For me and my friend’s annual weekend girl-cation last year we did San Diego. Super close to Orange County, where I’m from. Although there’s a lot we didn’t do, here’s my list of things to do in San Diego for a weekend.
Where we stayed:
Since I am the vacation planner AND I’m broke, I found this great little Airbnb in North Park for just under $200 a night. Click the listing link for pics and details, but here’s some polaroids we took outside of it. It’s an ADU (additional dwelling unit) in someone’s backyard and its TINY, but it had everything we needed, plus the backyard is nice and big enough to have a little walk around. The location is perfect and close to Balboa Park, plus a bunch of other fun.
Hike: Annie’s Canyon Trail
If you want maximum reward for minimum effort (and you aren’t claustrophobic), then this hike is for you!
This Solana Beach hike has a unique natural sandstone slot canyon. We parked at the end of Solana Hills Drive, there’s plenty of space on the street. After following the trail that goes along the 5 freeway, keep left at the fork and you’ll quickly approach the slot canyon on your left.
Keep in mind what the signs say. It’s only a one-way loop, because the trail gets so narrow at times that you can’t go back the way you came if someone were to be behind you.
P.S. Check out the pic of the weird caterpillar I saw! What’s that guy all about?
WNDR Museum
I’m a museum hater but the WNDR Museum San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter was actually cool and worth it. It’s full of interactive installations that use light and technology and every piece will definitely get you some Insta-worthy shots.
The area is mostly street parking, which is pretty packed, so I suggest paying for parking at a nearby lot.
Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park
This Japanese botanic garden is perfect for a peaceful, relaxing stroll. It doesn’t seem like it would be in the middle of a city at all. There are a few trails that will take you around the park to see koi ponds, traditional architecture, little waterfalls, and native plants. Don’t forget to see the bonsai section before you leave. It’s pretty crazy how old (and small) they are!
Sunset Cliffs Cave
If you go to San Diego you have to go to at least one of the beaches. The only thing that bugged me is that you can’t easily go down to the shore, since it’s technically closed to the public. The only way is scaling a steep cliff which I wasn’t really prepared for.
But at Sunset Cliffs, there was a little stairway where you can go down into a small cave. This is a great spot for pics but make sure the tide is low!
What We Ate
Donna Jean
I found this vegan Italian restaurant (my friend is vegan), I had the Strozzapreti con Broccolini and let me tell you I wouldn’t have questioned this pasta. It was so creamy and lemony that I didn’t notice any lack of dairy in it. My friend had a pizza which she loved as well.
Tacotarian
Just like the name sounds, it’s a plant based taco spot.
Now, was it good? Yeah it was pretty good. Did the jackfruit taste like barbacoa? Absolutely not. Did the seitan taste like al pastor? Nope. But I wouldn’t mind eating there again for sure.
Flap Your Jacks
This is definitely a place thats been hyped up on social media so we had to check it out. Its like KBBQ but with pancakes. I wouldn’t say it was exactly cheap though. You have to order the squeezy tubes of pancake batter, and if you want multiple colors you have to order a few so we only got one.
I also got this crazy Bloody Mary which wasn’t bad but it was too big! Probably would order another drink next time. But actually I wouldn’t go back. It was fun to make the pancakes yourself but that’s the only novelty thing and on top of such a long wait with those menu prices… I’d rather go to a diner.
…and that’s all! I know we missed a lot but there wasn’t that much time. Here’s some other things I’ve done in San Diego in the past that I recommend too:
- Kayaking tours
- Midway Museum
- Old Town San Diego
- Little Italy
- San Diego Zoo
Let me know if you checked out any of it!
Have fun, Big J
P.S. Check out my other travel post, Lake Gregory: Things to do in Crestline, CA.