Heading to San Diego for a few days and want to make the most of your time with your family!?
Well, have no fear I have your guide here! I am going to share with you what you can do in San Diego without rushing to the next destination. Complete with some suggestions for food lovers and all baby-friendly activities.
* We live in Las Vegas so getting to San Diego is pretty easy and a straight shot. It Takes us about 4 hours and 30 minutes to get to San Diego without traffic. If you are heading to San Diego from Las Vegas on the weekend get an early start because traffic can really build up on Fridays and the same with returning to Vegas on Sunday.
Day 1
For this recent trip, we went Monday through Wednesday. We left at 9:00 a.m. on Monday and arrived in San Diego around 2:00 p.m. at our Hotel. Traffic wasn’t terrible and we were able to stop a few times with the baby.
After checking in with the Hotel we got settled and showered from the long car ride. Since it was later in the afternoon we decided to go for a walk and visit Little Italy for dinner.
We were staying a street away from the San Diego Bay so we walked along North Harbor Dr.
North Harbor Drive
We absolutely loved walking along North Harbor Drive. It is a great spot for biking, running, and rollerblading as well. We were close to the Waterfront Park and the Broadway Pier.
What you can find along North Harbor Drive-
- Maritime Museum of San Diego– Historical ships turned into a museum.
- Restaurants– Portside Pier, Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, and Portside Coffee and Gelato.
- Broad Way Pier– Open 24 hours and you can walk to the end to see the sunset.
- USS Midway Museum– You can tour an Aircraft Carrier Museum. (Great museum to visit for the day! Family friendly and very interesting to see a huge military ship! Explore the corridors and place yourself in the time)
- Unconditional Surrender Sculpture.
- Waterfront park
Little Italy
I’ve listed some of my favorites for you.
1. Civico 1845
Civico is number one on my list because the food was amazing and the service was even better.
We didn’t get to Little Italy until a little later in the day so we were counting down the minutes until bedtime for the baby. We have a routine with our baby and being out was definitely out of the norm so she was fussy. We stopped at one restaurant before Civico in hopes of getting a table and eating quickly but she was already having a meltdown.
We decided to head back to the car and as we were on our way back we passed Civico. The food looked absolutely delicious from what we could see from people eating on the patio. I just had to try so we asked if we could get something to go.
Every person I interacted with at the restaurant was great and friendly. Getting our food was super fast and everyone entertained the baby while we waited.
Once we got back to the hotel we enjoyed our food with some wine. It was the most delicious Gnocchi I have ever had and I’ve had lots of Gnocchi.
It was called Gnocchi Del Sud. It was a vegan Gnocchi with beyond Italian sausage, Italian eggplant, San Marzano Tomato Sauce, and melted vegan mozzarella.
10 out of 10 recommend this place for the atmosphere and food but definitely for the service.
2. Allegro
We visited Allegro the last time we were in San Diego. We sat on the patio and it was lovely. This restaurant is great for a date night. The atmosphere is more intimate and the food follows in trend.
Everything we ordered was delicious and plated nicely. I loved the service as well. What I loved so much was being able to sit outside. It truly feels like an Italian restaurant in Italy.
Highly recommend this restaurant for a more romantic vibe with equally good food.
3. Holy Paleta
Holy Paleta is exactly what I said when I walked into Holy Paleta! There were so many different Paletas it was crazy! They all looked so delicious and unique. I wanted to try them all but decided on the Key Lime Pie Paleta with Milk chocolate drizzled over it.
It looked so good I decided to eat one before dinner! I had to fight my family off so I didn’t have to share.
Definitely a cute place to go for dessert. All the ingredients were natural and inspired by traditional Michoacan Paletas. Worth a stop just to check out the restaurant.
If you are looking for something a little more laid back and an American Menu. Ballast Point Brewery has a location in Little Italy. Ballast Point is one of my favorite breweries.
I do enjoy heading to a brewery to have a drink at the end of the day, especially after a day at the beach.
If you are craving beer I recommend you get the Pineapple Sculpin! It is sweet and an IPA. Refreshing and not too bold.
5. Mona Lisa Italian Foods
Mona Lisa Italian foods was a happy surprise for us! When we walked in we were expecting just some wine and a few things but Mona Lisa is loaded with Italian food! I love this because some Italian pastas are hide to find but you can find them here.
It’s equipped with an Italian deli and restaurant. Next time I come to San Diego I will be stopping here again to stock up on supplies and snagging an Italian sandwich. We only got Wine this time but the guys working were super helpful and kind.
Check it out if you love cooking Italian!
Day 2
We saved our second day for a big activity since we didn’t have to drive or fly we had all day to go somewhere or do something fun.
On this trip, we decided to head to the San Diego Zoo! I’ve included a few more options on places you can spend a good amount of time. Just in case you didn’t want to go to the zoo. The beach is a great way to spend the day as well! We decided to do that on our third day in the morning. Scroll down for more information on that.
Before we hit the zoo we stopped at a cafe to grab some breakfast. I’m really big into trying to avoid chain coffee shops when I am traveling because I love seeing new cafes and meeting new people.
Quiet Storm
Roasters and Bakers
A cute little cafe with fresh baked items. This was a quick pit stop for some coffee and grabbed a quiche. The Quiche was excellent and everyone was friendly. Looks like a great place to sit quietly and work as well.
1. San Diego Zoo
We loved the Zoo! Our baby enjoyed seeing the animals, pointing and waving. It is a great way to spend the day with your family. You can get outside, walk, and see animals that you wouldn’t normally see.
The volunteers that were there were super helpful and very knowledgeable. Everywhere we stopped we would meet someone who would know the animal’s name, fun facts about the animals, or just something about the enclosure. I really enjoyed talking with them as well.
