San Diego in 24 Hours: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
Whether you're visiting San Diego for a convention, family, or leisure, America's Finest City has something to offer everyone. San Diego is vast; if you’re visiting, you definitely want to stay longer than 24 hours so you can get a cohesive feel for the city. Crafting the perfect itinerary can be difficult, there are countless activities to do in and around the San Diego area. This blog will explore four exciting topics: restaurants, beaches, neighborhoods, and activities. For each category, two hidden gems and two well-known favorites will be highlighted. Join the journey to uncover the best spots and experiences each has to offer!
Downtown San Diego, highlighting Petco Park
Restaurants
When Traveling to San Diego, you need to go on a culinary tour of the city, as San Diego hosts some of the best Mexican and Japanese food in the country. Given its unique geography, it is situated near both the Pacific Ocean and Mexico. Finding a great restaurant can be rather difficult in a city with so many choices.
Hidden Gem: Sushi Ota
Located in the Pacific Beach area, Sushi Ota is a no frills spot for the best sushi in San Diego. Unlike the other sushi bars in San Diego that prioritize having an extravagant interior while sacrificing the quality of the fish, Sushi Ota has some of the highest quality fish you’ll find in San Diego. Head Chef Ota has trained many of the top sushi chefs now running restaurants throughout San Diego. Sushi Ota offers an authentic Japanese experience, from the enticing aromas to the warm, courteous service from both servers and chefs. It has the feeling of stepping into a sushi spot in Japan. They offer affordable lunch specials and great dinner combos.
Well-Known Classic: Buona Forchetta
Buona Forchetta is a Neapolitan pizza joint with numerous locations around the San Diego area, the first being in the South Park neighborhood. If you’re a fan of traditional Italian style pizza with a light, airy crust, this is the spot for you. They also host a wide selection of in-house-made pasta. They continue to rack-up local awards every year for their excellence in pizza and pasta. This is a must for any lover of Italian food.
Hidden Gem: Pho Hoa
Pho Hoa takes the term “hidden gem” to a very literal meaning. This unassuming spot, in the Little Saigon Neighborhood of San Diego, has the best pho you’ll find outside Vietnam. Immediately upon walking in, you’re hit with a great aroma of fresh herbs and broth. I hope you’re in the mood for Pho, because that’s the only thing on their menu aside from fresh bread, Vietnamese coffee, and Thai tea. Started and run by Vietnamese immigrants, Pho Hoa promises an authentic experience.
Well-Known Classic: Go on a San Diego taco crawl
Did you even go to San Diego if you didn't have a taco? San Diego links together with Mexican culture, leading to the best taco shops in the United States. It’s impossible to narrow down the endless list of amazing taco shops in San Diego, so, I will list out some of the favorites. Tacos el Gordo is a Tijuana style taco shop that specializes in Adobada, a pork marinated in red chilies among other spices. The Taco Stand offers great tacos and burritos, make sure you finish off your meal with their made-to-order churros. Fish Guts combines fresh fish with Mexican flavors, creating unique and exceptional fish tacos. These are just three of the countless amazing San Diego taco shops.
Beaches
San Diego is a hub for great beaches and beach culture. A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without a trip to one of our world-renowned beaches. It can be difficult to differentiate the beaches from one another without visiting them, as they all offer a different vibe. Spending the afternoon at a beach provides a relaxing San Diego experience.
Hidden Gem: Moonlight Beach in Encinitas
Moonlight Beach is great for almost any beach activity; whether you want to spend your time tanning or surfing, it can all be done at this quiet beach. There is plenty of free parking all around the beach, ensuring you can easily get to the beach. The beach got its name Moonlight because of the residents in the 1900s who picnicked late at night under the moonlight. Making the trip to this beach will well be worth it.
Well-Known Classic: Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is debatably San Diego’s most recognizable beach, as it hosts the Coronado Hotel. This beach is known for its wide sands and rich history. It’s located on Coronado Island, of which half of the island is a Navy base and the other half is a quaint residential neighborhood. The journey to Coronado is an experience in itself, highlighted by crossing the majestic Coronado Bridge and driving through the town. Pro tip: For a car-free visit to Coronado, take the $8 ferry from the convention center to Coronado Landing. Once there, you'll find Coronado to be a highly walkable area, so a car isn't necessary!
Hidden Gem: Black's Beach in La Jolla
Looking to surf? Local surfers praise Black’s Beach for being low-key and having some of the best waves in San Diego. There is a glider port close to the beach, and as you’re chilling on the beach, you can watch the gliders fly by. The beach stretches 2 miles and unofficially split into two parts: the south, which is mostly surfers and people tanning, and the north, which is San Diego's only nude beach area. You can see nude beach goers at any point on Black’s Beach, though they are typically concentrated in the north. Pro tip: if you’re looking to go on an adrenaline filled hike to the beach, take the Ho Chi Minh trail. Be warned, this hike is dangerous and not for amateur hikers.
