Southern California Sampler

Get a feel for San Diego by strolling along the waterfront. Take in the views, do a little shopping in Seaport Village, or grab lunch at one of the casual eateries along the way. If you’re into history, make sure to visit the USS Midway Museum, which is housed on an authentic US Navy aircraft carrier.

In the evening, check out the Gaslamp district for dinner and nightlife, or maybe even join local fans and catch a Pirates game if they are playing at home. The dining options downtown are endless and varied—for authentic cuisine, try La Puerta or Sovereign Modern Thai Cuisine.

You could easily spend a whole day exploring Balboa Park! You can wander through the lush gardens and visit cool museums like the Fleet Science Center or the San Diego Museum of Art. And of course, there is the world-famous San Diego Zoo right inside the park. There are street vendors, performers, and some small cafes, so it’s a great spot to just relax and soak up the vibe.

For dinner, head to Little Italy—the biggest in the country—featuring authentic cuisine and iconic spots like Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, family-run since the 1950s. If sampling unique dishes at several restaurants while a guide shares fascinating local history sounds good to you, then consider taking the Taste of Little Italy tour!

Head out of the city to the quaint village of La Jolla. It is just about 20 minutes from downtown, but it has a completely different small town feel. Spend the morning on The Coast Walk Trail and watch the seals that make their home on the rocks of La Jolla Cove. If you enjoy hiking and appreciate even more scenic views, drive just 10 miles north to Torrey Pines State Park. There are hikes ranging from very easy to a bit more strenuous, all of which have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

In the afternoon, visit the downtown shops and art galleries, and dine at one of the many local restaurants, which offer options from casual cafés to upscale fine dining with a view. On Sunday mornings, The Open Aire Market is held, featuring a wide range of locally sourced products and live entertainment.

Take the scenic drive east to Joshua Tree National Park, and you’ll feel as though you’ve entered another world. Explore dramatic desert landscapes and stunning rock formations at the many viewpoints, along short nature trails, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, on longer hikes through the rugged terrain. Make sure you catch a sunrise, sunset, or both! The silhouette of Joshua Trees against the colorful sky is simply breathtaking!

I recommend considering a vacation rental here, which provides comfort and quick access to the park. My choice was Chicory by AvantStay, due to its location, inviting decor, and amenities like a pool and spa, perfect for unwinding after a day in the desert sun! With limited dining options nearby, staying in a vacation home also gives you the option to prepare your own meals or pack a picnic for your park adventures.

Head back towards the coast and wrap up the week in Laguna Beach. This artsy seaside town blends laid-back surfer vibes with an upscale village feel. The beaches, cliffs, and canyons are absolutely stunning! To take it all in, you can stroll along the coast on the Heisler Park boardwalk or head up (by car or on foot) to the “Top of the World” for panoramic canyon views. Stop for a casual oceanfront lunch at The Deck on Laguna Beach, or reserve a table at Nick’s Laguna Beach for fresh seafood. Just be sure to save room for the warm butter cake!