Southern California is as diverse as its people are friendly, a region covering a wide range of landscapes and attractions. Beloved for its coastal drives – spanning sandy beaches, city exploration, and desert adventures – this section of The Golden State is best explored by driving along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for scenic ocean views intermixed with lively coastal city stops like San Diego and Los Angeles.

Here is the perfect 10-day itinerary for visiting the highlights of Southern California, including where to stay, what to do, and what to eat.

Santa Monica (3 days)

The Snapshot: Santa Monica is a beachfront city in Los Angeles County, known for its carnival-themed pier, family-friendly beaches, array of dining options, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and cultural institutions. This 8.3 square-mile city offers a mix of laid-back coastal culture and upscale urban amenities, all connected by over 120 miles of bike paths, making it one of the most bike-friendly locales in the entire country. Conveniently located just a 25-minute drive from LAX airport, Santa Monica makes for the ideal first stop on any SoCal itinerary.

Where to Stay: The Eden

The Eden: This historic, oceanfront boutique hotel along Ocean Avenue recently reopened with over 70 guest rooms, an outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub, rooftop deck, stylish lobby café, 24-hour fitness center, and lush gardens. The venue is dog-friendly, offers valet parking and free bike rental, and sits at the entrance to the beloved Wednesday and Saturday morning Farmer’s Market and a few blocks from Santa Monica Pier. Rooms are decked out with modern furnishings, full kitchens, organic linens, massive bathtubs, designer toiletries, and double-sided terraces with both city and seaside vistas. 
1301 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica

What to Do

Ride the World’s only Solar-powered Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier

Measuring 26 meters (85 feet) tall, Santa Monica Pier’s Ferris wheel, dubbed The Pacific Wheel, is one of 12 thrilling carnival rides covered by the Pacific Park Pass, including the Route 66-themed West Coaster. The iconic pier is also home to several attractions, like the End of the Trail sign commemorating the end of the famous Route 66, numerous eateries, street performers, and unmatched ocean views that together attract millions of visitors each year.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Take a Bike Tour Around Santa Monica and Venice Beach with Bikes and Hikes LA

This outdoor tour company has been offering guided bike and hiking tours, including popular routes to the Hollywood Sign, through Pasadena, and their famous “LA in a Day” tour since 2010. Since Santa Monica has one of the most bike-friendly infrastructures in the country, this is the ideal way to actively see the area and learn about its history.

Cheer on Skateboarders at Venice Beach Skate Park

Considered Santa Monica’s edgier younger sister, Venice Beach sees a more eclectic mix of people plus a large outdoor market filled with artisans, performers, snacks, and knickknacks. A main draw of the area, the iconic 16,000-square-foot public park is recognized for its role in skateboarding culture of all levels. Stop by at any time of day and you’re sure to spot skateboard nerds and noobs alike cheered on by local spectators. 
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice

Scope out the Athletes at the Original Muscle Beach

Muscle Beach in Santa Monica is the original site of the physical culture boom, known for its 1930s-era beach park with retro gym equipment like rings and parallel bars. While the main bodybuilding and weightlifting scene moved to Venice Beach in the 1950s, Santa Monica restored its location as a park for gymnasts and acrobats. Today, it remains a public recreation area where people can work out on outdoor equipment while enjoying the beach atmosphere, just south of Santa Monica Pier.
1700-1746 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica

Peruse The Third Street Promenade

The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is a car-free, three-block pedestrian mall lined with upscale boutique and major retailer shopping, casual to fine dining, and entertainment, like live street performers, movie theaters, and a giant chess board.
1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

Sip a Sundowner at The Georgian

The Georgian is a historic Art Deco hotel, outfitted in a striking turquoise facade, that opened in 1933. Known for its glamorous past with A-List Hollywood celebrities, today that same luxury exists, coupled with ocean and city views, ample dining options, and amenities like a rooftop bar, a private yacht experience, and beach services. The hotel’s lobby bar, called The Georgian Room, is an exclusive destination with an Italian-leaning menu, world-class wine program, and live music reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood. 
1415 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica

