San Diego
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California’s second-largest city is renowned for its nearly perfect year-round temperatures, 70 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, and proximity to Mexico (it shares a border with Tijuana).
Whether surfing Windansea in La Jolla, hiking the Algarve-esque cliffs of Black’s Beach, golfing with the U.S. Open PGA Tour pros at Torrey Pines, playing Polo in Rancho Santa Fe, racing horses at the Del Mar Racetrack, sailing to Catalina island, or wine-tasting at the award-winning Orfila Vineyard, San Diego has something for everyone. Despite film appearances in Citizen Kane, Top Gun, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and of course Anchorman, San Diego has remained relatively under the radar compared to its Southern California neighbor, Los Angeles.
Here is our guide to San Diego, known as America’s Finest City, and for good reason:
STAY
HOTEL DEL CORONADO Opened in 1888, “The Hotel Del'' had its 15 minutes of fame as the backdrop to “Some Like It Hot,” the 1959 comedy with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. “The Del” is one of only a few surviving examples of the American architectural genre known as the “Wooden Victorian Beach Resort.” It is the second-largest wooden structure in the U.S. and a designated California Historical Landmark. Sunbathe on the iconic red and white striped cabanas, and have your own Marilyn Monroe moment. 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado; hoteldel.com
LA VALENCIA Affectionately called “The Pink Lady” by locals, the Spanish-style La Valencia sits high above the La Jolla Cove offering a restaurant, spa, and pool with a view of the Pacific Ocean. For an indulgent breakfast in bed, order the La V Cinnamon Roll by Sugar & Scribe. 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla; lavalencia.com
RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA Southern California’s only Relais & Châteaux property, Rancho Valencia is a hidden gem secluded on 45 acres of olive groves and gardens. Wake up to fresh-squeezed orange juice and a newspaper delivered to your hacienda-style casita each morning, and cozy up with a book and glass of wine by the fire on your private patio each evening. Bocce ball and tennis courts are on the property, as well as nearby horseback riding trails in Rancho Santa Fe, and of course the beaches of Del Mar beckon. 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe; ranchovalencia.com
ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA A secluded Spanish oasis in Torrey Pines, La Estancia sits on 10 landscaped gardens with a spa, pool, and rooms with courtyard views. 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla; estancialajolla.com
RANCHO BERNARDO INN This north county gem sits on a champion-style golf course with an award-winning spa next to the Bernardo Winery. Lounge in the open-air cabanas under the California sun with a glass of local wine after treatment. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, Rancho Bernardo; ranchobernardoinn.com
FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR GOLF RESORT & SPA Set within Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, this large and luxurious Mediterranean-inspired resort includes guided hikes, an equestrian center, pools, spas, tennis courts, and a golf course. It is also home to the annual Robb Report Culinary Masters with Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Jérôme Bocuse, and other top chefs. 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, Del Mar; fairmont.com/san-diego
THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES Modeled after early 1900s California Craftsman Architecture, especially Greene and Greene’s famed Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, California- the Lodge at Torrey Pines has it all including a spa, golf course, grill, pool, and ocean views. 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla; lodgetorreypines.com
L’ AUBERGE DEL MAR Across from Del Mar Plaza overlooking the beach bluffs, L’Auberge Del Mar is a stunning shingled resort and spa destination. 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar; laubergedelmar.com
THE US GRANT A Luxury Collection Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown, this historic hotel dates from 1910. 326 Broadway, San Diego; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sanlc-the-us-grant
THE GUILD Relatively new to the San Diego hotel scene is The Guild, located in the Gaslamp Quarter in a stately space that once housed a YMCA. The landmarked 1920s building offers interiors with a more contemporary flair. The design-minded will appreciate the leather-upholstered headboards and Edison bulb touches. Guests should take their coffees in the charming courtyard filled with black and white-striped parasols, and if the onsite restaurant Luca is open (the eatery is currently closed), the Italian fare is not to be missed. 500 W Broadway, San Diego; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/santx-the-guild-hotel
