Things To Do

Oceanside Municipal Pier

Part of it was destroyed in May 2024, however, it is still open to walk and fish on!

Stratford at the Harbor

A perfect place for breakfast/lunch in Oceanside! Carson's pick is the BIG mahi tacos and Kelsey loves the iced lattes, classic breakfast, and pancakes. They get bonus points for their famous coffee cake because it is served warm in house and so good!

The Taco Stand

The best burritos and churros around!

Carlsbad Strawberry Company

The best red and juicy strawberries. If you don't want to go picking, they have a hut set up outside of the Carlsbad Outlets. Fingers crossed they will still be in season (they usually end early July).

South Carlsbad State Beach

Great beach, usually great waves.

Carlsbad Premium Outlets

LegoLand California

Annie's Canyon Trail - Solana Hills Trailhead Parking Area

Hiking trails set alongside the San Elijo Lagoon in Solana Beach. Fun trails through narrow canyons, climbing ladders, and walking alongside the lagoon. Have seen some wildlife including snakes and striped mullet jumping out of the lagoon. For lunch or dinner afterwards try Tony’s Jacal in Solana Beach for Mexican food.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Beautiful cliffside hiking trails overlooking Torrey Pines beach & La Jolla area. Minutes from the world class Torrey Pines golf course. Trails aren’t difficult. Parking lot charges $10-$20 fee depending on season.

La Jolla

"Crown Jewel" of Southern California. Go visit the shops or take a walk along the beach to see an abundance of wildlife including seals, sea lions, pelicans, and plenty of other marine life. Brockton Villa is a great place to eat if you can get over the smell of bird sh*t. One of Kelsey's favorite quick cafes is Brick & Bell. If tides permit, explore the caves alongside the beach. The La Jolla cove is a tourist trap in our opinion and not worth the paid access. Plenty of locations in La Jolla are accessible for free!

Mission Bay

Located just inland of Mission Beach. Beautiful spot for a walk, fishing, or swimming.

Mission Trails Clairemont Mesa Trailhead

Expansive hiking and mountain-biking trails located in the Mission Valley. Watch out for rattlesnakes.

Fashion Valley

Get your shop on in Fashion Valley. Outdoor mall with lots of good stores.

Old Town

Where San Diego was originally founded. Has lots of great mexican food and fun shops. We love Miguels Cocina and the rootbeer store. It is also home to the most haunted house in America. Oh Mr. Whaley!

Mission Beach

Pacific Beach

Our favorite beach. Plenty of bars and restaurants next to it and always fun to people-watch.

Woody's Breakfast And Burgers

Nice breakfast shop on Pacific Beach overlooking the ocean. Carson loves the Carne Asada breakfast burrito and Kelsey loves the pancakes.

Biggie's Burgers

Right on Mission Blvd Pacific Beach. Our order: Biggies Burgers with everything on it add cheese, curly fries, cheese sauce, and an oreo milkshake!

Pacific Beach AleHouse

Excellent rooftop bar and restaurant with view of the Pacific Beach pier. Carson recommends the fish tacos! Kelsey thinks a pretzel or wings and the burger with extra pickles is the way to go!

San Diego Zoo

Love the zoo! I recommend the immersive bird exhibit with the bee-eaters. The zoo has a nice trolley system that rides past most exhibits in the park. The Safari Park is also good, be sure to hit the tram first thing before the line gets too long!

Embarcadero

Located downtown on the San Diego Bay. Visit the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS midway along with plenty of other historical ships and museums. Nice views of the downtown bay and the Coronado Bridge.

Sunset Cliffs

One of our favorite spots. Nice to drive alongside, or park and walk the trails alongside the cliffs. Beautiful at all times of day, don't feel obligated to go at sunset. One of Kelsey's favorite San Diego things is having a picnic on the cliffs.

Coronado

Visit Coronado island for a more laid back San Diego feel. You can check out the famous Hotel Del Coronado, walk along the the board walk, grab a drink at a bar truck, or relax on the beach. Some food recommendations: Claytons Cafe (the BEST cinnamon roll), Miguel's Cocina, Villiage Pizza (the best pizza we have found).