Stroll along Montana Avenue

This upscale, tree-lined street is known for its boutique shopping, varied food options, and laid-back walkable atmosphere. From ice cream parlors to gourmet cheese shops, from high-end fashion to bookstores, there’s something for everyone. Do not miss Divine Vintage (pictured above), a wine shop and retro fashion store in one with rare vintage wines by the glass for just $5-9 and vintage attire for equally affordable prices. Another must-visit, Andrew’s Cheese Shop is home to an extensive collection of imported meats, cheese, gourmet food products, wine, and Belgian beer, similar to an Italian alimentari.
Montana Avenue, Santa Monica

Pick up the Freshest Produce from The Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

Known for being a prime spot for both local chefs and residents, the Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8am-1pm. Several streets are blocked off for pedestrians to peruse the stalls lining both sides selling the freshest of seasonal produce. The market is committed to sustainable agriculture, building community, and promoting healthy eating through direct-from-farm sales. 
155-199 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica

Visit the Venice Canals

The Venice Canals are a historic, man-made residential area in the Venice neighborhood, developed in 1905 as "Venice of America." While most of the original canals were filled in to make roads in 1929, the remaining six canals were renovated in the 1990s and are now a scenic district popular for walking and boating. Visitors can explore the canals via pedestrian walkways or by renting a boat at all hours of the day, while respecting the private residences.
Carroll Court & Eastern Canal Court, Venice

Enjoy the Sun (and Oceanside views) at Palisades Park

This scenic, 1.6-mile long blufftop park is loved for its walking paths, public art installations, rose garden, and picnic areas, all against stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, especially at sunset. Originally donated to the city in 1892, it also serves as a vital natural feature, protecting the bluffs from erosion.
Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica

Sample Malibu Wines at AJA Vineyards

AJA Vineyards is a family-owned winery in the Malibu Coast, founded by Todd and Heather Greenbaum, that produces award-winning wines from grapes grown in the terroir of the region. Their Santa Monica tasting room (the first and only one in the city) serves a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, with wine flights ranging from $35-50 for five tasting glasses.
1417 2nd St C, Santa Monica

Experience the Real Malibu with Malibu Discovery

Malibu Discovery is a tour company offering various wine, sightseeing, and corporate tours in the Malibu and Los Angeles areas. The company, founded in 2010, is known for its personalized educational experiences, including its signature Malibu Wine Trail Tour, which spotlights scenic drives, wine tastings, and oceanside lunches. Malibu Discovery boasts a range of tour options (17 in total), including celebrity lifestyle tours, Getty Villa visits, natural sites (like whale watching at Point Dume Nature Reserve and taking in the views at Malibu Lake), and customized event packages to private vineyards, like Rosenthal Vineyards, and wine sipping outposts, like Stonehaus.

What to Eat

Soppressata Pizza at Elephanté

This energetic, dimly lit rooftop restaurant sees a coastal Italian-inspired menu against a Tulum resort-esque backdrop with natural materials and plants abound. The menu covers woodfire-oven pizzas, homemade pastas, souped up salads for sharing, and Mediterranean small plates, like whipped eggplant dip and arancini, all coming out of the open kitchen at lightning speed. The Soppressata Pizza is sheathed by crispy-edged cured pork dribbled with chili oil and honey, plus a generous hit of gooey mozzarella – a must-order.
1332 2nd St Rooftop, Santa Monica

Saigon Cinnamon Crumb Donut at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Made daily from scratch, Sidecar Doughnuts serves up small-batch, seasonal, dense and cakey donuts and coffee drinks to match. Covering both yeast and cake donuts in whimsical flavors, like Butter & Salt, Huckleberry, Maple Bacon, and more, any stop-in is a guaranteed sugar high and dopamine dump.
631 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica

