{"id":69683,"date":"2018-03-30T15:52:03","date_gmt":"2018-03-30T20:52:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=69683"},"modified":"2019-09-04T10:35:15","modified_gmt":"2019-09-04T15:35:15","slug":"here-is-why-san-diego-is-the-ultimate-california-dream-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2018\/03\/here-is-why-san-diego-is-the-ultimate-california-dream-city\/","title":{"rendered":"San Diego is the California dream city and here&#8217;s 26 reasons why"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>San Diego is having its moment in the sun. Okay, that literally happens everyday but, figuratively speaking, the city is in the midst of a real renaissance. While smoggy LA&#8217;s tenure as the Golden State&#8217;s <em>it<\/em> paradise peaked mid-century and San Francisco lost its cool cred the day one bedroom rents inched above $3K (of course, we still love both cities), San Diego is on the rise. From A to Z, here are 26 reasons to love San Diego right now.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/san-diego-now-one-favorite-restaurant-food-cities-heres\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>RELATED<\/strong>: San Diego is now one of our favorite food cities<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Aquarium<br \/>\n<\/strong>Since we&#8217;ll be ending this list with a place to see animals (you know what&#8217;s coming), we thought we&#8217;d start it with one. <strong>Birch Aquarium at Scripps<\/strong> boasts all kinds of cool marine life including sea turtles, leopard sharks, starfish, seahorses and many others. Its best feature, however, is its terrace tide pool featuring gorgeous ocean views.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69705\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69705\" class=\"wp-image-69705 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/La-Pensione.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/La-Pensione.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/La-Pensione-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/La-Pensione-768x472.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/La-Pensione-600x369.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/La-Pensione-553x340.jpg 553w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69705\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">La Pensione<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Budget lodging<br \/>\n<\/strong>As downtown cranes portend the arrival of more upscale hotels, it&#8217;s refreshing to know that San Diego is still a mid-range and budget lodging haven. Mission Valley&#8217;s Hotel Circle remains ground zero for cheap chain accommodations, but for both affordability and charm there&#8217;s no beating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/San-Diego-County-Hotels-La-Pensione-Hotel.h914373.Hotel-Information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>La Pensione<\/strong><\/a> in Little Italy or North Park&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/San-Diego-County-Hotels-Berkshire-Motor-Hotel.h10049404.Hotel-Information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Berkshire Motor Hotel<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69712\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69712\" class=\"wp-image-69712 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Balboa_Park_California_Tower_-Courtesy_Museum_of_Man.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Balboa_Park_California_Tower_-Courtesy_Museum_of_Man.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Balboa_Park_California_Tower_-Courtesy_Museum_of_Man-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Balboa_Park_California_Tower_-Courtesy_Museum_of_Man-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Balboa_Park_California_Tower_-Courtesy_Museum_of_Man-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Balboa_Park_California_Tower_-Courtesy_Museum_of_Man-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69712\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The California Tower | Photo courtesy of the Museum of Man<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Climb the Tower<br \/>\n<\/strong>Closed to the public for 80 years, the <strong>California Tower at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park<\/strong> is open once again! Ascend its 157 steps to get a fascinating history of San Diego, culminating in stunning 360-degree views which, on a clear day (that&#8217;s basically everyday), extend all the way to Mexico.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69707\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69707\" class=\"wp-image-69707 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego-453x340.jpg 453w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego-632x474.jpg 632w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anza-Borrego-536x402.jpg 536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69707\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Anza Borrego State Park | Photo by author<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Daytripping<br \/>\n<\/strong>It&#8217;s unfair that one city has so much to see and do within a couple hour&#8217;s drive. Get boozy and woozy in <strong>Temecula<\/strong> wine country; bite into homespun apple pie in mountain town <strong>Julian<\/strong>; color yourself impressed at the <strong>Flowers Fields<\/strong> in<strong> Carlsbad<\/strong>; cross the border to explore the emerging food scene in <strong>Tijuana<\/strong>; and be amazed by 130 large-scale metal art sculptures in <strong>Anza-Borrego State Park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Eggs<br \/>\n<\/strong>San Diego is no late-night mecca, but folks do rise, shine and join the lines for weekend brunch. The city is full of egg-cellent brekkie joints including reliable standby <strong>Mission Cafe<\/strong>, the original <strong>Hash House A Go Go<\/strong>, our current fave <strong>Breakfast Republic<\/strong> and homespun icon <strong>Big Kitchen Cafe<\/strong> (where Whoopie Goldberg once washed dishes).