Save For Later no. 15: A Long Weekend in San Diego
Escaping the New York winter never sounded so good.
Warm sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing food. This is how I would describe my first trip to San Diego.
Every time I visit the West Coast, I feel a wave of calm come over me and just adapt to the way of life that it brings. There is just something about the laid-back California culture that feels like a refreshing change of pace. Now that I’m back in NYC and temperatures are below freezing, I’ve decided that I need to start making January trips to California a yearly tradition to escape the cold.
If I had to sum up my vacation, I would describe it as a trip of excess, in the best way possible. Our days were planned around eating our way through the city, with a sprinkle of activities here and there. Think tacos, seafood, hiking, you name it – we probably tried it.
I consider myself a very outdoorsy person, someone who will go on a solo trip to a National Park in a campervan at a moment's notice. I love the feeling of just being able to do whatever I want because I don’t need to rely on the rest of a group to make a decision. However, the more I travel as I get older, the more I’m finding that traveling with others is better for shared journeys and creates better stories. While you gain a lot of life experience from traveling alone, which I still highly recommend, I find that being able to share and talk about moments with others from group trips tends to create lasting memories.
And that’s one of the reasons that I love my wife so much when it comes to traveling - she lets me plan the itineraries and is just along for the ride, down for whatever I throw at her. Best of both worlds.
San Diego feels like one of those places where you can go and just be yourself. Soak in the surroundings, eat some great food, go for a hike, head to the beach at any time of day, and just spend time outdoors. I observed so many active people and communities taking advantage of the city’s offerings and found myself thinking about how I can bring that same energy back to New York. Maybe when the weather gets warmer...
Anyway, without further ado, here are some of my favorite highlights from the trip - the best things I ate, drank, and did in San Diego.
The Best Things I Ate in San Diego
Callie
East Village - San Diego, California
This was a particularly special meal that stood out from the rest during our time in San Diego. From the mind of Chef Travis Swikard, the menu promotes a diversity of Mediterranean cuisines, while using ingredients and drawing influence from the greater San Diego region, his hometown.
Callie puts the farmers, fishermen, and ingredients of the area at the forefront, which shines through in the flavors of each dish. My wife and I were blown away from the very first bite, and the service was on point. Our waiter had a trustworthy swagger and basically ordered dinner for us after we asked for recommendations. He didn’t steer us wrong for a minute. Here were our favorite dishes:
Uni Toast
Hummus w/ Pita
Winter Chicories Salad
Ricotta Agnolotti
Line-Caught Market Fish - whatever it is, get it
This dinner was highly memorable, and I couldn't recommend it more!
++++
Ichifuji
Linda Vista - San Diego, California
I will start by saying that this entire night was one of, if not the best, omakase dinners of my life. The attention to detail of the flatware, sake selection, fish quality, pacing of the meal, chef interaction, and overall experience made this a special event.
What’s funny is that I grew up with a strong aversion to fish and still, to this day, do not like salmon or tuna - with the exception of sushi-grade fish. Friends have pushed me into sushi and omakase experiences over the years, and it has opened my world to seafood in the best way possible.
I took some notes on the types of fish we ate at Ichifuji, but honestly, I won’t bore you with that here because you just need to experience it for yourself. The one item I will call out is the Sea Urchin because it was heaven in a single bite. I hope everyone has the opportunity to come here at some point.
It’s worth noting that this dinner is a bit of a splurge, coming in around $200-250 per person after tax and tip, but for an almost 3-hour experience, I would say it is extremely worth the price. I will dream about this dinner for some time.
++++
Tacos El G
National City - San Diego, California
These were by far the best tacos we had on our taco tour - there is just something about an Adobado (Al Pastor) taco that will never be trumped in my mind. It is the perfect combination of flavors. Other notable menu items were the Cabeza and Asada tacos, which were also very good. I’d recommend going out of your way to make this place a pit stop.
++++
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Hillcrest - San Diego, California
We changed up our plans for the day since it was a bit overcast and, instead of hitting up a bakery, decided to go for a sit-down brunch. Snooze was the move. They’re well known for their Benedicts, and the Parmesan-Panko Crab Cake Benedict was the best thing that hit our table. Juan’s Breakfast Tacos were also a decent option, but I would look elsewhere on the menu if you visit.
The one revelation of this visit was that I found a new serrano hot sauce that I love: Yellow Bird. Excuse me while I order a couple bottles for my apartment.
++++
Kiko’s Place
Fiesta Island - San Diego, California
After watching an episode of “Taco Chronicles” on Netflix, I was sold on coming to this food truck. The OG Baja Fish Tacos were the best we had during our visit, and the Mixed Ceviche was packed with flavor (particularly the octopus) - not to mention extremely filling. The portion sizes are huge, and the service is friendly and quick. In true roadside fashion, we grabbed our plate and ate on a nearby “table” to enjoy, and then hopped back into the car for our next destination.