Bufalina Schiacciata from Sogno Toscano

This café, market, and wine bar brings the authentic flavors of Italy to SoCal’s doorstep through a curated menu of Tuscan fare, like fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses, pinsas (hand-pressed oval pizzas), and the restaurant’s signature schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread, similar to a crispy, thinner focaccia) sandwiches, alongside high-quality Italian wines and aperitivos. The restaurant’s top seller, the Bufalina Schiaccata sees layers of 24-month prosciutto di Parma, creamy mozzarella di Bufala DOP, confit baby red tomatoes and wild arugula.
Pro tip: Do not skip the Sciacciata Golosa, a dessert toasted sandwich loaded with a thick shmear of Nutella and globs of mascarpone, studded with fresh berries and a dusting a powdered sugar, best enjoyed on the welcoming, string light lined, dog-friendly patio. 
1512 Montana Ave, Santa Monica

Freshly Shucked Oysters at Santa Monica Seafood Company

The largest wholesale seafood-only distributor in the Southwest that has been serving the region since 1939, Santa Monica Seafood Company is a family-owned processor of fresh and frozen seafood. The space is predominantly a display showroom and store for seafood, but there’s also an oyster bar and expansive wine selection to match. Beyond fresh seafood, there’s also takeaway and dine-in options like grilled seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and raw oysters, clams, and crab.
1000 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Fish Tacos at Shutters on the Beach’s Coast Beach Café & Bar

This luxury hotel and open-to-the-public beachside restaurant blends West Coast beach style with Northeast elegance. This family-friendly spot does all-day dining surf-and-turf Americana cuisine, like baja burgers, ceviche, tacos, and made-fresh-daily cakes. The fish tacos can be grilled or fried, stuffed to the gills with avocado, pico de gallo, and crema. 
1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica

A Dozen Donuts at DK’s Donuts & Bakery

This nostalgic bakery proffers an overwhelming selection of over 50 donuts, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches, available 24 hours a day. From creative to classic flavors, from yeast to cake donuts, from sweet to savory, it would be an impossible feat to choose just one, so opt for a dozen! An equally viable contender is Randy’s Donuts, with 10 locations across LA.
1614 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles

Dirty Chai Latte from Demitasse

A community-driven coffee shop known for its high-quality, small batch coffee, espresso, and tea and seasonal barista-driven signature drinks, this café is also praised for its pastries, friendly staff, commitment to local sourcing, and welcoming vibe. The Dirty Chai Latte is a holiday-season favorite, while other temporal drinks make a showing throughout the year. 
1149 Third Street, Santa Monica

Original Sin from Holey Grail Donuts

This vegan donut shop doles out piping hot, made-to-order Hawaiian Kawaii taro-based donuts in drool-worthy flavors. The bestseller, the Original Sin – with Hawaiian vanilla bean, maple syrup and flake salt is a great place to start, with other options like Purple Haze – ube and passion fruit glaze – and Hail Mary – with cardamom and rose – as other worthwhile options. 
2441 Main St, Santa Monica

Lobster Roll at Blue Plate Oysterette

An ever-popular, convivial Santa Monica seafood restaurant, Blue Plate Oysterette is home to a seafood raw bar and seafood counter with a menu full of fresh oysters, handrolls, sashimi, lobster rolls, fish’n’chips, grilled and fried seafood, tacos, and seafood towers. Every Monday-Friday from 2-6pm, there’s a seafood and cocktail happy hour with discounts on snacks and sips, including a Mini Lobster Roll on a toasted brioche bun. For baja-style Mexican food, swing by the restaurant’s nearby sister venue, Blue Plate Taco.
1335 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica

Matzo Ball Soup and Cornbread at Birdie G’s

This modern, diner-style take on regional American and Jewish comfort foods is the brain child of owner and chef Jeremy Fox’. The menu is chock-full of family recipes with a modern twist, like Matzo Ball Soup with carrot miso, Deanie’s Cornbread with green chili honey butter, and Pickle Chick Cutlet coated in a potato chip dredge and served atop a horseradish cream. 
2421 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica

Fried Fish of the Day at Hillstone

This always crowded American upscale restaurant serves a variety of American comfort food, healthy options, and drinks in a romantic, chic environment. From succulent pork ribs to fork-tender steaks to rolled-to-order sushi to breaded and fried fish with diner’s choice of sides, there’s something for everyone.
202 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Avocado Toast at Fig in the Fairmont Hotel

