Top Spots to Stay, Dine and Explore in San Diego, CA

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Skylar Stone

  • Active Travel

  • Beaches

  • Group Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • San Diego

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

Advisor - Top Spots to Stay, Dine and Explore in San Diego, CA
Curator’s statement

Embark on an unparalleled journey to San Diego, where every moment is infused with luxury, from world-class accommodations to exquisite dining experiences that tantalize the senses. Immerse yourself in a destination where rich culture meets breathtaking landscapes, offering an exceptional blend of relaxation and adventure. Indulge in a curated selection of activities, from bespoke excursions to intimate cultural immersions, ensuring each day is as captivating as the last. Whether savoring gourmet cuisine or exploring hidden gems, your stay promises to be a seamless celebration of elegance and discovery. Welcome to San Diego, where they always "Stay Classy" as Ron Burgandy would say!

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Where to stay in San Diego, CA

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Things to do in San Diego, CA

  • Explore the stunning coastline of La Jolla Cove, where you can kayak, snorkel or simply admire the dramatic cliffs and wildlife.

  • Visit Balboa Park, home to beautiful gardens, world-renowned museums and the iconic San Diego Zoo.

  • Discover the historic charm of Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California, with its vibrant shops and authentic Mexican cuisine.

  • Enjoy a day at Mission Beach, where you can bike along the boardwalk, play volleyball or relax by the surf.

  • Take a scenic harbor cruise to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, Coronado Island, and military vessels.

  • Walk through the Gaslamp Quarter, known for its Victorian architecture, upscale dining, and lively nightlife.

  • Experience the thrills of LEGOLAND California Resort, a family-friendly park filled with interactive rides and impressive LEGO sculptures.

  • Hike up to the top of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse of native wildlife.

Day trips

Here are the top five things to do in San Diego:

  • Balboa Park – Explore lush gardens, world-class museums and the iconic San Diego Zoo.

  • La Jolla Cove — Experience breathtaking coastal views, kayaking and snorkeling with sea lions.

  • Gaslamp Quarter — Enjoy fine dining, boutique shopping and vibrant nightlife in this historic district.

  • Mission Beach — Relax on the beach, bike along the boardwalk or enjoy water sports in this lively area.

  • Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve – Hike scenic trails with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and native wildlife.

Places to eat & drink in San Diego, CA

What Restaurant Should You Dine At?

If you're wondering what restaurant to go to in San Diego, the ones on this list are some of the finest. They offer excellent wine, steak and other kinds of food that make it worthwhile to try. Although they are expensive, it just shows what effort and high-quality food they provide to customers. It shows why they are considered the best restaurants in San Diego. Trying any of them on a date will not only make you appreciate the food, but you'll also have a greater appreciation for San Diego.

  • Eddie V's Prime Seafood: San Diego is known for its sunny and gorgeous beaches. One of the benefits of being near the ocean is that restaurants in San Diego get some of the freshest seafood in the world. Part of having the freshest seafood around is charging for whatever you want. If you eat at Eddie V's Prime Seafood, you'll pay anywhere from $30 to $300 for some of the best-tasting fish, shrimp or other forms of seafood. One of the unique things about this restaurant is that it's located in the center of downtown San Diego, making it more than convenient to walk around to other shops.

  • Ruth's Chris Steak House: Ruth's Chris Steak House is famous nationwide, and not just in San Diego. However, wherever you'll find a location, you'll also find that it comes with skyrocketing dinner prices. They offer steak, baked potatoes, salad, grilled chicken and delicious cheesecake. You can choose from a range of courses that mix and match these dinner options. The price for eating at Ruth's Chris is between $75 and $150 per person, especially if you get drinks with your dinner. One of the reasons that Ruth's Chris is famous is because it has the highest quality steaks of most restaurants.

  • Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar: If you want more steak options beyond Ruth's Chris, look no further than Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. You won't find cheap steak at this restaurant. The cheapest you'll pay for a piece of steak is about $40. If you want wine with dinner, you'll pay a minimum of $100. There's a method to this pricing. The steak is usually aged for 28 days, making it more delicious.

  • Island Prime: Island Prime in San Diego is one of the most difficult places to get a reservation. It has a variety of delicious food for anyone who loves American cuisine. They have Island Prime Filet Trio, Seared Atlantic Scallops, Seared Blackened Tuna and more that range from $40 to $65. While it isn't the cheapest place in San Diego to eat, it's also one of the best places to eat, with delicious seafood and a collection of over 1,200 wines. It's also quite an expensive date night because of the spectacular ocean views.

  • Born and Raised: The final most expensive restaurant in San Diego is Born and Raised. It's another high-end steakhouse that offers some of the best ingredients when they make their steak. The lowest cost you'll find at this restaurant is $30. The unique thing about this restaurant is that every service is highly trained and knows what wine goes with your food.

Need to know

San Diego, California, is set to be one of the top destinations in 2025, offering a perfect blend of stunning beaches, vibrant culture and year-round pleasant weather. From world-class attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo to the scenic beauty of La Jolla Cove, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, San Diego promises an unforgettable experience — DM or call Skylar Stone today for complete booking and planning services.

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