Things To DoThings To Do
The GärtenThe Gärten
The Gärten in Bay Park is one of our favorite hangout spots! It’s an outdoor beer and food garden with an awesome mix of local vendors. They have the best pizza in town, plus unique European beers, a winery, and even mead (yep — distilled honey drinks!). There’s usually live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, which makes it such a fun place to relax, grab a drink, and just hang out with friends.
Solana BeachSolana Beach
Just minutes from our venue, Solana Beach is one of our favorite spots! On our third date, we hiked Annie’s Canyon Trail — it’s a beautiful and easy hike with amazing views. While you're in town, check out the Downtown area and stop by Grange Garden, the cutest bunny café and coffee shop (we’re big fans!). You’ll also love spending some time relaxing on the beach.
Old Town San DiegoOld Town San Diego
Old Town is where San Diego's history comes to life! With charming, restored buildings, museums, and great Mexican restaurants, it’s the perfect place to wander around and soak in the atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the Old Town State Historic Park or just enjoying some street food, it’s a must-see for history lovers and anyone looking to experience the city’s roots.
Torrey Pines State Natural ReserveTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
If you love a good hike with incredible views, Torrey Pines is a must! The trails along the coast offer stunning ocean views and are perfect for exploring the natural beauty of San Diego. After your hike, head to the nearby Glider Port to watch the gliders take off — it’s such a unique spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Lafayette Hotel and ClubThe Lafayette Hotel and Club
A North Park favorite! Spend the afternoon lounging at the iconic pool with bites from The Pool House, grab classic comfort food (and boozy milkshakes) anytime at the 24-hour Beginner’s Diner, enjoy bold flavors at Quixote (their beautiful Mexican restaurant), or catch live jazz and craft cocktails at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room. Don’t miss the retro Gutter bowling alley for some extra fun!
San Diego ZooSan Diego Zoo
Scott and I are Zoo pass holders and absolutely love spending a day here — it's one of our favorite spots in San Diego! We usually make a quick stop at Sprouts Farmers Market beforehand, grab a $4.99 deli sandwich, and bring it with us. You could easily spend hours wandering the exhibits and meeting all the amazing animals. If you have some free time during your trip, we definitely recommend checking it out!
Sail San DiegoSail San Diego
One of our favorite San Diego experiences was the Sunset Sail with Sail San Diego—Scott and I did it together, and it was incredibly romantic. The 3-hour sail offers stunning views of the bay, skyline, and sunset, with drinks included and the chance to spot dolphins along the way. It’s the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the city during your trip!
Windansea BeachWindansea Beach
Windansea is one of our favorite spots! It’s a more laid-back beach with beautiful rocky spots, great surf, and stunning sunsets. If you're at Windansea, take some time to explore Birdrock, too! Rachel (the bride) lived in that area for two years, and it’s full of cute shops, cafés, and a great local vibe. Perfect for a little stroll after enjoying the beach!
La Jolla CoveLa Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove offers stunning ocean views, crystal-clear waters, and sea lions lounging on the rocks. Perfect for snorkeling or just relaxing in the sun. On Sundays, check out the farmers market in downtown La Jolla for fresh produce and local treats. It's a great spot to explore!
Coronado IslandCoronado Island
If you’re up for a little adventure, Coronado Island is a must! You can check out the beautiful beach, perfect for a relaxing day in the sand or a walk along the shore. Don’t forget to stop by the iconic Hotel del Coronado — it’s a piece of San Diego history! After that, take a stroll through downtown Coronado, where you’ll find cute shops, cafés, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a day trip!
Cabrillo National MonumentCabrillo National Monument
A perfect mix of history, hiking, and stunning views! Cabrillo National Monument is where the first European landed on the West Coast, and it’s got some great trails to explore. Don’t miss hiking up to the lighthouse — it’s one of the best spots to take in panoramic views of the ocean and San Diego. Plus, there are tide pools nearby to explore!
Sunset CliffsSunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs is the perfect spot to catch breathtaking views of the ocean, especially at sunset. Afterward, make sure to stop by Ocean Beach! We love grabbing lunch at Chicken Over Rice or checking out Azucar Bakery for something sweet. For dinner, OB Noodle House or Cesarina are great choices! If you’re in town on a Wednesday night, the Ocean Beach Farmers Market is a must — it’s a fun spot to grab fresh food and explore local vendors.
Balboa ParkBalboa Park
Balboa Park is a San Diego gem, offering something for everyone! You can explore a variety of museums, from art and science to history and culture. The new Botanical Garden building is a must-see, with beautiful plants and a peaceful atmosphere. Plus, the park itself is full of nature trails, gardens, and stunning architecture — perfect for a relaxing walk or a fun day of exploring.
Kate Sessions Memorial ParkKate Sessions Memorial Park
One of our favorite local spots, Kate Sessions Park sits high above Pacific Beach and offers some of the best panoramic views of San Diego—think ocean, bay, and city skyline all in one. Scott and I love bringing our Tommy Bahama chairs up here to relax, people-watch, and soak in the sunset. It’s the perfect place for a laid-back afternoon picnic or an easygoing stroll with a view. Highly recommend if you want a peaceful break with a classic San Diego vibe!
Civita ParkCivita Park
Civita Park is one of our favorite spots for walks and dates! It’s such a peaceful place with green spaces, walking trails, and a pond. On Saturdays, there’s a small local farmers market where you can pick up fresh produce and enjoy the vibe. One of our favorite parts is the tunnel with murals of San Diego — it’s a cool little hidden gem that shows off the city's beauty. If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, this park is definitely worth a visit!
El Pueblo Mexican FoodEl Pueblo Mexican Food
Our favorite spot for $1.29 fish tacos — all day, every day! 🌮 It’s super casual and perfect for grabbing a quick bite. We love picking up a few tacos and heading to one of the beaches in North County to enjoy them.
Mattarello Cooking - Cucina ItalianaMattarello Cooking - Cucina Italiana
Looking for a unique and delicious way to spend an evening in San Diego? Scott and I did a pasta-making class at Mattarello Cooking and it was one of our favorite date nights! You’ll learn how to make fresh, traditional Italian pasta from scratch—no machines, just rolling pins and hands-on fun. The instructors are warm and welcoming, and the end result is some of the best pasta we’ve ever had. It’s a cozy, interactive experience that’s perfect for couples, foodies, or anyone wanting to try something a little different while in town.
JulianJulian
If you're feeling adventurous and up for a little road trip, head out to Julian! This cozy mountain town is famous for its Julian Pie Company pies, charming shops, and small-town charm. We highly recommend grabbing a slice of the Apple Mountain Berry Crumb pie (and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top — trust us!).
Calumet ParkCalumet Park
This little park holds a big piece of our story. Scott proposed here, just steps from the cliffs where we spent so many sunsets together. Fun fact — our very first date was supposed to be a picnic at Calumet, but it rained and we ended up at the aquarium instead! This spot became our go-to for evening walks, sunset watching, people-watching (and dog-watching — Rachel was always on the lookout for shihtzus!), and just soaking up the salty beach air. It's one of the most peaceful, special places in San Diego to us.
Light Church DowntownLight Church Downtown
Scott and I have been part of Light Church Downtown for the past year and a half, and it’s truly one of the most meaningful parts of our life in San Diego. We serve together and have met so many of our closest friends through the church’s Open Tables—a space for genuine connection and community. Sunday services are held at 10am at JULEP (1735 Hancock Street)- the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a place to worship while you’re in town, we’d love for you to check it out and meet the people that make San Diego feel like our home!!
