san diego favorites
La Jolla Cove
Located in the same neighborhood as our wedding venue, La Jolla Cove is one of our favorite places to see coastal wildlife. You can hang out with the seals and sea lions lounging on the rocks, snorkel with bright orange garibaldi fish, and birdwatch (and smell haha) the cormorants nesting along the cliffside.
il giardino di Lilli
Tucked away in the heart of La Jolla, Il Giardino di Lilli is the most quaint and charming Italian coffee shop that Sijia spent countless hours studying in during medical school. They have the loveliest ambiance and delicious pastries.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A breathtaking hike in San Diego that has been a favorite of ours since we were both kids! This iconic hike winds through the dramatic cliffs and rare Torrey pine trees of the state reserve, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean before descending to a wide sandy beach
Saigon Trail
For a more treacherous hike, Saigon Trail is a short but steep path that winds down the cliffs to a secluded stretch of beach called Black's Beach. This have been a favorite adventure of ours since high school!
Pomegranate
One of the most unique restaurants in San Diego. Pomegranate is a Russian-Georgian restaurant that we are always craving. We highly recommend trying the cheese-filled bread boat, borscht, and basil martini—but we have been blown away by everything on the menu and you can't go wrong!
Lafayette Club Bar
Located right across the street from Pomegranate (we often pair the two), the Lafayette Hotel is a stunning, maximalist, 1940s-inspired bar located in the Lafayette Hotel. It contains multiple bars including a poolside bar, bowling alley/billiards bar, and a diner.