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69706\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69706\" class=\"wp-image-69706 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Favorite-Color.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Favorite-Color.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Favorite-Color-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Favorite-Color-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Favorite-Color-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Favorite-Color-512x340.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69706\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Favorite Color&#8221; mural in La Jolla | Photo by author<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Favorite Color&#8221;<br \/>\n<\/strong>You&#8217;re visiting in part to fill up your Instagram feed, right? Artist Roy McMakin&#8217;s mural &#8220;Favorite Color,&#8221; part of the Murals of La Jolla program, is surely its most grammable and alone worth the trek to charming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2017\/07\/7-reasons-were-crazy-for-la-jolla\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>La Jolla<\/strong><\/a> (where you can also swim with sharks, visit a clothing optional beach and explore a secret cave via a gift shop).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69708\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69708\" class=\"wp-image-69708 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad-453x340.jpg 453w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad-632x474.jpg 632w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nomad-536x402.jpg 536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69708\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nomad Donuts | Photo by author<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Gluten-free (and regular) donuts<br \/>\n<\/strong>There was a time when a visit to <strong>Nomad Donuts<\/strong> in North Park meant suffering long lines at that painful AM hour when a sugar and caffeine fix were needed stat. But the new location is big enough to quickly feed the hungry masses and Nomad&#8217;s stellar small-batch treats (like honeydew mint bacon) are a reason to rise before noon.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Headquarters at Seaport Village<\/strong><br \/>\nThe respectable face of San Diego&#8217;s biggest tourist trap, the city&#8217;s old police headquarters, is now a historic landmark featuring shops, eateries and actual jail cells. Fuel your fix for Mexican at <strong>Puesto<\/strong> with small, but meaty and delicious tacos. Do stroll Seaport Village, but only for Coronado Bridge selfies and to watch sea lions splashing around in the harbor.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69722\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69722\" class=\"wp-image-69722 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Hotel-Del.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Hotel-Del.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Hotel-Del-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Hotel-Del-768x477.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Hotel-Del-600x373.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Hotel-Del-547x340.jpg 547w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Hotel Del Coronado<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Imperial Beach<br \/>\n<\/strong>Its claim to fame is that it&#8217;s the southwesterly most city in the US, but locals know it as the entry point to the <strong>Silver Strand<\/strong>, a spindly and scenic isthmus linking posh <strong>Coronado Island<\/strong> (technically a peninsula) to the mainland. After driving the Strand, stroll pretty Orange Avenue and couple it with a visit to the iconic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/San-Diego-County-Hotels-Hotel-Del-Coronado.h7496.Hotel-Information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Hotel Del Coronado<\/strong><\/a>\u2014the inspiration for the &#8220;Wizard of Oz.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo<br \/>\n<\/strong>The first European to set foot on the West Coast, his arrival on September 28, 1542 in San Diego Bay is marked by <strong>Cabrillo National Monument<\/strong> in Point Loma. Highlights include a statue of Cabrillo surrounded by stunning views (the best in San Diego), numerous hiking trails and a series of infinitely enjoyable tide pools.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Karen Krasne<br \/>\n<\/strong>A new crop of young chefs might be pushing out some of the city&#8217;s culinary legends, but no one will ever beat &#8220;Queen of Cakes&#8221; Karen Krasne who&#8217;s <strong>Extraordinary Desserts<\/strong> come adorned with flower petals and flecks of edible gold and are well worth the long lines. A new location will rise not far from the soon-to-be shuttered original; in the meantime there&#8217;s always the outpost in Little Italy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69709\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69709\" class=\"wp-image-69709 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park-453x340.jpg 453w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park-632x474.jpg 632w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Chicano-Park-536x402.jpg 536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69709\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chicano Park | Photo by author<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Logan Heights<br \/>\n<\/strong>Aka Barrio Logan, is a low-key Mexican nabe tucked under multiple freeways. Rising from <strong>Chicano Park<\/strong> are the numerous columns holding up the Coronado Bridge and each one has been turned into the country&#8217;s most arresting mural project. In fact, the entirety of Chicano Park is painted in bright colors; a seriously pretty sight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Margaritas<br \/>\n<\/strong>You&#8217;re gonna wash down that burrito with a salty-rimmed drink, right? San Diego is not lacking in south-of-the-border bites and when it comes to recommendations the list is varied (and argued over), but we can safely say that <strong>Cantina Mayahuel<\/strong>, <strong>Barrio Star<\/strong>, the aforementioned <strong>Puesto<\/strong> and <strong>Galaxy Taco<\/strong> will all keep you properly imbibed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/rewards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>ALSO<\/strong>: Join Orbitz Rewards and start earning Orbucks\u2014just like that!