THE WESTGATE Set in the Gaslamp Quarter adjacent to Horton Plaza with a French theme. 1055 2nd Ave, San Diego; westgatehotel.com
CAL-A-VIE Cal-a-Vie was designed to look like a rural French village. This wellness resort on the northern side of San Diego is made up of a collection of villas with terra-cotta tiled roofs, citrus groves, lavender fields, and hundreds of acres of quiet. The focus here is on wellness—and visits are organized into three-, four-, and seven-day packages. In addition to hiking, tennis, yoga, and an incredibly comprehensive, seasonal food and nutrition program, the spa has over 150 treatments. 29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista; cal-a-vie.com
GOLDEN DOOR A private retreat and spa resort where the likes of Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, and Nicole Kidman have come to rest, restore and rejuvenate. 777 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos; goldendoor.com
ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT A new beachfront resort that’s been especially well received by couples seeking a romantic getaway. Located in the iconic coastal town of Encinitas, it has a barefoot luxury feel and features soft color tones and natural elements such as wood and stone. An oceanfront pool, a restaurant serving dishes with sustainably sourced ingredients, and a spa are among the amenities. 2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas; hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/alila-marea
THE PENDRY Should you be looking for a buzzy hotel experience with a lively scene on the property, Pendry San Diego is for you. Housed in a slick new structure within the cities’ Gaslamp Quarter, Pendry’s guests could very well dine onsite throughout their stay without repeating a meal—there are six bars and restaurants from which to choose. Despite the range and scale, Pendry is laid out like a series of intimate rooms and lounges filled with velvet banquettes and leather club chairs. But its biggest draw can be found up on the rooftop, where the pool offers another yet another place to take in the atmosphere. 550 J St, San Diego; pendry.com/san-diego
LAFAYETTE HOTEL Set in bustling North Park, this retro-style hotel dating from the 1940s has a funky restaurant /bar, and a steakhouse and lounge with rooms originating from 1560s England. 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego; lafayettehotelsd.com
INN AT RANCHO SANTA FE Recently reopened, this historic Rancho Santa Fe luxury resort offers a restaurant, fitness center, swimming pool and hot tub. 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe; theinnatrsf.com
DINE | DRINK
CALLIE Sophisticated kitchen and bar fixing up Mediterranean plates, set in a contemporary venue. The first solo project by Chef Travis Swikard after a decade of cooking in New York City with lauded Chef Daniel Boulud. 1195 Island Ave, San Diego; calliesd.com
VALENTINA A Basque bistro & wine bar in Leucadia off the historic Highway 101. Order the gateau basque for dessert! 810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas; restaurantvalentina.com
MOTO DELI Modern hangout serving innovative sandwiches & craft beer in laid-back digs with a patio. 190 N Coast Hwy 101 ste a, Encinitas; motodeli.com
HAMBURGER HUT A specialty hamburger restaurant by the owners of Valentina, Moto Deli, and Corner Pizza. 576 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas; hamburgerhut.com
CORNER PIZZA Hands down the best pizza in San Diego. 1246 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas; corner-pizza.com
JEUNE ET JOLIE This French bistro in Carlsbad was named one of the best new restaurants in America in 2019 by Esquire magazine. 2659 State St Suite 102, Carlsbad; jeune-jolie.com
VILLA NUEVA Pastries plus Mexican specialties such as enchiladas. 956 Orange Ave, Coronado; villanuevabakery.com
THE HENRY An American restaurant with a sprawling terrace in Coronado. 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado; thehenryrestaurant.com
FARMER’S BOTTEGA Country-chic bar and eatery preparing a new American farm-to-table menu and Mexican specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 860 W Washington St, San Diego; farmersbottega.com
AZUKI SUSHI Creative rolls and carefully sourced Japanese fare paired with an extensive sake menu in modern digs. 2321 Fifth Ave, San Diego; azukisushi.com
BENCOTTO A bi-level eatery famed for artisanal Italian eats, including handmade pasta & classic desserts. 750 W Fir St #103, San Diego; lovebencotto.com
BARBUSA Stylish Italian restaurant with Pop Art decor & a marble-topped bar serving modern Sicilian fare. 1917 India St, San Diego; barbusa.com