The signature restaurant of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Fig is known for using seasonal market ingredients for its brunch-forward, Cali-style menu. The indoor and outdoor communal seating amongst a garden terrace, alongside high-quality ingredients and service, make it a popular hangout for celebrities. Here, brunch classics are elevated, like an Avocado Toast sheathed by homemade pickles and marinated radishes and a generous sprinkling of cotija cheese. 
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Day Trips

An ideal jumping off point for exploring more of Los Angeles, Santa Monica also acts as the perfect home base for visiting nearby Malibu, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Sign, as well as further afield SoCal destinations.

Temecula (3 days)

The Snapshot: SoCal’s wine country, Temecula is home to over 50 wineries, beautiful natural landscapes, a lively western-themed Old Town (as a nod to the area’s cattle ranch culture of the 1800s), a thriving arts and dining scene, and outdoor activities like horseback riding, hot air balloon riding, mountain biking, and golfing.

Where to Stay: Domaine Chardonnay or Ponte Vineyard Inn

Domaine Chardonnay: Domaine Chardonnay is a private winery estate and bed & breakfast owned and operated by interior designer Laura Stearn and architect and winemaker Michael Wieters. The five-acre property was opened in 2019, offering three one-of-a-kind luxury suites built and designed by the owning duo, that culminate in a dream estate emulating the grandeur of the Loire Valley. The BnB is currently adding on an additional three rooms. Each room includes a private terrace overlooking the vineyards, where charcuterie, wine tastings, and homemade breakfast is served.

On the wine front, winemaker Michael draws on his background – the perfect storm of math, science, and art – to make some of the most balanced wines available in the valley. All of the minimal intervention wines (14-18 SKUs annually) are made from hand-harvested fruit grown in Temecula on small family vineyards, with an emphasis on preserving the original winemaking techniques. 
33810 Madera de Playa, Temecula

Ponte Vineyard Inn: Ponte Vineyard Inn is a boutique hotel, set on a 300-acre, Italian-owned vineyard, the largest planted vineyard in Temecula. The stunning grounds, upscale accommodations, several on-site restaurants, and bustling tasting room with 29 grape varietals make for a popular year-round wedding destination. The hotel also offers a swimming pool and fitness center in addition to being a part of a family-owned winery with award-winning wines.

Ponte Vineyards sister property – a chic winery modeled after the luxury of Northern Italy, Bottaia Winery – is also worth a visit, located less than half a mile away.
35001 Rancho California Rd, Temecula

What to Do

Travel Back in Time Wandering Old Town Temecula

Old Town Temecula is the region’s historic district that spotlights its 19th-century western-era roots. Visitors can wander through rustic buildings and along wooden boardwalks dotted with artisan shops, restaurants, breweries, and live music venues. 
Old Town Front St, Temecula

Visit the Farmers Market

Every Saturday and Tuesday morning, Temecula’s Old Town houses a farmer’s market for fresh produce, prepared foods of all varieties (from Asian to Latin American, from pastries to pasta), plus artisan products and handicrafts. 
Sixth & Front Street in Old Town Temecula

Horseback Ride through the Vineyards during Sunset with California Ranch Company

This 53-acre facility just south of downtown Temecula includes horseback riding, training clinics, competitions, and wedding facilities. Participants are taken on horseback rides through the neighboring vineyards, during which they learn the history of the area coupled with horseback riding techniques and tricks.
43101 Anza Road, Temecula

Sip on Regenerative Agriculture Wines at Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards

This winery takes an ecosystem-first approach to winemaking that focuses on building healthy soil and a thriving vineyard. Established in 2000, the winery offers a tasting room, restaurant, wedding space, and wine club for visitors. 
35960 Rancho California Road, Temecula

Take in Temecula from the Skies on a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Grape Escape Balloon Adventure

