San Diego has so many adorable spots that are worthy of being shared on Instagram. Trust us, you’ll want to book a trip asap just to take all the pics. We were only in San Diego for a few days, but here are some (of the many) places that are a must to visit if you’re ever in the area! But before we share that, let’s talk some tips on what to pack for San Diego.
What To Pack For San Diego
San Diego has some of the best weather with the average temps in the mid to low 70’s. It’s like a dream year round. But, of course, they were having a heat wave while we went and the temps were in the high 80’s with a little bit of humidity. San Diego is a city full of beaches, great shops, and amazing food. Also, there are endless activities for people who love to be active, hang out on the beach, or simply explore all that SD has to offer.
San Diego Attire
San Diego is a casual city, so even if you are planning to eat at a nicer restaurant you are perfectly fine wearing jeans or a sundress. Make sure to pack a light jacket to layer over whatever you wear because the weather does fluctuate. As the sun goes down the temperature drops, especially if you are close to the water. So you will definitely need an extra layer.
San Diego Packing List
To say that we are over packers is truly an understatement, oops! Blame it on being fashion bloggers 😉 That is why we love flying Southwest Airlines because two bags fly free. A girl has to have options, am I right? When we travel we always bring a couple of outfits for each day:
- An outfit for whatever the daily activities will be. Which for us is exploring the city and shopping.
- For those days we usually bring our favorite pair of jean shorts (that can be worn several days). Also, several graphic tees, and some sneakers for all our walking.
- In the evenings we usually will wear a casual dress or jeans with a cami or graphic tee. In addition, we always bring our jean jacket since it is so versatile and goes with just about anything we own and wear.
- Although we are not girls that layout, we always pack our swimsuit, flip flops, beach towel, and sunscreen.
- Since you know how much we love our comfy clothes we make sure to pack leggings, tank top, and sweatshirt.
Now onto the best part (in our opinion). Our favorite neighborhoods in San Diego. Furthermore, where we ate and things we did. All must haves when visiting!
Our Favorite Neighborhoods in San Diego
Little Italy
A hip and historic urban neighborhood filled with patio cafes, restaurants and pubs. In addition, art galleries, shops, hotels, and Amici Park.
North Park
A trendy area with coffee shops, craft-beer bars, and indie boutiques that line University Avenue. From the art lover to the music enthusiast, fashion lover to the foodie, this eclectic neighborhood offers an experience for everyone.
South Park
A neighborhood crafted with heart with an eclectic mix of over 70 independently owned small businesses in a quaint town.
La Jolla
A seaside area, known for its rugged coastline. Also, gorgeous ocean views, beach tide pools, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants immersed in casual, relaxed luxury.
San Diego Eats
One thing we take very seriously when we go on trips is where we are going to eat each meal. We plan our breakfast and while we’re eating that, we are planning where to eat lunch.
1. Better Buzz Coffee
Talk about some of the best coffee we have ever had. We went here on the first day and came back every single day except one, it was that GOOD! And we can’t forget to mention how cute the inside is with their phrase “it’s time to get buzzed” right when you walk in.
We tried some of their avocado toasts (pictured above) and their pitaya bowl (pictured above). Their bakery items are ahhmazing along with their grilled sandwiches.
The coffee we got each time was their Best Drink Ever which is a classic Americano with their signature creamy vanilla, which you can actually get as a subscription.
2. Cafe Gratitude
Cafe Gratitude is just the cutest. When you order you say “I am” followed by what the meal is called. They are all about loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, and being generous and grateful every day.
Their meals are all plant-based specializing in gourmet cuisines. We got the Vivid / acai superfood bowl (pictured above) and the Free / Chia Seed Pudding (pictured above).
They also have a Cafe Gratitude to go where you can get food to go along with wellness products. There is also a fridge on the side that offers already packaged food/drinks to bring on the go with you.
3. Parakeet Cafe
The cutest, trendy little cafe located in La Jolla that is always packed. Their menu is organic, filled with coffee, toasts, salads, bowls, waffles, and super yummy bakery items.
We got the cocoa waffle (pictured above) which is made with coconut yogurt, organic fresh berries, banana, chia, cinnamon and coconut sugar.
4. Holy Matcha
Holy matcha is right! The cutest chic place (located in North Park) with pink banquette seating that’s perfect for taking ALL the photos. They have drinks (matcha shots, matcha lemonade, & signature specialty drinks) + healthy bites and baked goods.
Another thing we love is their wall of small gifts, including sun potion and cocokind skincare products. Any health and wellness lover will fall head over heels for this cafe.
5. Communal Coffee (South Park)
Communal coffee has two locations (North Park & South Park). Their environment is welcoming with all the modern-bohemian vibes.
The South Park location is actually an outdoor cafe with a repurposed trailer turned into an espresso bar, pastry shop + some other eats. Also, they have a little shop (pictured above) where you can get some Communal Coffee souvenirs and flowers from Native Poppy.
6. Officine Buona Forchetta
Pizza, oh how we love our pizza. A trip is not complete without having one of our favorite foods. Officine Buona Forchetta offers two giant outdoor patios with a secure outdoor playground for kids to play while the parents enjoy their food and drinks. Also, they offer a wide array of unique Italian style pizza along with Italian pasta and entrees.
Things You Must Do In San Diego
1. Fashion Valley Mall
Fashion Valley is an outdoor mall, with some upscale shops. Most of the stores are what you would find in your local mall, but is a nice place to just get out and walk around if you’re wanting something to do. It’s Located in Mission Valley with a trolley service from the mall to the downtown area.
2. Westfield UTC
Westfield UTC is an outdoor shopping center located in La Jolla with upmarket chain retailers, a movie theater & skating rink. This mall is just gorgeous, which is one of the things we love about Southern California. Furthermore, they have such gorgeous outdoor malls with great outdoor spaces.
3. Brandy Melville Pacific Beach
Whenever we go to California, we always try and go to Brandy Melville. I (Lydia) have loved Brandy since forever, so it’s kinda like a tradition now. Also, some of my favorite tees, sweatpants, and sweatshirts are from here.
4. Pigment
If you love plants, party goods, jewelry, stationery, house & home, beauty, little kid items, then you are going to be more than obsessed with Pigment (located in North Park). Which we more than totally are! If we could buy everything there, we would in a heartbeat.
If you can’t get to Pigment, don’t worry because you can shop online.
5. Shop Good
We have always loved skincare, but have been getting more into wellness and healthy living. This is another one of those places where we could buy everything. Shop Good (located in North Park) offers natural cosmetics for healthy living.
Also, you can shop their online clean beauty boutique, which we are very happy about. But also it’s very dangerous because we want it all.
6. Liberty Station
Liberty Station is close to the ocean located in Point Loma. It’s a place to explore, eat, relax, shop, workout, and spend quality time with family and friends. We could see ourselves going here a lot for dinner and to just walk around.
Moniker General
Moniker General is our kind of a general store (located in the North End of Liberty Station). A modern-day general store that has a lifestyle and home goods, a full coffee and toast bar, and crafted cocktails, beer, and wine through their bar. In addition, they offer something for everyone in clothes, accessories, and bath & beauty.
Phew, we hope you enjoyed our San Diego guide + packing list. If you have any questions or if you’ve ever been to San Diego let us know! Also, check out our Guide To California from last year.
Looks like I need to go back to SD!!! So many fun places 😍
YES and we’ll come with! So many fun places and cute places for sure. Thanks for the love, Kaitlin! xo
Wow San Diego looks so awesome through your eyes! xx
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Aw, we had a lot of fun! Always, always making our day with your sweet comments! xo