Check out the sea lions and seals - but don’t get too close!!
There are 3 “hidden swings” around La Jolla (we’ve been to one of them!). See if you can find them yourselves...
Walk around the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Organ Pavilion (especially if there’s a show!), and the international houses, or spend a day at the world renowned San Diego Zoo. There are also numerous museums that have exhibits and shows - we particularly like the Ruben H Fleet center. You can also just walk around and enjoy the Spanish architecture, fountains, and people watching! Safety tip: The park is very populated and extremely safe during the day, but is not the best area at night. Best to see in the daytime.
Drive across the massive Coronado Bay Bridge or take a ferry to the island to see the historic Hotel Del Coronado and enjoy the quaint small town. Don’t forget to grab ice cream at Moo Time!
Wander the shops, stop outside the window of Old Town Mexican Cafe to see tortillas being made by hand, or check out a spooky haunted tour of Whaley House.
A beautiful place to spend an afternoon!
For the most beautiful sunset in San Diego, look no further.
For Taco Tuesday (if you’re in town longer than just the weekend) or just for a fun Old Town atmosphere!
Liberty Station is fun in general, so we recommend the smaller of Stone’s locations so you can enjoy a classic San Diego brewery and wander around the old barracks too!
One of our favorite breweries. This is the original teeny tiny storefront, but also check out the North Park location!
We love this restaurant! Joe has been coming here since college, and we came here for dinner right after we got engaged.
Another great Italian food option in Little Italy!
They live up to their name - these desserts are truly extraordinary pieces of art! A cozy and popular cafe in Little Italy, great for an afternoon snack or a post-dinner treat. There is also a much smaller location in Hillcrest near Balboa Park.
In case you want to see where it all started for Joe and Kate! The campus is nationally ranked for its architectural beauty. Attend Catholic mass at the Immaculata Parish and stroll down the quad to the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, where in the back you can find the Garden of the Sea that overlooks all of San Diego and has a serene reflecting pool that inspires quiet thought.
If you're brave enough to hike to the top, this is a cool photo op!
Go Padres!
Get the crab sandwich (a favorite of Kate’s family since the 80s).
A great breakfast spot right on the boardwalk.
The only place to get a donut in San Diego (and a favorite of USD students!).
Excellent Indian food; a favorite of ours.
Great views of San Diego and fun tidepools!
The best hole in the wall burrito place.