My game plan for a perfect San Diego weekend: Balboa Park and the harbor downtown, pasta and gelato in Little Italy, seals and tide pools in La Jolla, then burgers and sunsets in Ocean Beach. These are the spots I actually send friends to when they v...
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I spend a whole morning wandering the Spanish Revival buildings and gardens in Balboa Park without ever getting bored.
Balboa Park
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I ride the Skyfari aerial tram first, then hit the panda and elephant habitats before the afternoon crowds.
San Diego Zoo
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I browse the colorful little artist studios here and usually leave with a handmade souvenir.
Spanish Village Art Center
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I duck into the San Diego Museum of Art for its Spanish old masters when the midday sun gets too strong.
The San Diego Museum of Art
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I climb all over the flight deck jets on the USS Midway, and the docent stories are the best part.
USS Midway Museum
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I stroll the waterfront shops at Seaport Village with an ice cream and watch the boats in the bay.
Seaport Village
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I let the kids splash in the fountains at Waterfront Park while I relax on the lawn by the harbor.
Waterfront Park
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I grab a Padres ticket at Petco Park mostly for the skyline views and the great ballpark food.
Petco Park
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I bar-hop under the historic Victorian buildings in the Gaslamp when I want a lively night out.
Gaslamp Quarter
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I hit the Saturday Mercato for flowers, fresh produce, and samples from dozens of local vendors.
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market
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I build my own pasta here, and the fresh bolognese is the reason I keep coming back.
Bencotto Italian Kitchen
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I come for the oyster happy hour and stay for the lobster roll in that gorgeous industrial dining room.
Ironside Fish & Oyster
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I grab an espresso and a scoop of pistachio gelato at Pappalecco on every walk through Little Italy.
Pappalecco
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I save room for a slice of cake at Extraordinary Desserts, because every one is a work of art.
Extraordinary Desserts
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I wander the adobe buildings and old shops here to get a feel for early California history.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
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I watch the ladies hand-make tortillas in the window, then order the carnitas with a margarita.
Old Town Mexican Cafe
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I go for the Surfin' California burrito and the over-the-top wrestling decor.
Lucha Libre Taco Shop
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I book a table at Tribute Pizza in the old North Park post office for some of the best pizza in the country.
Tribute Pizza
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I start my North Park mornings with a pour-over at this calm, bright little roaster.
Coffee & Tea Collective
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I snorkel the clear water at La Jolla Cove and usually spot bright orange garibaldi fish.
La Jolla Cove
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I walk over to the Children's Pool to watch the harbor seals lounging on the sand.
Children's Pool La Jolla
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I hike the Guy Fleming Trail at Torrey Pines for ocean views from the bluffs among the rare pines.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
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I grab a rooftop table at George's for fish tacos with a full view of the cove.
Georges at the Cove
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I always order the al pastor carved right off the spit, Tijuana style.
The Taco Stand
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I walk the grounds of the Hotel del Coronado and grab a drink by the beach at sunset.
Hotel del Coronado
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I spend lazy afternoons on Coronado Beach, where the sand actually sparkles with flecks of mica.
Central Beach
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I drive out to Cabrillo for the old lighthouse, the tide pools, and a sweeping view of the whole bay.
Cabrillo National Monument
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I graze through the food stalls at Liberty Public Market when my group can't agree on dinner.
Liberty Public Market
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I get the El Toro tri-tip sandwich and a side of ribs, and it's always worth the line.
Phil's BBQ
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I watch the sun drop into the Pacific from the cliffs here, and it's my favorite free show in town.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
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I take on a messy double bacon cheeseburger at Hodad's after a beach day in OB.
Hodad's Ocean Beach
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I ride the old wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park for a dose of beach-town nostalgia.