A 6am wakeup call has never been more worth it for a golden hour hot air balloon ride in the mountains above Temecula. The more than 100-foot-tall balloon weighs over 850lbs and provides space for up to 16 guests in its basket. The hour-long ride flies over the natural landscape, from vineyards to lakes, from small neighborhoods to rolling hillsides. The ride is wrapped up with a champagne toast and a hot air balloon ride completion certificate. 
Pro tip: Balloon riders depart from and return to Europa Village, a multi-winery resort that evokes the atmosphere of Spain, France, and Italy all in one multi-purpose space. Bolero, the space’s Spanish restaurant, serves standout Spanish fusion brunch and coffee. 
41150 Via Europa, Temecula

Savor Homegrown Olive Oil at Temecula Olive Oil Company

Temecula Olive Oil Company is a family-owned and operated business that produces and sells fresh, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with co-milled flavors like blood orange, and other related products like artisanal vinegars, gourmet snacks, olive oil balms, soaps, lotions, dog products, olive leaf teas, and more. Founded in 2001, the company uses a combination of traditional methods and modern science at its Olive View Ranch, concentrating on sustainable agriculture, organic practices, and a commitment to transparency. The company emphasizes freshness and provides educational opportunities like ranch tours and tastings. If you don’t have time to head all the way out to the ranch, swing by the tasting room in Old Town Temecula. 
46780 Hwy 371, Aguanga

Sample Natural Wines by a South African Couple at UYS Winery

This micro-winery specializes in natural, minimal intervention wines. Founded by South African winemaker Dirk Uys, the winery emphasizes a pure expression of the land and offers appointments for tastings and tours to learn about their natural winemaking process. They also rent e-bikes, ideal for exploring Temecula’s backstreets on two wheels. 
33605 Madera de Playa, Temecula

Sleep Like a Pioneer at Old Town Ranch

This luxury glamping campground offers stays in handcrafted, modern Conestoga wagons. The ranch provides an authentic pioneer experience with the comforts of home, as each wagon has heat, air conditioning, and a private restroom with a shower. Guests can also enjoy activities like horseback riding and campfires, all while being conveniently located near local wineries and other Temecula attractions.
43550 Dash for Cash Circle, Temecula

What to Eat

Prix Fixe Menu at Corbeaux Wine and Tea House

Combining French and Asian influences, Corbeaux Wine and Tea House offers creative, contemporary Filipino-inspired cuisine by chef Chris Gimeno. The five-course prix fixe menu traverses Kinilaw with yellowtail sashimi, miso-braised Charred Cabbage and torched Black Cod swimming in a blood orange curry broth. The drink program is equally inventive, spotlighting wine-based spirits – like pisco, vermouth, and brandy – plus wine and tea pairings. For those partial to sharing, there’s also an ample a la carte menu. 
41923 2nd St, Ste 105, Temecula

Brioche French Toast at E.A.T. Marketplace

A health-centric, farm-to-table restaurant by Chef Leah Di Bernardo, E.A.T. (standing for Extraordinary Artisan Table) Marketplace takes a personal approach to supporting local farmers all in the name of delectable brunch and lunch options. Think scratch-made, gluten-free brioche French Toast with rescued berry jam and lemon coulis, Yam and Tahini Patty with green goddess salad and hummus, and other nourishing bowls, plates, and artisan pastries. Make sure to check out the highly-curated coffee program centered around ethically-sourced beans and small-batch producers.
23094 S. US Hwy 395, Suite A, Temecula

Margherita Pizza at Robert Renzoni Vineyards

Robert Renzoni Vineyards is a winery rooted in a family winemaking tradition dating back to 1886. It features a Tuscan-style villa and offers wine tastings, along with Mama Rosa's Trattoria, the onsite restaurant, which serves authentic Italian food from a brick oven. Here, it’s all about the pizza, with a crisp and light crust dusted in semolina for added crunch, plus homemade pasta, sandwiches, salads, and Italian sharing plates.
37350 De Portola Road, Temecula

