San Diego is a big place. While you can consult Yelp for things to do, locals know the best off-the-grid places, from beaches to hole-in-the-wall eateries. Here are just a few spots you won’t want to miss if you visit San Diego.
San Diego Best Eats
Wow Wow Waffles
This breakfast/brunch eatery has become less of a secret, but its syrupy merits are too hard to hide at this point. It doesn’t matter if you like your breakfast fare sweet or savory — Wow Wow Waffles covers both sides of the spectrum. The Number 7 is an all-time favorite: candied bacon, avocado, and goat cheese on a Belgian waffle. Fresh-squeezed lemonade, coffee, and tea round out this niche breakfast menu. You won’t regret swinging by.
The Nolen
Sterling weather, check. Soaring rooftop views, check. Speakeasy-style cocktails, check. The Nolen is a new addition to San Diego’s bustling downtown scene. Nestled on the 14th floor of a Courtyard by Marriott, this bar offers stunning skyline views and a range of food and drink options. A visit to the Gaslamp District should include a trip to the rooftops.
El Zarape
Scrumptious Mexican food abounds in San Diego. If you’re searching for something truly special, however, you’re going to want to try El Zarape on Park Boulevard. The seafood-centric menu represents a unique fusion between Mexican and San Diegan palates. This results in dishes like scallop enchiladas, wasabi tacos with fried shrimp, and aloha burritos with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple. The hole-in-the-wall taco shop has a handle on traditional Mexican dishes as well, making it a must-visit for fans of south-of-the-border cuisine.
San Diego’s Best Beaches
Marine Street Beach
This strip of La Jolla beach is a well-kept secret among San Diegans. Located at the end of the eponymous Marine Street, this white-sand beach is frequented by high school students and college kids. As such, the crowd tends to be young, but there are always families and weathered surfers taking advantage of the shoreline. Street parking can be a pain, but it’s well worth the effort for this resort-style beach.
Black’s Beach
While “clothing-optional” might be a deterrent to some, don’t let that quality stain your understanding of Black’s Beach. This secluded span of sand is nestled beneath the Torrey Pines cliffs and is great for sunbathing and surfing. Accessing the beach takes some walking, but the seclusion it offers is worthwhile. It’s regarded as one of the best surf breaks in Southern California, so there’s always some watersports to spectate.
Windansea Beach
Windansea doesn’t have as much soft sand as the previous recommendations, but it’s no less picturesque for it. The narrow sandstone beach is a surfing hotspot, so you’ll find it mostly inhabited by local athletes. The Windansea beach shack is an icon of Southern California; coupled with sunsets and cerulean seas, this beach is an ideal photoshoot location.
San Diego’s Best Sights
Devil’s Punchbowl
This destination involves a hearty hike, but the walk is well worth it. After all, San Diego has a distinct shortage of spectacular waterfalls. A little extra effort is to be expected to reach one. A 3-mile hike along the Ramona Waterfall trail leads to an isolated waterfall with a deep pool at its base. Locals love lounging in the sun and jumping into the plunge pool. Be sure to bring water, proper footwear, and a swimsuit for maximum enjoyment. A permit is required, so don’t get caught without one. You can buy it from your mobile phone when you arrive, but expect a delay of 10-15 minutes while you apply and wait for it to hit your inbox.
Harper’s Topiary Garden
This spectacle is the result of a sloped front yard and a whole lot of time. The shrubs bedecking this San Diego estate’s front lawn have been trimmed to resemble an eclectic menagerie. A visit to this residential artwork is free of charge — the owners just ask that sightseers don’t clamber up into the shrubbery. This is a certainly something to see in San Diego, but don’t plan on making a full day out of it.
Salk Institute
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies might sound like a bore for those not science-inclined, but this research center has more to offer than education. The complex proffers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, but its architecture is perhaps more breathtaking. Constructed with sheer angles and astounding symmetry, the Salk Institute makes a great day trip for the sightseeing alone.
San Diego has a lot to offer to vacationers and corporate travelers alike. Whatever your reason for visiting America’s finest city, make your next trip even better by staying in a luxury vacation rental instead of a hotel. PC Housing offers luxury vacation rentals in San Diego that are perfect for unwinding after a long day in the city. Contact us today to find out more.