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Nunu&#8217;s<br \/>\n<\/strong>LA isn&#8217;t the only California city to boast mid-century cocktail bars that have survived and even thrived throughout the decades. San Diego claims a few hipster-invaded retro cool lounges of its own, including Nunu&#8217;s (those Naughahyde booths!) in Hillcrest, the <strong>Lamplighter<\/strong> in Mission Hills and the <strong>Turf Supper Club<\/strong>, where hungry diners sip retro cocktails while grilling their own meats!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69711\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69711\" class=\"wp-image-69711 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Ocean_Beach_Pier5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Ocean_Beach_Pier5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Ocean_Beach_Pier5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Ocean_Beach_Pier5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Ocean_Beach_Pier5-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Ocean_Beach_Pier5-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69711\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ocean Beach | Photo courtesy of Visit San Diego<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Ocean Beach<br \/>\n<\/strong>San Diego County is blessed with more than 70 miles of coastline and its beach neighborhoods are among its most famous coastal assets. Away from the families and millennials that crowd Mission Beach and Pacific Beach respectively, scruffy <strong>Ocean Beach<\/strong> charms with boho Newport Avenue, an energetic dog park and the beloved Ocean Beach Pier.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69704\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69704\" class=\"wp-image-69704 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pendry.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pendry.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pendry-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pendry-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pendry-600x381.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pendry-535x340.jpg 535w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69704\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Pendry San Diego<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Pendry<br \/>\n<\/strong>The coolest block in the lively, if touristy, Gaslamp District owes its thanks to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/San-Diego-County-Hotels-Pendry-San-Diego.h16298963.Hotel-Information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pendry<\/strong><\/a>, an upscale hotel breathing new life into luxury accommodations. Can&#8217;t afford $300\/nightly? Take in city views at Pool House, enjoy a brew or libation at Nason&#8217;s Beer Hall or Oxford Social Club respectively or splurge on fancy seafood at Lionfish.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Queues<br \/>\n<\/strong>The hallmark of any great food city is unbearable lines for must-have food. In San Diego that means joining the queue at <strong>Crack Shack<\/strong>, an addictive, chicken-focused eatery (get the Firebird and pair it with Schmaltz fries) and <strong>Carnitas Snack Shack<\/strong> in North Park, which features the heart attack-inducing Triple Threat Pork Sandwich.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reclining seats<br \/>\n<\/strong>Set your seat fully back and stare up at both screen and sky at <strong>Cinema Under the Stars<\/strong>, an indulgent movie-going experience in Mission Hills. In addition to zero-gravity recliners, cinephiles are also treated to love seat cabanas, a retractable roof (in case it rains), space heaters and a mix of classic, cult and current cinema faves.<\/p>\n<p><strong>September<br \/>\n<\/strong>Don&#8217;t alert the masses, but it&#8217;s the best month to visit. It&#8217;s as warm and sun-drenched as July and August, but sans the crowds. Plus, a smorgasbord of festivals swarm the city including <strong>Restaurant Week<\/strong>, the <strong>US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Expo<\/strong> and <strong>KAABOO Del Mar Festival<\/strong> headlined in 2018 by Katy Perry and Foo Fighters.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_46450\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-46450\" class=\"size-full wp-image-46450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ironside-san-diego.jpg\" alt=\"Ironside\" width=\"800\" height=\"529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ironside-san-diego.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ironside-san-diego-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ironside-san-diego-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ironside-san-diego-600x397.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/ironside-san-diego-400x265.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-46450\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ironside | Photo courtesy of Zack Benson<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Top Chef Alley<br \/>\n<\/strong>For some inexplicable reason, San Diego&#8217;s top toque&#8217;s have all taken up residency in Little Italy, transforming a yawn-worthy tourist zone into a celebrated foodie mecca. Don&#8217;t miss <strong>Kettner Exchange<\/strong>, <strong>Juniper &amp; Ivy<\/strong>, <strong>Ironside Fish and Oyster<\/strong>, <strong>Craft &amp; Commerce<\/strong> and <strong>Herb &amp; Wood<\/strong>. Good luck parking. Seriously, it&#8217;s nonexistent.