SAN DIEGO CITY GUIDE
“You stay classy, San Diego.” – Anchorman
San Diego was my home back in 2010 when my family and I lived in Coronado. San Diego is unlike any other place. With loads of sunshine, lush green trees, and a laid back southern California vibe, it's the perfect place to live a healthy lifestyle. As a resident of 92118, I spent my days running around the island, I'd ride my bike to yoga at the community center, and played lots of tennis at Coronado Tennis Center, as well as clubs around the San Diego area. San Diego has some of the best food, culture, music, and sports, and I hope you find your way there sooner than later! It will steal your heart!
There are so many great neighborhoods within San Diego County it would be difficult to include them all. I'll share where I've spent time and some of my favorite places. The great thing about San Diego is there's always something new and exciting going on, whatever you're into, there's something for everyone in sunny SD.
TENNIS
Tennis courts and clubs are abundant in this large city. As always, visit their websites for directions on reserving a court or signing up for lessons or clinics.
Coronado Tennis Center I played here a ton when we lived in Nado. Whenever we go back, I jump in the drop in clinics, always a good time!
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club These courts are available to hotel guests and members. We stayed here for a girls trip and had such a great time! We also ran into James Blake!
Professional Tennis Tournaments
HOTELS
Where to Stay?
Here are my favorites.
DOWNTOWN
The great thing about staying downtown is being so close to great restaurants, bars, nightlife, and of course the waterfront. Not a great place for kids, but super convenient if you don't want to rent a car.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego The rooftop tennis court is a bonus!
Marriott Marquis San Diego
Omni San Diego Hotel Very close to Petco park if you want to catch a Padres game!
Andaz San Diego Kick off your trip with a drink at the swanky rooftop bar, always filled with a nice looking crowd and beautiful city views. Great for a couples weekend.
CORONADO
Hotel Del Coronado Everyone should stay here at least once.
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa Tennis courts on the property!
LA JOLLA
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club By far one of the best places to stay for an "all tennis, all the time" getaway. Not much for nightlife, but great for families and low key groups.
RESTAURANTS
CORONADO
MC P'S IRISH PUB I drank my first green beer here on St. Patricks Day 2010. A favorite of the Navy crowd and right on Orange so people watching is great.
BURGER LOUNGE Great grass fed burgers, salads, and brews.
THE BRIGANTINE Taco Tuesdays are great!
CLAYTONS COFFEE SHOP Best breakfast on the island. My kids always requested the song Rum & Coca Cola on the table side jukebox. Order the spicy sausage.
PARK PLACE LIQUOR & DELI Great spot to pick up deli sandwiches and snacks for the beach.
CORONADO BREWING Some of the best brews in the city!
TARTINE If you're longing for that Parisian bistro feel.
IL FORNAIO Italian on the Bay, what could be better?
DOWNTOWN
LA PUERTA We never miss a stop here when we visit SD. The purple haze margarita is to die for!
NEIGHBORHOOD One of the coolest spots in downtown. Amazing food, great beer, and a hidden speakeasy.
CAFE SEVILLA I have a slight obsession with all things Spanish, so this place is a favorite of mine. Great tapas and a flamenco show. Make a reservation if you want to catch the show.
COWBOY STAR This steakhouse and butcher shop is always incredibly delicious.
EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS Their dessert case is so beautiful, like too beautiful to eat. But definitely eat!
BURGER LOUNGE Grass fed burgers, great beer, and thick and creamy milkshakes.
HILLCREST
HASH HOUSE A GOGO
BARRIO STAR
SHOPPING
CORONADO - quaint one of a kind shopping
EMERALD CITY SURF
SEASIDE PAPERY
BAY BOOKS
PACIFIC BEACH - surf vibes and bargain finds at local thrift and vintage shops
BUFFALO EXCHANGE
GOODWILL INDUSTIRES OF SAN DIEGO
BLOOMS AND THREADS
ARBOR COLLECTIVE
GRAB A DRINK AT PACIFIC BEACH SHORE CLUB
LA JOLLA - bookstores, art galleries, surf shops
GRAB BREAKIE AT THE COTTAGE
Walk down Girard Street for great shops like:
Warwicks books
Aviator Nation
Continue on to Prospect street for more shops and restaurants.
SoLo Home & Garden in Solana Beach. I can spend an entire day in this store exploring all the great stuff!
ACTIVITIES
Solana Beach home and design shopping on Cedros
I love spending an afternoon here browsing through the art galleries and home design shops. SoLo Home and Garden is one of my all time favorite stores.
Del Mar Race Track horserace or car shows
My husband is a HUGE antique car enthusiast. We've been to the Del Mar Goodguys Show several times. SoCal car culture at its best!
Carlsbad flower garden, strawberry fields, outlets, Lego Land
A bit of a drive from downtown, but so worth it! The flower fields are a great photo spot in the spring. Lego Land was a big hit with our kids when they were little.
Balboa Park Zoo, Museums
You can spend an entire day in this sprawling park. Our favorites are the San Diego Zoo and the Air and Space Museum.
Coronado Beach
If you want a picture perfect day, head to Coronado for the day. Eat, beach, relax.
Kayak the La Jolla Caves
I've done this twice now and it's so much fun! Although, you're more likely to explore the caves when the water is calm, so check the wave report before booking.
Me and my girlfriends kayaking the La Jolla Caves on a calm day.
EXTRAS
Bates Nut Farm is a great day trip in the fall for pumpkin picking, about an hour from San Diego.
Julian People rave about the apple pies from Julian, another great day trip about 1.5 hours away. They have a black and blue hard cider that I love!
