Michelle & George
Things To Do
Balboa Park
Ton of Museums to choose from and beautiful park to explore!
San Diego Zoo
Located in Balboa Park. Go see their Sloth!
Potato Chip Rock
Cash only parking lot (bring $10). Trail is moderate to difficult. Recommend going early to avoid crowds, bring plenty of water and trail snacks, and hiking shoes/sneakers. The trail is about 7 miles round trip and there may be a wait to take a photo on the rock. Allow 4-5 hrs start to finish.
La Jolla Cove
Where all the sea loins and harbor seals gather! Kid friendly and there is the kids tide pool nearby. Street parking and metered parking is limited and fills up quick. It is recommended that you park in Downtown La Jolla and walk down.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Several hiking options with beautiful views along the coast (check for high tide before you go because if you can you'll want to walk along the beach). Easy trail for kids, most hikes are less than 2 miles. Paid parking lot available.
La Jolla Shores Beach
Get there early to avoid parking hassles. Free street and parking lot. Parking lot fills up, but people are constantly coming and going so just be patient. Watch out for surfers only section.
Pacific Beach
Lots of bars and hot spots where "younger crowd" likes to go out (like ATX 6th St. and NYC East Village LES vibe) Check out the boardwalk. Favorite spots: Moonshine Beach bar (country music and bar games), Mavericks Beach Club (bar and grill), The Grass Skirt (tiki bar), and Firehouse. Recommend Ubering as parking is limited and bars are within walking distance. Feeling lazy? Take a ride on Bird electric scooter!
Ballast Point Brewing Company
San Diego is the craft beer capital! Ballast Point and a few others are all in the same area so we recommend doing a little brewery tour
Modern Times Flavordome
Another local craft brewery! Can't go wrong with any choices.
Belching Beaver North Park
Our favorite craft brewery! There are a few locations but this one is in North Park. Famous for their Peanut Butter Milk Stout (get the one on Nitro)!
JuneShine
Local kombucha located in North Park!! The real stuff :)
North Park
Check out local small businesses and food hot spots. Favorite spots: Coin Op (adult arcade), Pigment (boutique shop), City Taco, Holsem Coffee, Waypoint Public, and Bivouac Ciderworks.
Wayfarer Bread & Pastry
Can't go wrong with any of their pastries! Favorite are their savory tarts and croissants!
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
Small batch specialty local coffee roaster and my all time favorite local spot for any coffee snobs!
Din Tai Fung
The famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) masters. Could be a wait, but located in the La Jolla Westfield UTC Mall. Lots of great premium shopping if you need to kill time. Also try the spicy wontons, pork chop fried rice, and red bean bun for dessert!
Tasty Noodle House
Go for dinner, but expect a 45+ minute wait. Known for their pan fried pork steam buns and noodles.
Tasty Pot San Diego
Taiwanese take on hot pot. Line can get long moves fairly quick. Recommend the beef or lamb pot, ask for extra soup refills (unlimited).
Gaslamp Quarter
The historic heart of San Diego. Entertainment district, where you can immerse yourselves in rich Victorian architecture and history, dine with world-renowned chefs, and dance the night away at nationally-recognized nightlife venues. Tucked tightly into 16 ½ blocks, the Gaslamp Quarter is a walkable urban playground located in Downtown San Diego adjacent to the Convention Center, Petco Park, and Horton Plaza.
Little Italy
A lively neighborhood filled with patio cafés, packed restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, sophisticated shops, boutique hotels and the beautiful Amici Park. Some of our favorite spots include Ironside Fish & Oyster (Happy Hour Oysters!), Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Nolita Hall, Kettner Exchance, and The Crack Shack!
LEGOLAND California
For those of you with kids and need to keep them occupied Legoland is another close option. Just located about 30 minutes North in Carlsbad.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Choose from various tours and feed giraffes and rhinos!
Liberty Station
Family friendly area. Lots of restaurants, breweries and shopping.