Things To Do
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a great place to walk around and visit some museums, botanical gardens, and architecture. We used to live 2 miles from the park and would jog around the area, have a picnic, or see some shows or events that would happen in the park. It is also adjacent to San Diego Zoo. Note that you will have to pay for parking.
San Diego Zoo
We have an annual membership to the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park and go a couple of times a year. Each visit is a different experience from the last. You never know what the animals are up to! Note that you will have to pay for parking, but outside food and drinks are allowed.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines is always on the top of our list of places to bring our friends or family when they come to visit. The hiking/walking trail is nice and easy, with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the beautiful seascape. Public parking is first come first serve and fills up quickly, but the paid lot at the park entrance takes longer to fill up.
Old Town San Diego
Vibrant historic district full of shops, mexican restaurants, and museums. Cafe Coyote, Casa de Reyes (live music), and Casa Guadalajara are a few of our favorite restaurants. Check out Garden Coffee while you're there for a plant lovers hidden gem.
Petco Park
We are not die hard baseball fans, but the Padres is San Diego's only "Big Four" North American major professional sports team. Petco Park is a really nice ballpark that offers local craft beer and eats. They are playing the LA Dodgers May 18-20, the Oakland A's May 22-24, and the Phillies May 25-27. Let's go Padres!
University Heights
One of our favorite neighborhoods in San Diego; grab a beer with rooftop views at Kairoa Brewing, a handcrafted cocktail at Justin's favorite bar Park & Rec, sober up with a bite to eat at Bahn Thai or El Zarape, and finish your indulgent journey with a handmade waffle cone of Ube Pandesal and Toffee ice cream from Stella Jeans. (It's not like we've done this before...)
Coronado
We spent a lot of time on Coronado peninsula during our time in the military. You can make a day out of visiting Coronado. There is a ferry that goes from downtown SD to Coronado. There are kayak and SUP rentals to use on the San Diego Bay. Or, visit Hotel Del Coronado and rent an umbrella, towels, and a beach chair then walk onto the Coronado Beach and have a relaxing beach day. If you get hungry, avoid eating at the hotel as it is pricey. Walk over to Yummy Sushi for AYCE sushi with an ocean view. Or rent a bike and admire the beautiful homes on the island. Grab a sandwich from Boney's Bayside Market on Orange Ave. Or any restaurant or bar on Orange Ave.
Convoy District
We love eating around this area. Convoy is a vibrant Pan-asian cultural and business district (it has good eats and drinks). Too much to list, so please check out thi website I found with good recommendations. Some of our favorites are: Matoi, Izakaya Sakura and Mitsuwa Marketplace for Japanese; Koon Thai Kitchen for Thai; Dumpling Inn & Shanghai Saloon for Chinese.