KETTNER EXCHANGE A Little Italy restaurant with daybeds, cocktails, and shareable plates. The handsome bi-level space features a ground-floor dining room and an upstairs lounge linked by a towering indoor tree, but the best seats in the house are the semi-private cabanas on the rooftop terrace. Order the spicy shrimp, pork belly buns, and duck meatballs. 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego; kettnerexchange.com
MORNING GLORY An all-pink breakfast and brunch space from the team behind Born and Raised. 550 W Date St Suite C; morningglorybreakfast.com
FORT OAK In the Mission Hills neighborhood you’ll find Fort Oak, a restaurant that formerly housed, of all things, a Ford car dealership. One of its rooms is U-shaped, offering 16 seats around the kitchen where most everything is cooked in an open wood fire. 1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego; fortoaksd.com
SUSHI OTA A San Diego sushi institution. With two locations, the original (and our favorite) is in a nondescript shopping center in Pacific Beach, but don’t let that deter you. 4529 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego; sushi-ota.com
HANE SUSHI A sleek Japanese spot serving sushi and sashimi alongside sake, beer and cocktails. 2760 Fifth Ave, San Diego; hane-sushi.net
EL PESCADOR Pick up the Catch of the Day for a beach barbecue at this La Jolla seafood staple open since 1974. 634 Pearl St, La Jolla; elpescadorfishmarket.com
HERB & SEA Sophisticated space with chandeliers and a raw bar, serving innovative seafood dishes and desserts. 131 W D St, Encinitas; herbandsea.com
JUNIPER & IVY This lively, upscale restaurant is a standout among San Diego’s food and drink-obsessed Little Italy neighborhood. The airy dining room continues to be packed out by locals, thanks to chef Anthony Wells' continually shifting, inventive menu. 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego; juniperandivy.com
HERB & WOOD A former rubber band factory, this cavernous space bounced back as a striking open-air dining room with vaulted ceilings, flickering gas lamps and enough potted plants to fill a greenhouse. Seasonal Mediterranean-inspired dishes are roasted in a wood-fired oven such as oysters and bone marrow, Baja shrimp, and baby carrots served with a cashew sesame dukkah sauce. Chef Brian Malarkey’s menu changes frequently, but expect things like crispy potatoes with lemon vinaigrette and Parmesan as well as mushroom truffle pizza with goat cheese and a festive drink menu with feisty cocktails like a Bourbon & Honey with chili oil. 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego; herbandwood.com
CUCINA URBANA Reclaimed wood lines this stylish, contemporary Italian restaurant and wine shop with craft cocktails. 505 Laurel St, San Diego; urbankitchengroup.com
BORN & RAISED Order caviar, a New York strip, a side of crispy smashed potatoes, and a cold martini at this cavernous space with Art Deco elements and a buzzing rooftop terrace. 1909 India St, San Diego; bornandraisedsteak.com
CRAFT & COMMERCE A night in Little Italy can easily start or end at Craft & Commerce. The gastro pub has a hipster Brooklyn vibe down to the exposed-brick wall, wood-beam ceiling, well-stacked bookshelves, and ambitious displays of taxidermy. Chef Ted Smith has created a menu with shareable plates like charred eggplant dip, wood-fired carrots, and burrata and goat cheese tart. Save room for an after-dinner drink at the hidden tiki bar False Idol through the steel door to the walk-in cooler. 675 W Beech St, San Diego; craft-commerce.com
CLOAK & PETAL An airy locale specializing in Japanese tapas and craft cocktails. 1953 India St Level 2, San Diego; cloakandpetal.com
WOLF IN THE WOODS A unique and intimate wine bar and cafe located deep within the beautiful historic neighborhood of Mission Hills. 1920 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego; thewolfinthewoods.com
DUKE’S Airy two-story destination for Hawaiian-inspired fare, with outdoor seating & ocean views. 1216 Prospect St, La Jolla; dukeslajolla.com
GEORGE’S AT THE COVE Renowned chef Trey Foshee's New American cuisine served in an elegant setting with ocean views. 1250 Prospect St, La Jolla; georgesatthecove.com
C LEVEL LOUNGE AT ISLAND PRIME Island Prime's breezy, upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront serves chophouse fare & cocktails. 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego; cohnrestaurants.com/islandprime
PARAKEET CAFE Health-conscious food, coffee, tea, and freshly baked goods with locations in La Jolla, Little Italy, and Del Mar. parakeetcafe.com
HODAD’S A famous, local hamburger chain that rivals In n’ Out. hodadies.com
EL AGAVE TAQUERIA
You know you’re in for a fun evening when a restaurant has a famous Tequila Museum. With a premium selection of tequilas lining every wall, a tasty Mexican menu and of course, some of the best margaritas you have ever tried, this restaurant is a must. 2304 San Diego Ave # B; elagave.com