Chicken & Waffles at Bolero in Europa Village

Bolero is a Spanish winery and restaurant at Europa Village helmed by chef Hany Ali. It offers a Spanish-leaning menu with tapas, paella, and seafood, alongside Bolero wines, cocktails, and craft brews. The venue also is home to a tasting room, event spaces, and a stellar gourmet breakfast, including Pollo y Gofres (aka Chicken and Waffles) with battered and fried chicken and citrus waffles drizzled with rosemary and chili-infused maple syrup. USA Today named Bolero the top winery restaurant in the country in 2024, so it’s more than worth a stopover.
41150 Via Europa, Temecula

Day Trips

Just a stone’s throw away from the desert paradise that is Palm Springs, Temecula is also a great place for a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, a visit to Pioneertown for historical Old West movie set viewing, upscale shopping in Palm Desert, apple pie in Julian, and a stopover at the coastal destination of Laguna Beach.

Stopover in Escondido for the Best Donuts

When driving between Temecula and San Diego, make a pitstop halfway in Escondido for Peterson’s Donuts, hands-down the best and most nostalgia-inducing donuts in California. Make sure to order the Pillow, a hefty sweet treat that sits at the cross-section of a glazed donut and a croissant, alongside any of their other 100+ varieties of donuts. 
542 E Grand Ave, Escondido

San Diego (4 days)

The Snapshot: San Diego is California’s second largest city known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. Historically, it was the site of the first European settlement in California, founded in 1769, aka the "birthplace of California." San Diego is a major tourist destination, attracting over 35 million visitors annually, and boasting a laid-back atmosphere coupled with urban sophistication.

Where to Stay: La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club: The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is an exclusive resort and private club on a 20-acre property with a private beach. First established in the 1930s, the club and hotel offer a range of amenities, including tennis, golf, a pool, several dining and drinking options, and a fitness center. For hotel guests and club members, there are daily events, beach BBQs, fire pits, and more. It has recently undergone a $60 million renovation to modernize its facilities while retaining its classic feel.
2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla

What to Do

Explore Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban park that blends nature, culture, and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It is home to 18 museums, the San Diego Zoo, numerous gardens, and the historic Panama-California Exposition buildings, among dozens of other noteworthy sites. Originally designated in 1868, the park's iconic buildings were largely constructed for the 1915 Exposition and have made it a National Historic Landmark. 
2125 Park Blvd, San Diego

Sing Along to the Best Musicals at La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse is a Tony Award-winning regional theater renowned for developing new plays and musicals that have later moved to Broadway. Founded in 1947, the theater is known for its artist-driven approach to creating original, audacious work and has launched productions like Jersey Boys and Come From Away. The Playhouse also offers educational programs and hosts a variety of theatrical experiences for young audiences and the local community. 
9135 S Scholars Dr, La Jolla

Shop Until You Drop at Pigment

Pigment is a lifestyle boutique that sells design-savvy gifts, furniture, and plants, with an emphasis on local art and creative inspiration. Originally an art gallery, it has expanded to include a wide range of products, including festive home decor, en vogue apparel, and a popular "build-your-own" terrarium station. The shop is frequented for its artsy aesthetic, with locations in North Park and Liberty Station, and offers workshops to foster community engagement.
3801 30th St, San Diego

Sip on Vinyl Music-inspired Cocktails at Part Time Lover

Part Time Lover is a hip hi-fi listening bar and record store in North Park, that combines music and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. The state-of-the-art sound system is perfect for music lovers and includes a record store, Folk Arts Rare Records, curated by Brendan Boyle. The cocktail lounge has a dim, stylish interior with sage green tiles and glass records, making for a great date spot.
3761 Sixth Ave, San Diego

Shop for Artisan Products at Little Italy Farmers Market

This large, popular weekly market is open year-round on Saturdays from 8am-2pm. It sees a wide variety of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods like bread, cheese, and homemade pastries, plants, and handmade crafts. Visitors can enjoy a lively, community atmosphere with live music and prepared food stalls offering everything from crepes to vegan donuts to smoothies.
600 West Date Street, San Diego