++++
El Pescador Fish Market
La Jolla - San Diego, California
A few different people recommended this spot to me, so it only felt right to drive over to La Jolla and make the stop. Talk about high-quality seafood. This restaurant and market have been around since 1974, and for good reason. The Ceviche and Local Sea Bass Sandwich on a Torta were standouts from the menu, and even though we were only visiting, I was tempted to buy some fresh fish to go. I’d recommend heading here for a late lunch - there are both indoor and outdoor dining options after you order at the counter.
++++
Las Cuatro Milpas
Barrio Logan - San Diego, California
Another “Taco Chronicles” spot here that lived up to the hype. Las Cuatro Milpas was stop #2 on our taco tour, and they are serving up truly authentic Mexican cuisine. We showed up about 30-45 minutes before they closed at 3 pm, and the line seemed to move fairly quickly - we got our food by the time they shut the door to cut off anyone else from joining the line. We ordered Pork Tacos, Chicken Tacos, and Rice and Beans, which come with quite possibly the best Flour Tortillas I’ve had the privilege of tasting. Go with a group to share a few items.
Were these some of the best tacos I’ve had? Maybe not, but the depth of flavor in a truly authentic Mexican dish was unique - they’re just a different type of taco that brings a certain vibe, which I very much enjoyed. The next time I’m in San Diego, I will absolutely be coming back here and ordering a Chorizo Con Huevo Burrito. It is my destiny.
Quick note - this is a Cash Only establishment, so come prepared! There is an ATM around the corner if you run into a pinch.
++++
Oltre Mare
Pacific Beach - San Diego, California
Quality ingredients, quality food, quality service. If I wasn’t in sunny San Diego, I would've thought I was back in Italy because the vibe inside the restaurant and the food carry so many similarities. This is a family-friendly, no-frills spot that is BYOB, so be sure to pick up a bottle of wine (or two!) before you arrive. My buddy Scott turned me onto this dinner (shout-out), and I even called from my hotel room in London to make a reservation because I didn’t want to miss it.
Here is a rundown of what we ordered:
Antipasta di Terra - Zucchini with Prosciutto Crudo di Parma and Brie Cheese
Gnocchi al Gorgonzola - rich, decadent, delicious
Pizza Parmigiana w/ Eggplant
🗓️ Reservation Link (Call to Reserve)
++++
Wayfarer Bread & Pastry
La Jolla - San Diego, California
Alex Delaney went on IG stories about a month ago and was raving about this bakery in La Jolla, saying it was better than any NYC shop right now, so I naturally had to see for myself. I am here to tell you that he might've been exaggerating a little bit. Were these pastries amazing? Hell, yes. Were they better than Radio Bakery, La Bicyclette Bakery or L'Appartement 4F? Umm, no.
Major style points for the unique flavors available, like their Mandarin Pistachio Croissants and Citrus Vanilla Scones, and the LAYERS. Wow. So many layers that you can feel the crunch with each bite. Very, very impressive, and I did love this spot nonetheless.
A word of advice - I would recommend getting there around 11am so you can try their sandwich of the day. We arrived too early in the morning to grab one, so maybe plan your morning around a late breakfast or early lunch, whichever floats your boat.
++++
Grange Garden
Solana Beach - San Diego, California
On the last day of our trip, we drove up the coast a bit to Solana Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Encinitas. I saw a spot on TikTok that promised bunnies and good coffee for my wife, and pastries for me. It was a decent stop, and the Raspberry Cruffin might've been the best breakfast item I ate all weekend, though I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit.
++++
Where To Drink in San Diego
Young Blood
East Village - San Diego, California
This was by far the best cocktail experience of my life. I didn’t realize coming in that the concept is a 3-course cocktail bar, where they serve you a progression of themes - 1) refreshing, 2) straightforward, and 3) dessert. There is no menu, though; the bartender comes over and asks what type of mood you’re in, what spirits you like and dislike, and then comes back with a cocktail that matches your energy and tastes. Our bartender truly knew what he was doing and did not miss.
The refreshing course is like your appetizer, something that gets you going, maybe a little lighter.
The straightforward course is more of a direct cocktail, a staple drink, like an Old Fashioned.
And for dessert, ask them to make you a “Lemon Bar” cocktail with Faretti Biscotti Liqueur. It is the most unique cocktail I’ve ever had, and I would love for everyone to experience it.
Did we have a lot of fun? Absolutely. Did we leave tipsy? You bet. Maybe plan to have a snack before you arrive so that you don’t overdo it. Make a reservation here at least 1-2 weeks in advance - this is a spot I will be talking about for years.
++++
Sun Deck
Coronado Beach - San Diego, California
If you’re planning to watch a sunset and enjoy cocktails in San Diego, this would be one of my top recommendations. Hotel del Coronado offers stunning views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean, providing a picturesque backdrop that is hard to beat. The historic hotel, with its iconic red-roofed architecture, enhances the ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a beautiful evening.