BUON APPETITO Intimate trattoria pairs generous plates of Italian fare with bottles from the neighboring wine bar. 1609 India St, San Diego; buonappetitosandiego.com
LITTLE ITALY FARMERS MARKET
Fresh blooms, cold-pressed juices and vegan French apple tarts, what else could you want from a farmer’s market? Taking place every Saturday from 8am-2pm, the market holds 175 farmers and vendors, ready to ensure that you leave gastronomically satisfied. 600 W Date St, San Diego; sandiegomarkets.com
TACOS EL GORDO When you are craving authentic Tijuana- style Al Pastor tacos, nothing compares to this no-frills spot near the border. tacoselgordobc.com
MISTER A'S Our favorite downtown spot to sip a classic cocktail overlooking the San Diego skyline and harbor at sunset. 2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego; asrestaurant.com
THE MARINE ROOM At high tide, the waves lap right up against the glass in the dining room of this La Jolla restaurant. Perfect for date night, anniversaries, or a special occasion celebration. 2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla; marineroom.com
JAKE'S DEL MAR Another beachfront restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Pacific. 1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar; jakesdelmar.com
POSEIDON Waterfront restaurant with a patio on the sand offers seafood-centric fare & a variety of beers. 1670 Coast Blvd, Del Mar; poseidonrestaurant.com
THE GRILL AT TORREY PINES After a day on the renowned (and notoriously difficult) 18-hole golf course, enjoy a much-deserved Arnold Palmer by the fire and watch the sunset. 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla; lodgetorreypines.com
BIRD ROCK COFFEE ROASTERS Named after a local neighborhood in La Jolla with tidepools and surfing, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters ethically sources their beans directly from farmers. birdrockcoffee.com
CESARINA A popular Point Loma trattoria with a bakery across the street offering freshly baked bread and pastries by Roman Chef Cesarina Mezzoni. 4161 Voltaire St, Point Loma; cesarinarestaurant.com
BALLAST POINT BREWING San Diego is home to over 200 micro and craft breweries. Stone Brewing in Escondido being the 8th largest in the U.S. You have probably seen Ballast Point at your local Whole Foods no matter which coast you are on, and their signature California Kölsch rivals Cologne’s. ballastpoint.com
OLD TOWN MEX As they say in Mexico, “when your tortilla puffs, you are ready for marriage.” Watch women make tortillas by hand at this traditional Old Town staple. 2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego; oldtownmexcafe.com
EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS Pastry Chef Karen Krasne’s desserts are truly extraordinary, and many feature delicate edible flower petals. Satisfy your sweet tooth at her Little Italy or Banker’s Hill location. We recommend the Passion Fruit Ricotta, Gianduia, Tres Leches, Dulce de Leche or the Linzer Torte. extraordinarydesserts.com
PIATTI A charming Italian trattoria with a tree-covered patio steps away from La Jolla shores. 2182 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla; lajolla.piatti.com
THE COTTAGE Enter the patio of the vintage Victorian home-turned-restaurant through a white picket fence in La Jolla village. We recommend the yogurt parfait for a healthy, hearty breakfast before surfing. 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla; cottagelajolla.com
HANDEL'S I scream, you scream- we all scream for Handel’s Ice Cream! Made fresh daily since 1945. handelsicecream.com
OSCAR'S MEXICAN SEAFOOD You can’t visit San Diego without trying a world-famous Fish Taco. oscarsmexicanseafood.com
PACIFIC COAST GRILL The name says it all. Pull off the Coast Highway and order up oysters, mussels, and clams at this scenic spot. 2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff; pacificcoastgrill.com
FALSE IDOL Trendy tiki bar located within Craft & Commerce, serving strong drinks in tropical surrounds. 675 W Beech St, San Diego, https://falseidoltiki.com/
HEARTWORK COFFEE BAR Tucked into Mission Hills, Heartwork is a neighborhood coffee bar. It does its own roasting and leans heavily into small-batch, locally made pastries and snacks. The vibe is quiet and chill, perfect for a stop if you’re passing through the area. Before you leave town, grab a bag of the beans—the Costa Rica blend is a favorite. 3993 Goldfinch St, San Diego; heartworkcoffeebar.com
IRONSMITH COFFEE ROASTERS A hipster, industrial space with a garage door, and a highly curated, artisanal approach to coffee. 458 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas; ironsmithcoffee.com
RAISED BY WOLVES A vintage bar with he marble floors, antique cash registers, domed glass ceiling, gilded barstools, velvet armchairs, and moody lighting. The drink menu is extensive—over a dozen pages before you even get to the wine. 4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego; raisedxwolves.com
