Things To Do
Downtown Oceanside
The area where we live is called North Oceanside or Downtown Oceanside. If its sunny (which it usually is) you can walk down the pier and beautiful beaches. You can even rent wetsuits and surfboards nearby at Asylum Surf Shop. On Thursdays there is a lovely farmers market in the morning, and tons of food trucks at night. For a nice lunch, we recommend The Miller's Table (great wine), Local Tap House, or Pacific Coast Spirits. Good spots for takeout are Swamis or Mr. Bibi. If you're looking for cocktails, Jalisco Cantina or the Jazzy Wishbone are great. Lively bars (with lots of local craft beer) include Hello Betty Fish House (which also has a rooftop and great burritos), Stone Brewing Company, Kilowatt Brewing, Booze Brothers, or Barrel Republic (for a pour-your-own medley). After it all, Fugu has some yummy ice cream and Taiyaki!
South Oceanside
South O is a cute little strand if you want to grab a coffee, go shopping, or even indoor rock climb at VITAL Climbing Gym! Some of Sarah's favorite shops are Seahive (trendy antique mall), Gypsy Den, and Captain's Helm. In the morning, stop at the Rising Co for coffee and local home goods, Buccaneer cafe for a breakfast sandwich right by the beach, Revolution Roasters for coffee/brunch, and the Whet Noodle for dinner. Some bars down this way are Bagby Beer Co and Pour House (which has some pretty eclectic bands on the weekends).
Balboa Park
If its your first time in San Diego, you are not going to want to miss Balboa Park! It's a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park with a gorgeous botanical garden; a rose, succulent, and Japanese friendship garden; several museums (we recommend the Museum of Us); the California Tower; theaters; and gorgeous Spanish-Renaissance style buildings constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Don't miss the rainbow-tiled Spanish Village Arts Center and pop in and out of studios where you might find new pottery, jewelry, or paintings from one of the 250 (!!!) artists represented.
Little Italy
If you're down in San Diego, one of our favorite neighborhoods is Little Italy! During the day you can walk along the water, grab some gelato and coffee, or stop in cute shops like Stroll and James at Home. At night, the neighborhood is full of amazing options for food and drinks. We recommend Civico 1845 for pasta, Nolita Hall for upscale pizza, Pali Wine Co for rooftop wine, and Born and Raised or Kettner Exchange for fancy cocktails. For beer, try Ballast Point, Bolt Brewing, or Princess Pub.
Liberty Station
Liberty Station is a development at the former Naval Training Center San Diego. It has shops, food and drinks in a big hall; think of a smaller version of Reading Terminal Market or Faneuil Hall!
Sunset Cliffs
One of the best sunset spots in San Diego! Park on a side street, bring a blanket or picnic basket, and enjoy the gorgeous view. Later, you can hang out in downtown Ocean Beach for some dinner or nightlife. We'd recommend pho at the OB Noodle House and a beer at OB Brewing Company.
North Park
Another great neighborhood for cute shops, craft beer, and awesome eats! North Park is a little more casual than Little Italy, and there's something for everyone at the cross of 30th Street an University Ave! Some recommendations are shopping at Pigment, Sage Sisters, and Verbatim Books; coffee at Subterranean; dinner at Encontro; and beer at North Park Brewing Co, Mike Hess, or Working Class.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo offers a great view of downtown and Coronado, as well as a cool old lighthouse museum! ***there is an entrance fee
Coronado Island
Cross the famous Coronado Bridge to get to the peninsula in San Diego Bay. It’s known for the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, which opened in 1888. Across from the hotel, the Coronado Beach is a lovely spot for sunbathing, with quaint cafes and shops just down the street.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove has ocean views, tide pools, and adorable (albeit stinky) seals and sea lions! Posh boutiques and waterfront restaurants also dot walkable La Jolla Village. This is a popular tourist spot that's not too far from Torrey Pines Golf Club or Torrey Pines Hiking Trails.
Temecula
Have some extra time? You won't want to miss Temecula if you're a wine lover. Temecula Valley Wine Country is home to some amazing vineyards like Callaway and Miramonte. Old Town Temecula also has an adorable and bustling downtown.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is our old neighborhood, and where we got engaged! If you’re looking for busy night life, hopping beaches, and beachside bars, you’ll like PB. Grab a burrito at Taco Surf and a beer at Lahaina for a chill beachside day. Are you a brunch lover? You might be interested in Crushed or Fig Tree Cafe. For a great Baja Mexican dinner, head to Pueblo restaurant and maybe even go across the street for a tropical drink at Grass Skirt. For a laid-back bar, we’d recommend Bayside Landing or Cass Street Bar. If you feel like really letting loose, you might be interested in El Prez or PB Shore Club.
Downtown San Diego
If you’re looking for lively nightlife, downtown (aka the Gaslamp Quarter) is another option! If you want some nice cocktails, check out the Nolen or Vin de Syrah. If you want to dance the night away, Tin Roof or Trailer Park After Dark might be your speed!
Old Town San Diego
California's first settlement! If you're into cheesy historical attractions (think Plymouth Plantation but in the Mexican-American mid 1800s) then look no further than Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which is right at the center of Old Town. Around the park, there are also several Mexican restaurants, gardens, preformances, and museums. Old town is even home to one of the most haunted buildings in the country - the Whaley House.
Honorable Mention
There are SO many fun things to do near San Diego, its impossible to list them all. If you need more recommendations, just ask! More fun neighborhoods: South Park, Hillcrest, Barrio Logan, Encinitas, Solana Beach Hiking (up to 1 hr from Oside): Torrey Pines State Reserve, Mt. Woodson summit (potato chip rock), Cowles Mountain, Three Sisters Trail, Cedar Creek Falls Attractions: San Diego Zoo, Lego Land, Belmont Park, Fiesta Island Farmers Markets: Ocean Beach (Wed), Oceanside (Thurs), North Park (Thurs), Little Italy (Sat), Pacific Beach (Sat), Hillcrest (Sun), Solana Beach (Sun)