Itineraries for Your Trip to San Diego
3 Days in San Diego for Foodies
In addition to its perfect climate and pristine views, San Diego is a hot spot for delicious cuisine in California, with new restaurants and eateries popping up every day. No matter where your palate leans, I guarantee you’ll find something suited to your tastes amid the many food trucks, taquerias, craft breweries, and fine-dining restaurants that line this energetic, inspiring city.
Here are some of my suggestions for a 3-day foodie adventure to get you started as you explore.
Pack light for San Diego's persistently pleasant weather.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Mexican food.
Begin exploring San Diego from the best vantage point: the water. On a morning seated brunch cruise, toast with complimentary Champagne while floating past the city's landmarks. Back on land, visit must-see, Balboa Park. On a tour that begins at the Plaza de Panama, you can marvel at the amazing architecture while passing scenic gardens.
Quench your appetite with a trip to the East Village. Known as the city's "New Downtown," this hot spot of breweries, cocktail bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants was previously a warehouse district. Sample multiple libations on the go on a food tour of the area.
On day two, take a morning Segway tour to whizz past souvenir shops and seafood restaurants of the Embarcadero and see some of the best views in the city. As a trip to San Diego isn't complete without sampling authentic Mexican fare, take an Old Town walking tour for history with a side of tacos and tequilas. Watch out for Whaley House, reputed to be the city's most haunted building.
Hop on the trolley tour, stopping at the Air and Space Museum to explore. Finish your day with a Gaslamp quarter tour to learn the area's colorful history while tasting food and drinks.
Get active with a paddleboard lesson on the San Diego Bay. Access the Bay's National Wildlife Refuge while learning how to stand up and paddle. A stop at Portside Coffee and Gelato or Bird Rock Coffee Roasters will perk you up before an afternoon trip to the USS Midway museum. Finally, dine in Little Italy, where you can sample the local restaurants' offerings, especially if you take a tour.
Alternatively, visit Valle de Guadalupe on a not-too-distant journey over the border. You'll spend a full day immersing yourself in the farm-to-table fare and viticulture of Mexican wine country.
