Curator’s statement
I grew up moving every two to three years—not by choice—which means as an adult, I choose my cities with intention. San Diego is the first one I’ve never wanted to leave. I built my career here, found my gente here, and fell for a city that somehow manages to feel both deeply cosmopolitan and genuinely human in scale. It has pockets of real culture, a diversity that goes far beyond the postcard version, and an openness that makes it easy to find where you belong—all without the chaos of a city twice its size. People say it’s like LA but much nicer, and honestly? No les falta razón.
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Where to stay in San Diego, CA
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Things to do in San Diego, CA
Balboa Park
One of the great urban parks in the United States, Balboa Park spans over 1,200 acres and holds more than a dozen museums, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and open plazas perfect for an afternoon wander. Many of the museums are free on select days—check the rotating schedule before you go.
Chicano Park
Tucked beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge in the Barrio Logan neighborhood, Chicano Park is an open-air gallery of massive, politically powerful murals that tell the story of the Chicano civil rights movement. It is one of the most culturally significant and visually arresting spaces in Southern California, and it is criminally undervisited by tourists.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
This coastal reserve in La Jolla offers dramatic sandstone cliffs, rare native pine trees, and panoramic Pacific views that will stop you mid-sentence. Arrive before 8 a.m. to snag free parking and have the trails nearly to yourself—it’s worth setting the alarm.
Cabrillo National Monument
The southwestern tip of Point Loma offers some of the most sweeping views in the city—the downtown skyline, the bay, the Pacific, and on clear days, Mexico. It’s also one of the best spots in Southern California to watch the Pacific gray whale migration (January through March), and the tide pools at the base of the cliffs are worth the scramble down.
La Jolla Cove
One of the most beautiful small coves in California, La Jolla Cove is home to resident sea lions, incredibly clear water, and kayaking that’s accessible even for beginners. Go early—before 9 a.m.—to avoid the crowds and parking chaos that arrive in the afternoon.
Liberty Station
A former naval training center turned arts and culinary district, Liberty Station is one of those San Diego spots that locals love and visitors often miss entirely. It’s ideal for an afternoon of gallery-hopping, shopping at small independent stores, and ending with a long lunch.
Hillcrest Farmers Market (Sundays)
One of the best farmers markets in San Diego, and a true neighborhood institution—every Sunday in the Hillcrest DMV parking lot, which sounds unglamorous until you’re there surrounded by incredible prepared food vendors, local produce, and the kind of lively, welcoming crowd that makes this neighborhood so special. Come hungry, bring cash, and plan to stay longer than you think you will.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Less visited than La Jolla but equally dramatic, Sunset Cliffs offers a rugged stretch of coastline perfect for a golden-hour walk. The combination of crashing waves, volcanic rock formations, and that light makes for some of the best casual photography in the city.
Places to eat & drink in San Diego, CA
The Crack Shack: Don’t let the name fool you—this is a legitimately excellent fried chicken and egg concept with a large outdoor patio, strong cocktails, and a fun communal atmosphere. Multiple locations around town; the Little Italy one is particularly lively.
Pelly’s Fish Market & Cafe (Carlsbad): A family-owned institution since 1989, Pelly sources its fish locally through San Diego distributors with deliveries six days a week—which means what’s on your plate was in the ocean very recently. Get the fish and chips, the fish tacos, or just ask what came in that day. It’s a bit of a drive north to Carlsbad, but the casual patio, the ocean breeze, and the clam chowder make it completely worth it.
The Balboa Bar and Grill (Downtown): A neighborhood bar doing things right—fresh-never-frozen burgers, hand-cut fries, classic cocktails, and zero pretension. It’s the kind of place locals actually go on a Tuesday, which is the highest compliment I can give. Monday nights come with a DJ if you’re feeling it.
La Puerta (Mission Hills): Born in the Gaslamp, this beloved cantina’s Mission Hills location is the better version—more space, indoor fireplace, open floor-to-ceiling windows, and the same Sinaloan-inspired menu that’s earned it a fiercely loyal local following. Come for the street tacos, stay for the mezcal cocktails and one of the best happy hours in the city.
Societe Brewing Company (North Park). If you’re going to understand San Diego’s craft beer obsession, Societe is where you start. The taproom is beautiful, the beer program is serious without being snobby, and the outdoor space is perfect for an afternoon that accidentally becomes an evening.
Mariscos El Pulpo (Multiple locations): A local seafood truck/counter institution serving aguachile, ceviche tostadas, and shrimp cocktails that will recalibrate your standards entirely. Cash-friendly, no frills, completely delicious—this is the hidden gem category embodied.
Tacos El Franc (Tijuana—yes, really): Hear me out: if you’re in San Diego and serious about tacos, Tijuana is 30 minutes away, and non-negotiable. Tacos El Franc is a Tijuana institution—Michelin Guide listed, featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, and serving tacos de asada, adobada, and vampiros out of a buzzing corner taqueria that will completely ruin your taco standards forever. ¿Vale la pena? Absolutely. DM me and I’ll tell you exactly how to make the border crossing easy—it’s far less intimidating than it sounds.
Need to know
Getting around: San Diego is a car city—there’s no getting around it (pun intended). Rideshare works well downtown and between central neighborhoods, but if you’re planning to explore Torrey Pines, Coronado, or any coastal parks, renting a car will save you time and money. Public transit exists but is limited.
Neighborhoods matter: Where you stay shapes your whole trip. Little Italy is the best base for first-timers—walkable, well-located, and genuinely beautiful. North Park is the move for food and nightlife. Avoid staying in the Gaslamp Quarter unless you specifically want the nightclub scene; it’s loud, and it’s not where the good food is.
Timing: San Diego’s famous “June Gloom” is real—the marine layer keeps mornings overcast and cool from May through mid-July. Plan outdoor activities for the afternoon, and don’t panic if your first morning looks gray. By noon, it’s usually cleared.
LGBTQ+ travelers: Hillcrest is a welcoming, vibrant neighborhood with strong community roots, excellent restaurant and bar options, and a Pride celebration (typically in July) that draws visitors from across the country. San Diego as a whole is a notably inclusive city.
Cross-border tip: If you’re comfortable with it, Tijuana is 30 minutes south and accessible by trolley and walking across the border. The food scene there—particularly in Zona Rio and the Mercado Hidalgo—is extraordinary and wildly underrated by American travelers. Ask me about this separately if you’re interested.
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Alicia Williams
Alicia Williams
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