We did go when it was about 85 degrees out which was pretty hot in the sun! After a few hours, the baby and I were pretty wiped out. But what is awesome is that you can leave and return to the park later. Just as you leave you can get a stamp to return! You just have to have your original ticket as well. Just be sure to not wash off the stamp! What is great about this is that you can come back when it is a little cooler and the animals are a little more active just before night.
Quick Tips for the Zoo
- Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Take advantage of the Bus Tour
- Animals are active in the morning and afternoons.
- Definitely dress for the weather
2. Point Loma
Point Loma in San Diego is a breathtaking peninsula that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Perched at the tip of the peninsula is the iconic Point Loma Lighthouse, a historic beacon that has guided sailors along the California coast for generations. The lighthouse itself is a picturesque structure with its classic white exterior and red roof, standing tall against the backdrop of the deep blue Pacific Ocean. The views from this vantage point are nothing short of spectacular, providing sweeping panoramas of the coastline and the vast ocean, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers alike.
One of the highlights of a visit to Point Loma is the opportunity to explore the tide pools. Just a short hike from the lighthouse, visitors can descend to the rocky shoreline to discover a world of marine life. During low tide, these tide pools reveal a stunning array of colorful sea anemones, hermit crabs, starfish, and other fascinating creatures. It’s a fantastic educational experience for families and nature enthusiasts, providing a hands-on opportunity to learn about the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Coast.
The combination of the historic lighthouse and the captivating tide pools makes Point Loma a must-visit destination in San Diego, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and maritime history.
3. La Jolla
La Jolla, situated along the northern coastline of San Diego, is a coastal gem known for its natural beauty and unique attractions. One of the town’s most exciting experiences is the opportunity to explore the Sunny Jim Sea Cave and witness the resident sea lions, all of which you can access through a quaint shop.
Nestled within the heart of La Jolla, the Sunny Jim Sea Cave is a remarkable natural wonder. What sets it apart is the entrance, which is conveniently located inside a charming shop known as the “Cave Store.” This unusual entryway adds an element of adventure to your visit, as you descend a long, twisting wooden staircase from the shop down into the cave. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring beauty of the sea cave, with its high ceilings and the mesmerizing interplay of sunlight and seawater.
As if the cave itself weren’t enough, the nearby coastline is a favored hangout for local sea lions. After your cave exploration, you can venture to the nearby shoreline to watch these captivating marine mammals basking in the sun and frolicking in the waves. The combination of exploring the Sunny Jim Sea Cave and witnessing the playful sea lions in their natural habitat makes La Jolla a truly unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a memorable coastal adventure.
Dinner after a long day
Animae
Let me tell you the mistakes we made for dinner but not in choosing this restaurant. This restaurant was super nice! It was nicer than I expected and it definitely felt a little awkward bringing in a crying baby. But the food was worth it!
Animae is an Asian Fusion restaurant that is eclectic and inviting. Whether it was melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu steak, delectable desserts, or handcrafted cocktails everything was good.
Our waitress was very kind and gave great recommendations for the menu. Everything we had was terrific but dessert topped it all. She was so kind in giving us an extra dessert to go because it was our anniversary and we were wrangling a cranky baby. Thanks to everyone for helping us out with dinner and making it a great experience.
Day 3
Foggy Morning and Breakfast
As the sun began to rise over San Diego, we slowly stirred from our slumber on the 14th floor of the hotel. The first thing I noticed as I opened my eyes was the soft, diffused light filtering through the sheer curtains. You could sense something unusual outside, a hushed atmosphere that didn’t quite match the typical morning bustle.
Peering out the window, I was met with a mesmerizing sight. The cityscape that should have greeted you was shrouded in a thick blanket of fog. Buildings that usually stood tall and proud now faded into ghostly silhouettes, their tops vanishing into the mist. The world below was hidden from view, leaving only the gentle hum of the city’s waking life to fill the air.
The fog added an air of mystery and tranquility to the scene. It was as if you had awoken in a dreamlike realm, suspended above the city on the 14th floor. The sensation was oddly comforting, like being wrapped in a soft, white cocoon. It was a cool sight to see and even better at the beach.
Before the beach, we stopped at a cute little cafe called Villa Nueva Bakery. We ordered a giant cheese Danish, which I don’t have a picture of because we were starving and devoured it. We also ordered eggs Benedict which was pretty good.
Everyone seemed happy in there sleepy little beach town and it seemed that there were tons of cafes to choose from as well. All are within walking distance. The beach was just a hop skip and a jump away from the little town as well.
Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is a great beach to visit. Visiting Coronado Beach as a family of two with a baby on a foggy and slightly chilly day was a unique experience. Despite the overcast skies and cooler temperatures, the beach still held its charm. The misty atmosphere added a touch of mystery to the scenery as we strolled along the shoreline, the waves crashing against the sandy shores creating a serene and peaceful ambiance. The gray horizon disappearing into the fog lent an ethereal quality to the ocean’s vast expanse.
Coronado Beach’s family-friendly features remained just as welcoming, even in the cooler weather. The spacious beach allowed us to find a cozy spot where we could set up our beach blanket and enjoy the tranquility. Nearby cafes and vendors offered comforting hot drinks and warm snacks, which we savored while watching seagulls glide through the mist. The beach enveloped in fog, had a serene beauty of its own, and our day was filled with the simple pleasures of beach combing, watching the waves, and savoring the unique atmosphere of Coronado Beach on this misty day.
End of Day and End of the Trip
Thats it for our family trip! We left the beach around 12 and headed home for Las Vegas. Our trip was filled with cute moments and tasty food. San Diego has a lot to offer if you are coming to visit. I feel like every time I visit there is just more and more to explore.
I hope this guide helps you decide where to stop or check out. If you have any questions please let me know! Also, comment if you do visit these places I would love to hear your experience as well.