Ashley, Leticia, and TJ
Things To Do
Old Town Temecula
This is such a cute town with lots of restaurants, bars, live music, and shopping. Super walkable and within walking distance of the Temecula hotels we have listed in the "Travel & Accommodations" section of our website.
Wine Tasting
One of our favorite things to do in Temecula is to explore the wineries! Each winery has its own personality and the wines vary just as much. It's our SoCal Napa Valley. This is not walkable but there are several tours and car services in the area if you want to indulge without worrying about the drive.
San Diego Zoo
The world famous San Diego Zoo. You won't be disappointed. We recommend starting with the double decker bus just inside the zoo entrance. Note the exhibits you'd like to visit on foot and get a lay of the land. It's a large zoo! Visit Balboa Park while you're already here.
Balboa Park
Explore the trails, ornate architecture of the buildings, fascinating museums, and our zoo is here!
SeaWorld San Diego
Aquariums, shows, and a few amusement park rides. Our favorites are the Sea Lion and Otter show and the water rides (Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids).
Coronado Beach
Our favorite Beach!!! Drive over the Coronado bridge to cross the San Diego Bay and explore Coronado. You'll get a picturesque view of the San Diego Harbor and see the first peaks of the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Make your way through the manicured neighborhoods and snag a parking spot. Best to get there early. There is a vast area of sand at this beach so be ready to get your exercise walking to the water. It's worth it. Great spot for a beach walk or to hang for a relaxing beach day.
Mission Beach and Belmont Park
Our second favorite beach! The parking lot will be busy as this beach is connected to a small amusement park and surrounded by lots of bars in a walkable radius.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego was California's first settlement! Check out the history and immerse yourself in Mexican culture while exploring the many shops and restaurants. Our favorite restaurant here is Casa De Reyes. Save room for a churro afterward from the small café off the restaurant's courtyard. The candied nuts at the nearby vendor cart are also worth grabbing to go but they only take cash.
Gaslamp Quarter
Great nightlife! Food, drinks, music, night clubs, cocktail lounges, and comedy clubs.
Seaport Village
Next to the San Diego Bay, close to the ferry landing, cruise ship ports, and local bay cruise boats. Lots of little shops. A great place to watch the sail boats. Check out the historic carousel (Leticia's favorite as a kid). The USS Midway Museum is also close by. You will find the giant Unconditional Surrender statue (AKA soldier kissing nurse) right next to it.
Little Italy
Great vibe with lots of yummy restaurants. The area does get crowded but keep your eye out for the paid parking lots or take a rideshare if you're staying close by. We haven't been disappointed with any restaurants around here but our favorite go to places are Queenstown Public House (dinner, apps, drinks), M Winehouse (take your wine upstairs for board games), Not Not Tacos (you'll see), and Salt and Straw (unique ice cream flavors that offer unlimited tastings).
La Jolla Cove
Whether you head to La Jolla shores for some beach time, make your way to the cove to see the many seals/sea lions that gather here (cool to see but also smelly), or explore the shops/bars/and restaurants, you are in for some amazing views! Head up to Mt. Soledad for a 360 view of San Diego, the giant controversial cross, and a National Veterans Memorial. You can also join a group tour for some ocean kayaking into the caves.
Petco Park
Even if you aren't a baseball fan, our Padres stadium is an impressive architectural addition to downtown San Diego. Padres will be in town playing the LA Dodgers on 9/9, 9/10, and 9/11. If you make it to a game, try the Tri-Tip nachos from Cardiff.
Hiking
Since All Trails is the obvious go to, we included a URL to a local hiker's personal assessment of some of our trails. We recommend mornings for hiking.