Sober-Friendly Weekend Guide to San Diego, California

Enjoy poolside at The Lafayette Hotel and Club

Lafayette Hotel and Club is an art deco boutique hotel that looks extravagant inside and out. Check in to the hotel room by meeting at the front desk, located to the right after entering into the lobby. If the room is not ready and still being prepared, you are free to leave the luggage with the front desk and enjoy resting at the pool until the room is ready.

One of the main amenities of this establishment is the centerpiece pool that is surrounded by the other room of this hotel. By booking a Poolside King or Poolside Queen, it allows the windows to be opened into a private cabana with the lounge chairs right in front.

Kava Kollective

Enjoy a teahouse that serves alcohol-free drinks and a place to socially meet up with locals in the area that share a similar mindset. There are a plethora of options to drink from kava to coffee. There is a separate meeting room that serves as a room that holds self-help meetings.

The Gutter

Coming back to the hotel and heading down the stairs, there is a speakeasy that also holds billiard pool tables, free skeeball machines and 2 bowling alley lanes. It is jam-packed after 5pm and will be bustling with loud social entertainment till 2am. This establishment does serve alcoholic beverages, however, there are many water pitchers available for those who are not much of a drinker.

You can reserve a game of bowling through the hotel website This allows seating where it would be hard to do so without a reservation. Up to six guests can join in for the game of knocking down pins.

The Beginner’s Diner

Enjoy a cup of joe with the 24-hour diner that is located on the left side of the hotel that is detailed with 1930s’ interior design. This kosher restaurant is the perfect place to eat a hearty breakfast while having the option to sit inside or on the patio looking out onto the pool. Check out of the hotel and take a transfer to the next location.

Inn at the Park

Check in to Inn at the Park, which will be the accommodation for the rest of the weekend. This hotel is in the heart of San Diego between Banker’s Hill and Hillcrest where most of the nightlife happens. Right across the street from the hotel is the famous Balboa Park. Within walking distance, there is a place known as the Fruit Loop, a park that is popular for picnics.

San Diego Zoo

On the other side of Balboa Park and across the bridge over State Route 163 (more about this on the next day), there is the San Diego Zoo. It is best to get an Uber to come here as this zoo is 100 acres big and athletic shoes are recommended.

The bridge mentioned close to the hotel room is known as Cabrillo’s Bridge, which will be the starting point for the San Diego 7 Bridge Hike. It is a 5.5 mile-long loop and takes you over Instagram-worthy bridges. It is also known as the Pedestrian Bridge Tour. There are many coffee shops and restaurants that are along the loop for breaks and lunch.