Our Favorite San Diego Hot Spots

Experience the sights and flavors of America’s Finest City. People may argue that the best tacos are found at South Beach Bar & Grille or that AleSmith is the best brewery…but we say, why fight? Try it all!

Things to do while you’re here:

Best Farmer’s Market
Little Italy Mercato
W. Date St., San Diego Between Kettner & Front St.  (Sat 8am-2pm rain or shine)
A favorite of locals and visitors to San Diego. Walk along one of San Diego’s signature neighborhoods and enjoy sampling authentic foods, artisan crafts, chef demonstrations, live music and more. All with a view of the harbor!

Best Beach
Coronado Beach and Dog Park
200 Ocean Blvd., Coronado
This beautiful white sand beach is a must, especially if you love dogs! Coronado also has a dog beach — the happiest place on Earth for dogs! Take a ferry over and catch an Uber from the ferry landing to Coronado Beach or drive over the iconic Coronado Bridge!

Best Tide-pooling
Cabrillo National Monument Tidepools
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.,  San Diego, 619.557.5450
Check timing for the low tide and take the short hike out to the tidepools below Cabrillo National Monument — the southwesternmost tip of the United States! You’ll see starfish, sea anemones and may even spot a grey whale migrating from Alaska to Mexico.

Best Museum
USS Midway
910 N Harbor Dr., San Diego
The USS Midway is a floating fortress. During its years of operation — including a decade as the largest ship ever commissioned — the aircraft carrier had around 225,000 sailors serve above and below its decks. Today, it takes up permanent residence in San Diego’s harbor, where it lets visitors walk in the boots of sailors and pilots from World War II up to Operation Desert Storm.

Best Golf Course
Coronado Golf Course
2000 Visalia Row, Coronado 619.435.3121
The course measures 6,590 yards from the blue tees and is a par 72. Immaculate greens, wide inviting fairways and dramatic views coupled with incomparable weather make Coronado a must-play for all golfers year round.

Best Hidden View
La Jolla Cove Sunny Jim Cave
1325 Coast Blvd., La Jolla
Sunny Jim Cave is the only La Jolla cave that is accessible by land via a hand-dug tunnel leading down from the historical landmark, The Cave Store. The cave was given the name “Sunny Jim” by Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz. Once used to smuggle Chinese immigrants and contraband whiskey during Prohibition, this historical landmark is a famous spot for out-of-town visitors.

Food & Drink

Best Tacos
LOLA 55
290 F St., San Diego 619.542.9155
The hottest new taco shop in East Village promises to serve the best tacos in 2018/2019. Just opened in August 2018, this fast-casual tacos & cocktail joint has a great assortment of tacos and a full bar of craft cocktails.

Best Breakfast
Queenstown Public House
1557 Columbia St., San Diego 619.546.0444
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in this New Zealand-themed establishment, nestled in the popular Little Italy neighborhood north of downtown. After your meal, walk around the bustling streets and quaint piazzas to take in the incredible charm and character of the neighborhood.

Best Authentic Mexican Food
El Zarape
3201 Adams Ave., San Diego 619.578.2600
Voted Best Burrito in San Diego by the San Diego Reader, El Zarape satisfies all cravings for bold, spicy flavors. The kitchen refuels empty stomachs with hearty burritos, taco salads and vegetarian quesadillas. Wash it all down with a delicious margarita or glass of sangria.

Best Iconic San Diego Experience
Mister A’s
2550 Fifth Ave., Twelfth Floor San Diego, 619.239.1377
Enjoy a drink on the outside patio at Mister A’s for an old-school San Diego experience with a wonderful location, great cocktails and a fabulous view from Bankers Hill.

Best Hidden Bar
Noble Experiment
777 G St., San Diego, 619.888.4713
Head into The Neighborhood and find the hidden wall of kegs to take you back into the days of the prohibition. Enjoy a delicious craft cocktail and the fun ambiance of this speakeasy. Be sure to text them beforehand to check their availability!

Best Place For Hand-Crafted Chocolates
Dallmann Fine Chocolates
780 W Harbor Dr., San Diego, 619.238.0045
Authentic hand-crafted Austrian chocolate with a unique and artisan flair. Sample chocolates that pair well with beer, wine and cheese, or enjoy a true treat – homemade milk and dark chocolate truffles.

Best Brewery Experience
Stone Brewing (Liberty Station)
2816 Historic Decatur Rd. #116, San Diego, 619.269.2100
San Diego’s biggest and baddest local brewery. A must go place to really experience what the craft beer movement is all about. Stop by for a great meal and an even better beer. If you’re feeling really adventurous, take a 30-minute drive north to their main location in Escondido — you won’t be disappointed.

Best Food With A View
Coasterra
880 Harbor Island  Dr., San Diego 619.814.1300
Panoramic waterfront views set the stage for modern Mexican cuisine at this striking, upscale restaurant facing the city skyline on Harbor Island. The dramatic, indoor-outdoor setting boasts large-scale abstract murals, fire pits and a sleek tequila bar that pours creative cocktails and craft beer.