Well-Known Classic: Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is where a lot of San Diego’s youth go as it’s an area with many bars, day clubs, and nightlife. The beach itself is a great swimming beach and a premier beach to spend the day at, as it’s within walking distance of many restaurants. Pacific Beach has a great boardwalk, allowing for a nice stroll while taking in the views and smells of the Pacific Ocean.
Neighborhoods
The neighborhoods of San Diego each have a unique character, offering a distinct vibe and atmosphere. From the trendy boutiques and vibrant nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter to the relaxed, beachy feel of Ocean Beach, every area has something special to offer. Exploring these diverse neighborhoods is a must for any trip to San Diego, providing a rich and varied experience of the city's culture, cuisine, and community.
Hidden Gem: Barrio Logan
In 2022, Barrio Logan was rated the 6th coolest neighborhood in the world, according to Time Out magazine. Barrio Logan is San Diego's epicenter for Mexican-American culture. The area, of course, has many great Mexican restaurants and breweries for you to explore. Barrio Logan is the home of Chicano Park, this park has the highest collection of Chicano murals in the world. The neighborhood takes the adjective vibrant to a new level, as many local artists have painted the sidewalks and buildings. This is a special San Diego neighborhood, offering an enchanting window into San Diego's Mexican culture.
Well-Known Classic: La Jolla
La Jolla is San Diego's poster child, as it’s a luxury area boasting a unique collection of nature and shops. This neighborhood offers cove-side kayaking tours, tide pools, and so much more. Make sure you make it down to the La Jolla shores to see the seals resting on the rocks. La Jolla has something for everyone.
Hidden Gem: College Area
Want to check out some of the United States’ prettiest college campuses? Like the name suggests, College Area is the neighborhood surrounding San Diego State University’s campus. This campus is world renown for its Spanish-style architecture and integration of nature throughout the campus grounds. It’s well worth your time to take a walk around San Diego State’s beautiful campus. College Area is just a few blocks from San Diego’s Little Saigon neighborhood, another great stop for lunch if you’re there.
Well-Known Classic: North Park
Going to North Park gives you a look into modern San Diego culture. Filled with bars, breweries, and an innovative culinary scene, North Park is great to see what is currently going on in San Diego. There is almost always something happening in North Park, whether that be a festival or a farmers market.
Activities
San Diego is filled with different activities, ranging from beach sports to brewery tours. Since there’s so much to see and do, it’s often difficult to narrow it down to just a couple activities. One thing is made apparent when you visit San Diego, you can always find something going on in the city daily.
Hidden Gem: Festivals
San Diego's temperate climate makes it an ideal location for a variety of festivals throughout the year. From music and food festivals to cultural celebrations and art shows, there's always something happening in this vibrant city. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, you'll find plenty of events to enjoy. You can click here to find out what festivals are going on when you’re in town!
Well-Known Classic: Petco Park
Catch a San Diego Padres game at the United States’ best ballpark, voted by numerous magazines. Even if baseball isn't your thing, a visit to Petco Park is an absolute must. The stadium offers concessions from some of San Diego's most beloved breweries and restaurants, providing a true taste of the local scene. Conveniently situated in downtown San Diego, Petco Park is easily accessible, even without a car. The recent renovations have added exciting updates, including Gallagher Square, affectionately known as the "Park at the Park," which enhances the overall experience with its inviting green spaces and family-friendly atmosphere.
Hidden Gem: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
This desert oasis is located just an hour and a half east of the city, offering a quick escape into a stunning natural landscape. The desert park is an experience you shouldn't miss, perfect for those seeking a true desert adventure. With its vast, rugged beauty, it's a captivating destination that promises unforgettable memories.
Well-Known Classic: Farmers Market
California is the state that produces the highest amount of fresh organic produce. San Diego farmers markets are a prime place to get your hands on America's best produce and greens. There are multiple farmer’s markets around San Diego almost daily. Whatever your schedule is, you don’t want to miss out on a farmer's market.
San Diego’s Petco Park
Conclusion
San Diego truly lives up to its moniker, "America's Finest City," by offering a rich tapestry of experiences for every kind of visitor. From its diverse culinary scene to its breathtaking beaches, each corner of the city holds unique and memorable adventures. Whether you're savoring the finest sushi at Sushi Ota, enjoying the historic charm of Coronado Beach, exploring the vibrant art in Barrio Logan, or catching a Padres game at Petco Park, San Diego ensures that your visit will be anything but ordinary. With so much to see, do, and taste, it's clear that a stay of more than 24 hours is essential to fully appreciating all that this remarkable city has to offer. So, dive into San Diego's hidden gems and well-known classics alike, and let the city's dynamic spirit and welcoming atmosphere create lasting memories. If you plan on visiting, consider traveling through LAX, as it’s much cheaper to find tickets from there. The issue of transportation between LAX and San Diego is fixed with reLAXsan! We offer the best LAX link to San Diego. Enjoy your journey through this sun-soaked paradise!