THE LION’S SHARE Decor includes dark lighting, velvet drapery, and taxidermy. The menu includes craft cocktails and charcuterie. 629 Kettner Blvd, San Diego; lionssharesd.com
THE NOLEN The view from the Nolen overlooks the Gaslamp district, Petco Park, and all the way to the Coronado Bridge. The Sunday brunch is one of the best in San Diego. 453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego; thenolenrooftop.com
WAYFARER BREAD & PASTRY Wayfarer is the creation of Crystal White, who worked at Tartine in San Francisco before opening what is arguably the best bakery in San Diego. Small-batch loaves (olive, sourdough, baguette) and pastries (apple jam and hazelnut croissants) are the raison d’être here. But there’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads, and every Wednesday is pizza night. 5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla; wayfarerbread.com
LAS CUATRAS MILPAS An old-school Mexican spot serving homemade tortillas and picnic-table decor since 1933. 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego; las-cuatro-milpas.com
SENECA TRATTORIA A stylish, bar and restaurant on the roof of the Intercontinental Hotel with vast views. 901 Bayfront Ct Level 19, San Diego; senecatrattoria.com
IRONSIDE FISH & OYSTER Seafood fare and cocktails are offered in a renovated warehouse with quirky, nautical design accents. 1654 India St, San Diego; ironsidefishandoyster.com
CRACK SHACK A fun spot for chicken and egg dishes with stylish outdoor seating, a full bar, and a bocce court. 2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego; crackshack.com
BRONX PIZZA A simple menu of thin-crust pies & calzones lures longtime fans to this no-frills, cash-only joint. 111 Washington St, San Diego; bronxpizza.com
LAS OLAS A beachside Mexican restaurant with a colorful interior. 2655 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff; lasolasrestaurant.com
ANIMAE Fashionable restaurant showcasing high-end steak & Asian fusion dishes in a luxurious atmosphere by Chef Brian Malarkey. 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego; animaesd.com
BUONA FORCHETTA Wood-fired pies, fresh pasta and a global wine list draw crowds at this festive pizzeria. 3001 Beech St, San Diego; buonaforchettasd.com
ORFILA VINEYARD & WINERY Owned and operated by former Argentine Diplomat, Alejandro Orfila, Orfila Vineyards and Winery, is an award-winning destination in the San Pasqual Valley of Escondido. Sip a glass of Malbec and order a cheese and charcuterie platter and pretend you are in Mendoza. While in Escondido, we recommend checking into the Golden Door Spa & Resort for a restorative retreat. 13455 San Pasqual Rd, Escondido; orfila.com
THE VEGETABLE SHOP AT CHINO FARM Originally from Japan, the Chino Family has owned and operated over 50 acres of choice farmland in San Dieguito valley near Del Mar since the 50’s. The farm is famous for its sweet corn, strawberries, and tomatoes. Alice Waters of Berkeley’s Chez Panisse has waxed poetic about the produce, putting the farm on the culinary map. 6123 Calzada Del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe; chino.farm
THE BRIGANTINE A popular seafood restaurant with multiple locations in San Diego. brigantine.com
ALADDIN A casual Mediterranean restaurant with platters and small plates, perfect for sharing. aladdincafe.com
SANTANA’S A drive-thru spot, popular with locals, and known for the regional “California Burrito” specialty. santanas-mexican-food
NOBU In the heart of the Gaslamp District with a Bar and Lounge, Sushi Bar, and Cocktails. 207 Fifth Ave, San Diego; noburestaurants.com/sandiego
WONDERLAND This relaxed multi-level beach bar has expansive views and bartenders serve up complimentary cocktail shots at sunset. 5083 Santa Monica Ave Suite 2B, Ocean Beach; wonderlandob.com
OB NOODLE HOUSE & SAKE BAR A bustling restaurant and bar specializing in pho, beer on tap, and a wide variety of sake drinks. 2218 Cable St, Ocean Beach; obnoodlehouse.com
CLAYTON’S COFFEE SHOP A 50s-style coffee shop and restaurant on Orange Avenue in Coronado. 979 Orange Ave; claytonscoffeeshop.com
THE PRADO A picturesque hacienda with a patio sets the scene for inspired Californian fare & happy-hour deals. 1549 El Prado; cohnrestaurants.com/theprado
SHINO Laid-back Japanese eatery serving sushi & rolls in simple, contemporary surrounds. 838 W Ash St, San Diego
HAMBURGER HUT Hamburger Hut’s burgers are what you’d get if In-N-Out went upmarket. They serve craft cocktails, mocktails, and frosty adult slushies, and swap regular ground beef for 100 percent grass-fed wagyu that’s sandwiched between King’s Hawaiian sweet buns. 576 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
