84 Hours in San Diego

A Complete Guide to Mixing Serenity with Activity

You’re burnt out and in need of a break. I know. I know. This just means you're overdue for a vacation! I sure was. No need for a travel guide; Waffle is to the rescue!

Your next vacation should be outside of the box. There are countless destinations beyond Turks and Caicos, Tulum, and Vegas. If you are looking for a quiet and serene place to unwind, San Diego is the perfect place for you. Just forty-five minutes from Mexico and two hours from Palm Springs and Los Angeles, San Diego offers more than you could imagine. With minimal hustle and bustle and endless opportunities to connect with nature, it’s the perfect getaway!

San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. However, I can confirm that this trip is not a burden on my pockets. Perhaps that’s because most activities are nature-oriented and don’t require money. Additionally, everything is relatively close together, so you don’t need to spend much on gas to get around.

Disclaimer: Traveling to California in late September means the weather isn’t as hot as it is during the summer. While it can reach the high 80s in the afternoons, the mornings and evenings are typically cooler.

In this blog, I will be breaking down my experience piece by piece. Let’s go!!!

Lively Lodging

Every element of a vacation should provide a memorable experience, and that includes lodging. Why not turn every part of your trip into an adventure? Traditional hotels are so last decade. Let me put y’all on to the best Airbnb experience San Diego has to offer. With its stunning beaches and incredibly delicious food, San Diego is guaranteed to deliver the trip of a lifetime.

This Airbnb is a loft-style cabin tucked away in the heart of nature, surrounded by cacti.

Accessing the property requires a golf cart ride downhill, which adds an extra layer of adventure to your stay. The ride itself is such a vibe, every single time! The hosts have ensured that all necessities are provided, along with a plethora of amenities. You won’t even need to leave the Airbnb to enjoy your time in San Diego!

However, it’s important to note that if you need electrical appliances beyond Wi-Fi, this may not be the place for you. The Airbnb does not include a refrigerator, microwave, stove, or oven, and there is no TV. On a brighter note, the hosts provide a private patio with a projector for a “Cinema Experience Under the Stars.”

This cozy one-room cabin is the perfect intimate setting for couples. Adjacent to the main cabin is the bathroom, which features an enclosed toilet and sink area, while the shower is open-air. This unique feature may be the highlight of the entire experience, offering a refreshing connection to nature.

Last but certainly not least, the hosts were magnificent. Booking the Airbnb was seamless, as was our arrival at the property. They ensured we were well accommodated. James and Allison had exceptional response times on the Airbnb app, promptly answering all our questions. James was especially helpful in guiding us through the many excursions San Diego has to offer and was very knowledgeable about the area. If you’re unable to catch them during your visit, they provide a book of their San Diego favorites inside the Airbnb. They made our stay truly special; not to mention, this beautiful couple built the Airbnb themselves. Just outstanding!

Breathtaking Beaches

San Diego offers 70 miles of coastline, home of many beautiful beaches. These beaches are a staple attraction for dog owners, families, and water sports enthusiasts. There’s never a dull moment, and you can easily visit several beaches in a day. Although the water was unbearably cold, the beaches were a highlight of the trip and a must-see. Here are a few of my favorites:

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a highly recommended tourist attraction when visiting Southern California. This small beach is nestled between sandstone cliffs, creating a laid-back vibe that makes it the perfect start to the day.

La Jolla offers a sense of calm, ideal for beach walks and mingling with others. The birds are plentiful and add an ounce of hilarity to the experience. The beach also features a historical landmarks such as Mushroom Beach House and Villa Pelagia Waterfront Castle.

Adjacent to the beach is a hikeable cove, providing the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture and views of the La Jolla area.

Water sports were in full swing early in the morning, as many Californians indulge in hobbies like scuba diving and kayaking. If you’re looking to add some adventure to your beach experience, you’ll have plenty of options!

Mission Beach - Belmont Park

Mission Beach is a popular tourist destination, located next to the historic Belmont Park. This beach is perfect for the whole family, offering enough activities to fill an entire day. Due to the abundance of attractions nearby and its popularity, it can get quite crowded, so it’s not the ideal spot if you’re seeking peace and quiet.

Belmont Park is a mini carnival/amusement park right on the coast of Mission Beach. The park features a variety of attractions, from games and rides to gift shops. Their one and only roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, was built in 1925, making it nearly 100 years old. It features a thrilling 60 ft drop—super fun!

There are plenty of carnival snacks available, and the prices are quite reasonable, making it a great value for your money. The nachos were subpar but the popcorn was phenomenal. In addition to the carnival food, there are many restaurants along the coastline to satisfy your hunger.

Mission Beach, with its lively atmosphere and array of attractions, is a fantastic destination for families seeking a fun-filled day by the ocean.

Solana Beach

Solana Beach was overall the most peaceful beach in San Diego and by far my favorite. Surprisingly, it is an actual city in San Diego County. With minimal foot traffic, this beach sets itself apart as an ideal spot for exploration. When I visited, there were probably only about 30 people there, creating an atmosphere that felt almost exclusive, as if you needed special permission to access it. The Solana area is also home to many restaurants and hiking trails, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of activities.

The serene environment truly enhances the experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty around them. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the nearby trails, Solana Beach offers a tranquil escape from the busier tourist spots in the area.

Epic Eats: San Diego Edition

As much as food is important in everyday life, it becomes especially significant when traveling. San Diego is home to some of the best food I’ve ever had. In this section, I will highlight the top culinary experiences from my trip.