++++
La Sala Lounge
La Jolla - San Diego, California
After a walk along La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions, we were ready for a cocktail and a glass of wine before heading back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. We had a front-row seat to the beautiful view from their giant window and just watched the waves roll in as we talked about our day.
For a hotel, the drinks weren’t as bad as I was expecting, at around $16 — I usually see $21+ at swanky hotels — and overall, I loved the stop. Would recommend.
++++
Harland Brewing Co
South Park - San Diego, California
Founded in San Diego in 2016, Harland Brewing Co. has expanded to four locations and is serving up a great selection of beers. This dog-friendly brewery is bustling at almost all hours of the day, thanks to a coffee bar up front that opens at 7am. We grabbed some brews, bought some merch, and enjoyed a fun afternoon drink between our taco tour stops.
++++
The Best Things I Did - Tours & Activities in San Diego
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines - San Diego, California
The California coastline, in my opinion, is one of the most picturesque places in the world. Absolutely stunning views, with rugged cliffs that drop dramatically into the Pacific Ocean, make it a breathtaking sight. At Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, this natural beauty is on full display.
This area offers trails that lead to some epic sights and a path down to the rocky beach, full of rainbow-colored rocks. Our favorite was Razor Point Trail. I could listen to the sound of waves crashing on this beach and pulling rocks back into the ocean all day. So peaceful.
I’d recommend coming about 2-3 hours after high tide to experience some of the rocks more closely. The hikes in this area aren’t too strenuous either - they feature relatively minor elevation gain, and I’d qualify them as easy to moderate and kid-friendly, for the most part. This was one of my favorite parts of our trip, and I would highly recommend the drive here when you’re in town.
++++
San Diego Zoo
Balboa Park - San Diego, California
I don’t think I had been to the zoo since I was a kid before this visit, and I gotta be honest - it was a ton of fun. We came into the day thinking we would spend maybe 1-2 hours walking around, get bored, and then leave. Boy, were we mistaken. The zoo is massive, and it has entirely different sections to walk through, each more impressive than the last. My wife and I were particularly enamored by the leopards.
At the end of the day, we spent over four hours here and didn’t even make it to one of the sections of the park. The zoo attendants were so helpful, providing background information on the animals and were fun to chat with while observing. You can tell the quality of care that the animals receive is top-notch, and it shines through in the emotions of the people.
The next time we’re in San Diego, we want to drive a bit out of the city and head to the Safari Park, where the animals have much more room to roam, and you can take a safari tour of the area. I can’t wait to be back.
++++
La Jolla Cove & Children’s Pool
La Jolla - San Diego, California
This area is absolutely gorgeous for views of the ocean, sea lions, pelicans, and other beach wildlife. There are so many sea lions to see on your walk up the cove - hundreds of them on the beach and lying on the rocks. I could sit and watch them for hours if I had the time. However, it does get a bit smelly the closer you get, but that didn’t deter us.
While beautiful, this area is a bit controversial, as humans don’t always exercise the best judgment and decide to get up close to the sea lions on the beach, like within 3 feet close. We witnessed a few tourists pointing their phones, more or less, into the face of some sea lions and couldn’t help but sigh. If you head to this area, please keep your distance and respect the wildlife.
++++
Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier
La Jolla - San Diego, California
A short walk across La Jolla Shores Beach leads you to Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, a vital research facility that houses numerous environmental monitoring stations and supports small boat and scientific diving operations. The pier provides a supply of filtered seawater, a critical resource for marine institutions, to an array of laboratories and aquaria.
It also serves as a subject for an iconic photograph. If you aim to capture this photo, planning around the tides is crucial so you can walk over and access it. We arrived about 3 hours after high tide, which was perfect timing.
My Full 5-Day San Diego Itinerary
Want to know exactly what I did? Here's my complete 5-day itinerary, with links to Google Maps for each location.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Final Thoughts
We had a fantastic time on our trip to San Diego, but looking back, I might’ve planned a few too many food stops. Some days I was so full yet felt obligated to eat as much as I could because everything just looked so good. I guess I’ll just need to plan a few more hikes next time to balance out the food intake 🤷♂️
Did I miss anything that you think we should’ve done in San Diego? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll add it to my list for next time - the list is already growing. We enjoyed a couple of incredible food (particularly seafood) and drink experiences on this trip that I'll be talking about for quite some time, so this city has moved up on my list of culinary destinations to come back to.
Otherwise, as always, if you have any other recommendations or feedback you'd like to share, please feel free to reach out.
My email is saveforlaterrecs@substack.com or DM + follow me on Instagram & TikTok
See you next time ✌️
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Taco Chronicles is so well done. I haven’t made it through the entire US season yet. El Vilsito in CDMX, featured in the Al Pastor episode, probably makes the best Al Pastor taco I’ve ever had.