[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Known as America’s Finest City, San Diego has truly stolen my heart. So much so, I’m already plotting on living there at some point in the near future. And luckily, my brother moved to San Diego not too long ago, so more reason to move. If not, at least visit once a year.
With this guide, I’ll show you where to eat, play and stay in San Diego. And obviously why I’m moving there (speaking this into existence HEAVY).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row simple_background_color=”#f9f9f9″][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The vibes
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]With perfect weather year-round (they get 100+ days of sunshine yearly), you can realistically visit any time. I visited in late July and it felt like a fall/spring day everyday. The mornings and evenings were chilly, but not too cold. And the afternoons were warm, but not too hot that I’d start sweating.
Maybe the weather attributes to why San Diegans are so friendly and active? You’ll literally see folks biking, jogging/running and walking at all times of the day. And folks would literally smile, even wave, at me for no reason at all.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As I learned from my brother and friends who live in San Diego, May and June are known as “May Bloom” and “June Gloom”. Meaning mornings (especially on the coast) start out with overcast, but usually clears up by the afternoon.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mkdf_tabs type=”simple”][mkdf_tabs_item tab_title=”Where to Stay”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1599362248374{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #f7f2ee !important;}”]
There are many hotels and Airbnb’s to choose from in San Diego. When researching places to stay, I saw hotel and Airbnb listings that varied in price range, ambiance, amenities, etc.
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Airbnb: South Park Gem Guesthouse
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This gem is located in the South Park neighborhood, a quiet single-family neighborhood. I love how tranquil, scenic, diverse and woke the neighborhood is. There are Black Lives Matter signs on lawns, Pride flags hanging from home windows, and colorful murals all around. I never felt more safe in a neighborhood, people even randomly waved and smiled.
Now the Airbnb was perfect, the rooftop was the best spot to sunbathe (and nap). There are lounge chairs around and an umbrella if you don’t want to sit under the sun. The perfect weather, plus the peacefulness of the neighborhood made the rooftop a vibe every morning and evening. This listing is also close to small coffee shops, restaurants, 7-Eleven, liquor stores, Target and more. The host was amazing and checked up to make sure everything was okay throughout my stay.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”two” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8656,8655,8730,8731″ image_size=”full”][/mkdf_tabs_item][mkdf_tabs_item tab_title=”Where to eat”][vc_column_text]
Breakfast Republic
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Basically a chain restaurant in Southern California (specifically in, and around, San Diego) that serves breakfast all day. There’s a Breakfast Republic in almost every major neighborhood in San Diego. Don’t let the word “chain” deter you from coming here, it’s a MUST try. I love breakfast, it’s actually my favorite meal of the day. So I was excited to know Breakfast Republic is open 7am-3pm everyday and delivers through DoorDash! You can also choose outdoor and (limited) indoor dining, or take-out.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”three” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8675,8677,8678,8679,8680,8681″ image_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]
Dunedin New Zealand Eats
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Located in the North Park neighborhood, this is a unique New Zealand-inspired restaurant (I’m sure the name gave it away). This is the best place for weekend brunch, weekday breakfast, happy hour and lunch. We went for weekend brunch and the ambiance was amazing. It felt like I walked into nature or an island. And the outdoor tables felt private and secluded with nature and dividers in between one another. The food was absolutely delicious, and the $2 double mimosa is a MUST during weekend brunch. Essentially, you get two mimosas for the price of $2-$3 (depending on the juice you choose). Also, the service was SUPER quick, I think our whole dining experience last an hour.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”four” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8690,8689,8691,8687,8684,8686,8692,8688″ image_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]
El Zarape Mexican Cantina
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I’d suggest visiting El Zarape on taco Tuesday during their happy hour (3-6pm). Because, for $20 you can get unlimited tacos and for $5, margarita flights with four flavors. But this deal is only possible during happy hour on taco Tuesday.
The staff was funny and friendly, and the vibes at El Zarape were amazing. They had a mix of R&B, hip-hop and reggae music playing in the background. We sat inside of a cabana with a large table, they also have colorful floating umbrellas above tables without cabanas. The umbrellas reminded me of the ones you see in San Juan, Cartagena, or Miami.
I should also note that there are two El Zarape locations a few blocks from each other in North Park. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”three” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8693,8695,8694″ image_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]
Shrimp Heads
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The food here is delicious, in fact, I’m still thinking about my meal – specifically the fries with cajun seasoning. We ordered from this place via Doordash and got their fried baskets, but they also have seafood boils. Typically, seafood can be pricey, but everything here is very reasonably priced.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_single_image image=”8700″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]
StreetCar Merchants
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A Black and family-owned southern chicken joint and bar located in North Park, but we ordered food for delivery. The chicken here is SO tender, juicy, crispy and delicious. Next time I’m in San Diego, I’m definitely going to try dine-in at their location.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”four” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8705,8706,8707,8708″ image_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]
Breakfast Bitch
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A Black-owned breakfast spot in Hillcrest, although we didn’t dine-in, the food was good. I got their weekly special pancake which was called the Peachy Bitch that was incredible. Pancakes with chopped peaches within the batter, topped with an “over easy” peach, condensed milk, and sprinkles. They also have bottomless mimosa options.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”two” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8711,8712″ image_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]
Barley Mash
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Located in the Gaslamp District, Barley Mash gives me a sports bar type of vibe. The service was great and the food was honestly just okay, but the drinks were yummy. I ordered the “Stay Classy…” (an ode to Ron Burgundy) which was so good![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”two” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8714,8715″ image_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][/mkdf_tabs_item][mkdf_tabs_item tab_title=”Where to play”][vc_column_text]
Balboa Park
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Visiting Balboa is basically a given when visiting San Diego, especially since it’s right in the heart of the city. There’s so much to explore, from museums and gardens, to shops and the arts. All of the architecture around Balboa Park made feel like I was back in Spain. I walked around the parked and saw the Old Cactus Garden, Botanical Building and more.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”two” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8724,8726″ image_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”three” space_between_items=”tiny” images=”8723,8722,8729″ image_size=”full”][vc_column_text]
Sunset Cliffs
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Within the Point Loma community, this is a great place to catch the sunset (the name probably gave it away). It’s a chill place, but there isn’t much to do outside of a picnic. There are also no bathrooms, so plan accordingly.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”two” space_between_items=”tiny” image_size=”full” images=”8734,8735″][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]
Torrey Pines
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]About 30 minutes north of San Diego, Torrey Pines includes a State Natural Reserve and Beach. Unfortunately, the natural reserve was closed due to COVID, but I did check out the beach which was great.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][mkdf_image_gallery type=”grid” enable_image_shadow=”no” number_of_columns=”two” space_between_items=”tiny” image_size=”full” images=”8737,8738″][/mkdf_tabs_item][/mkdf_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row]
