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A San Diego Native's Recommendations
27
items From places to go, food to eat, and spas to relax in, I welcome you to my treasured San Diego.
Map
Sections
8
SD Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Sweets
Spas and Nail Salons
Parks and Playgrounds
Amazing Mexican Food
SD Outdoor Activities
The Little Italy Farmers Market is one of the biggest in San Diego and is like an event. Great for families and they have many food vendors so bring your appetite (savory and sweet)!
Farmers Markets
Mine and my husband's favorite beach in SD. Torrey Pines has a bunch of hikes with amazing views of the ocean. You may see dolphins at times. It refreshes my soul 😍 (I was also proposed to at this beach)
Best trails in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve - AllTrails
Popular dog beach! Then buy a burger at Hodads! 😍
Dog Beach Ocean Beach
Must challenge yourself to find the hidden swing in la Jolla! Super unique!
La Jolla Secret Swing - California By Choice
A San Diego staple. Cool little place to take a stroll through and if you like museums there are many to check out here. Some days they have vendors, performances/concerts at the organ pavilion, and events like December nights (which is insanely crow...
Balboa Park
Great sun set spot or place to walk/run. The cool picture with the cave and open roof you have to kinda hike to and go at a super low tide time, do a lil research before going!
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
A store with a secret! Inside the store there is a underground tunnel that leads to cave with a spectacular view. Kids will love it! You do have to pay a small fee (kids are cheaper), I would check the website for updated info before you go (if you a...
The Cave Store
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Always a fun time to explore the tide pools! Check the tide calendar before going so you can have a wonderful experience at low tide!
Complete Guide to the La Jolla Tide Pools | LaJolla.com
This is a fun little outing for all ages, kids will especially love the tide pools here! There is also a little hike down closer to the water! Beautiful view!
Cabrillo National Monument
Restaurants
My favorite restaurant in Old Town! Yummy food and a lively atmosphere! Usually they have a guy playing mI recommusic on the stage so you can listen while you wait I also reccomend sitting outside of course! They also sell huge margarits lol.
Fiesta de Reyes - Where the Fiesta Lives Forever
Probably my favorite restaurant in SD! ❤ I have gone here so much as a kid and still go with my little family. Incredible food, lovely atmosphere, big size. Order the manager's favorite spaghetti and choose from 2 different sauces, then it comes with...
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Sweets
Handles is one of my favorites! The banana cream pie is delicious 😍
A Fresh Look at Our Menu | Handel's Ice Cream
You also have to try their tortas (only at the clairmont mesa location)! They have chocolate abuelita, choco mazapan, mil rey, gansito, cocada, jamica, and many more donas!
Barrio Donas: Home
Spas and Nail Salons
Favorite spa ever. Disneyland for adults IMO😍 This is sorta an all day thing! What to bring: robe(they do have robes but I liked to have my own), bathing suite, change of clothes for later, make up (if you wear it) shower shoes, sandals, ID (they do have drinks there). They do have towels there! My sample day: Arrive in the morning at opening, enjoy spa, get a massage if you desire (an extra cost and can be scheduled beforehand), attend one of the free classes (they have a schedule you can look at), have lunch (the food is super yummy), enj...
Glen Ivy - Your Wellness Experience Awaits
I love this place so much, can't wait to go again! A smaller scale spa but so beautiful and I loved the massage. This is more of a half day spa😍
Willows Hotel & Spa at Viejas
One of the top nail salons! Make sure you call the make a reservation!
Boudoir Nail Bar
Parks and Playgrounds
Tecolote Shores Playground, North and South
North Tecolote Shores Play Area - Landscape Structures
Cool playground by downtown with water area for kids to play. Many events take place here!
Waterfront Park - San Diego County Parks and Recreation
A park with a view! Picnicking is popular here.
Kate Sessions Memorial Park
Amazing Mexican Food
My husband and I love this place very much! This is a restaurant that has a line out the door almost at all times. We love their chorizo bowls and the tortillas! Sincerely, sincerely! We usually buy a pack of tortillas to take home and they make for ... They are authentic and a true Mom and Pop shop!
Las Cuatro Milpas
I think the photos do it justice! Delicious!!!
Mike's Red Tacos
Sincerely one of the best fish tacos in SD! They have 2 locations they switch off to so check where they are before you go.
Kiko's Place Seafood - Yelp
Coffee Shops
This coffee shop has a ton of signature drinks like the incredible rainbow latte. It is super cute inside and also has a drive thru!
S3 Coffee Bar
Unique coffee shop with some of the cutest drinks!
Selva Coffee House
Beautiful coffee shop in the heart of El Cajon! They have a beautiful chandelier and gorgeous construction. The staff was also so nice!
Sultan Baklava El Cajon - Bakeries - Yelp
Cinnema/Movies
An incredible movie watching experience, on the roof top in SD! Check weather and website before going for movie showing and times! 😊
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero
Wow, an exceptional movie theater! A must do at least once! May be a bit pricy but part of the experience! Go here on a hot date or take older-ish children (so you can enjoy too) 😍
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Del Mar