Picture stunning beaches, perfect weather, delicious food, a world-famous zoo, and an overall laid-back vibe. Of course, I must be talking about San Diego!
After my last trip, I was so lucky to head back to one of my favourite work events in one of my favourite places. However, this time I was determined to hit some of the spots that I’d heard so much about but didn’t have time to visit. I extended my trip and tried to cover as much ground as possible.
Below, I’m delighted to highlight just some of the best things I experienced in my time across the pond:
Beth’s Best Things to Do in San Diego:
Located in the stunning Balboa Park (more on that soon), and home to over 12,000 animals and 700,000 plants across 100 acres, this zoo really is one of the best in the world!
I should have allocated more time as I spent an entire morning and still didn’t see everything, even on a weekday. However, the pandas are back! And I did get to see them. It takes about 15 minutes to walk through the entire panda experience, however, there’s 2 pandas in separate enclosures. One was active and eating snacks, the other had clearly had a hard day…
TOP TIP: They have 2 queues to visit the pandas, timed and standby. They have QR codes outside the zoo to pick your allocated time slot. Get there early and get your time slot first thing for peace of mind!
Honestly, they had EVERY animal you could possibly want to see. Pandas, Elephants, Koalas, Hippos, Polar Bears, Bonobos, Lions, and more!
I didn’t end up using the tour bus, however, I did have a go on the Skyfari (pretty proud, since I hate heights) and the views were AMAZING.
Old Town
This time, I really got a better sense of Old Town. Last time, we had a fleeting visit, and a lot of margs. But, I loved walking through and seeing the ‘birthplace of California‘. Of course, it’s touristy, but both times I’ve visited, I’ve headed to Cafe Coyote for their chips and salsa, and spicy watermelon margarita.
As a UK girly, I can confirm that spicy margaritas aren’t that common here. Yet, I’m fully a convert!
From the Western style shops that sell EVERYTHING you can think of, array of restaurants, bars, live entertainment, and the Dia De Los Muertos decorations, I LOVED IT.
I saw the free tortilla stand on TikTok, but we didn’t head over there this time but who can resist a freebie?!
Balboa Park
I talked a lot about my visit to Balboa Park last time. However, I really have to emphasise how stunning this place is. Across 1,200 acres, the park has 18 museums and 19 gardens.
I LOVED the Japanese Friendship Garden. It’s the most relaxing and serene experience, with multiple stunning photo spots. We saw a few photoshoots taking place, emphasising just how gorgeous this place was.
There’s a range of museums on site, and a variety of paid and free. However, they do have the Explorer Pass which does grant access to most (but not all) of the museums. There’s enough to do without paying a penny though, between the gardens, the organ pavilion, and the trails.
I did walk up to the Carousel but it was closed. As well as the Botanical Building. One day I’ll head back over and get to see them both for myself.
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is iconic! Looking for a casual cocktail? A raging night out? A banging meal? It’s all in the Gaslamp Quarter. Last time I went, I genuinely ended up back in my room with barely a memory of the night before, so I can’t offer too many recommendations. However, I do know the Tipsy Crow was the beginning of this night out, and from what everyone’s said, it was a good bar!
This time I did head through on the Old Town Trolley Tour, however, next time I think I’d take a walking tour just to get the full vibe of the place (sober this time).
Seaport Village
Similarly, Seaport Village is touristy but so gorgeous to walk through. Spread across the seafront, Seaport Village is home to a variety of restaurants, trinket shops, bars, as well as cutesy walks.
One of my favourite things about this trip was walking through the souvenir shops, that go well beyond the typical tat shops we find in UK tourist traps.
We drove past the Kissing Statue, a 25 foot tall statue, based on the famous photograph of a sailor and a nurse taken in Times Square, to celebrate the end of World War II. (I truly didn’t realise how big it was until I saw it in person).
Also, cute to witness, was the number of people flying kites. But, if you didn’t bring a kite, of course there’s a kite shop!
If you’re after a cute little seaside escape, Seaport is a must-visit!
Coronado Island
My favourite thing about this trip, and completely unexpected, was heading over the Coronado Bridge and into Coronado. Whilst I didn’t get to walk around, Coronado felt like the kind of place I’d absolutely want to live if I moved to California.
The Hotel Del California is iconic and was beautiful to see. However, unfortunately there was a LOT of renovations taking place so the photos don’t really give the WOW factor it deserves…
With pristine beaches, mom & pop shops lining the streets, and a quaint neighbourhood, it really was stunning.
Also, the bridge itself was SO FUN to head across. I did it as part of the Old Town Trolley Tour so I got to take ALL the photos and I loved it.
Summary
Despite hitting some of the most talked about places this time, there’s still SO much left to explore when I head back next time. I’ll have to bring Nathan with me next time, as I’m sure he’s SICK of my photos, videos, and general comments of “Oh my God, you’d have loved this” but I’m adding more and more to my must-see list every day.
So far, that includes:
- Sunset Cliffs
- La Jolla
- ALL the beaches (I’ve been to Mission, but I need sun this time)
- Balboa Park Museums
- Many More!
I did have a fantastic time on the Old Town Trolley Tour (not gifted and not an ad!!) and whilst I’ve never done a tourist bus before, it was brilliant for seeing everything I wanted to in such a short space of time.
I’m finally home, however, life is as busy as ever. With a house move coming up and a busy role, there’s not much spare time, yet I’m very excited to create my NYC itinerary!
To keep up to date with all our travels, follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @bethsboujeeadventures.
Thanks for reading, and see you soon!
Beth & Nathan
xoxo