THE SALK INSTITUTE In 1959, Jonas Salk, the scientist who discovered the polio vaccine, approached architect Louis I. Kahn with a project. The city of San Diego, California had gifted him with a picturesque site in La Jolla along the Pacific coast, where Salk intended to found and build a biological research center. The only directive was to “create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso.” That he did, and the result was the Salk Institute. Mexican architect, Luis Barragan, consulted on the design and recommended leaving the plaza open rather than filling it with a garden, “if you make this a plaza, you will gain a facade- a facade to the sky.” 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla; salk.edu
THE SHELL The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is an open-air music venue operated by the San Diego Symphony on the grounds of the Embarcadero Marina Park South. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego; theshell.org
TORREY PINES STATE PRESERVE The Torrey Pine Tree is a rare, critically endangered species in the United States. In fact, it is only grown in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. See for yourself on this scenic waterfront hike next to the golf course and sea. 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla; parks.ca.gov
BALBOA PARK Classic film fans will recognize this beautiful park as the setting of Orson Welles Xanadu in Citizen Kane. Today, the park includes a Botanical Garden, Air & Space Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, and The Timken Museum of Art. It also borders the world-famous San Diego Zoo. balboapark.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE Founded in 1947 by actor Gregory Peck and Mel Ferrer, the former whom you might recognize as Audrey Hepburn’s love interest in Roman Holiday and the latter as her actual husband. Productions that originated here before finding success on Broadway include Matthew Broderick's revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Pulitzer Prize-winning I Am My Own Wife, and Jersey Boys. 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla; lajollaplayhouse.org
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO Recognizable by the large structure made of sailboats by Nancy Rubin affixed to the exterior of the museum, the MCASD La Jolla also features a small but impressive collection of 1960’s Pop Art. If Stendhal Syndrome has you fatigued, enjoy lunch with an ocean view from the museum cafe. There is also a location downtown. mcasd.org
DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB The slogan says it all, “where the turf meets the surf.” The Club was built in 1937 by actor Bing Crosby as a destination for polo and horse racing. Opening Day in July starts the season with a hat contest. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar; dmtc.com
CORONADO ISLAND Accessible by bridge or boat, Coronado Island is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado, Victorian Homes, golf courses, beaches, boutiques, and restaurants. coronadovisitorcenter.com
BLACK'S BEACH Named after a historic family that owned a horse ranch on the beach, Black’s is a secluded section of Torrey Pines State Preserve, available by lock and key to those who live above in La Jolla Farms. A famous spot for surfing and hiking, the cliffs facing the water are reminiscent of the Algarve in Portugal. Fun fact- it also happens to be the largest nude beach in the U.S. Get a birds-eye view from above at the neighboring Torrey Pines Gliderport where parasailing and paragliding are offered. sandiego.org
SUNSET CLIFFS NATIONAL PARK As imagined, the premier spot to see the sun touchdown in San Diego. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive green flash. Ladera St, San Diego; sandiego.gov
LA JOLLA BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB Located on a private stretch of beach lies a resort with tennis, golf, and seaside dining. Forever immortalized by Slim Aarons in his timeless photographs taken in 1960. 2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla; ljbtc.com
TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE Home of PGA U.S. Open Tour with a notoriously difficult back 9 holes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lessons are offered and a lodge, grill, and pool are available to guests. 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla; sandiego.gov/torrey-pines
MISSION BASILICA SAN DIEGO DE ALCALA The first of 21 missions dotting the California coast. Established in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá is still a sight to behold, overlooking Old Town with white stucco walls, Spanish roof tiles, and archways. 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego; missionsandiego.org
BARRIO CHINO AND BARRIO LOGAN This art-filled neighborhood is rooted in Mexican and Chicano cultures, especially Chicano Park, with its more than 80 outdoor murals depicting the community’s past activism, alongside images of notable figures like Frida Kahlo. Former warehouses on Logan Avenue now house galleries, taco shops and craft breweries. Don’t miss a meal at Las Cuatras Milpas.
