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Curator’s statement
I had the chance to live in San Diego, California for four years during college. This place is magical and always brings such new things to do and superb restaurants to check out. I have great knowledge of all things food related throughout the entire city. San Diego holds a special place in my heart!
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in San Diego
Pendry San Diego
Handsome newbie in the Gaslamp Quarter with oversized rooms that overlook the city or bay, with a lively bar and restaurant.
Fora Perks
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$100 resort / hotel credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
On the streets of Downtown San Diego, this property offers ocean views and provides easy access to Southern California’s vibrant culture and natural beauty – beaches, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
Fora Perks
- ★
Hotel / resort credit.
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Welcome amenity.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in whenever possible.
Omni San Diego
A lively hotel connected to Petco Park, complete with a pool, two restaurants and a spa.
Fora Perks
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Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina
Family-friendly Hyatt resort with an array of pool and ocean activities including paddle boarding.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Overlooking Mission Bay. this beachfront resort boasts, contemporary rooms, an outdoor pool and a spa in San Diego.
The US Grant, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
An upscale hotel distinguished by quiet glamour and enduring sophistication in San Diego.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Things to do in San Diego
Beach Time
Mission Beach: a classic amusement park with relaxed vibes and a lot of people having a good time. If you find yourself there close to the dining hour, go to Cannonball, a sushi restaurant with a view of the ocean
Ocean Beach: a hipster-esque beach that has a dog beach adjacent to it. The food scene is awesome. Be sure to check out OB Noodlehouse, La Doña, Mike’s Taco Club and Poma’s (an Italian delicatessen)
La Jolla: this is a great beach for viewing sea lions, the caves and good waves. Windsea, particularly, is a popular hidden beach at La Jolla geared toward a young crowd. Once again, the food is great. A special nod to The Taco Stand, Puesto and Sugar and Scribe
Pacific Beach: a great atmosphere for younger people, with lots of bars and nightlife attractions. I recommend visiting PB Local, Moonshine or Waterbar
Coronado: the sand here is the best in all of San Diego. Fair warning: there are a lot of stingrays, so be mindful of that. Hotel del Coronado is a super cool place to check out here, too
Activities in the City
Balboa Park: stroll around the massive park and check out the art exhibits and live performances
San Diego Zoo: this infamous zoo definitely competes with the Henry Doorly Zoo, making it a high-quality stop. Be mindful that the tickets are more expensive, though
Midway Ship: I personally think this is one of the best activities to do and see, given all of the levels and free information that the veterans provide
Torrey Pines Hiking: stunning views and a very easy hike
Ho Chin Minh Trail: this is a super fun hike! It does tend to get busy during the day, so I recommend going there early in the morning
Sunset Cliffs: one of the top five best places to go for watching the sunset - it's located near Point Loma and Ocean Beach
Cabrillo National Monument: one of the best places to see in all of San Diego
Old Town: a cool, historic center of what San Diego was like long ago
Places to eat & drink in San Diego
Cesarina: god tier Italian food
The Taco Stand: order the Al Pastor tacos
Lucha Libre: the best Californian burritos in the entire city
An’s Dry Cleaning: the best ice cream I've ever had!
In-N-Out: a classic and cheap fast- food restaurant - go to the one in Midway for a shorter line
Underbelly: a great ramen spot with locations in Little Italy and South Park
Crack Shack: delicious chicken sandwiches
Izola: the best croissants, period
Las Cuatros Milpas: Mexican cuisine
Tacos El Gordo: Mexican cuisine with a location in Chula Vista
Travel Advisor
Max Donahoe
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Carly Gropper’s itinerary, Long Weekend in San Diego.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to San Diego.