Pearl & Joe
Explore
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter's 16 blocks are peppered with Victorian-style buildings that now house a variety of shops, art galleries, theatres and trendy restaurants, not to mention plenty of bars and clubs.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Shores Park overlooks the ocean, and the cove is a beloved site for locals who love all sorts of water sports and activities. If you want to venture out, there are many beautiful beaches across San Diego. Check out La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Coronado Beach as well.
Balboa Park
You’ll keep returning to this 1,200-acre urban park for its world-class zoo, restful cultivated areas, museums in refined Spanish Revival buildings and live shows. If you check out the "Us" page on our website, our engagement photos were taken here!
San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is located right in Balboa Park. This zoo is home to over 3,700 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies, all of which are on display in very naturalistic enclosures.
USS Midway Museum
The longest-serving aircraft carrier in the world has been permanently moored at San Diego’s Embarcadero since 2004. Commissioned in 1945, the USS Midway served in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, before becoming the largest museum dedicated to aircraft carriers and naval aviation anywhere.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town is the location of the first European settlement in California. It is the oldest neighborhood in San Diego located in the heart of San Diego county. Filled with historic buildings, great boutique shops and amazing mexican fare, do not sleep on this area of SD. If Old Western towns are your jam, definitely check out Old Town San Diego!
Liberty Public Market
If you find yourself hungry and near the San Diego Bay, look no further than Liberty Public Market for a delicious solution. Housed in a former Navy training building within the Arts District of Liberty Station, the market features more than 30 independently run food stalls, each with its own unique flair. Fun Fact, some scenes from Top Gun were filmed in this formal Naval Training Center.
Coronado Island
Year after year, Coronado is voted one of the best beaches in the United States. The island just off the coast of San Diego offers gentle surf, pristine sand, and a delightful village. You can take the Coronado Bay Bridge or the Coronado Ferry to get there, and the island is home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, where Marilyn Monroe and entourage filmed Some Like it Hot.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Want to see what San Diego looked like at its founding? It's at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This oceanfront reserve features 1,750 acres of unspoiled land, protecting the unique topography and various types of flora present from way back when, including the Torrey Pine, America's rarest pine tree. The area is popular for trails and there is also the beach trail that leads to Torrey Pines stunning stretch of shore. Of all San Diego's beaches, a long walk along Torrey Pines State Beach is a must simply for its views of the towering sandstone cliffs that border it. Check out the hang gliders and paragliders setting off from the Torrey Pines Gliderport next to the reserve. Grab a blanket and perch on the cliff side for a stunning Pacific sunset.
Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines Golf Course sits on the coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It hosts the PGA TOUR's Farmers Insurance Open event yearly and was the site of perhaps the most memorable modern day U.S. Open Championship, when in 2008, under the typically brutal conditions of this major tournament, injured and hobbling Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate during their sudden death playoff after 90 grueling holes of exciting golf.
Potato Chip Rock
For you avid hikers, just an hour drive from La Jolla, Potato Chip Rock is a natural tourist attraction near San Diego, California. It is located on the Mt. Woodson summit and is famous for resembling a potato chip.
Lucha Libre Taco Shop
There's a location in Mission Hills (this address) or North Park, this Mexican Wrestling-themed taco shop is fantastic. Everything is delicious from the bottled Agua Frescas in the fridge to their tacos, nachos, and "California" style burritos. Their Cilantro-Lime salsa is so good that you want to drink it. Buy some extra to bring home.
Morning Glory
Possibly one of the only Michelin-Starred Brunch spots, Morning Glory serves international-inspired cuisine and delicious cocktails in a trendy pink-toned restaurant. Great spot for a fun brunch, but keep in mind, the wait can be VERY long. I would suggest getting there early or putting your name down at the host stand, with plans to wander around Little Italy for awhile.
Sugar and Scribe Bakery - Fine Food
Right around the corner from the wedding venue is a good breakfast/brunch spot called Sugar and Scribe. Whether you stop by for a meal, or just want to pop in their bakery, don't sleep on their sweets selections! Marshmallows covered in fruity pebbles, smores, or sprinkles, different flavors of rice krispy treats, cookies, cupcakes and more. Joe was in heaven.
Menya Ultra
The only US location for Japanese-based chain Menya Ultra is in San Diego! Known for their Tonkotsu Ramen, order the #1.
Mariscos Nine Seas Seafood
Deep Fried Fish Tacos and Ceviche Tostadas from a food truck in a Target parking lot. Our favorite things.
The Taco Stand
Another spot near the wedding venue, and it's a taco recommendation because, duh, it's San Diego. Sonora, Al Pastor and Baja tacos are recommended.
The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Fried Chicken Sandwiches. That's it. That's the whole reason.
Donut Bar
Their award-winning, oversized, over-the-top and flashy donuts are what bring the crowds to this Gaslamp donut shop. Their donuts are ideal for Instagram with crazy shapes like unicorns or with elaborate toppings. Almost all of their donuts are classic yeast doughnuts, which personally are not my favorite, but they have some pretty interesting flavors. The serving size is large, so you probably don’t need to get more than 2.
BREWERIES
There's more than 150 breweries in San Diego County. Here are a few that were recommended: Stone Brewing The Lost Abbey Pure Project Modern Times Ballast Point Mikeller Eppig Brewery