LIBERTY PUBLIC MARKET A new addition to Point Loma, a former naval training center has reopened as a food hall with stalls and outposts of the city’s restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, libertypublicmarketsd.com
PETCO PARK Petco Park is a baseball stadium in Downtown San Diego, California. It is the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres, and has also been used as a venue for concerts, soccer, golf, football, and rugby. 100 Park Blvd, San Diego; mlb.com/padres
CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT Cabrillo National Monument is at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, it commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego; nps.gov/cabr
BELMONT PARK Belmont Park is a historic amusement park located on Ocean Front at Surfrider Square in the Mission Bay area, opened on July 4, 1925 as the Mission Beach Amusement Center. 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego; belmontpark.com
SAN DIEGO ZOO The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is the home to 4000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres. 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego; sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, originally named the San Diego Wild Animal Park is an 1,800 acre zoo in the San Pasqual Valley area. It is one of the largest tourist attractions in San Diego County. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido; sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
SEAPORT VILLAGE Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay. It houses more than 70 shops, galleries, and eateries on 90,000 square feet of waterfront property. 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego; seaportvillage.com
SURFING Our top spots to capture your Endless Summer waves are Windansea Beach in La Jolla or Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, but if you are a beginner head to Pacific Beach Surf School for lessons.
SHOP
THE WINE SHOP Boutique wine shop focusing on small production, sustainable, and family-owned wineries. 2548 Congress St STE A
MITCH'S SURF SHOP If you want to be mistaken for a local, follow fellow San Diego native and Vogue Stylist, Taylor Angino’s recommendation and buy the Sherpa Sweater and Takayama Millenium Surfboard from the La Jolla or Solana Beach location. 631 Pearl St, La Jolla; mitchssurfshop.com
AVENU Avenu boutique on Orange Avenue in Coronado offers sustainable basics for the beach, boardwalk, boardroom, or bar. 1114 Orange Ave, Coronado; avenuboutique.com
PARIS & ME Stylish and intimate boutique featuring on-trend apparel for women from the eponymous in-house brand. 1154 Orange Ave, Coronado; parisandmeboutique.com
CEDROS AVENUE San Diego’s Design District. Over 85 studios, artisans, galleries, boutiques, and cafes line the sun-filled streets of Solana Beach. cedrosavenue.com
BAD MADGE A South Park vintage store with clothing, jewelry, furniture, andhome decor. 2205 Fern St, San Diego; badmadge.com
ONE PASEO A new shopping and dining destination in Del Mar with independently-owned boutiques and restaurants. onepaseo.com
CASA ARTELEXIA You’re only about seventeen miles from the border, a fact that is apparent everywhere from the food to the language. And one of the most authentic places to dive into Mexican culture is Artelexia, a boutique and event space that specializes in beautiful, highly curated wares from all over Mexico. Cookbooks, dishes, chocolates, textiles, toys, cutlery, ornaments, candles—it’s far more a lifestyle shop than a souvenir one. It hosts dinners and events all year (and can even help you plan a trip south of the border), but Artelexia really comes to life in the late fall during the Día de los Muertos festival. 3803 Ray St, San Diego; artelexia.com
PIGMENT Beautiful artisanal candles, elegant prints, pillows, throws, stationery, notebooks, cutting boards, cocktail glasses, and more can all be found here. shoppigment.com
SAGE SISTERS A small floral shop in the North Park area of San Diego, Sage Sisters focuses on quality and seasonality over volume. The careful selection of flowers is constantly changing, and no two bouquets are ever the same. The best part of Sage Sisters, though, is that any flowers that aren’t sold by the end of the day are made into arrangements and donated to local nonprofits. 3013 University Ave, San Diego; shopsagesisters.com
LA LOUP Vintage clothing & lifestyle Boutique, specializing in late 1960's through modern vintage. 3337 Adams Ave, San Diego; laloupevintage.com
THE GIRL CAN’T HELP IT Vintage clothing store stocking men's & women's styles from the '30s to the '60s in red-walled digs. 3806 Grim Ave, San Diego; thegirlcanthelpit.com
SEA HIVE Sea Hive Station is San Diego's hub for everything handmade and handpicked from the best local artisans and vendors. 2750 Dewey Rd #103; seahivestation.com
Photos: Slim Aarons/Getty Images