My sisters and I wanted to take a quick and easy trip this summer. We were searching for a direct flight from Austin, a place where we could easily navigate without a car, and a sanctuary from the July heat. We also aimed to fit this trip between Thursday and Sunday. San Diego was the perfect choice that ticked all the boxes.
I've been to San Diego a handful of times, and I've compiled my all-time favorite things to do for a long weekend. If you're looking for an easy weekend getaway, with absolutely, what-the-f-how-is-this-real, perfect weather, San Diego is the place to go.
But first, let's figure out where to stay in SD:
Where to Stay: Mission Beach, Pacific Beach or La Jolla?
For this recent sister trip, we opted to stay in Mission Beach. It was easy to walk to the beach or hang out by the bay, with lots of options for delicious taquerias and breakfast places (acai bowls mmm). Mission Beach seems a little less crowded than Pacific Beach, but Mission Beach is more catered to families. In Mission Beach, you're in walking distance to Belmont Park, a family-friendly amusement park.
We stayed at the Bahia Resort. Again, this place is great for families. The resort has its own private "beach"/bay access, which is a nice perk.
We spent most evenings walking 1 to 2 miles to Pacific Beach. There, you can find more bars, cafes, and shops. Pacific Beach tends to be a bit more crowded, with more people setting up on the beach. However, there are definitely more restaurant options in Pacific than in Mission.
We nearly stayed in La Jolla, which is a more upscale beach neighborhood with sea cliffs and reefs. La Jolla is also near Torrey Pines State Park, which is a beautiful area for hiking. I think La Jolla would be great if you have a car or are open to a long Uber ride to get to the other areas of San Diego.
You really can't go wrong wherever you stay-- it truly just depends on what "vibe" you're going for.
What to Do with a Weekend in San Diego
1. Take a Surfing Lesson
I can't say enough good things about our surfing lesson in San Diego! I'm the kind of person who can talk myself out of most things. To be honest, I was dreading our lesson. I tried to surf with my husband in Mexico a few years back, but it was miserable, and I swore I would never do it again.
My sisters convinced me to give it one more try. Neither of them had surfed before, and where better to learn than in California?
We took a private lesson from Pacific Surf School. Our instructor was very knowledgeable, and actually dedicated time to correcting our stances, and showing us how to spot the right waves. He did such a good job at teaching us gradually.
I had the best 1.5 hours. My usual nervous, neurotic self even forgot all about the scary sharks, stingrays, and rip tides that accompany the ocean. I truly let go and had so much fun. I'm not great at surfing yet, but it was a blast.
*Photo Cred: Pacific Surf School
2. Enjoy a Pre-fixe Dinner at Callie
You'll spend some money here, but I loved this meal! Right from the moment we walked in, I was instantly in love with the warm, modern ambiance. The restaurant was buzzing, but not loud. It felt intimate and fancy.
We opted for the 5-course family-style Mediterranean feast with the wine pairing. Every dish was a triumph. And we loved the passion fruit pavlova for dessert. Truly one of my favorite desserts.
Callie Restaurant 1195 Island Ave. San Diego, CA 92101
3. Grab a Fish Taco
Stopping for a fish taco is a must-do in San Diego. There is no shortage of amazing taco spots in SD, but I really love Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in Pacific Beach. I love sitting outside, watching surfers walk by, while devouring a crunchy fish taco paired with a cool Mexican lager. Go for a walk or bike ride along the ocean, and do yourself a favor: Stop at Oscar's.
Oscar's Mexican Seafood
Multiple locations
4. Enjoy Margaritas in Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is the oldest settled neighborhood in San Diego and gives visitor's a look into San Diego's history. It's a great place to spend a few hours, complete with history, shopping and great dining options.
We found ourselves in Old Town at a strange time between lunch and dinner, and opted to get some drinks and chips to pass the time. After hours walking around shopping and visiting the historic Casa De Estudillo, we welcomed a little break. Our weary bones immediately perked up with some watermelon margaritas and mezcal tasting at Old Town Mexican Cafe. We're bummed we didn't eat lunch here, because everything looked incredible. But, I definitely recommend the watermelon margarita! So, so refreshing!
Old Town Mexican Cafe
2489 San Diego Ave,
San Diego, CA 92110 https://oldtownmexcafe.com/
5. Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
If you're looking for an easy hike that truly showcases San Diego's natural beauty, Torrey Pines is the place to go. Torrey Pines has miles of trails that wind through unique geological formations and offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It's beautiful! You can find more information about the different trails at Torrey Pines here.
Pro-tip: It can get pretty crowded, so try to arrive early as parking can get tricky.
6. Watch a Sunset on the Beach
There's nothing quite like watching the sunset over a San Diego beach. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant orange and pink. There's magical glow over the ocean waves and it's the perfect way to unwind and take in the beauty of San Diego.
I hope you love your trip to San Diego! Such a fun, easy weekend getaway. Enjoy!
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