I got a good friend from Italy (ciao Nicola!) heading to San Diego for his honeymoon, so I thought to put together a little list and overview of what’s not to miss. Better then trying to cram it all into a DM on Instagram;)

Neighborhoods: San Diego is a bit more walk-able then most California towns (except San Francisco) so it’s possible to cruise a neighborhood and happily find great bars and restaurants to enjoy. The only exception is a quick trip to Carlsbad or down to TJ if you’re looking for a little more flair.

Little Italy – Might be fun for an Italian to visit Little Italy, or, might be a nightmare. We will have to see. Regardless there is usually a festival going on and they have a dope market every Saturday from 8am-2pm.

Gaslamp is one of the oldest areas dating back to the 1800’s with a ton of bars, restaurants, clubs and stuff. This is a main attraction not to be missed. It’s also next to East Village which is also cool.

Old Town – This is California’s first settlement, which is kinda cool. Got that old school Mexican vibe and some the best tacos at Cafe Coyote, and best margarita’s at Barra Barra

Pacific Beach – this is a little more less known, obviously fantastic beach area, but also some amazing nightlife too.

Restaurants

Cowboy Star – Classic American (STEAKS) and amazing ambiance … sit at the counter and watch the masters work.

Louisiana Purchase brings diners the best Creole and Cajun classics like jambalaya, chargrilled oysters, crawfish, and alligator, plus cocktails and shareable punches. This place is best during happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Little Italy Food Hall, located in the Piazza della Famiglia, is the place to sip wine or a cocktail while you decide whether to dine on pizza, tacos, pasta, Asian dumplings, or lobster. Without a doubt, you’ll want Bobboi Natural Gelato for dessert.

Cody’s offers a breakfast menu that includes French toast, blueberry pancakes, chilaquiles, and crab cake Benedict served on an ocean-view patio. For lunch, you can get a Maine lobster roll and sangria or a refreshing lemon-thyme spritzer. 

Callie – Hard to get into (make a reservation now) Mediterranean restaurant with delicious foods.

Sovereign Thai – Nicola you like Thai? Well you will. Amazing.

Animae – High end Filipino … feel like you’re eating a Chef’s Table episode.

Kingfisher – Vietnamese and AMAZING inside (food is good too;)

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters, located just blocks from the beach, offers indoor dining, a dog-friendly patio, and a varied menu that includes fresh oysters, pasta, salads, and a wide selection of shareable plates.

Morning Glory – Brunch. Brunch is like breakfast but with booze Nicola. Go, amazing.

Burritos – Burritos are a Cali staple … Ill give you three … Humberto‘s, Adalberto‘s, Vallarta‘s. Don’t worry that they look like dirty gas stations … the food is good. In fact, the uglier the building the tastier the burrito.

Bars/Nighlife

Ballast Point brews an extensive selection of beers and offers dining on its patio, in private cabanas, or indoors where you can watch brewers at work.

Bivouac Ciderworks serves burgers, sandwiches, and snacks in a casual atmosphere. It’s the place to learn about and try new ciders.

Choi‘s – Korean fun in a bottle.

Counterpoint – hip and fun with wild drinks and good food too.

Gilly‘s – high end dive bar experience not to be missed.

Happy Does Bar – super fun retro dance club

Flicks – super fun dance club with strong drinks.

Mavericks Beach Club – like above but you know, at the beach.

Lumberjack – it’s a place where you can throw axes … does this exist in Italy? It should.

Coin op or Punch Bowl – these are “barcades” that a bar and video game arcade that had a baby. super fun.

Hotels

One thing that is popular is AirBnB … where you rent people’s apartments … I use them around the world, just an option, but if you want a hotel … read on.

Lafayette – insanely beautiful kitschy hotel.

US Grant – super stylish, good location.

Westgate – like staying in Versailles, but near the Gaslamp district.

Intercontinental – great pool and great location