Kayak on the Open Sea with Everyday California

Everyday California offers daily ocean cave kayak tours in La Jolla, San Diego, where guided trips take visitors through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and into the Seven Sea Caves. These tours are suitable for all experience levels, allowing participants to see marine life like sea lions and the bright Garibaldi fish, and sometimes spot dolphins, sea turtles, and leopard sharks. The company also provides all necessary gear, including life jackets, and offers a combo snorkel and kayak tour.
2261 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla

Take a River Cruise Through the City’s Most Beautiful Waterside Homes with The Gondola Company

The Gondola Company offers romantic, private cruises through the canals of Coronado, providing a picturesque experience, akin to Venice, past some of the city’s most extravagant homes. With over 25 years of gondola experience, the professional gondoliers provide friendly service, along with several tour options to accommodate groups of different sizes. Add-ons, like flowers, wine, and live music are also available for an enhanced experience.  
503 Grand Caribe Causeway suite C, Coronado

What to Eat

Filet Mignon Taco at Puesto

Puesto is an upscale Mexican restaurant serving modern tacos, margaritas, and other Mexican-style dishes. Founded by Mexican-American brothers, the restaurant's name means "cart" and is a nod to its street-food roots, though the experience is more refined. The La Jolla location was the first, but Puesto has since expanded to several neighborhoods around San Diego.

The Filet Mignon taco – the most ordered taco on the menu, and for good reason – is brimming with succulent steak, avocado and pistachio serrano salsa all wrapped in a crispy cheese and tortilla shell crust. Other noteworthy tacos include lobster with jalapeño pico de gallo and black bean sauce, and short rib quesabirria. There are 10 margaritas to choose from and some standout desserts, like the pistachio tres leches.
1025 Prospect St, La Jolla, San Diego

Shrimp Taco at Ferchaladas Birria & Mariscos

Ferchaladas Birria & Mariscos combines birria and seafood dishes in an approachable, divey setting. Popular dishes range from birria tacos laden with fork-tender pork dripping with consommé to generously filled shrimp and octopus tacos, from behemoth mountains of equal parts fresh and bright ceviche to one-of-a-kind items like birria fries and birria grilled cheese. The shrimp taco is a true standout with succulent grilled prawns, cabbage and red onion slaw, avocado, cilantro aioli and a crispy cheese crust.
2709 Imperial Ave, San Diego

Salatim Platter at Leila

Leila is a bustling Persian restaurant in San Diego's North Park neighborhood, celebrated for its stunning, immersive decor that evokes a "Magical Arabian Nights" atmosphere with a star-lit ceiling and waterfalls. The menu highlights a selection of shared mezze, salads, and breads, as well as various kebabs and equally inventive cocktails to match. The Salatim Platter includes a mix of the restaurant's top-seller starters, like hummus, muhammara, cucumber yogurt, green tahini, shallot yogurt, pickles, olives, naan, roasted garlic fry bread, and pita, ideal for pairing with any mix of the kebabs on offer, from beef and steak to chicken and salmon.
3956 30th St, San Diego

Sonoran Fish Taco at City Tacos

City Tacos is a San Diego institution serving a wide variety of tacos, including traditional meat, seafood, and creative vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and house-made salsas and masa. The menu spans typical tacos, like carne asada and pollo asado, to innovative options, like the Mexicali, Portobello, and Shank You tacos. But the Sonoran Fish taco is a must-order, with battered and fried basa topped with cabbage, pico, and a smarmy chipotle lime aioli – a SoCal signature.

Craving more tacos beyond this list? Other stellar taco options around town include Tacos El Centro, Tacos El Gordo, Tacos El Franc, Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails, and so many more.
3028 University Avenue, San Diego

Pork Tamales at Las Cuatro Milpas

Las Cuatro Milpas is a longstanding Mexican restaurant in Barrio Logan neighborhood, famous for serving authentic, simple, and delicious Mexican fare since 1933. Homemade tortillas, chorizo, beans, tamales, and rolled tacos are made fresh daily. The Pork Tamales are perfectly moist, well-seasoned, and stuffed thoroughly with tender pork, best enjoyed with homemade salsa.
1857 Logan Ave, San Diego