\u00a0<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>University Heights<br \/>\n<\/strong>San Diego&#8217;s charming inland neighborhoods are woefully underrated, but it boasts many winsome areas including North Park, Kensington, Mission Hills, Hillcrest and sleepy cool University Heights. Center your visit around <strong>Pop Pie<\/strong>, a fast casual eatery serving sweet and savory pies with to-die-for crusts that are perfectly flaky and buttery.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69703\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69703\" class=\"wp-image-69703 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tower-23.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tower-23.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tower-23-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tower-23-768x465.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tower-23-600x363.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tower-23-562x340.jpg 562w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69703\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tower 23 in Pacific Beach<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>View rooms<\/strong><br \/>\nMake sure to request one when booking a stay at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/San-Diego-County-Hotels-Tower23-Hotel.h1210726.Hotel-Information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Tower 23<\/strong><\/a>, a glass-box boutique hotel in Pacific Beach located a mere stone&#8217;s throw from the ocean (seriously). Pretty much any room category with the word ocean in it guarantees a sweet vista, but even if you&#8217;re just passing through the &#8216;hood, its ocean-facing restaurant JRDN boasts excellent people watching.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wow Wow Waffle<br \/>\n<\/strong>The outdoor eatery that out hipsters them all, this purveyor of homemade liege waffles is crafted of a vintage airstream trailer, old stadium seating and, get this, is located behind a coin-operated laundromat. But dang, the food is something else. Opt for the savory Number Seven (baked in brown sugar and topped with goat cheese, avocado and candied bacon).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69714\" style=\"width: 2026px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69714\" class=\"size-full wp-image-69714\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2016\" height=\"1512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building.jpg 2016w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-453x340.jpg 453w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-1832x1374.jpg 1832w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-1376x1032.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-1044x783.jpg 1044w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-632x474.jpg 632w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Botanical-Building-536x402.jpg 536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2016px) 100vw, 2016px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69714\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Botanical Building and Lily Pond | Photo by author<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Xylobium<br \/>\n<\/strong>That&#8217;s the horticultural term for orchids and if you&#8217;re a fan of the precious and adorned flower, check them and many other plant and flowers out at the <strong>Botanical Building at Balboa Park<\/strong>. Thanks to its domed structure and lily pond out front, it&#8217;s probably the most photographed building in San Diego\u2014best of all, admission is free.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69710\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69710\" class=\"wp-image-69710 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks-453x340.jpg 453w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks-632x474.jpg 632w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Bivouac-Ciderworks-536x402.jpg 536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69710\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bivouac Cideworks | Photo by author<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Yeast<br \/>\n<\/strong>You think we&#8217;re reaching for a &#8220;Y&#8221; word here, but we&#8217;re not. San Diego is a craft beer mecca and <strong>White Labs<\/strong> is where many brewers both local and nationwide get their yeast. There&#8217;s a tasting lab and restaurant on site, but if you&#8217;d rather just hop (get it?) to the nearest brew pub, check out <strong>Monkey Paw<\/strong>, <strong>Karl Strauss <\/strong>or North Park newbie <strong>Bivouac Ciderworks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Zoo<br \/>\n<\/strong>You didn&#8217;t think we were going to leave this out, did you? The most esteemed zoo in America, the <strong>San Diego Zoo<\/strong> occupies 100 acres of northwest Balboa Park and contains more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals including bonobos (our closest relative), red pandas, koalas, grizzly bears, hippos, elephants and many more.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/g\/lc\/traveldeals-free-flight-friday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-68010 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FFF-blog-banner.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FFF-blog-banner.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FFF-blog-banner-300x50.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FFF-blog-banner-768x128.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FFF-blog-banner-600x100.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FFF-blog-banner-720x120.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You pretty much need to go there now.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":63914,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[304,2228],"class_list":["post-69683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-california","tag-beach","tag-hotels"],"acf":{"api_active":null,"api_title":null,"api_excerpt":null,"api_featured_image":null,"api_lob":null},"posts_api_cpm_point":"","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - 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