San Diego is known for it`s all year round sunshine, endless coastline and splendid quality of life. People that live here never want to move away and visitors only have good things to say. The must-sees of Southern California`s sweet spot!
Sunshine City
You might think that Southern California is already enough greatness, but it seems that San Diego can even top this. Miles of splendid coastline, friendly people and a work-life balance that other cities could only dream of. Baja California is only a few highway exits away from the sunshine city that offers a culturally rich flair and some of the best Mexican food. Funky beach vibes in Mission & Pacific Beach, picturesque neighborhoods in Coronado and creative coolness in communities like North Park – San Diego`s diversity caters to every taste and personality!
The Boulevard Sign on El Cajon Boulevard is a prime example of a commercial strip from the 50s. The first Jack in the Box restaurant was opened here. Many old hotels & motels, like the historic Lafayette Hotel, remind of an older era.
North Park
Forbes magazine named North Park as one of America’s best hipster neighborhoods. The Los Angeles Times writes: “North Park has all the ingredients for the cool school.” – North Park is unarguably San Diego`s bastion of creativity! The vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood offers an eclectic array of cool eateries and independent coffee shops. Along the main arteries along 30th street and University Avenue, several trendy bars, microbreweries, art galleries & craftsmen cottages can be found that are best discovered by walk.
The North Park Theater (Observatory) is a historical movie theatre that has served as a popular movie house for over sixty years. It closed in 1989. After more than a decade of lying dormant, the theater was reopened as a live performance venue in 2005.
Holy Matcha
Millennials love super foods and cool locations for social media posts. “Holy Matcha” has perfectly caught this wave by creating a gorgeously styled, all-pink Matcha Café. Everything here centers around the green powdered tea: Holy Matcha is known for it`s Matcha lattes, Matcha drinks & vegan doughnuts – and of course for it`s instagrammable aesthetics. You will not be able to leave this café without at least one Instagram post, I promise. 3118 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Shop Pigment
Shop Pigment is one of my all-time favourite gift shops. California-style accessories, art, flora, thoughtful gifts & cards – This airy warehouse shop brings the cutest SoCal style to your home. Homegrown, organic & modern from North Park – Shop Pigment is THE gift shop for San Diego, where even locals bring visitors. They also host workshops & events to learn tips and tricks from inspiring instructors – make sure you check their homepage for upcoming dates. 3801 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Unleash the maker in you
COFFEE + FLOWERS
Flowers + Coffee are 2 of my favourite things to make my day. Communal Coffee has combined both to a welcoming café. Enjoy delicious coffee & snacks, surrounded by an inspiring environment and a colourful blaze of flowers. Have great talks and socialize with other creative minds in this community building space. 2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Artelexia
Artelexia is a funky Mexican gift shop in North Park that brings the vibrant world of Mexico to Southern California with Frida Kahlo portraits, Mexican popsicles and large-scale colourful murals. The paintings decorating the walls are the work of local artist Channin Fulton are. “You are radiant” says the “radiant wall” where people love to take beaming snapshots. – How could you not love this shining place. 3803 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Tacos El Gordo
San Diego is spoiled with good Mexican food and you can barely go wrong. “Tacos El Gordo”, however, is considered even by Mexicans as the best & most authentic Taco Shop! The original Tacos from Tijuana became so popular that the family owned business expanded across the border. Their homemade corn tortillas with carne asada (grilled beef) or Adobada (Spiced pork) and fresh salsa variations are too delicious – Definitely one of the best exports from Tijuana!
From Tijuana with Love
3265 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 and 689 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is an affluent, hilly seaside community that is especially known for it`s beautiful coastline and rugged cliffs. The picturesque “La Jolla Cove” is a popular weekend destination for kayaking, snorkeling and diving. The ecologically protected waters are rich in sea life – you can even watch seals and sea lions sunbathing on the rocks.
Coronado Island
If you cross the impressive blue Coronado Bridge, Coronado Island is located right across the Big Bay from downtown San Diego. The gorgeous neighborhood with beautiful Victorian homes is not only a feast for the eyes, but consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the United States.
Picturesque Victorian homes
THE DEL
“Hotel del Coronado”, shortly called “The Del”, is one of San Diego`s most famous landmarks. The marvelous historic beachfront hotel was considered the largest resort hotel in the world at the time of it`s opening in 1888. Today, “The Del” is one of the few surviving examples of wooden Victorian beach resorts and has hosted presidents, royalties & celebrities. It made movie history in 1958 as a film set for “Some like it hot” with Marilyn Monroe. Experience the unique flair at this historic landmark (rates are starting at 299 $).
Tip: Have a drink and relax at the beach bar of “Hotel Del Coronado”! The perfect place to soak up the beautiful atmosphere around “The Del” & the beach promenade.
Fun Fact: Exterior filming for the comedy “Some Like It Hot” began at the Del on September 8th, 1958 and drew such a large crowd that Director Billy Wilder had to ask Marilyn Monroe to tell them to be quiet because the crowd would not listen to him and filming could resume.
Greetings from San Diego
You might think postcards are out of date. The large-scale murals by Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs, however, are the ultimate greetings card! As part of a cross-country “Greetingstour”, the 2 artists seek to capture the pride of local residents with their large-scale murals. In San Diego, the artwork captures landmarks like “The Del”, La Jolla Cove and the closeness to the Mexican border. For more locations, check their website – and don`t forget to send #GREETINGSFROMSD #GREETINGSTOUR.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
There is a saying that goes “If you haven’t flown Torrey at least once in your life, you won’t go to heaven because it is considered the Mecca of flying.” The facility, which opened in 1928 is not only the most historic aviation site in North America (Charles Lindbergh made his maiden flight here), but offers a scenic panorama facing the cliffs and the vast ocean of Torrey Pines.
Almost anyone willing to bring 150 $ and some guts can enjoy a flight with an instructor – and might “forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards.” For more information visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport website. 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
For once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
Leonardo Da Vinci
Sunset Cliffs
There are countless places along the coast of San Diego where you can enjoy stunning sunsets. An unforgettable spectacle is an evening at the Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma, when the glowing fireball of the sun vanishes behind the horizon. Spectators and photographers try to capture this magical moment, when the beauty of nature almost seems unreal.
The most beautiful spectacle is for free
Imprint
North Park Theater 2891 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Holy Matcha 3118 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Shop Pigment 3801 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Communal Coffee 2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Artelexia 3803 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Tacos El Gordo 3265 Palm Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 / 689 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
“Greetings from San Diego” 4225 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104, USA
Gliderport 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Ladera Street, San Diego, Kalifornien 92107, USA