We get it… Having Out of town guests, although fun to host, can be very stressful as well. No need to fret! We have some great, not your run of the mill, recommendations on where to take them. From sites to see to delish food to eat. Check out our top places to go around San Diego!
Downtown- Of course downtown San Diego offers some hip spots like Gaslamp and East Village with their happening nightlife, however, we’re offering some options that are a bit more niche and family friendly.
USS Midway – If you have WWII or history buffs in town, definitely plan a day (at least half-day) excursion to the USS Midway. The retired aircraft carrier is home to 120 planes of different shapes and sizes. Don’t worry about trying to get through the entire ship in one day. Your ticket allows you entry in for another day! Worth the price and definitely a highlight for those history buffs!
Unconditional Surrender aka “Kissing Statue” – Located on the Embarcadero in Downtown San Diego, in-between The Fish Market and the USS Midway, this iconic 25-foot WWII sailor kissing nurse replica is definitely a must see. The statue has had a bit of controversy around it, however, its meant to be a testament to San Diego’s many service members as well as embodying the joy surrounding the end of WWII. It’s a great free activity/photo-op that is sure to wow your guests!
The Fish Market – The Fish Market would be the perfect end to your fun-filled day. The best part is that it’s right next to the USS Midway! The restaurant has some of the best views and best seafood in San Diego. The restaurant is actually 2 separate but related restaurants. The bottom half is The Fish Market, a more family friendly and reasonably priced restaurant, while the top half or Top of the Market is more of a special occasion kind of place. If we’re talking in terms of “$” signs. We would say that The Fish Market is “$$-$$$” and Top of the Market is “$$$-$$$$”. Well worth the price, especially if you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary. We highly recommend the Sauteed New Bedford Sea Scallops and the South American Lobster tail (fun fact: it’s de-shelled tableside)!
Pacific Beach – One of San Diego’s most well-known beaches/areas of town is home to some great restaurants and bars as well as “hopping” nightlife (do the kids still say hopping?). We highly recommend Pacific Beach for your guests in their 20s and early 30s. Waterbar and JRDN are some of our favorite bars/restaurants. Waterbar, located at 4325 Ocean Blvd, is positioned right on the beach making for some killer sunsets! The Shrimp a La Plancha with Coconut Rice is easily one of the best things we’ve ever put in our mouths. It is definitely a MUST! Pair it with one of their many amazing cocktails, and you’ve got a great happy hour and sunset! If you’re looking for a great brunch, make sure to visit JRDN, located inside Tower 23 on Felspar Ave. The newly renovated location offers a spectacular brunch and cocktail menu and is located on the beach providing a great view of the water as well as some fantastic people watching. Highly recommend the CHILAQUILES + EGGS paired with an ice cold Michelada, it makes for a perfect Sunday.
Coronado – If you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing beach look no further than the beach on Coronado Island. It’s sparkly white sand stretches almost the entire “island”, giving visitors ample space to host a beach picnic or layout and relax. If you walk up to the water and look down it looks like the inside of a glittery snowglobe. The sand is mixed with what looks like gold glitter. Don’t get too excited because it isn’t actually Gold, instead, it is a mineral known as mica. It does make for a beautiful and unique experience for your guests. While you’re there, take a nice stroll down the beach towards the Hotel Del Coronado, or as the locals call it “The Dell”. The hotel is dripping with a rich history that you and your guests can enjoy for free by just walking around the hotel. The gift shop has the entire history posted on its interior, giving it’s patrons the ability to learn more about its early days as well as buy some cute, unique gifts. Fun fact about the Del, the movie Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe was shot on the property. Finish your tour at the Sun Deck Bar, enjoying some cocktails and delish appetizers.
Point Loma – One of the best-hidden gem spots for a beautiful sunset is on the Point Loma Nazarene campus. The campus itself is gorgeous, however, as you drive through it, you will end up in a parking lot near their soccer field that overlooks the ocean. Park your car there with your guests or even a date and just watch the sun sink into the ocean. It’s a great place for photo ops and an unobstructed/peaceful way to watch the sunset. After sunset, head to Bali Hai for cocktails and dinner. The Polynesian inspired restaurant is located on the water on Shelter Island Drive. We recommend getting a few apps like the Island Beef Skewers, Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls, and Hawaiian Tuna Poke to share. Of course, a MUST HAVE is one of their famous Mai Tai’s. They’re super delicious, super strong, and definitely not for the faint of heart. There’s no wonder as to why they only allow each guest a max of two of them.
La Jolla – Did someone say sea lions? Yep, we did! La Jolla Cove is covered in them! The beach is home to many sea lions that love to lounge on the rocks, on the beach, and play around in the water. Not only another free/fun activity, but it also makes for a unique experience for your guests that have probably never experienced these sea pups in such close proximity. We do recommend, however, that you keep a safe distance from the ones that are lying on the beach. Even though it makes for a cool picture with them just hanging out there, they can get pretty grumpy, grunt at you, and possibly chase you. So just be respectful of their space and enjoy them from a distance. When you’re done frolicking on the beach and checking out the cool caves the cove has to offer, head to George’s at the Cove. Located on Prospect St, the multi-level restaurant offers a great happy hour menu as well as a great view for lunch and sunset. We definitely recommend trying the Caipirinha cocktail paired with the Three Tacos from the Bites menu.
We hope your out of town guests appreciate the time and effort you put into planning their visit. No one needs to know that we helped :). And once in a while, play tourist in your own city. You never know what hidden gems you can find. Enjoy!
