of a couple locations in San Diego.
220 locals recommend
Extraordinary Desserts
2870 Fourth Ave(Desserts) A great place to get your sweet tooth fix on. This is just one of a couple locations in San Diego.
(Desserts) This is a great place to get some desserts. They have a large assortment and their gelato options are awesome.
43 locals recommend
Chocolat Hillcrest
3896 Fifth Ave(Desserts) This is a great place to get some desserts. They have a large assortment and their gelato options are awesome.
(Pizza) One of my personal favorite pizza places in San Diego. A lot of great and unique, fun options.
21 locals recommend
Mr. Moto Pizza House
3773 30th St(Pizza) One of my personal favorite pizza places in San Diego. A lot of great and unique, fun options.
(Pizza) Right in Hillcrest is this fun and casual pizza place. They have a lot of fun names and styles, along with a wide range of beers to pair with your favorite slice of pie.
105 locals recommend
South Park Brewing Company
1517 30th St(Pizza) Right in Hillcrest is this fun and casual pizza place. They have a lot of fun names and styles, along with a wide range of beers to pair with your favorite slice of pie.
Local Events and Highlights
There's always something going on in San Diego. While you're visiting, feel free to check out the San Diego blog at blog.sandiego.com which lists the Top items to do for that particular weekend. It's a fun way to get to know the area, especially if you're new.
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