San Diego wasn’t just another stop on our California trip… it ended up being one of my favourite cities in the US.
The second part of our Hen Do California trip took us to San Diego for 3 days – and I was ridiculously excited. I’d heard so much about it, but nothing quite prepares you for the reality.
It’s the kind of city that has everything:
- Beautiful beaches
- Laid-back coastal vibes
- Amazing food
- Trendy neighbourhoods
- And yes… a skyline too
But what makes San Diego different is this:
👉 It feels like a big city with a small-town soul.
- Day 1: Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero & Waterfront Dining
- Day 2: Beaches, Scooters, Sunsets & Italian Food
- Day 3: Culture, History & Tacos
- Where We Stayed (And Our Slight Panic 😅)
- Final Thoughts: Is San Diego Worth Visiting?
Day 1: Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero & Waterfront Dining
Arriving in San Diego (The Most Scenic Train Ride Ever)
Before even arriving, San Diego had already impressed me.
I travelled down from Simi Valley, Los Angeles on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner – and honestly, I have no words. The train runs right along the coast, and the ocean views are unreal the entire way.
We arrived at Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, and since my friends were delayed, I had a couple of hours to explore solo.
Gaslamp Quarter: Historic Charm Meets City Energy
I made my way to the Gaslamp Quarter – and instantly loved it.
This area spans about 16 blocks and is full of:
- Boutique shops
- Cafés and restaurants
- Historic Victorian buildings
What surprised me most?
It didn’t feel like a typical American downtown. There were no towering skyscrapers, barely any traffic lights, and it had a much more relaxed, almost village-like atmosphere.
👉 Don’t miss:
- Balboa Theatre
- Louis Bank of Commerce building
- Ice cream from Ghirardelli (trust me on this)
It’s also known for its nightlife and rooftop bars – but sadly, we didn’t get the chance to experience that side of it.
Embarcadero: Waterfront Views & Iconic Attractions
Once my friends arrived, we dropped our bags and headed to the Embarcadero.
This waterfront area is home to some of San Diego’s top attractions, including:
- USS Midway Museum (aircraft carrier)
- Maritime Museum
- Star of India (the world’s oldest active ship)
We kept it simple – walking along the harbour, taking photos, chatting, and just soaking in the views.
Dinner at The Fish Market: Worth the Wait
After some Googling, we decided on The Fish Market Restaurant – and it did not disappoint.
- Incredible harbour views
- Fresh seafood
- Reasonable prices
We went for classic fish and chips, and it was so good.
👉 Just a heads up:
There’s usually a queue, so be prepared to wait – but it’s absolutely worth it.
Day 2: Beaches, Scooters, Sunsets & Italian Food
La Jolla: Seals, Sun & Crystal Clear Water
After surviving our first night in the Airbnb, we headed to La Jolla.
We grabbed breakfast at Sugar and Scribe Bakery before walking down to La Jolla Cove.
You can’t miss it – just follow the crowds.
La Jolla Cove is a beautiful sheltered cove with crystal clear waters. We continued walking along the beach promenade where we noticed plenty of seals and pelicans – the real residents around here. The beaches are so beautiful!
Pacific Beach to Mission Beach: Scooters & Chaos
We wanted to explore more beaches, so we headed to Pacific Beach with the plan to walk down to Mission Beach.
Instead… we got electric scooters.
Which was fun… until it wasn’t.
At one point, I rode straight into a wall while trying to film my friends. I ended up with a bruise that lasted all the way through my wedding and honeymoon.
All for content. That’s love.
Mission Beach itself was amazing – perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and soaking up that much-needed California sunshine (especially coming from London).
Sunset Cliffs: The Perfect Golden Hour
As the day wound down, we rushed to Sunset Cliffs – and wow, it lived up to its name.
Golden skies, crashing waves, and the most peaceful atmosphere.
It was one of those moments where everything just felt… right.
Perfect place. Perfect friends. Perfect evening.
Little Italy: Pasta, Dessert & Pure Happiness
By this point, we were starving – and my friend was on a mission for Italian food.
So we headed to Little Italy, one of San Diego’s oldest neighbourhoods.
We sat outside (for peak people-watching) and had:
- Incredible pasta
- Multiple desserts (no regrets)
Safe to say… Italians know what they’re doing when it comes to food.
Day 3: Culture, History & Tacos
Balboa Park: Culture Meets Nature
On our final day, we explored Balboa Park – a 1,200-acre cultural hub in the heart of the city.
It’s home to:
- 15+ museums
- Botanical gardens
- The famous San Diego Zoo
It’s actually the largest urban cultural park in the world.
My favourite part? The botanical gardens – with over 2,000 plant varieties. I could’ve easily spent hours there.
Old Town San Diego: History & Tacos
Our final stop before the airport was Old Town San Diego. With out suitcases in hand, we headed straight to Café Coyote for Mexican food… and WOW. The tacos were incredible – and we even got a surprise performance from three cheerful mariachi singers who thought it was my friend’s birthday.
Old Town itself feels like a living museum, marking the first Spanish settlement in California back in 1769.
Where We Stayed (And Our Slight Panic 😅)
We stayed in an Airbnb to save money – and while it looked amazing inside, the area felt a bit… questionable.
When we first arrived, a group of men were just sitting outside, watching us unload our bags, with a creepy smirk on their faces.
Maybe we were overthinking… but we definitely felt uneasy.
By dinner, we were seriously considering:
- Leaving our stuff
- Booking a hotel
- Calling our families
We literally stood in a circle and prayed before going back in.
In the end?
Everything was completely fine and so maybe we over-reacted (a little?).
Final Thoughts: Is San Diego Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt – yes.
San Diego offers the perfect mix of:
- Beach life
- City energy
- Great food
- Relaxed vibes
It’s one of those places that just makes you feel good.
And for me?
It’s now easily one of my favourite cities in the US.
Planning a Trip to San Diego?
Got questions about your San Diego itinerary? I’d love to help—drop them in the comments!
📌 And don’t forget to save this guide on Pinterest for later!
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