Contrary to what Ron Burgundy tries to tell you, San Diego isn’t named after a part of the female whale anatomy, but actually gets its name from a ship and a popular Spanish feast.
But he was totally right about San Diego being one of the best cities in the world!
Only a stone’s throw away from Mexico, this is a city that bathes in nearly year-round sunshine, has miles upon miles of surfable coastline, and is populated with some of the most laid-back locals in the USA – yep, it’s got to be the blazing Californian sun that does it!
Only a two-hour train ride south of Los Angeles onboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, it’s also easily accessible from the main entry point on the west coast for Aussies heading to the good ol’ USA.
Here’s a rough and ready guide to exploring San Diego in just 24 hours.
7am – Waffle breakfast
Stock up on delicious carbs at the ultra-hip Wow Wow Waffle, a waffle cafe decorated with recycled lecture hall seats and undoubtedly serving the best house made waffles in the city!
9am – Morning run
Burn off those morning waffle calories with an early morning jog along Mission Beach – San Diego’s most popular sandy beach. Nod at the beautiful people who you pass before settling down for a fresh juice or smoothie at the Rum Jungle Cafe on Mission Blvd
10am – Walk along the Waterfront
Amble along the green heart of San Diego at the Waterfront Park, where waterfalls, green spaces, and a weekly farmer’s market beautify this stretch of prime city real estate.
1pm – Taco time
Being so close to the Mexican border, tacos in San Diego are as authentic and delicious as you’ll find in Tijuana! Indeed, Mexican food in general is the lifeblood of this city, and you won’t have to look long at all to come across some tasty tacos!
Head to Aqui es Texcoco and try their Lamb Taco – heaven in a taco shell!
2pm – Shopping in North Park
Inject a little retail therapy into your day at North Park, San Diego’s shopping mecca of vintage boutiques and funky warehouses.
3pm – Beer time
A blossoming artisan beer scene in sunny San Diego is enticing locals indoors to one of the many uber-cool breweries popping up around town.
There are literally dozens of breweries to sink back one or two icy cold beers, some of the better ones being Ballast Point, and AleSmith in Miramar area, in the northern part of the city.
5pm – Sundowner at rooftop bar
Head to the rooftop bar Altitude Sky Lounge on top of the Marriott Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for stunning views over the bay as the sun sets for the day.
Pro tip: You may get your drinks for free if you order a soft drink. Make sure you tip generously this happens to you!
7pm – Dine in Little Italy
Get a taste of San Diego’s Italian heritage in Little Italy. You’ll be able to feast on authentic Italian fare whilst watching the city liven up for famous nightlife.
9pm – Bar hop in the Gaslamp Quarter
Suitably fed, it’s now time to wind down a busy day with a couple of drinks in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Looking very much like the French quarter in New Orleans, the streets here are colonised with cool wine bars and Irish pubs, so you won’t have any trouble at all finding an evening tipple before hitting the hay!