Doggos Gus

Located on J Street lies the best hotdog in the country. Starting off strong, Doggos Gus scored a 10 out of 10 across the board. Known for their bacon-wrapped hotdogs, I knew this hotdog experience would be hard to top. Everything was cooked to order and super fresh, right down to the fries. It was quite a challenge to shove a hotdog layered with shrimp in my pie-hole, but I was up for it. The hotdog was mouthwatering, bursting with flavorful goodness. Once it went into my mouth, my trip was made. I was okay to go home.

While you wait for your dog, the restaurant offers activities like cornhole and great people-watching. The eatery is right next to a brewery called The Lost Abbey, so you can easily keep the party going after your meal. Located in the heart of downtown, your next adventure could be just around the corner!

Fernando’s Pizza

Hands down, the best pizza in San Diego is at Fernando's. Granted, it was my only pizza experience in San Diego, but it’s definitely the best in Spring Valley. Family-owned and opened in 1999, what makes this restaurant truly special are the owners and the exceptional customer service they provide. During our visit, the mother-and-daughter duo greeted us with open arms, making our ordering experience unforgettable. I felt like one of the family in just 15 minutes—it honestly felt like home.

We decided on a classic cheese pizza with garlic parmesan crust, and they turned something so basic into a glorious experience for my taste buds. The pizza was like an elevated version of Pizza Hut, surpassing it on many levels. The wings were crispy, and we didn’t even have to specify how we wanted them!

As we enjoyed our meal, other customers walked in and raved about the pizza, with several claiming that Fernando’s is the best in San Diego. The restaurant has a stellar rating of 4.9/5 on Google—need I say more? If you're in San Diego, you’d be robbing yourself of an incredible experience if you don’t pay them a visit. I only wish there were a Fernando's in my city!

Purebowl Superfood Bar

Of course, we have to sprinkle in some healthy options! Purebowl made the best smoothie bowl I have ever had. The shop was run by what appeared to be high school boys, and boy- they can create a mean smoothie bowl! Burdened by the pressure to choose, I asked one of the employees if he could just make me whatever he recommended.

He started with chocolate chip granola and layered it with a smoothie made from strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. He then topped it with more granola, coconut shavings, sliced strawberries and bananas, finishing it off with a drizzle of honey.

If I could take Purebowl and put it in my pocket, I would! I have never had a smoothie bowl with such a sorbet-like consistency.

Exhilarating Excursions

San Diego is a city full of adventure, offering a range of activities for everyone. From breathtaking coastal views to action-packed experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Let’s explore some of the most exhilarating excursions you won’t want to miss!

Fashion Valley

What’s a vacation without some shopping? When in San Diego, Fashion Valley is a must-visit!

This is hands down one of the best shopping outlets in America—you heard it here first. They have every store you can think of, from Forever 21 to Dior. What sets this mall apart is that, while the stores and department stores are indoors, the mall itself features outdoor hallways. Many brands have their own storefronts outside their sections within the larger department stores, such as Free People and FP Movement. I was thrilled to finally see a Princess Polly storefront; it truly exists at Fashion Valley!

If you're looking to indulge in a memorable shopping experience, Fashion Valley should definitely be on your itinerary.

Sea World

While LA may have Disneyland and Universal Studios, it’s missing SeaWorld. SeaWorld San Diego exceeded my expectations. A word to the wise: plan your amusement park excursions on weekdays instead of weekends. You’ll practically have the park to yourself! There’s no pressure to arrive when the doors open, as it won’t get too crowded at all.

They offer three shows twice a day featuring dolphins, sea lions, and whales. Each show lasts around 30 minutes and is both entertaining and informative. Home to not one, but four roller coasters, there’s plenty to enjoy between shows.

The trainers and marine biologists emphasize the importance of these creatures to our world and how crucial it is for us to protect them, though their exploitation raises concerns. I do wonder if it’s safer for sea creatures to be kept in an amusement park rather than swimming free in the ocean, where they face the threat of being hunted—especially the whales.

The best part is the hands-on experience, where you place your hands in shallow water and little fish rush to nibble softly on them. You can find this exhibit at the front of the park. It’s an experience like no other. The joyful-looking penguins and the disgusting yet intriguing octopuses were also highlights, and the guides were incredibly informative throughout the experience.

Annie’s Canyon

San Diego offers many scenic and active hiking areas, giving you plenty of options based on your experience and stamina. After some deep deliberation, we chose Annie’s Canyon, unaware of what was in store for us.

Annie's Canyon, located within the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, is a beautiful spot featuring narrow paths that wind through striking sandstone formations, creating a unique hiking experience. As you explore, you'll encounter scenic views of the lagoon.

The hike was quite manageable and suitable for all levels. There are some uphill sections that present a bit of a challenge. Walking about a mile in leads you to the canyon attraction, where you have two options to reach the top: either take the man-made steps or navigate the tight uphill squeeze through the canyon walls, which also includes some manmade ladders to assist your climb.

There’s nothing like getting your blood flowing through exercise, especially when paired with indescribable views. It's a perfect destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful escape in the outdoors.

Nightlife

Due to unavoidable jet lag, I was often always too tired to go out after making the most of my days. I don’t have much to say about the nightlife, but I believe the party scene is centered around the Gaslamp Quarter downtown. Sorry, everyone!

Whether you're exploring the wildlife at SeaWorld, hiking through the picturesque canyons, or indulging in delicious eats, San Diego invites you to create unforgettable memories. With its perfect weather and welcoming atmosphere, this city truly offers an escape that leaves you refreshed and eager to return.

Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed! Where to next?

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