With a famously pleasant climate that includes year-round temperatures around 70°, there’s no bad time to visit San Diego. Add 70 miles of scenic beaches, top gastronomy, and activities for all interests and you’ll see why more than 30 million people visit this southern California spot each year. Should you find yourself with a couple of days in this American paradise, here are some foolproof options for spending a memorable 48 hours in San Diego.
MUST-TRY SAN DIEGO FOOD
For a coastal city as sea-centric as San Diego, you may find there are fewer great seafood spots than you’d expect, but The Fishery is an exception. This Pacific Beach restaurant was awarded a Michelin plate and is as proud of its wine list as its exceptional seasonal seafood. Elsewhere, in Little Italy, Barbusa serves some of the city’s best oysters, a San Diego staple. Try Saint James French Diner for a fun mashup of the French bistro and classic American diner in the atmospheric gas lamp quarter, and make a reservation at Fort Oak for upscale, wood-fired steaks and seafood in a reimagined 1940s car dealership.
Remember to try some faster food favorites, too. California-style pizza combines the thin crust of New-York-style preparation topped with California produce, and Blind Lady Ale House serves some of the city’s best. The California burrito was invented in San Diego, and includes carne asada, French fries, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese, all rolled in a flour tortilla. Rigoberto’s Taco Shop has several locations in the city and is a solid choice for sampling this unique bite, with plenty of classic burrito options on the menu, too.
VISIT THESE UNIQUE SAN DIEGO MUSEUMS
Located in Balboa Park, the Museum of Us is an anthropological museum focused on the varied experiences of human history. Exhibits take about an hour to explore, and entry includes a tour of the California Tower for panoramic park views. Climb aboard the USS Midway at Navy Pier to marvel at the aircraft collection of the USS Midway Museum, where you can also try out the popular flight simulators. Then, head to Old Town, the preserved historic district including original restorations and faithful reconstructions of buildings spanning centuries of San Diego history.
The historic Whaley House Museum is a top draw here, offering period tours of the mid-19th-century mansion, including the city’s first commercial theater (inside the house). But the real reason most come is for the house’s infamous hauntings—it’s been frequently ranked as the most haunted house in America, and nighttime paranormal tours are also on offer.
CHECK OUT THESE TOP SAN DIEGO SIGHTS
Whatever you decide to do in San Diego, you’ll almost certainly end up in Balboa Park at least once. The 1,200-acre space includes 18 museums and the city’s most famous attraction, the San Diego Zoo, which is scheduled to once again be home to a pair of giant pandas in late 2024. Elsewhere in the park, impressive gardens abound, as do walking pathways, greenbelts, and multiple theaters. The storied Hotel del Coronado is technically not in the city, but it’s one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks, and is just across the bay. You don’t have to stay here to visit the legendary hotel, which has hosted the likes of Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, Madonna, and Oprah. The hotel welcomes day visitors to its beach, restaurants, and public spaces. Finally, to take advantage of some the city’s best natural offerings, head to La Jolla. Here you can explore the clifftop Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, check out the West Coast’s first underwater preserve, and the sea caves of La Jolla Cove. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is also in La Jolla, in case you didn’t find enough wildlife while adventuring outside.
BOOK A ROOM AT THIS HISTORIC SAN DIEGO HOTEL
The US Grant Hotel occupies a historic and architecturally striking building in San Diego’s arts and culture district, bringing Marriott’s Luxury Collection to a prime location. In addition to well-appointed rooms and stellar service, you’ll also score a quick education in city history through the artifacts and archival photography displayed throughout this property. The hotel is named for the 18th president, Ulysses S Grant, and was built by his son in 1910.