Horchata Cold Brew at Por Vida

Por Vida Cafe, also located in Barrio Logan, is a Hispanic-owned coffee shop that supports local Chicano roasters and minority-owned businesses. The menu sees creative coffees, like horchata cold brew and dulce de leche lattes, using their own proprietary sugar and spice blend. The cafe offers a welcoming space for socializing and has a mobile espresso bar available for catering events.
2146 Logan Ave, San Diego

Spro-Loko at J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse

This trendy bar-meets-café serves natural wine, craft beer, and cocktails alongside souped up coffees and upscale comfort fare, like prosciutto sandwiches, Nutella waffles, and avocado toast. The Spro-loko is a fanciful twist on an espresso martini with cold brew, Mr. Black, and a lip-smacking coconut rum cream float.
631 Ninth Ave, San Diego

Pickle Pizza at TNT Pizza

TNT Pizza started as a humble pop-up and has since grown into a popular storefront known for its eclectic mix of pizza styles and toppings, including acclaimed Detroit-style, New York, "Grandma," and Tavern styles. Some say it's all about the in-house-made dough and ingredients, others are drawn in by the vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, while others praise the fast service and creative toppings. Whatever the reason, it all culminates in damn good pizza. The Pickle Pizza is a signature, with roasted garlic spread, cheddar and mozzarella, sliced pickles, dill, and everything-but-the-bagel-seasoning crust, earning it a cult following.
550 14th Street #116, San Diego

Peruvian Crudo at The Marine Room

The Marine Room is a historic restaurant in La Jolla, celebrated for its dramatic ocean views right at the tide line, serving coastal California cuisine since 1941. It offers a one-of-a-kind cruise-feeling dining experience where guests can experience waves crash against the windows, especially during high tide. The elegant restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood in town and seasonal dishes. The Peruvian Crudo is a refreshing representation of the ocean’s bounty with local blue fin tuna swimming in aji Amarillo agua chili sauce with mint, cucumber, and tapioca “boba” crisps. 
1950 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla

Grilled Beets at Marisi

Marisi is an "Italian hearth cooking” restaurant with a food roster consisting of handmade pastas and classic cocktails. Outfitted in stylish coastal glamour-themed decor, with multiple dining areas like a sunlit patio, a stylish bar, and the private Lemon Room, it's no surprise that Marisi was voted Best Italian Restaurant by San Diego Magazine. Representing the venue’s oven-roasted ethos, the Grilled Beets see a shmear of smoked goats cheese topped with fire-roasted beets sprinkled with crumbled pistachios and fresh raspberries.
1044 Wall Street, La Jolla

Poke Tacos at Duke’s

Duke's is a Hawaiian-themed restaurant serving contemporary island cuisine against an ocean view backdrop. Named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, it offers a "spirit of aloha" with a casual Barefoot Bar, a formal dining room, and a bustling brunch. The menu includes fresh fish, steak, and island favorites, with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available. The Poke Tacos are a filling Hawaiian starter or light meal of fried wonton “shells” filled with fresh raw ahi tuna, avocado, and wasabi aioli.
1216 Prospect St, La Jolla

Asian Food in the Convoy District

San Diego’s Convoy District is an Asian food haven, with everything from ramen and gyoza to Korean BBQ and Chinese fried noodles. The neighborhood is also filled with taco shops and bars as well. 
Convoy Street, San Diego

Day Trips

San Diego’s numerous distinct neighborhoods could keep you occupied for days, but if you’re still pining for more, Carlsbad offers beaches and charming villages, while further north, Santa Barbara earns its nickname as The American Riviera.

How to Get There

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has direct flights from most major cities in Asia, like Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Hong Kong, and Taipei via United Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, and more. Direct nonstop flights can go for as low as $500 each way if booked in advanced.

Getting Around

A car is the best way to get around Southern California, with car rental options available from most major airports. However, there is a coastal Amtrak train from downtown San Diego to Los Angeles’ Union Station that takes roughly two-and-a-half hours and will set you back around $30.