Long Weekend: San Diego, California

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Southern California, the region consistently has some of the best weather in the country and there is always something new to experience. San Diego is well-known for its eclectic neighborhoods, world-class zoological parks, maritime attractions, and sunny beaches. Here are some great ways to spend a long weekend by getting out of the city center and seeing where the locals hang out.

Things to Do

Wander through Balboa Park. The collection of museums and attractions in the 1,200-acre urban park feels like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., done in Spanish Colonial Revival style. There are dozens of museums, attractions, and gardens to visit— you’ll never see it all in one trip. If you’re looking for a unique experience, take a tour of California Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the park from eight floors up.

Visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Located within the San Diego city limits, the state park offers 1,500 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities, including championship golf and a gliderport. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful state park anywhere in the United States.

Explore San Diego’s Neighborhoods. San Diego’s most famous neighborhood is the Gas Lamp District in the heart of downtown. Without question, there are more places to eat and drink in this entertainment district than any other neighborhood in San Diego. Make a point to take a stroll through Little Italy as well, many local favorite restaurants are in the neighborhood. For bragging rights, have brunch at Morning Glory— it’s worth the wait!

Have a Small-Town Experience. There aren’t many small towns along the coast, but Del Mar is one you shouldn’t miss. Make a reservation for sunset at a beachfront restaurant— one of our favorites is Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar. After the sun goes down, just a few blocks away is Villa L’Auberge, another local favorite for food, drinks, and live music.

See Marine Wildlife at La Jolla Cove. The neighborhood of La Jolla should be on your list of places to shop, dine, and view the seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. To get a closer look at the wildlife and beautiful coastline, rent a paddleboard or kayak and take a tour with Everyday California in downtown La Jolla Shores. The charming downtown is also a great place to grab a bite to eat— there are plenty of hidden gems for outdoor dining.

Visit a World-Class Zoo or Aquarium. Southern California is home to the San Diego Zoo and equally impressive San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The two parks are amazing and also offer upgraded behind-the-scenes experiences that are pricey but worth it. Both of the parks are large and will take all day to see everything. If you don’t have a full day, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps only requires a few hours to see all of the fantastic indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Where to Stay

Downtown San Diego is home to many hotels, ranging from budget friendly to luxury boutique. Many of the boutique hotels also have great restaurants, roof top bars, and spa facilities. Fans of historic hotels should definitely give the Hotel Del Coronado a look, the luxury hotel is a short distance from downtown and offers a bucket list beach hotel experience. A few other great options are just outside of town and include The Lodge Torrey Pines, La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, and The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad.