After living in San Diego for two years, I’ve tried so many different bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, I've compiled a list of my top favorites!
Map
Sections
6
Food
Bars
Coffee
Places to Visit
Plant Shops
Things to do
Food
My absolute FAVORITE family owned business in San Diego. Don't forget bottomless mimosas and the delicious cocktails! Their food is all delicious too, especially their mole and sopas!
Cocina De Barrio
Their fish tacos are always so yummy! They come out extremely fresh, hot, and crispy. Their orange and green sauce adds an extra kick of flavor and they always give samples of their seafood stew that’s also delicious.
Oscar's Mexican Seafood
My order: 3 Adobada tacos with everything on top! Add a drizzle of their orange sauce, lime, grilled jalapeños and a side of pickled onions and pepper. Thank me later :)
The Taco Stand
My bf took me here on a date and the restaurant is beautiful! The food was good but the drinks were better!!!
Javier's
$3 per cookie but they are soooo yummy, perfect for a sweet treat after a day of running errands
Uncle Biffs California Killer Cookies
When you need to pop in somewhere for a quick breakfast, this is the place you can go! With locations all over San Diego, you can get breakfast or brunch wherever and it’ll always satisfy your cravings.
Broken Yolk Cafe
I cannot talk about this italian place enough, I love their bolognese and my bestie and I come here very often!
Buona Forchetta Italian | Award-Winning Pizza, Pasta & More
Bars
Great music and great drinks! They have 2 levels, the lower level is for reggaeton and the upper level is just top hits. It’s always a great place to go out in downtown! Cover charge may apply as the night goes on
TORO
The perfect seaside bar and grill where you can grab a quick bite or stay until the late night when it turns into a bar with drinks and dancing! 🕺
Waterbar
Coffee
I think it’s seasonal but they have this amazing lavender latte that you MUST try if you like florals!
Mostra Coffee
By far, my favorite coffee spot in San Diego.
Hunters of Hendrix
Jaunt Coffee never misses and I really like getting one of their empanadas with my drinks!
Jaunt Coffee Roasters
Places to Visit
My favorite beach for swimming and being in the water. Sometimes you can bring a snorkel and see the sharks in there too! Bring a blanket, some lunch, and your favorite sunglasses to chill on this beach!
La Jolla Shores Beach
A great place to spend half a day strolling by the coast, beautiful views and sea life to see!
Cabrillo National Monument
I believe you can get tickets for $13 or less per person, a great way to spend a few hours in San Diego!
Birch Aquarium
This is a really nice viewpoint where you can see the coast of the Pacific Ocean to downtown San Diego!
Soledad Mountain
The biggest zoo in the country. I spent a whole day here and there was still so much more to see, there’s also a safari that’s an extension of the zoo further inland.
San Diego Zoo
Plant Shops
With several locations in San Diego, this plant shop has so many cute plants and plant accessories. Stickers, plushies, and jewelry are also sold in store, super cute small business!!
Pigment
Amazing variety of plants along with great prices!
Walter Andersen Nursery
I always stop by this nursery whenever I’m in the area, they always have amazing prices on collector plants!
Cordova Gardens
Another must-stop-by plant shop! Trust me, they have a great selection
Barrels & Branches Nursery
Things to do
Grab your bestie and come paint some pottery! They make great gifts and keepsakes
