A Long Weekend & Deep Breath in San Diego
Curated By
Cait Boyle
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Arts & Culture
Beaches
Luxury Travel
San Diego
California
Entertainment
Sightseeing
Local Food
Curator’s statement
San Diego may not be the first thing you imagine when you hear the words "romance" and "handcrafted," but as an expert in the region - there is nothing better. Get ready for custom-crafted drinks, top-of-the-line brunch spots and romantic evenings along the harbor boardwalk.
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Day 1: Tacos and views
Arrival
Your trip starts unlike any other as you fly into the airport, almost skimming the tops of the San Diego city skyline. Check into your hotel and indulge in the nation's best burritos and tacos found in the mainland US. I recommend Miguel's at Portside Pier - the queso is unbeatable and so is the view.
Exploring the Town
Knowing you have a bit of a shorter day on travel mornings, taking a trip down to the Seaport Village boardwalk or over to Sunset Cliffs is going to be your best chance to watch some locals catch the tides or check out the sailboats parked along the Marina.
Dinner for Two
There is an absolutely incredible restaurant group in America's Finest City, Consortium Holdings, that creates incredible and handcrafted experiences for the highest tier dining in town. Whether you prefer a rooftop Italian cabana at Seneca or Born & Raised's unrivaled surf and turf menu - you won't be dissapointed.
Not tired yet? North Park's legendary new speakeasy with a secret record shop inside, Part Time Lover is awaiting you.
Day 2: Toes-in-sand
Good Morning, Saturday! Snag an uber or if you're downtown, an FRED (Free-Rides-Everywhere-Downtown - YES. That's real) to Little Italy for my personal favorite farmers market morning. An early morning will get you into brunch with a bang spot - Morning Glory.
Not a morning bird? No worries - Parakeet Cafe on the corner of India St. will make your wings flutter. I highly recommend trying our their amazing wellness lattes to kick off your day right.
It's not the golden coast without spending an afternoon with your toes in the sand. If you aren't into rainbow beach umbrellas, loud kids or costly daiquiri's. Avoid the overcrowded and tourist-trap shores of Pacific Beach and venture to local surf hotspot, Blacks Beach. On your way, call in your poke order to It's Raw Poke or snag legendary burgers from Hodadies to eat from your beach chair.
Not over tacos yet? Dinner at Puesto in the nearby cliff-top town of La Jolla will have you going to bed sun-kissed and smiling.
Day 3: Pampering
After a long beach day on Saturday - I prefer to fill my mind and soul on Sundays. Whether your vibe is a luxe facial at La Jolla Skin Studio or a long walk on the shores with a cup of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and some gentle rise yoga at Indie Yoga — there is no wrong way to wake up and face the sun.
If venturing north isn't your thing, you'll find a vibrant and eclectic arts district within the cobblestone streets of the fabled Balboa Park. For those who love to dive into the creative, the drive to Solana Beach's Cedros Row is well worth it. I have and will spend hours in David Allen's showroom (Don't forget to check out the basement of artifacts.)
While you're up there have lunch at Chef Anthony's Herb & Sea. The amazing food and its sister location Herb & Wood are San Diego staples that make even the locals wait in line for a chance to taste the rotating menus.
Need to Know
For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Amber Gibson’s guide, A Girl's Getaway Guide to San Diego.
Travel Advisor
Cait Boyle
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to San Diego.