San Diego, California
I've had the pleasure of visiting San Diego many times and on a very few occasions, I've stayed in a commercial hotel. Most visits I spent with friends. Still, here's my list of San Diego favorites.
Places to Stay
MOST OF THE TIME, I'VE STAYED WITH FRIENDS IN SAN DIEGO.
IF YOU CLICK ON THE NAME, IT WILL TAKE YOU TO MY TRIPADVISOR REVIEW OF THE PROPERTY!
PENDRY SAN DIEGO
Located just down the street from the Gaslamp Quarter and the baseball stadium, this brand new property is full of beautiful details and delicious food outlets. There's also a super trendy nightclub downstairs and a popular rooftop pool on the 5th floor. Ideal for business travelers, solo adults or couples. It's where I hosted my 40th birthday party, and I had a blast.
KIMPTON SOLAMAR HOTEL
Review coming soon! I stayed here during a crazy Halloween festival and still had a good experience. It’s across the street from Pendry and significantly more affordable. Plus, it’s a Kimpton :)
There’s one other Kimpton property in San Diego, and I've been to the Hotel del Coronado on the beach just to see the place. I'd love to stay in one of their beach cottages one day!
Places to Eat
THERE. IS. SO MUCH.
EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS
I have often said I'd get on a plane and fly to San Diego just to eat at this place, and then come right back home. Yes, it's that good. Some of the most beautiful, delicious desserts you will ever eat. There are two locations, and the newer one in Little Italy is larger and I believe takes reservations. At the original location, you should expect to wait in line. There's also non-dessert food that's good too!
FILIPPI'S PIZZA GROTTO
This is the first place I ever ate in San Diego, in Little Italy. It's got everything you want in an Italian place--homey, accessible, affordable, delicious food.
THE BIG KITCHEN
I was first introduced to this neighborhood breakfast spot by a Rachael Ray program called $40 a day and recently found it again because they serve protein pancakes. It's worth a visit, the food is fantastic, the vibe is purely SoCal.
HASH HOUSE A GO GO
So now you know I'm a little obsessed with breakfast. Hash House a Go-Go...be prepared for a wait and obscene plates, make that serving platters, of food. With entire springs of rosemary as garnish.
BORN & RAISED
For the final meal of my 40th birthday celebration, my friends took me to this gorgeous new restaurant in Little Italy. The service is impeccable, the drink carts are fun and the outdoor seating is beautiful. Plus they have a great sense of humor in design and gorgeous details including letterpress and foiled menus. Skip the caviar bump.
QUEENSTOWN PUBLIC HOUSE
Also in Little Italy, a little taste of New Zealand in San Diego. Great brunch spot with lots of outdoor seating.
Things to Do
Balboa Park
A gorgeous park with tons of museums, jogging and walking paths, theaters, etc.
San Diego Zoo
It's world famous for a reason and absolutely worth the visit.
Coronado
A beautiful island over a bridge that's a feat of human engineering. Worth a trip to wander the streets, admire the architecture and head to the shore.
Pacific Beach
Great boardwalk, restaurants, oceanfront.